Huntingdon & District: Annual BBQ, 12 July 2014

13 July 201428 July 2014 Karl Webb Adam Game, Andy Duthie, Becky Murray, Ben Dear, Bill Small, Clare Aston, Dawn Holt, Graham Holt, Graham Murray, Hilary Meers, James Langley, Jennifer Mandley, Karl Webb, Kev Brettle, Miche Brettle, Nick Laughton, Nino Crean, Pat Bullen, Pete Aston, Richard Mandley, Roger Bullen, Rose Dear, Sally Armstrong, Sharon Welch-Duthie

On Saturday 12th July, shipmates from Huntingdon & District Branch attended their annual BBQ, which this year was hosted by S/Ms Andy and Sharon Duthie. Earlier in the day, S/Ms Karl Webb, Hilary Meers and Pete Aston helped with the setting up of the gazebo and display tables, a full range of prizes had been donated by the Royal Navy, local companies and even from the members of Dragon’s Den.

A great collection of raffle prizes were donated to the Branch

In order to enjoy the company of our guests, S/M Andy Duthie opted not to cook the BBQ food (we heard that he burns everything anyway), instead he roped in family members to keep us fed and watered.

Nobody is going to go hungry... — Nobody is going to go hungry…

Andy, Sharon, and Branch Committee members welcomed guests onboard, with the sun shining and the drinks flowing, everyone knew it was going to be a great day.

S/M Pete Aston welcomes shipmates and guests

Some partners were a little unsure of what we mean by ‘Banyan Rig’, but they are not going to forget it in a hurry!

S/Ms Hilary Meers, Karl Webb and Andy Duthie add a little colour to the day

As our hosts continued to entertain everyone, the party got into full swing.

Our hosts, S/Ms Andy and Sharon Duthie entertain the President

Guests comprised of Huntingdon & District Branch members, serving members of the RN, former RN personnel, family and friends. The aims were to have a good time, but also to encourage those former RN personnel to join our association.

Keeping an eye on all the fun and games, the Branch President, S/M Graham Holt was clearly pleased with the turn out for the day.

Our President, S/M Graham Holt with S/Ms Dawn Holt and Sallie Armstrong

Of course the President was more than happy to carry out a few traditional duties such as drawing the first raffle ticket and to thank our hosts for the effort they have put in to ensure the BBQ is a success.

The President draws the first raffle ticket

The raffle went really well, our chosen charity again for this year is the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, they will be pleased with the money raised from this year’s charity events. After the raffle (more pictures can be seen in the gallery at the bottom of this page), it was time for the ‘Rum Issue’, S/M Andy Duthie filled the barrel and called for all hands to receive their tot.

S/M Andy Duthie tops up the rum barrel for the Loyal Toast

At least six shipmates have done this for real onboard their ships, Black Tot Day (31 July 1970) is remembered by all sailors, whether they received it or not (although we still ‘Splice the Mainbrace’ when we can).

With the rum issued, it was time for our Chairman, S/M Bill Small to call for shipmates to raise their glasses for the Loyal Toast…The Queen.

The Chairman, S/M Bill Small, gives the Loyal Toast

The day continued with more food and drink and a few party games, Andy had even supplied an ‘Uckers’ board, a real blast from the past for some of our shipmates.

There were also some educational treats in store, S/M Andy Duthie showed us how (or not) to sling a hammock and get in it (see gallery).

As the afternoon drew to a close, shipmates began to leave, of course there were always going to be a few remain behind (some leaving in the early hours). The afternoon was fun and definitely enjoyed by all, and a few membership forms have been completed, a good end to a good day, well done shipmates, and thank you Andy and Sharon, a great effort.

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To see more images from the Huntingdon & District Branch annual BBQ, click on the first thumbnail below and scroll through the images.