aoba_reunion2008sat-02

ARBORFIELD - Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July 2008 inclusive.

The following report contributed by Trevor STUBBERFIELD (52A)

Photographs are by the contributor, unless otherwise attributed.

Saturday. The Drumhead Service and Barbeque.

With the parade completed the troops marched to the AOBA Garden Of Remembrance, established on the site of the old guardroom, adjacent to the gates through which so many of us entered Arborfield, but which now remain firmly padlocked. There are thoughts that if next year is to be the final reunion here, then we should depart for the last time through those gates and then lock them from the outside.

The parade stood down for a short break and the supply of water was most welcome. Just one Old Boy succumbed to the rigors of the parade but he was soon revived by the very efficient Paramedics who were in attendance along with their ambulance.

And so to the Drumhead Service which followed the program displayed below. The service was conducted by the Reverend Canon Bev John 66A, another home grown lad. A very appropriate choice.

The scene at the Drumhead Service.

The LAST POST was played by the lady trumpeter seen standing by the garden wall.

The lament, Flowers Of The Forest, was played by the Pipe Major. To listen, CLICK on the PICTURE.

Then came The Silence, a time to remember those who had been recalled to HQ. A time to think not just of personal friends but of all those young boys and girls who had trodden the same Arborfield paths that we had used, but who would never walk them again. Time to think of the sacrifices still being made by our servicemen and women in the pursuit of world peace. A few days before we gathered we learnt of the death of a REME man, Corporal Jason Stuart Barnes, Arborfield Intake 99, killed in action in Afghanistan. The MOD published the news and a tribute to Jason which can be read from HERE.

We were brought back to thoughts of today by the lady trumpeter playing REVEILLE

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Poppy Crosses, one for each Arborfield Old Boy who had passed away during the last twelve months.

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The final photo was taken, the ceremonies of the morning were over and it was time to return to Hazebrouck Barracks and the Bailleul Sgts Mess for the barbeque and for the chance to relax with old friends before the next duty, the AGM.

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Photo by Max Warwick 49B

Friends gather before the gates they entered many years ago.

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Photo by Max Warwick 49B

The ties tell the story, but for the reunion of last year. A-B-C-D Companies.

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Back at the mess, a chance for three relics to pose. George Thrower and John Williams, both 52A, are actually older than Monty’s motor, but are they in as good nick?

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