2009 - CONWAY'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

Liverpool Friday 7th August to Monday 10th August 2009

YOUR VIEWS OF THE WEEKEND

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Stuart Aikman(65-68): "What a fabulous weekend indeed!! Iwould just like to congratulate you all for your part in the organization of what must go down in Conway history as the most successful reunion of all time. All the hours of hard work certainly paid off. My daughter and self thoroughly enjoyed what turned out to be a splendid weekend. Thank you."

Jim Atkinson: "Congratulations and many thanks to the President and committee and all those concerned in the planning and execution of such a splendid event. The organisation was 1st. class, every detail taken into account. Thank you all."

Alistair Barclay (64-66): "Without hesitation the weekend a roaring success. As has already been said a terrific weekend and thanks to everyone - those organising, those attending, etc. - for a great time."

Nigel Bateman (62-64): "Problems with the lifts, hot corridors and rooms? These pale into insignificance compared to the pleasure of the whole weekend, the excellent food and above all the company was magic. I would like to thank the whole team of organisers who undertook this titantic (not the ship) task. It all went so well and worked like clockwork. Looking forward to meeting as many as possible at future gatherings."

Peter Bobbin (50-51): "I find it hard to find fresh words to add to those already written by the many who have already commented. The trip to Plas Newydd with a visit to the parts of the house we never saw as boys, and more especially for me, the view over the straits to where the ship had been and the Druid Altar near where the flag pole once stood where the evocative ‘sunset’ was played each summer evening at 2000hrs. And, finally that day, after Haydn’s drinks party – which most of us also attended - our small, but cosy term dinner where old friendships were renewed. The following day, after we had viewed the exhibition in the hotel, the visit to the Priory and Chapel was moving. What a fine place it is too; well done David. I must return there later, when it is quieter. This however, was but slow build up to that tremendous banquet. Over 400 OCs plus wives and guests: over 800 in all and all organised by Mim, Archie Smith’s very energetic wife. Well done Mim. With all these people, there is little wonder that we could not hear the string quartet (meant to be background musak?!!!). Cannon Bob was magnificent and just what was required after that young lad with half of the Fort Knox gold on his sleeves had ‘gone on a bit’. Bob Evans clearly has a vocation, but he most certainly could have had another! I could listen to him for hours. All of this, wonderful though it was, was really just a build-up to Sunday’s events; here the organising team (principally David Nutman again) excelled themselves. The trip on the Mersey began with the moving dedication in the Sloyne, the wreath and the Sea Cadets playing the Last post. Down river, the interesting and amusing RNLI display while all the time, at a carefully measured pace, the most excellent commentary of the history of the Conway whilst stationed on the river, given by two old Conways who are very familiar with the Mersey. The pinnacle was achieved with the service in Liverpool’s massive and impressive Anglican Cathedral. I had the good fortune (and honour) to have a few words with Cannon Bob just before and again after the service. His words the previous night were not really an act. He just cannot help it. Humour just flows from him, although through the humour came a sincere and serious message in his address. He told me he was not a Conway cadet, but in my view, his evident love and devotion to our wooden or stone ‘mother’ nevertheless makes him a lifelong Honorary Cadet. I believe the committee should fully formalise this at the earliest opportunity. No review could be complete without some very genuine words complimenting all of those who were responsible for this momentous occasion. I have already mentioned David Nutman and Mim Smith, but also Archie, Matt, Tom, John, Terry, Margaret (I hope her ankle is recovering) and all the other members of the committee who worked so hard to bring off such a success; should not be forgotten. Rita and I thank you all for a special weekend."

J.Michael (Mike) Brook (49-51): "Everyone agreed that it was a splendid reunion."

George S. Brown (58-59): "In all the dinners I have attended since 1963I have never never witnessed the comerardery and the spirit felt one with another that binds us together and for this we must complement Mim for what a wonderful job in putting this celebration of 150years together. It is such a shame we have not had recorded the Conway song sung with such gusto on Saturday evening."

Steve Budd (71-73): "I don't think I have ever been more proud to call myself a Conway than this weekend. Cream crackered......."

