Field Gunners Dinner
Steve Rowlands • May 20, 2022
15th July - Queens Hotel Southsea
Just a quick heads up regarding the Members Dinner which is to be held at the Queens Hotel, Southsea on the evening of 15 July, Reunion/AGM Weekend. Details of which have been previously promulgated.
In order for us to stay ahead of the curve organisation wise, we would like you to get on and buy your ticket, so enabling us to confirm numbers etc with the venue. Tickets are £60 and purchased via the shop
www.pfga.online/shop.
I can see from the list to date that some members are already forming 'Crew Year Tables' to celebrate their own mini reunions within the grand scheme. This is a great idea. For us to be able to make all of this possible we ask for early bookings and remove the risk of latecomers 'cocking' the whole thing up.
We have removed the stipulation that you have to be a member to attend the Dinner. Obviously if you are reading this email then you are an existing member, you may however know Field Gunners who for some 30 year old political reason have no desire to be a part of the association. If you do, we ask you to reach out and invite them to come along. We hope that they will see the amount of work that the committee put in on behalf of everyone and then join up. What challenged us in the past changed us forever. We all share the same bond and every year, sadly our numbers decrease.
It has been a long time since we all attended a Dinner such as this and sadly many have now crossed the bar. Don't miss this opportunity to reunite, spin some dits, remember those who have crossed and make one or two more memories.
What's Happening...
FRIDAY 7 July 2023 Golf (All Day Event) Game & Prizes £35. China Fleet Country Club Saltash. Book via the Shop on the Association website Meet 0900 - Group Photo 1000 - 1st Group Tee Off at 1016 Evening Get Together after Golf and arriving in town for weekend Keyham Vaults Pub (Opposite, near, Albert Gate) 222 Albert Rd. Devonport, Plymouth, PL2 1AW SATURDAY 8 July 2023 AGMs Pompey 1200 & Guz 1400 The New Continental Hotel, Millbay Rd., PL1 3LD followed by Tot Time with Pasties social gathering Evening Dinner 1930 Sit Down - The New Continental Hotel Millbay Road, Plymouth, PL1 3LD The cost for Evening Dinner (Saturday) is £36 per person Booking and payment for the dinner is via the shop on the Association website.
To Include a visit to: The National Memorial Arboretum, a get together whilst watching the final day of the six nations play out whilst discussing Guns Over, Runs Back and why Number 15 has the easiest job on the track. Accommodation: Best Western Lichfield City Centre - The George Hotel, Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PR. When booking a room at The George, mention Portsmouth Field Gun for a discounted price. It is proposed that we book a semi informal dinner at The Trooper on Friday the 17th March 2023, the Bar/Restaurant is 3 miles from the Gorge Hotel (10 minute cab ride) Those wishing to attend the dinner at the Trooper on Friday 17/03/2023 please confirm by text to Sparky Coombes on 07810883565 A sample menu can be found @ https://www.thetrooperwall.co.uk/ For those wishing to visit the national Arboretum it is situated Approx. 7 miles 16 minutes from the George Hotel. The committee have planned to visit the Field gun bench at the Arboretum after breakfast returning to Lichfield in time for the Commencement of the Six nations festivities. Six Nations Game at The Squash Club The 18th of March is the climax of the Six nations which sees Scotland Host Italy at 12.30. France Host Wales at 14.45 And finally Ireland host England at 17.00 It is proposed to set off for Sutton Coldfield at 1200 where we have booked a room in a Squash club to watch all three games. Closer to the time when we have an idea of numbers we will arrange the requisite number of mini buses to get everyone to and from the venue. During the day pies & pasties will be available from the club, and during the period between the last two game the association will be providing a curry. The reasonably priced bar will be open all day. Sunday BBQ Numbers dependant, Nick Dymond has offered to show off his BBQ skills to any of the association that aren’t completely ditted out or have been locked up for fighting with any 15's (one in particular) that took offence during previous dit spinning sessions. Watch this space for updates please hold off booking the Hotel until we have negotiated the rate.
