Over 100 Veterans and Families Gather in Oxfordshire
After almost a year in the planning by an amazing admin team and financed in part with a grant from the
RNRMC (Royal Marines Royal Navy Charity), Naval veterans, RAF veterans, partners and a host of furry, four
legged friends, descended on the Oxfordshire countryside from all over the UK and parts of Europe for the
RNAMCC (Royal Naval Association Motorhome, Caravan and Camping group’s annual Big Meet.
Hardwick Park near Witney played host to the gathering, held to rekindle old friendships, make new ones,
remember old ‘oppos and have fun.
Reducing isolation and reaching out to be inclusive to all, the event started 5 years ago by 14 people all
involved with the Falklands Conflict and who wanted to see if anyone else may be interested. Within two years
the SCG (Sports & Comradeship Group) grew to over 700 members.
The Big Meet V for this year had a waiting list after all 67 pitches sold out fast, there was no stopping the
attendees as The Rum Bosun introduced the Tot Time each day at noon and the following 5 days were filled
with a whole host of events ranging from sing a long sea shanty time, scavenger hunt, ladies get together with
quizzes, bingo, whose who? and the men’s beer and cider tasting sessions. The theme for this year was Beach
Party /Hawaiian/Caribbean and the colours of the outfits were vibrant. With an interesting pirate or 2, many,
many questionable Reggae outfits and a little bit of the old Hawaiian thrown in , the Limbo competition took
place and some went over, not so many went under.
The Horse Racing evening raised funds from which a donation of £100 was made to Scarves for Falklands
Veterans who produce items in the SAMA colours and Darwin the giant penguin was donated by attendee Dawn
Easterbrook – and is now the Group’s mascot.
More funds were raised after three days of raffles took place with everything from bottles – of everything you
could imagine (Including household detergent) to teddy bears, penguins, a solar light “Tommy” and more. The
generosity of people donating was second to none.
Sunday saw a Remembrance Service take place with a short service, wreath laying and placing of small
crosses for those still held dear in people’s memories.
Royal Naval Association. Registered Charity No. 10266722
RNAMCC Comms/PRO S/M Annette Laurie MILM, MILEX, 5 Barnwood Close, Plymstock, Plymouth PL9 9NQ
Email: [email protected] – [email protected]
Tel: 07802 896505
Royal Naval Association, Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Group
The beach BBQ (but not quite on the beach!) was catered for by the crazy chefs for the day whilst others played
giant Jenga, Connect 4 or tried their best at the limbo competition. When it got too hot, shipmates just took
themselves off for a swim in the onsite lake which proved a welcome relief in the temperature which ranged
between 25 and 33 degrees over the days.
The men did a lot of drinking, but the ladies didn’t miss out having their own afternoon of high tea, cakes and
sandwiches. All dressed up in their finest and while the bubbles flowed once they reached their limits of
gastronomic delights, they invited the chaps over from their lowly corner of the field to come and join in and
devour the rest of what was left. The ladies afternoon evolved from feedback from last year where a WRENs
event took place but it was felt that the non Wren ladies may have felt left out – not so this year – all ladies in it
together, as they say!
Call rounds happened morning noon and night. The flags were flying amazingly, while the slop stores did a
roaring trade.
One of the highlights of the whole event was Defaulters with the miscreants being brought before Table,
charged, always found guilty and receiving their punishment of dried biscuit coated in strong chilli sauce.
Evening colours took place on the Monday evening before shipmates weighed anchor and departed on the
Tuesday.
The aim of the meet was achieved, get together with old friends, make new ones, enjoy the comradeship and
empathy of those that “get us”, feel included, and never alone and whether you are 10 years old (the youngest
helper and OD Danny from Czech Republic) or almost 90 years old, whether you are in a wheelchair, have a
tent or a motorhome – everyone is welcome and ALL are included.
Thanks again to the RNRMC for enabling us to put this event on and we will be back for Big Meet VI in 2027 – just
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