Dick Chown (32-34) (the senior hand): "How can we possibly thank the President and Conway Club Committee for the most memorable weekend we have ever had. You had thought of every possible detail to enable us to fully enjoy the complete programme. It was the most friendly gathering, and we really enjoyed meeting so many from different years and from so many different continents. Perhaps the most poignant moment for me was the laying of the wreath on the Sloyne at the exact spot where "our Old Wooden Mother" was moored and where I spent two wonderful years.

Tim Clerc (69-71): "A truly marvelous and special weekend; I cannot praise the work of the organizing committee highly enough. Amongst many memorable moments two really stand out for me, the Hullabaloo after dinner, a fitting rejoinder to the first Sea Lord and the very moving words of Canon Bob Evans most telling being his reference to the “two years” that left such a lasting mark.
Thanks to all and not forgetting PBK for the port."

Nick Goodwin (68-70): "A very good do all round."

Bob Gordon (59-62): "Our term dinner went off very well with guest of honour Olly Ollerton who some may still remember. He was focsle divisional officer in my time. The trip on the river was excellent with Jeff Topp giving a very moving and emotional talk over the public address system. Alfie's picture show was an amazing dedication, like his book. A very big thank you for all the hard work. Overall a great weekend with excellent value.

Ian Jackson (65-68): "Had a wonderful extended weekend and just wanted to add my thanks to all involved in masterminding the occasion. I think they did exceedingly well even managing to ensure that not a drop of rain spoilt the proceedings."

Peter Hamer: "What a fantastic weekend and a huge thanks' to all those who made it such a success!"

Spike Harding (60-63): "A wonderful 'do'. Not sure about the hotel plumbing but well worth coming. One thing I did notice was that I could neither take the amount of drink available nor could I recover as quickly as in days of yore! but still a very good get together."

Geoffrey Haskins (40-43): "Splendid (and very moving at times) occasion which reflects much credit on all the army of folk concerned with organizing everything and trouble-shooting so efficiently along the way, from Archie and Mim downwards. Major lifetime experience for which our thanks are due. River trip and Cathedral Service were the absolute best bits."

Brian L. (51-52): "Thought the Sunday events were fantastic. Lots of nostalgia on the Mersey. Although I swallowed the anchor after 10 years the last few were spent sailing out of the 'Pool and the memories evoked were great. The cathedral service was super. As an RC I never had the chance to partake in services aboard ('RC's fall out', was the only part of the ceremony that I ever heard). The choir was magnificent, the good Anglican hymns were stirring, the readings and the sermon very appropriate and I was very moved by it all. Many many thanks to all the organisers."

Gordon Line (57-59): "150th was brilliant and really well organised by the committee. It was great to meet up with those of my era that I had not seen for 50 years. Except for the widening of a few waistlines and some greying/receding hairlines none of us seem to have aged that much, or am I kidding myself?"

Mike "Lou"Wiliams (64-67): "A great weekend,with copious amounts of drink and swinging the lamp! Who cares that the Adelphi was a bit old,the Dinner was fine and yes,we in the annex enjoyed ourselves.

Mike Lovell-Smith (64-67): "What a really memorable night, a great opportunity to meet up again with you and many more of my Conway chums after 42 years in some cases !! such a pleasure. My thanks go to Mim, Archie, Alfie of course and all who were involved to produce a night to remember, nearly 800 people in one sitting, hot food on hot plates too !! now that takes some organising, my thanks too go to the Adelphi for their part in this great occasion. Let us not forget all our considerate wives/guests who stood by us and supported us, particularly late on !!, during our evening of self indulgence, thanks to them too."

Alan Mill-Irving (58/61): "A wonderful weekend much enjoyed by both of us – Lisa even said you seemed such a “balanced lot” and that was before she even had partaken of a glass of wine or 3!! Everybody deserves a bit pat on the back for it all to run so smoothly – the logistics must at times have been a bit of a nightmare..... Well worth the journey from the Philippines As has been said – until the next time........."

