The advance party arrived on the Friday afternoon of the 25th June and popped into the Museum Cafe for a cuppa and a chat. Seated left to right Steve, Ulla, Hilda, Beryl & Geoff.

Archie swapped seats with Steve and after a refreshing cuppa began what has now become an annual ritual. Replacing all the posters round the camp promoting the Squadron web site.

The Dining Room in the Crown Hotel

laid out neatly for the Squadron Dinner.

The Squadron Dinner at Blandford was organised by Pete & Lis Thomas. The Dinner was held to mark our continuing efforts to re-establish our Affiliation with 8th Signal Battalion.

Pete Thomas with the 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) & 8th Signal Battalion Quidon.

This years Dinner held on the 25 June on the eve of the Corps Reunion was an infomal event.

The Dinner is now widely accepted as an annual fixture to our Squadron Calendar.

The Crown Hotel did us proud with a beautiful table setting in a magnificent dining room. The meal was excellent and the company was second to none. We met in the bar at 7.30 pm for a few drinks. Twenty three sat down to the meal before returning to the bar to round off the evening with a few more drinks.

It was good to see so many of the Squadron at Blandford. I am sure everyone who attended the Squadron Dinner will join with me in thanking Pete & Lis Thomas and all the Staff at the Crown Hotel for making this such a memorable occasion. Lets see if we can increase the turnout next year

Archie Cairns calls a toast for 8th Signal Battalion

Goldie Peters trades places to have a chat with Eileen Hobbs

Lis Thomas and her daughter Heidi

Beryl & Geoff chat's with Darryl & Suzanne Sheppard

Steve & Shirley Barron meet with Dave & Ruby Robertson. Dave & Steve both served in the 'Trials Squadron' over forty years ago. This was Dave & Ruby's first reunion with the Squadron.

Suzanne Sheppard with husband Darryl and brother Karl in the green shirt. Karl a young lad back in the 1970's remembers his own experiances of 8th Signal Battalion and Bad Kreznach which I am sure helped shape his character.

THEN Eileen Hobbs with Frank Woodall REME. In the Sergeant's Mess Dortmund back in the 1970's

NOW Eileen Hobbs with Frank Woodall REME. In the Crown Hotel Blandford in 2004

L to R Shirley Barron, Dave & Ruby Robertson and Hilda Cairns

Eileen , Frank & Lis

Most of the major attractions at this years reunion had to be cancelled due to bad weather conditions. But the rain failed to dampen the spirits of the Standard Bearers. As the rain poured from the heavens Archie marched onto the Square at Blandford.

For the third year in a row Archie was one of the six finalist in this years competition. He received a small inscribed silver salver. The winner at this years competition John Mumford from the Reading Branch runner up prize went to Barry Moody from the Scarborough Branch.

Archie meets up with his old friend Alan Jarwood In the Sergeant's Mess. Archie & Alan served together as instructors at Hellies Barracks, 11 Signal Regiment, Catterick Garrison.

Alan chatting with Hilda

Although the weather had caused the cancellation of the main events. The crowd from 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) Association soon settled in at the Sgt's Mess and with drinks at bar at 1970's prices it was hard for anyone not to enjoy themselves.

Goldie Peters and John & Evelyn Townson

Beryl Scott shares a funny story with Ulla & Steve Freeman - Pannett

Geoff Scott, Les Harrison & Brian Shipton move in to hear the punch line.

Rod Hogarth climbed on top of a table to take this group photo. Just as well the RSM didn't see him or it would have been seven day's jankers for you my lad.

Goldie Peters,John & Evelyn Townson with Geoff & Beryl

Archie & Hilda Cairns

Are you being served Sir? The girls from the Museum Gift Shop line up for a photo opportunity. Left to RightAndrea, Jean, Erica and Donna Who said this web site lacked glamour?

The main attraction at the 2004 Reunion may have been a bit of a wash out but the sun shone brightly as

the Old Comrades marched passed the Saluting Dias to the familiar sound of Begone Dull Care..

Another reunion draws to a close.

Will you be joining us next year?

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