Page 14 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 61

ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

1st intake, 45th and X&Y Squads Reunion

10 September 2022 at Gentings Hotel, Resorts World Birmingham

By Martin Robertson

A reunion was held on Saturday 10 September 2022 at the
Gentings Hotel, Resorts World Birmingham.
First intake started at the ACC on 10 September 1972
passing out in May 1974.
Included in the celebration were 45th and X&Y squads,
those attending x14 plus partners. Rab Arneil, Ian Diamond,
Mick Dance, Ben Ferrie, John Hankins, Tim Holgate, Phil
Howard, Alec Porter, Peter Read, Martin Robertson, Medwyn
Rowlands, John Smith, John Stephenson, Bob Woodhouse.
Martin Robertson and Nick Jenkins made a visit/Recce
to Resorts World in 2018, it was decided that this would be
the place to hold the function. Martin then started trying to
contact all the veterans of the intakes, it was a hard task, we
had a total of 18 send their apologies unable to attend. Which
was a great shame, covid hit us hard during the period before
the function we lost a few members.
First intake were all apprentices, and 8 terms were reduced We had a PC stick provided by Nick with a medley of
to six terms, 45th and X&Y had junior privates and passed photos, the photos were projected on a screen, a cassette was
out with B3 only to return to the training centre to take a provided for the background military music, Nick also pro-
B2 course, in 1974 three intakes passed out as Privates as B2 vided the seating plans, menu cards and place name cards.
Combat Chefs, Ian Diamond was the Apprentice RSM. The three course meal was excellent and the three staff were
John Stevenson travelled from the USA an Medwyn professional and they looked after us throughout the evening,
Rowlands travelled from Bali, Birmingham airport not far Martin gave a speech and Ian Diamond provided him with
from the resort, the railway stations and bus stations, those a massive glass of port and thanked him for organising this
attending had free parking. special occasion and providing a superb display of photos and
The night was a success, we had a room, the staff were excel- items to make us feel very special, the function was a great
lent, on arrival there was a glass of bubbly, everyone were issued success and Martin is now looking at another function to cele-
a name badge with their apprentice rank on it, as you can recall brate the passing out parade. Martin thanked the Association
we all wore a name badge A company red, B company Blue. for providing a grant to reduce the costs. Martin Recommends
The tables were given flags, each lady guests were given a rose that other intake reunions are held in the Resorts World as
and a bag of chocolates, everyone donated a raffle prize. the facilities are outstanding.

PAGE 14 SECRETARY@ACCASSOCIATION.ORG | WWW.ACCASSOCIATION.ORG