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Colin Fletcher Secretary |
As mentioned in the last Newsletter, it’s never easy to get on this Soapbox and spout loquaciously. However after stating that the Annual Reunion had settled down, Pontlands informed me, in March last year, that the Marquee would be taken down at the end of 2024 and would not be replaced in the near future. Alternative venues on offer were not suited to the number of attendees, which was 126 for last year..
Horror of horrors, once again the search for a replacement venue began. After chasing all possible venues ranging from Channels to Writtle Agricultural College, luck was with the MVA. After approaching the County Hotel in Chelmsford, Brian and I struck the mother lode. There is a dining room, with bar, that can accommodate our numbers. Included in the package are audio visual capabilities, thus ensuring potentially more exciting speeches and presentations.
At the time of writing the 2025 Coaster has still to be designed, but with the theme for 2025 being ‘Present and the Future’ (more details in the Chairman’s Foreword) there is plenty of scope for the imagination.
As can be seen, the 2024 Coaster followed the Radar theme highlighting the S600 Radar which was installed in the Falklands.
It should be noted that the influence of Marconi Radar is worldwide. Not only was the radar equipment installed: dish, control room etc., but as many, if not all, of these sites were in remote areas, Marconi Radar also managed the installation of the infrastructure, including roads and power. A complete package.
At the 2024 Reunion Marconi Radar project ties were on display. I have now received additional Radar memorabilia, which will be on display at the coming Reunion.
On a final note I wish you all a happy and healthy 2025 and may we meet up once again at the annual Reunion on 12 April 2025 at The County Hotel.
Coaster Swap
Do you have any missing coasters from past years? Then contact the Secretary for price and availability. We have a healthy stock of coasters for 2020, 2021 and 2022. Would you like a set of 4 or 6 coasters from different years, or perhaps you are looking for gift ideas. Please contact Colin Fletcher, Secretary.