Illustrated report of the Tristan da Cunha Association Annual Gathering held on the 14th April 2007 in Southampton, with guest speaker Charles Frater.

See also:

2007 Annual Gathering in Southampton
The Tristan da Cunha Association 2007 Annual Gathering
was held in the Holiday Inn,
Southampton on Saturday 14th April 2007.

Members and guests started to arrive during the morning of Friday 13th April, and by afternoon many had enjoyed walks along the adjacent waterfront and into the nearby city centre. The hotel's Spirit Health Club pool proved popular and offered a view of a P&O cruise liner setting out down Southampton Water later in the afternoon.
Many members joined company for dinner in the hotel restaurant during the evening.
The Annual Gathering commenced with coffee and an informal morning session
with a chance to buy books and other artefacts
from Ian Mathieson's Miles Apart stall.

A particular highlight was the presence of publisher George Mann with new authors
Sandra Kornet-van Duyvenboden with her book
The Quest for Peter Green – A Dutchman on Tristan da Cunha
and Beau Rowlands with his book Fernão Lopes – a South Atlantic ‘Robinson Crusoe’
See also Tristan Bookshop 2007

Over a hundred people attended and the occasion was special as so many Tristan islanders were present,
including many staying at the hotel, particularly over Saturday night.

Lunch was served in the hotel restaurant, and at 2pm everyone convened for the Annual General Meeting.

The meeting started with a minute's silence to remember Allan Crawford
and this was followed by a moving film made by Charles Frater of interviews
with Allan and sequences of archive film from Allan's Tristan visits.

During the business part of the meeting :

Michael Swales was elected to serve as President and Chairman

Elaine Mawer (nee Repetto) andAlison Hentley were elected to join the committee

Patrick Spencer was appointed as Hon. Auditor

Michael Swales announced that the Charity Commission has now confirmed
The Tristan da Cunha Education Trust Fund
as a Registered Charity No. 1118779

After tea Charles Frater presented a splendid new film
showing the 1956/7 Gough Island Scientific Survey and
the return of several Goughalites to Tristan da Cunha and Gough
aboard the RMS St Helena in February 2006

An auction conducted in style by Ron Burn of Tristan da Cunha artefacts
kindly donated by members raised over £500 for the Tristan da Cunha Education Trust Fund and a popular draw dispersed over a score of prizes
also generously donated for the occasion.
A three course meal was served in the evening followed by a special presentation
when Alison Hentley gave a mock cheque for £1000 to Mike Swales
representing her expected sponsorship for completing the Bath Half Marathon on 23rd March

Lively dancing on a crowded disco floor continued until midnight
but the party for some continued in the bar until the early hours

There was overwhelming support for returning to this excellent venue
with particular praise for the friendly and helpful staff
which was convenient for Tristan Islanders living locally, yet accessible via motorways, rail and air
for those travelling from further afield.

A particular feature of the 2007 Annual Gathering was the large group of islanders present, led by Joyce and Donald Hagan on holiday from Tristan and many islanders resident in the UK,including left Geraldine and Paul Repetto with their daughter Chantelle.

Thanks are particularly due to Lorna Lavarello-Smith who organised the booking, but who was unable to attend following a last-minute injury. Lorna in turn wishes to thank so many members for their best wishes.

A booking has been made for the next Annual Gathering on Saturday 5th April 2008 - details will appear in the February 2008 Newsletter and later on a 2008 Annual Gathering website page.
Images of the Southampton Holiday Inn


Reception Area


Restaurant


Bar