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Colin Fletcher Secretary MVA |
A lot can happen in 6 years
It’s hard to believe it’s been over six years since I took over the role of Secretary from Barry.
In those six years the Reunion venue has been forced to change twice, endure the COVID lockdowns and liaise with new management at Basildon. All this involved a lot of the usual Marconi ducking and diving to keep events running smoothly.
Why the reasons for the venue changes? The first change was to move from Hamptons, formerly the Marconi Athletic and Social Club. The impetus for the move was due to the lack of alcohol being served on the premises. This was not surprising as the previous owners, Hamptons, sold the premises to the Chelmsford Muslim Society.
Meanwhile, before the sale of Hamptons and as preparations were underway, COVID struck and a lockdown was announced. It was at this time Hamptons sold the business at Beehive Lane.
So began the first search for a new suitable venue for the 2021 Reunion with the following criteria: can host as many as 150 diners, access by public transport, sufficient parking, reasonable prices and of course a bar serving alcohol. In addition a connection, however tenuous, with Marconi would be an advantage. And so Pontlands Park was selected; it being close to the Baddow Research Centre and also the Chain Home Tower at Baddow had just been listed as Grade II by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
Now the ducking and diving begins. COVID had thrown the cat amongst the pigeons. It was pretty obvious that a 2020 Reunion would have to be cancelled. But what about future Reunions? This is where the expertise of our Vice-Chairman, Eric Peachey, and his knowledge of the Constitution and the legal requirement in respect of the holding of Annual General Meetings (A.G.M.), proved invaluable. Thus the 84th Reunion and A.G.M. were scheduled for 18th September 2021 in the expectation that the COVID lockdown would be over and Annual Reunions could resume. Fortunately this worked out and after the 85th Reunion and A.G.M. on 2nd July 2022 the 86th and 87th Reunions and A.G.M.'s were held in the April of 2023 and 2024 respectively.
In spite of lockdowns and precautions we lost many Veterans to the Covid blight. Don Mott our Treasurer at the time was one of the many sad losses.
It was while organising the 87th Reunion, Pontlands announced that the Marquee, in which the Reunions were held was being taken down. This meant that Pontlands could no longer host our numbers for future Reunions. This was perhaps a blessing in disguise as the menu in 2024 was disappointing. Whether this was due to poor menu selection or low quality cuisine is debatable.
It was time, once again, to select a new venue.
This time it was a little easier as many possible venues had already been identified. The final decision was to select the County Hotel; it was easily accessible by public transport, had a reasonably sized car park, the prices were in the right price range and the menu was more traditional. The one potential problem was the requirement to register one’s car when using the car park.
Meanwhile back at Basildon, it’s 2024 and the senior management changes. This means generating a new support network. After a few email exchanges contact is established. This is important for the Association as Basildon provides excellent support for our printing, postage and stationery requirements. Believe it or not this is one of the enjoyable duties as Secretary as it means a trip to Basildon and meeting with some former colleagues and acquaintances.
On the subject of enjoyable duties it is always a pleasure to see Members having a good time at the Reunion. Long may it continue.
Here’s looking forward (sic) to the next six years.