(To Boldly Go…)
A new day dawns and all hands to the deck for the 88th MVA Annual Reunion. It’s exciting, it’s a new venue: the County Hotel in Chelmsford.
The theme of the Reunion ‘Present and Future’ is captured in the 2025 Coaster with the Hubble telescope. The Marconi legacy companies manufactured sensors which were also used to explore the Universe.
Countdown
One hour and 30 minutes before the Veteranauts are due to arrive and Reception is set up adjacent to the Ladies restroom. Communications are establish by Mark Watson-Lee while Brian arranges for the lectern to be positioned by the top table. Coasters, Menus and AGM paperwork are placed at each table setting; the tables are identified. The display and raffle tables are set up. We are ready to go.
Members start arriving and are presented with a name badge and directed to the dining area and/or the bar (purely for refreshment).
As time for the main event draws nearer the Committee Members and Guests assemble for the traditional photograph
Left to Right: Back Row:
Barry Powell, Chris Axcell (2025 President), Mark Watson-Lee (Newsletter editor), Gillian Drake, David Roscoe, Chris Gardiner, David Frost (Hon. Treasurer), Adam Wood (Guest Speaker).
Left to Right: Seated :
Claire Lucas, Colin Fletcher (Secretary), Peter Turrall (Patron), Brian Izzard (Chairman), Val Cleare, Christine Powell (Member).
Blast off!
Now the Reunion takes off. With the dapper Master of Ceremonies Veteran David Frost introducing the top table.
Left to Right: Val Cleare, Adam Wood (Guest Speaker),.Chris Axcell (2025 President), Brian Izzard (Chairman)
Our Patron, Peter Turrall then said grace and the lunch took off.
And now following recent precedent Brian serves up an introductory speech while members are served the first course.
Although the space was tight the courses were served smoothly and without incident.
The Veteranauts!
It was an extremely well attended event, a full house one might say. Many familiar faces were present, as can be seen from the following selection of photographs.
Click here to view all the photos taken at the reunion (opens in a new tab)
The Search for Engineering Life
As a break from tradition the Chairman proposed the loyal toast. The Vice-Chairman, Eric Peachey, was unable to attend.
Just one of the many enjoyable toasts
Following a short break Veteran Val Cleare relayed news of Absent Friends; those unable to attend and those who had died.
Val Cleare
This is always a bitter-sweet moment, which reminds all of us of our own mortality.
However, the gravity was soon lifted as the speeches began.
Brian introduced Chris Axcell and invited him to join the Veterans with all the associated benefits.
Chris Axcell
Chris’s speech was well received. He covered his early career with the Basildon company and his involvement with a range of impressive developments. His speech was punctuated with many a humorous comment, which quickly established a rapport with the audience.
The developments being pursued at the Basildon site range from Cyber security, protection from modern weaponry such as drones and hand held missile launchers, with seconds to react. Also traditional weaponry such as Hostile Artillery. In addition AI is being incorporated in order to provide correct identification: is it a drone or a bird, or a new weapon. The latter is important to avoid moral barriers e.g. The Geneva Convention and Rules of Engagement.
Finally Chris mentioned the lack of young people entering engineering and the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), which led on nicely to Adams speech.
Adam talked about STEM.
Adam Wood
With education struggling due to financial problems the effects on the engineers of tomorrow is not a good prospect. However the outlook in Chelmsford is positive. The summer festival every year attracts up to 2,500 people and provides an inspiration to the next generation.
The search for Engineers continues…..
Touchdown
With the conclusion of the speeches the Reunion launched into the AGM. Once again this was held in record time. So I imagine the Committee gets some things right.
Back on Earth
As usual the final excitement to the proceedings was of course the raffle, for which we have to thank Claire for providing the tickets and envelopes and doing the hard graft, to Mark for drawing the winning tickets and to the Committee members who provide the prizes.
Next Mission
2026 Reunion will be held on Saturday the 18th April at the County Hotel. As always I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Photographs courtesy of Graham Chorley. More photographs can be found here