THE SIXTH ANNUAL DINNER
SATURDAY 16th NOVEMBER 2002

The Squadron's Annual Dinner was held once again at the Arrow Mill, Alcester, Warwickshire where the host was Denis Woodhams, one of our members, and his wife Margaret.

Some keen early members flew in on the Friday taking advantage of a break in the bad weather and landed at nearby Wellesbourne Mountford. Michael and Charlie Ryan flew in the Tobago from Henstridge, Leo Baker in his Cub from Exeter and Phil and Sue Moore in the Auster from Lee, led the inbound formation. Mike Smith organised two R.44's to convey the early arrivals and their luggage to Arrow Mill.

Saturday was unfortunately a dismal day weatherwise but a limited amount of flying was carried out in the Supercub. In the afternoon a mystery coach tour was laid on by Denis Woodhams, calling at Stanway House where Alison de Candole gave a dissertation on the history of the house. This was followed by a visit to a rather foggy Stow-on-the-Wold and an IFR run back to the Mill.

Due to the bad weather, the rest of the members arrived by car including the guest of honour Sir Julian Oswald, who was conveyed by Michael and Eve Bonham Cozens to the Mill.

In the evening, a group of Sea Cadets from TS Gurkha formed a mini parade to pipe in their President, Admiral of the Fleet - Sir Julian Oswald GCB. This was greatly appreciated by all. The dinner was very enjoyable with live background music and another display from the Sea Cadets, and Sir Julian, as Principal Speaker, was most entertaining with his tales of the Navy - old and new. Other speakers were Alison de Candole who spoke for the ladies, John Shears who spoke about editing the FAAOA News Sheet and Denis Woodhams with his excellent jokes, all of which was presided over by Michael Bonham Cozens.

After dinner, the Squadron song, which was initiated at ' le pic-nique' at La Roche Bernard in the summer, was given an airing augmented by some new, hastily written verses.

Ironically on Sunday, those who flew in on Friday were able to return to their respective bases in dazzling sunshine.