Peter O'Donnel (66-68): "Congratulations to the organising committee and onward to the catering staff off the Adelphi, for an excellent weekend"

Clive Plummer (67-72): "Plas Newydd trip was very good. The Cathedral service was a nice balance - not too heavy on the religion - good uplifting hymns, and some quality choir singing. Canon Bob Evans gave a v good sermon, which was really a Tribute to Conways. Alfie's display was fantastic - covering all years - the punishment book for 1969 a revelation - an early heave out for "Stupidity" not sure whether that would stand as a measure of justice - mind you there were probably a few cadets who would be on permanent EHO if that was the only qualification. All in all a fantastic weekend - Congrats to the organisers"

Terry Beggs (53-55): "What a weekend!!!! Where does one begin? Words like BRILLIANT and MAGNIFICENT come to mind but even these are hardly adequate to express the pleasure that Shirley and I gained from last weekend's celebrations in Liverpool. We thought that the weekend's events surpassed our wildest dreams. We've had surely an unforgetable 150th Anniversary! May we ask you to convey our thanks to all those who grafted away to make the Liverpool weekend such a success. Your team would have included all the Committee in London and doubtless the several Branch Committees, together with many unsung heroes behind the scenes, not least the present Mrs Smith who worked an absolute organisational wonder in getting some eight hundred people happily seated for Saturday's superb banquet. I'm sure you will receive many messages of admiration and congratulation from the membership and if there are any dissenters, just tell them to go jump in the Mersey! Alfie Windsor also deserves a special mention. Sunday's Cathedral Service brought proceedings to a wonderful conclusion. For me, there was a really genuine feeling of 'brotherhood' there and I was proud to be an Old Conway and a part of it all. The form of Service was beautiful and I am not ashamed to admit that I felt quite emotional. Our friend and great supporter Cannon Bob did us proud; he told many funny stories but he also made a number of very true and astute observations about the achievements of HMS "Conway" and all who sailed in her."

Michael Rushforth (54-56): "What a fantastic weekend starting with Geoff Cowap's stupendous dinner for 93 of us in the Marina Restaurant on Friday night. I take my hat off to all the Adelphi staff although you never knew if you were going up or down in the lifts and were going to get stuck!!!!!! To all Conway management what a hard and skilful job they did always on hand at everyone's beck and call-A VERY BIG THANK YOU."

Mike Sanders (58-61): "What a fabulous weekend. I thought that the visit to Plas Newydd was great fun, however I could not get over how small everything seemed, even the Cromlech. The Messdeck at the house was tiny, and to think that we used to watch films in there as well! The Dinner was exceptional,though the First Sea Lord did go on a bit. Canon Bob Evans made my weekend, in particular at the magnificent Liverpool Cathedral, where for me, it crowned off a marvellous time. I believe that all those on the organising Committee deserve a medal or three. To the Friends of Conway for the upkeep of the Priory, which I found extremely moving, in particular the stained glass windows, a very large thanks. It was fantastic to meet up with a number of my term for a dinner, some of whom I have not seen for 48 years.To think that there were OC's from 24 Countries, outside of the UK, was amazing. Once again we are indebted to Alfie Windsor for the display of photos and artifacts. One thing is certain, it made you proud to be a Conway Boy."

Ian Stutt (61-65): "thanks and congratulations for a fantastic weekend, enjoyed equally as much by both me and my wife."

Peter Syddall (59-62): "Well, we’ve had a week to return to planet earth after an absolutely marvellous weekend based in Liverpool, so I can’t let the event go without expressing my sincere gratitude and congratulations to ALL who were responsible for organising it. My Term managed to be represented by 10 plus wives and I know I speak for them, all in expressing our gratitude for the huge task that Archie, Mim, Committee and sundry organisers took on. The whole event seemed to me to pass off superbly, enjoyably and without a hitch. A big achievement considering the age range of those attending. Every day had highlights, starting on Friday with the trip to Plas Newydd, then meeting up with old friends in the evening. On Saturday I found the visit to the Conway Chapel very interesting. Then later came the incredibly well organised dinner for nearly 800 of us. That was a real credit particularly to I think Mim, the Dinner Secretary. An evening to remember for the rest of our lives. On Sunday my highlight was the trip on the Mersey Ferry and wreath laying at the spot where Conway was moored for most of her history. A trip very much enhanced by Geoff Topp’s commentary, which I thought was incredibly interesting and sometimes moving. Clearly a lot of research had gone into taking us back to the period when the ship was in the Mersey. I would imagine that those of us who came later – post 1941 – found the trip just as memorable as those who had served on the Mersey. Throughout the weekend of course we had Alfie's marvellous display of archives, photos and memorabilia. A unique gathering of the Conway story. Then on Sunday evening it was time to gather for our last meal together. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the way The Adelphi looked after us – particularly in the food department. I for one ate very well for 4 evenings: alright the rooms left something to be desired, but with so much on, no need to spend much time in them. So, all you Committee members and organisers, please long bask in your glory. I know the planning had been going on for 2-3 years and the amount of work and time to put into it must have at times seemed something of a gamble. BUT THE OUTCOME WAS BRILLIANT. Thank you so much for an event that sadly cannot be repeated."

