Well 2007 has arrived and we would like to wish you all a Great New Year.

By the way if anyone happens to win on the lottery don’t forget my name & address.

I hope this is the year that we will recruit some new members, it’s amazing that we haven’t got representatives off every commission. I can vouch that there were more than three or four stokers in each commission, there was a stokers mess forward and at the blunt end.

Perhaps though like me many have said that after finishing their time they would not join a sweet club let alone belonging to any re-union associations. But since I joined the Duchess Association have enjoyed every minute of our reunions as the only thing have had do is turn up. Have met a great bunch of ex-matelots and their wives - no ranks pulled etc.

The venues have been great and varied so if there is any ex-crew members out there visiting the site and would like to join please get in touch with us especially stokers you would all be made very welcome as it would be great to have some back up.

This year we are having a trip to Fungurela in Spain if anyone is interested. Decided on this area as we will be in spitting distance of Gibralta and can relive a few trips spent on the rock.
The AGM hopefully will be in Coventry around October/early November. This should be easy for most members to get to. As soon as have the date and place verified will put on site so everyone can book.
Am still looking for photographs that have been promised by various members to put on site. Must say thank you to Brian Roberts/Ed Bonnick/Les Newton & Dave Phillips for their contributions.
Have been listening to the Radio and TV about the debate on Quarters both Married & Barrack.

Have heard RAF and Pongoes having a go but so far no Matelots we must be easily pleased. I was in married quarters a couple of times and thought they were ok. Barracks got better as we went on, was mainly in Dolphin when on shore and they got to be ok only 4 to 6 a room. Victory was always passable, a bit big but clean and adequate. The only moan I have was when at sea would the RAF or Pongoes put up with what we had dealt.

Just a quick note to say that whilst writing this scribe heard from Tony Charles that Popeye and Mary have both been under the weather and hospitalised during the last few months so would like to take this opportunity to send our good wishes to them both that this coming year will be a better one health wise for them.

That’s me lot for now so remember please to send me anything you think of for inclusion on the site.
Once again let both myself and my better half wish you all a

Cheers
Bill Wright