Review

From our point of view as organisers, John and I found the staff to be welcoming, helpful and professional and, throughout the weekend, looked after us very well. The food provided for the dinner and curry lunch was very good and both events were a great success. Sirdhana's bell, brought along by Sandy Bowman, summoned us to dinner while David Mitchell did the honours at the curry lunch by ringing Rajula's bell. Lyndon Johnson organised a raffle of BI memorabilia which raised £425 for the International Sailors Society, the Liverpool Centre for Seamen and the Missions to Seafarers. The weather over the weekend was mostly fine, though conditions were rather cold and windy for our river cruise, when 140 of us enjoyed a fascinating journey to the mouth of the Tyne and back, via the 'blinking eye' Millennium Bridge with an informative commentary and splendid buffet meal. By a happy coincidence the skipper for our trip was ex-BI Colin Chandler, who joined us for the curry lunch on Sunday.

It was another memorable reunion, attended by the usual mix of friends, both regular reunion-goers and first-timers all enjoying the opportunity to renew old friendships and make new ones. The guest list which may be helpful for those thinking about coming to Southampton, is available via the link above. And if you haven't already done so, do check out all the pictures on the BI website. 

Sue Spence
bi@johnmspence.plus.com
Reunion Organiser