Illustrated report of the Tristan da Cunha Association Annual Gathering held on the 4th-6th April 2008 in Southampton. The talk was given by former Administrator Mike Hentley

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2008 Annual Gathering in Southampton

The Tristan da Cunha Association held its fourth residential Annual Gathering at The Southampton Holiday Inn over the weekend of 4th - 6th April 2008.
This was the second year running that this excellent venue was used and a booking has already been made for 18th April 2009. A separate page will be launched soon to enable members to book hotel rooms early as the Holiday inn was fully booked this year.
What follows is a preliminary report from Richard Grundy
awaiting photographs and additional information to be added in due course - so watch this space!
A full report will appear in the August 2008 Newsletter.

Annual Gathering

The Gathering on Saturday 5th featured an all-day meeting from 11 am incorporating exhibitions, book stall and an illustrated presentation of the momentous events this year on Tristan, including the factory fire and Operation Zest to repair Calshot Harbour.

Drinks and snacks were available during the day and we all moved into the hotel's main restaurant for a superb buffet lunch.

21st AGM

After lunch the 21st Annual General Meeting was convened.

President and Chairman Michael Swales warmly welcomed members and guests, including Tristan Islanders. He announced a recent donation of £500 to the Svensson-Enstrom Fund to support Tristan pensioners who may be in need this winter as no casual work would be available at the fish processing factory following the disastrous fire of 13th February.

The main committee change agreed was the appointment of Alison Hentley as Secretary
following the decision by Elizabeth Marriott to stand down.

Auction of Tristan Artefacts

Ron Burn did another sterling job as auctioneer as he took bids
for a selection of rare Tristan da Cunha artefacts, including
original knitwear, stamps, a model longboat and an original Roland Svensson lithograph
all generously donated my members to raise money for the Education Trust Fund

Talk by former Administrator Mike Hentley

Former Administrator (2004-7) Mike Hentley gave a wide-ranging overview
of his role and the changing Tristan da Cunha infrastructure and economy.
Further details will appear in the August Newsletter

Dinner Dance

A good crowd gathered for the now traditional evening festivities. The hotel again came up trumps by providing a sumptuous buffet table which enabled seasoned diners to create three or four courses from the delicious savoury and sweet selections available. Dancing to a local DJ continued until midnight.

Location, Location, Location

Many members linked their Tristan Annual Gathering weekend with shopping or sight-seeing trips into the adjacent Southampton City Centre, use of the hotel leisure centre including a swimming pool and meals together, especially on Friday night in the hotel restaurant.

On Sunday morning the new P&O 100,000 tonne + cruise liner Ventura made its maiden voyage up Southampton Water to its home port and we were all in poll position to enjoy the best view. A blizzard greeted us at first light and the Isle of White (sic) lived up to its name!

We look forward to 2009, but hope for warmer temperatures!

Hotel Amenities
(The Annual Gathering & Dinner Dance was in the separate Hambledon Suite)
 


Reception Area


Restaurant


Bar