Huntingdon & District Annual BBQ

5 August 201516 August 2015 Karl Webb Adam Game, Alys Marsh, Becky Murray, Bernie Gold, Bill Small, Colin Marsh, Dawn Holt, Graham Holt, Graham Murray, Hilary Meers-Webb, Janet Gould, Jay Roffey, Jayne Miller, Jennifer Mandley, Karl Webb, Keith Ridley, Kev Brettle, Marie Roffey, Maureen Ridley, Miche Brettle, Mike Milne, Nino Crean, Peter Aston, Phil Coulson, Richard Mandley, Terry Small

Shipmates from Huntingdon & District Branch gathered at the Black Bull in Godmanchester for their annual summer BBQ. Earlier in the day, shipmates Karl Webb, Pete Aston, Graham & Becky Murray, and Andy Duthie setup the gazebos and bunting in the garden at the back of the pub.

Gazebo and Bunting ready for the annual BBQ

Shipmates began arriving for a 1400 start, amongst the early arrivals were members from St Neots & District Branch, including shipmate Jack Millard who was keen to show us his medal awarded on behalf of Vladimir Putin. Our guest of honour was the Mayor of Huntingdon, Councillor Bill Hensley, and his step-father, Rod.

The BBQ food this year was being cooked by the staff from the Black Bull, this meant that all our shipmates were able to relax and enjoy themselves.

BBQ food always goes down well with our veterans

The Committee members were also able to sit back now that the gazebos and decorations were in place.

Although an informal social event, our Rum Bosun, shipmate Andy Duthie was on hand to issue everyone a tot of Pusser’s rum for the Loyal Toast.

Shipmate Andy Duthie issues the Mayor of Huntingdon, Bill Hensley, with his tot

Our President, shipmate Graham Holt gave a thank you speech to the Mayor, our shipmates and guests for attending, and to the staff of the Black Bull for helping the day run well. The Mayor followed shipmate Holt with a thank you to our Branch for inviting him to another of our social events, he also gave two toasts, one for the Royal Naval Association, the other for all of the UK’s Armed Forces.

Huntingdon Branch President, shipmate Graham Holt presents the Loyal Toast

After the toasts it was time for the raffle, shipmates Becky Murray and Hilary Meers-Webb went round selling tickets, over £200 was raised in such a short time, an excellent effort from all those taking part.

Shipmate Graham Murray is one of the many prizewinners during the raffle

With the raffle complete, shipmates were able to carry on spinning their dits from the old days.

Shipmates from St Neots Branch joined us for the BBQ

Jack Millard nearly missed the BBQ, being ill recently he had decided not to attend, but in true naval style, and feeling a lot better he informed our Treasurer that he would indeed make it.

Shipmate Jack Millard shows the Mayor his medal, presented last week on behalf of Vladimir Putin

Sadly all good things must come to an end, as shipmates de-rigged the gazebos and decorations, others made their way homeward after an excellent day (some also carried on in town, but that is another dit).

The end of a great day...Homeward Bound — The end of a great day…Homeward Bound

The Committee members of Huntingdon & District Branch would like to thank all those who attended the BBQ, every year this event has been proven a great success, but this can only happen with the participation of our shipmates and guests. BZ to you all, we shall look forward to next year’s BBQ.

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To see more pictures from the annual BBQ, click on the first image and scroll through the gallery.