Are you ready for the Reunion?

From Pete Dawson:
Your organising committee met for the last time at the venue last evening before the reunion next weekend to finalise the programme and all of the other admin that goes with it.
Some key points for everyone attending -

Thursday 10/11/2011

• The registration desk will be open at the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave from midday in the function room. 
• Tea/coffee and bar facilities will be available on arrival;
• There will be a Happy Hour/Meet and Greet at the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave in the function room from 16:30 onwards.
• All registrants will have a name tag that has our loyalty card number printed on it so that we get cheaper drinks.
• With the assistance of the Christchurch City Council we have put together a registration pack that contains information about Christchurch. Be aware that some of the info may be earthquake dated but most of the main attractions are open, just don't try to go to either of the cathedrals!

Friday 11/11/2011

• The registration desk will be open at the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave from 08:00 to 10:30.
• There will be transport available from the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave from 10:30 for those that want transport to go to the Armistice Day Parade
• The Christchurch Armistice Day Parade and service will be held at the Henry Nicholas VC, MM statue on the banks of the Avon River at the corner of Hereford St and Cambridge Tce opposite the Central Police Station about 300m from the Bridge of Remembrance.
• The Armistice Day Parade will form at 10:50 and will be called to order a 11:00hrs by MC Mr Paul O'Connor
• The Col. Comdt. and Mike Dakin will place wreaths on behalf of RNZA and RNZA Association at the service.
• There will be a light lunch and bar facilities in the function room of the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave after the Parade and service.
• The Registration desk will be open from 12:30 onwards at the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave
• The afternoon is free and delegates should note that this is Canterbury Show Day and the AMP Show will be in full swing at the showgrounds. We can provide transport for anyone that wishes to visit the show. Shops will be open and the new 'Restart' shopping mall in Cashel St that opened last weekend will be in full swing. Good shopping and a chance to get a close up view of the Christchurch 'Red Zone'.
• There will be a Happy Hour/Meet and Greet at the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave from 16:30 onwards. The Chch RSA will also join us for their club night.

Saturday 12/11/2011

• The buses for the field trip will depart from the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave carpark at 09:30.
• The field trip will include a drive past the Christchurch 'Red Zone' then to Godley Head for a visit to the Coastal Artillery camp where 11 Coastal Battery RNZA were based. This will be followed by a trip to the port of Lyttelton where there will be a BBQ lunch with drinks available followed by a display and demonstration by 39 Mortar Bty RNZA.
• The buses will return to the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave carpark at approximately 15:30. The bar will be open in the function room
• The dinner will be held in the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave 18:30 for 19:00.
• Dress for the dinner is jacket with decorations and medals.
• There will be wine on tables and bar facilities throughout.
• The usual toasts will be made,
• There is a partial seating plan that will be on display throughout the weekend.
• The Guest Speaker is Vinnie Munroe, international rugby referee

Sunday 13/11/2011

• There will be a short remembrance service held in the carpark of the Speights Alehouse Bealey Ave commencing at 09:30.
• 39 Mortar Bty RNZA will provide a Light Gun as the focal point for this service and wreaths will be laid at the gun by the Col. Comdt and the RNZA Association.
• Morning tea will be served from 10:00 - 10:30 in the function room
• The RNZA Association AGM will commence in the function room at 10:30 and will be followed by a light lunch with bar facilities.

We currently have 62 registered for the field trip and 101 registered for the dinner.
We are really looking forward to seeing you all in Christchurch next week.
Don't forget, if you want our courtesy coach to collect you from the airport or have other transport need please let us know at pete@fishcon.net or Pete Dawson on 021-334381.
Take care and keep safe and we'll see you all in Christchurch.