2297 entries.
Guys. Kettering Sea Cadets need shot of a 19ft long model of the Coventry. They've offered it to various people with no joy and in desperation put it on eBay, which is where I found out about it. They have kindly agreed to donate it to us and it's now off eBay. However, it needs to be removed from their premises this Saturday! I have arranged some temporary storage for it, and am currently trying to arrange transport (ideally something big enough that we won't have to cut the model in two).
What I need from you guys is someone willing to take it on as a restoration project and ideas on where it can be displayed once done. So, basically, HELP!
DIT 3: So, further informal gatherings by ‘our’ very special group who jointly hold vivid memories, frequently drawing a few tears from many of us, seems to me to be the way ahead. There are memories I do not mind sharing with shipmates that can empathise and understand why the emotion often runs so high within this close knit group. This, compared to forming an association that already exists, it is called the RNA, has no place in my life as it is stated in the proposed draft document. These views are well meant and from the heart, I will now switch back to receive only and monitor any comments, good or bad, but at least identify yourself.
Take care guys - End of Dits – Standeasy over, back to work.
DIT 2: The bottom line for me – There is a big difference in meeting up annually to observe an act of remembrance and in so doing have a few wets with old shipmates from D118 25th May 1982, compared to forming yet another Naval association that is open to anyone that can spell Royal Navy, at least according to the draft Coventry 82 Constitution being proposed. A little harsh I know but it does make the point, as I for one have no personal needs that are best served by meeting up with ‘strangers’ that have no ‘physical’ link to that day compared to my old Coventry shipmates that shared something horrific, something none of us would have wanted to experience and something that we will never forget to the day we move on. Next dit to follow:
DIT 1: Shipmates, my thoughts on the current situation, ‘in the open’. I have been keeping an eye on the emails served up on the Guestbook and quite frankly I am thinking that some appear to have forgotten what we are all about. You will all no doubt agree that 2007 was a most significant year for remembering what took place on 25th May 82. Many of us, who had not attended a reunion for some years, turned out to one or more of the activities that occurred throughout 2007. Indeed, I attended several, and so very glad I made the effort to do so. Naturally, after such a series of emotional events, the ideas flowed about an association. Next dit to follow:
somebody sounds bitter, anonymously!!!!!!
Adrian, to the best of my knowledge it is an update which includes one or two important facts that were missed on the Hard Back. Things like the list of ships company. Hope this helps.
Does anyone know anything about the book the Skipper is releasing in April. Is it a paperback of the already released "Four Weeks in May". Or is it a different slant on things? It's on Amazon btw.
Morning shippers on this sunny if cold sunday, Just a question are there any out there going to the SAMA AGM and dinner in pompy on the 5th of April, if so I will see you there. But please dont forget our own reunion on the 23rd to 25th May and the fact that we will then decide upon the association.
Clam sea and long life.
DOC
having watched the site to continue to grow in its popularity I am concerned that the arguments are now setting in by a few that seem to want to rule the roost, HMS coventry was not the happy ship (for some) that it is made out to be, those that are guilty know who they are, and it is my considered opinion that the memory of the lost crew and largely un acknowledged part the ship played in the final victory should be left to RIP, bear in mind had coventrys 909 not gone tits it would have been coventry in sheffields place so it would seem what ever coventry was in a catch 22 situation......all those bickering over the association in what ever form just be thank ful you got out alive
Dear all, as you can see I am still working away and will not be able to attend this years event. However whatever road we take ie. association or ? you have my support as long as it is a group choice, we do not want to create a split. Take care all.
Stevie
hi to everybody,have spoken to luffy and paddy mclutcheon but nobody else would like to get into touch, with all the boys,and will attend the reuion this year even if i have to take a sicie, goffa, mell.colin, ronnie,toby,phill.and others get in touch, regaurds, taff,
Wholly agree with your thoughts Jack, all for one and one for all, either we all do the Association or we don't, but we need to get everyones' opinion and then stick by it, this year we can make the decision?
Take care you lot and calm seas,
Sam
Hi Peoples, Regards to all.
Just back from Saudi, All I would like to say is that we are attemptind to get something more conjieled, namily an association, but it does need all of us to be a part of a team again - why the hell not is what I say and it will keep our name going for more years than the MOD can get their arse in gear to get a new Coventry (or Sheffield) to that fact. The Association is there for US ALLL not any sundry, any some of us, morely Brian "DOC" Savage has completed a mountain of work, let's pull it together.
Regards to all
Jack.
P.S. Hamish Bruce give me a call in UK till Early March 08.
Good day shippers, Just a little more info to go with Rockys dits. The first AGM of the Coventry Association will take place on Saturday 24th at 1730 ish in the Leisure centre bar of the Maritaime club (Home club) bar will be open from 1730. and we have the room for 2.5 hours. So hope to see lots of you there.
Doc.
Thanks for the info Rocky.
Thought the idea was that this year we decide whether or not we actually want an Association or leave things as they are, well organised by your good self?
No doubt the mud will clear.
Calm seas guys, Sam
Hello! I am from Argentina, and i investigate the war of 1982. My affects to Coventry´s crew, very gallant. Best enemy for our pilots. Bye.
One more thing: i search the video "Sea of fire" with spanish subtitles. ¿exist? Thanks
hi rocky , i tried using your letter information bu got now where with it , can you send me it in normal email form and i will see you down in pompey for the reunion ....barny campbell ex L/sea (ew)
HMS Coventry Reunion 23rd – 25th May 2008.
Dit 1
Dear all.
Just to remind you that the 2008 reunion will be going ahead on the weekend 23-25 May this year.
It will follow the format of previous years, as this has proved to be the most popular -
An informal weekend of gatherings in which we remember our shipmates still on patrol and meet old friends. There will be meetings in the Home Club (now called the Maritime Club) Friday 23rd from 19:30 onwards, Saturday 24th from a 12:00 DTS to an evening gathering beginning at 19:30/20:00.
(Middle Dit)
On Sunday 25th, the twenty sixth anniversary of our ship sinking, we will gather for 11:00 at The Falklands Memorial in Old Portsmouth for a short, non religious remembrance service. There will be a wreath laid, a role of honour and two-minute silence. Afterwards, we retire to the Still and West for a coffee or a pint before departing for home.
Come to as many or as few meetings as suits you. Family and friends are welcome. There is no dress code.
If you have never been to one before, it would be great if you can come along.
Dit 2.
This weekend is for everyone, not just members of the new HMS Coventry association. A dit will be placed on this site shortly regarding the Association, and application for membership.
For more information, please get in touch. Click on the Letter icon to the left of this message, but remember to remove the “No Junk Mail” that will be automatically attached to the end of my address.
Regards
Rocky Hudson. (Ex AB.R)