Dear Members,

It seems just like yesterday that we were enjoying ourselves at the 150th Reunion Event at JSMTC, and now it’s the countdown to Xmas! That beautiful sunny weekend in June on the banks of the Menai will certainly be one I’ll remember for a long time. Memories, mostly fond, shared with so many wonderful friends, some returning to the Inde for the first time since their school days; and to meet so many family members attending along with Old Boys was a privilege. For those of you who were not able to join us, and of course there will be many reasons why you could not, you missed something very special.

For those who had to sit through my speech on the night, you will remember I said a lot of thank you’s, and it will be remiss of me not to record them again here. Without the incredible efforts and support of these individuals, the event would never have got off the ground.

First of all to Lieutenant Colonel John Shirras, Commandant JSMTC for his approval in allowing the event to take place, and WO1 (RSM) Andy Johnson, for his amazing support to our event committee in bringing it all together. To Charlie and the Sodexo team for providing such fabulous food on the night, truly remarkable considering the numbers being catered for in a marquee. To the Salon Orchestra of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force for providing such delightful music, adding a touch of sophistication and gravitas to the evening. To our President, Sir Michael Bibby for his most generous financial support, without which we simply would not have been able to fund such a splendid anniversary function; his attendance along with Lady Bibby making the evening even more special. And of course to the amazing Elaine Humphries, ably supported by Tony Eastham, for her leadership of the 150th Anniversary Committee. Such inspired and creative ideas, brought together to create and deliver an absolutely outstanding weekend. There are not enough adjectives to describe the impact Elaine had on the weekend. Simply breathtaking.

But the special thank you must go to those of you who attended and gave to those worthy causes our Association support, you are all so incredibly generous, it is humbling. We raised a total of £5,400 over the weekend, amazing and humbling. Thank you!

Planning is now underway for the 2015 reunion weekend; it will of course revert back to the normal format, but with a few changes based on lessons learned from 2014. I would ask that you take a moment to please consider nominating a fellow member for the annual allowance to our ‘Less Fortunate Members’. This is a monetary award up to a maximum of £300 to go towards the costs associated with attending the annual reunion. The recipient must be a fully paid up member of the IOBA and not have been to a reunion under this proposal previously, and the name will be kept confidential by the committee.

Deo Adjuvante, or translated into English,  ‘With God’s Help, there is nothing to be afraid of’. And of course in Inde speak, ‘The Inde Way, get stuck in and get it done!

Thank you