AvN 13th May 2023 . OUR ALLOCATION OF MATCH TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT - You can still purchase your own from RFU. Wrist Bands to allow entry to the Command Field Gunners Bar can be ordered here (in the shop). Two per member. We have included a non-member option. If you are not a member of the association, you must email us your years at PFGC to be considered: pfga@yahoo.com PFGA members WILL come first.
From Terry Crossley: WANTED! More ex- Portsmouth Field Gun Crew Member who have not yet ordered their ''Portsmouth Field Gun Crew Lifetime Medal'' I have extended the closing date for orders to allow those that have not ordered or have just found out about the medal, time to order. The Navy News will be doing an article about this unique medal in their October edition. Contact Terry terry@greatscottishevents.net 0131 336 3620 - 07981779301
Friday 15 - Breakfast PFGA Reunion Breakfast 0830 on Friday 15 Jul in Mardin Cafe, Copnor Road PO3 5EG Friday 15 - Field Gun Dinner PFGA Reunion Dinner @ The Queens Hotel Fri 15 Jul - Timings 1800: Meet at Dukes Bar/Garden - Pre dinner drinks 1830: Crew Photograph 1900: Sit down 2359: Bar closes Rig: Blazer/Shirt/Tie/Lounge Suit Friday 15 - Partners Run Ashore 1800-1900: Dukes Bar/Garden - Queens Hotel 1915 - 2030: Sherlocks Bar 2030 - 2300: Sant Yago 2300: Kingsleys (see you in there!) So that we have an idea on numbers anyone attending: RSVP: Rachel Parry 07759 776155 (I believe the book is now closed) Sat 16 Jul - Reunion Day Programme: HMS EXCELLENT (you will require photo ID for access) 1100 - 1200 GI’s Open -Tea/Coffee/Absent Friends 1200 - 1300 AGM - Last minutes/Agenda/Treasurer Report O/C Tot Time/Bar open/Sandwiches 1315 - 1330 Photo - Rose Garden 1330 - 1500 Museum visits and drinks in the GI’s. Shuttle bus runs to town commences 1515 - Last shuttle bus departs Whale Island 1500 - 1800 Free time 1800 onwards - Bridge Tavern 1900 – Association Photo outside Bridge Tavern 1930 – Curry/Spaghetti Bolognese Late – Carriages or Kingsley’s!!
"D'ya hear there. The Mad Bish will be throwing a Birthday Bish Bash. Any and all Field Gunners who happen to be in the area, 20 Aug 2022 are more than welcome to attend. Details as per the invitation. That's all..."
A wreath will be laid, 18 May 1130 at the Field Gun Statue in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard in remembrance of Portsmouth Field Gunners, LPT Gary Nelson - HMS ARDENT and LCK Sam Sambles - HMS GLAMORGAN. We will remember the ultimate price that they paid in service of our Queen and country in this 40th Year Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict. There is no charge to enter this part of the dockyard. Gun numbers will be asked not to scare any kids and keep their grunts to a minimum whilst Swing and Slat numbers will have to undergo a security handbag check. Rig: As you see fit, Blazer/Tie, Polo, Sports Rig with Sweat Bag, White Fronts/Track Boots/Gaters, Nicks and Flip Flops... Drinks in the Ship ANSON on completion.
Read the Spring Newsletter here: https://www.pfga.online/Portsmouth-Field-Gun-Newsletters
Once again it's time to get together to dit on about how strong we were, how fast we were, what outstanding individuals we were and how cr*p everyone else was over a hot toddy, mulled wine, egg nog or other poison of your choice. A chance to rip the proverbial out of your oppo, put together the ultimate 1-18 dream crew, discuss which Trainer was close to godliness and which was the epitome of the devil incarnate. Chat about which number was the easiest and which was the toughest. Obviously everyone knows that the toughest number, requiring extreme physical strength, the lightening speed of a gazelle and outstanding mental dexterity was No.10. I am sure though, when the beer starts to flow and judgment becomes impaired all manner of positions in the crew will be offered up... even No.3! Eventually, by the end of the night, as always, YOU were in the Dream Crew and No.15 was and always will be the easiest number on the track! RADD! Merry Christmas! As always, stay safe.