2016 Reunion

Well who would have guessed it? It actually rains in Aberystwyth. Maybe it always did and we had just forgotten after so many years of sunshine in Ceridigion-ar-Caribbean. A beautiful evening sunset on the Thursday evening, showing Aber as it always is in our memories, turned wild, windy and wet on the Friday. The other thing we would not have guessed is that Derrick and Mildred would send a text that morning saying “got flu, not coming” in a succinct message that was briefly assumed to be an April Fool trick. How could there be a reunion without Derrick and Mildred, a sing-song without Derrick's “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Jailhouse Rock”?

But it was true. So John Rowlands, Dick Packham and myself went up to Aberystwyth Golf Club to play golf without Derrick, joined briefly by Dave Charles and his son-in-law Gwythno who quickly disappeared into the mist in a buggy and were not seen again until much later that night. John Rowlands won vast amounts of money off Dick and me in a cold, cold wind that reminded us just how high up and exposed it is in that golf club and how mad we were to play it on a day like that.

Meanwhile some of the earlier arriving wives sipped cocktails in the aptly named and uber-trendy “Libertine”, strolling back to The Marine in time for more aperitifs before taxis for the less energetic -and walking for those still able to do so - to Aber Town FC. We were in luck: Aber Town were not playing Llanelli in a 1-1 draw. But we were less lucky when it came to the karaoke. I faithfully noted who sang what, thinking that I might do a spreadsheet to see who was on stage most. It was not necessary: the Kettles were outright winners in this regard, although Beryl did have many different combinations of backing group at least. There was a great deal of enthusiastic singing though for the purists the highlights were few. Mike Purslove's “American Trilogy” was the most notable whilst Mick Newman's collection of 64p for my “Green, Green, Grass of Home” must say something, though I am not quite sure what. The ladies chorus of “Dancing Queen” was again a hit and whilst Jim was actually quite impressive with Pete on “Twist and Shout” he pretty much cleared the room with a most extraordinary version of “Ring of Fire” with Dick and Mick. Still, the very good food in the carvery made up for what the singing lacked and many thanks to Tiggy and Marilyn for their efforts in arranging what was a good fun night. A text message from Mildred requested “Blue Suede Shoes”, but the song was retired in Derrick's honour.

The next morning was the walk. This year John Ansell announced that it would be along the railway tracks to Blaendolau. This sounded far too dangerous to me, and far too wet, so I gallantly – and gladly - volunteered to scout out the golfing options for the afternoon. In the event it was a walk to Morrisons and a coffee for the less brave whilst the more adventurous carried on to the Wellington monument. Which is what they needed, apparently - wellingtons.

Given that the more casual golfers were not playing this year it was left to the serious players to fight it out for the Aber Masters. Just five of us contested the famous Green Jacket on Aberystwyth Golf Course. In the event both quantity and quality were markedly absent and Roly won by 3 points from the chasing Packham, who was unnerved both by playing with me and an attempt by Mick Newman to assassinate him with a drive.

The Saturday night was in the Marine where 24 sat down to dinner in the Black Hole of Aber, apparently called “The Bistro”. Never was a Bistro so small or so hot - even on the wintry night that was in it. Doors and windows were opened, fans brought in and still we sweated. Mike Pickard as MC announced that “Gentleman may remove jacket” for me - and Jim his cardigan. But it was still hot, possibly fuelled by the extraordinary amount of food served. The choices were quite amazing this year (well done Jim), as was the new waitresses' inabililty to distinguish between duck and lamb but - like all the staff- she was very good humoured and her school-maam like control over us at dessert time won the admiration of headmaster Pickard. Ken gave us the annual run-down on absent friends,and some of it made sad listening and reinforced how lucky we were to be still attending and thinking of “walking football” next year, as suggested by Roly (who is bound to be good at it given that was what he played anyway). We were joined on the Saturday by Lev, from the USA via Paris, our longest distance traveller - with apologies from Jeanette who was sorry she could not make it this year, but promised to bring lots of wedding photographs with her next year!

As usual, Dave Charles and Stan Moore set up a screen and computer – this time in reception - with Mike Purslove on mouse. We sang beautifully, of course, but had to move when Nerys had complaints about the noise (!) from guests. How great is that - to be still getting complaints about our behaviour at our age! We moved into the back bar then and Dave and Stan played and sang until I am not sure when. I slipped off to bed, facing an early start to take the morning boat back to Ireland. So I don't know how late it ended or whether any more guests complained or whether Jim finally convinced Dave to play “Ring of Fire”- he was still resisting manfully when I left.

I am told that there was the usual stroll to kick the bar and coffee at PD's to finish off what was another most enjoyable weekend, despite the un-Aber like weather. People drift in and out of the weekend, in and out of conversations, in and out of activities in a comfortable, friendly way that is a pleasure to be part of and somehow it defies the forces of physics and seems to grow every year - and next year for the 25th please god we will all be there again.

Yet again thanks to the organisers: Ken and Ann, Jim and Beryl, John and Shirley. Also to Tiggy and Marilyn and to Dave and Stan for the great music, such an important part of proceedings. This year was again Lanigan's Ball with one stepping in and one stepping out again over the usual relaxed and relaxing weekend:

Jim and Beryl Kettle

Ken and Ann Passmore

John and Shirley Ansell

Howard and Siân Phillips

Mike and Shan Pickard

Pete and Kathy Strydom

Gaynor Hamer

Huw and Ellen Evans

Dave Charles

Des Drumm

Mike and Lindy Purslove

Carol Parry

Glyn (Louie) Lewis

Tiggy and Marilyn Bates

John Rowlands

Dick Packham

Mick Newman

Stan Moore

Lev Edwards

Rob and Gaynor Culley

Des Drumm, April 2016