I've been to Bangor!

Yes, along with Ted B, Terry S, Bob F, Bill C, Alan W, Trevor G, and Dave B, most of our wives and some friends I went off to Bangor NI to meet up with members of the Scottish branch and the NMC to join the Northern Ireland branch in the Dedication of their new Standard and to witness the Association National Draw (Results attached).

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What a welcome we were given. We were met at the airport and given a lift to our hotel then, after following a parade of Irish marching bands we were entertained at a 'meet and greet' session at the Bangor RNA that evening.

Before anyone else tells you - I managed to meet and greet one too many friends from the Northern Ireland branch and ended up horizontal in the middle of the main street of Bangor having been "pushed from the kerb". No help or medical assistance was given and I was like a beached whale unable to get back on my feet. You would have been proud of me.

On Saturday morning, after a hearty breakfast, horizontal John met up with the rest to support the Barrow Branch Standard, carried by Bill Cole, the Association National Standard, the West of Scotland Branch Standard and several other RNA Standards to escort the new Northern Ireland Branch Standard in their parade and dedication ceremony which finished with a march past and salute taken by the Mayor and our National President, Admiral Sir James Perowne. I did not trip once throughout the whole parade.

Congratulations to the Northern Ireland Branch for a great parade and the following social reception.

We met again that evening to witness the National Draw which if you take time to look at the list of winners seemed by be a bit of a Celtic festival of winners from Scotland or Northern Ireland. .Still we did get a box of chocolates or something for Barrow. Then we drank and sang and drank and danced and drank and ate and drank all evening. It was a great party with no (other) slips or trips – that I can remember.

Sunday was quieter with a few farewell drinks to send some of the team homeward. Some of us who were staying the extra day took the opportunity to see a little of the town and harbour of Bangor and are resolved to return again some day. We enjoyed ourselves that much.

The Northern Ireland boys spent much of that day and the next ferrying the survivors to the airport for their homeward journey. All of us would like to thank and congratulate the Northern Ireland branch of the Submariners Association for their wonderful hospitality. We only hope that we can match it soon when you next visit us in Barrow.

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