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OWA London Reunion 2008
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/owa/images/reunion1.jpg");)
The evening of 10 October 2008 saw a group of extremely suspicious looking types sidle into the Lord Moon of the Mall in Whitehall. They arrived singly and in small groups, attired in every kind of clothing from jeans to black tie (yes really!), designed to merge into the crowds thronging Londons streets.
On arriving at the pub, they congregated in small groups containing faces they recognised and the ploy seemed to work as the police were not called to deal with any misunderstandings with the rest of the pubs clientele.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/owa/images/reunion2.jpg");)
Recognition instantly became easier when a new arrival appeared armed with two splendid watercolours of the main driveway at the front of Welbeck Abbey and Chapel Court. Suddenly there were colours to rally the troops, but the groups cover was blown as civvies started to take an interest and ask what was going on. Not all of their eyes glazed over when they were told, which was nice.
This event was, of course, the inaugural London reunion of the resurgent Old Welbexian Association. Following a meeting in Main Building, the committee adjourned to the pub to await the arrival of an unknown number of other OWs. Eventually an impressive 50 or so turned up, with a few spouses and significant others to ensure behaviour was impeccable, or at least not completely outrageous.
The evening was purposely freeform with most choosing the staying in the pub drinking option, rather than heading off in small groups to restaurants. Many travelled some distance, with a couple having popped over from Germany. There was a wide span of ages, from the "guinea pig" who started as part of 01 Entry in September 1953, through to young subbies who had left only comparatively recently. Before too long we should see an increasing number of midshipmen, pilot officers and MOD boffins join the ranks.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/owa/images/reunion3.jpg");)
The date has already been set for the 2009 reunion and, judging by the enthusiasm for the first one, we hope to see a significant increase in attendance next year. To help move this along, please let all your OW friends know about the website and encourage them to register so we can reach as many people as possible. If we all keep working away at this, the OWA can once more become the vibrant fun association it once was. We look forward to seeing many more of you next year.
Robin McDowall, 41 Entry