Nigel Taylor-Nobbs (72-74) (the junior hand): "As the Junior Hand at Liverpool and only a little younger than the First Sea Lord I think, I write to thank the commitee and all the people involved in such a momentous occasion. Since returning to Hamburg, I have avoided complex marine casualty cases in the office and spent my time thinking about every aspect of last weekend. No best bits - no worst bits. It was all just right. Memories, meeting people, emotion all joined together in perfect harmony. Much has already been written about the anniversary so I will just once again extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who obviously worked so hard for us all to enjoy such a significant part of HMS Conway's life and history."

Geoff Topp (58-60): "I had a fantastic weekend. We were extremely lucky with the weather, fine and bright all weekend. Alfie's photo display was incredible - just like his book on the History of Conway. There were 800 eventually at the banquet - brilliant staff and the meal was superb. The First Sea Lord had us in the palm of his hand for the first five to ten minutes, then he totally lost his audience over the next twenty minutes. Thank goodness for Canon Bob Evans who then lifted our spirits with good amusing tales and delivery. The River Mersey looked fabulous for the ferry trip and it was a somewhat poignant moment when the wreath was cast adrift in the Sloyne and the last post sounded across the water. I understand the Cathedral Service was tremendous too, generally it seemed to be considered 'a very moving occasion'.It was absolutely great to meet up with old term mates and lots of non-term too. To those who couldn't make it, we know you were there in spirit. A terrific job by the committee and all the organisers. Great memories of a super weekend."

Rob Tubb (67-70):" Overall a terrific weekend, great company and a barrel of laughs. a big thank you to Mim Smith and all the other organisers for your efforts in making the weekend a resounding success."

Paul Warren (64-67): "What a weekend!"

Peter Webb (57-59): "What a great weekend we all had. It was very memorable in all senses. Well organised and the 150th anniversary meal was excellent. Congratulations to the whole committee. I must say that I particularly enjoyed going back to Plas Newydd and seeing the old house dormitory where I spent my first term and also the messdeck which I remember scrubbing fifty years ago. The term dinner was excellent and I am very grateful to George Brown who organised our year. Looking back now the problem is that I failed to contact a number of those in my term which I regret however it gives me something to look forward to on another occasion. The Sunday service at the cathedral was very moving and made me very proud to have attended 'Conway' all those years ago. I am most grateful to all those overseas members who travelled great distances to attend, it was good to see so many familiar faces again."

Matt Winter (71-73): "Great three days with an excellent program. Thanks to all involved and committee in particular. I hadn't explored Liverpool by foot since the early 1980s - today its vibrant, buzzing and really has made the most of its maritime heritage. Maritime museum brill. I was particularly impressed by the Conway Chapel at B'head priory. I hadn't fully appreciated the efforts and outcome as i hadn't seen it. Stunning, and has to be visited to be appreciated. Wife Cathy loved the weekend and youngest daughter who celebrated her 15th birthday on the Sunday thought it great fun despite the generation gap(s)!

Mike Woodhead (50 - 52): "I echo the views of many in saying what a great Weekend we enjoyed.Getting together in such enthusiastic numbers of "Chums" we hadn't met for 50 years and more. Not recognising each other but nevertheless able to relate to those around one and hear a few salty tales of the intervening years. Archie & Mim Smith rightly deserve our thanks and praise for organising such a superb Reunion. Congratulations also to the the Adelphi for the splendid effort in catering for 800 at a sitting."

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