MWA 2023 Reunion Black Tie Dinner Calling Notice Survey
Dear Association Member,
As you will be aware, from my previous email (dated 25th Nov) the association requested that I organise the MW Association Reunion and Annual General Meeting in the London area for 2023. In accordance with the association’s constitution, every fifth year, the association holds a Black-Tie event, and this was my brief for the 2023 reunion. After shopping around for various venues, we received a wide range of quotes, such as: –
| Tower Hotel & Port | £99.00 each | (food & venue hire only , cash bar for Wine & Port) |
| HQS Wellington | £108.25 each | (food, venue, ½ bottle of wine per person) |
| Trinity House | £170.00 each | (food and limited drinks) |
| Old Royal Naval College | £259.00 each | (Gala Dinner Package!) |
| HMS President | £110.50 each | (Food and Limited Venue) |
There were a number of other considerations such as, seating arrangements (round tables or mess dinner style), menu type, wine & port costs, etc; and with this in mind the committee opted for HQS Wellington.
HQS Wellington is now owned by the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, the HQS Wellington is moored on the Thames by the Embankment, (in the Old HMS President Berth) centrally positioned between the city and the West End, the former HMS Wellington is truly a Central London venue. An iconic venue and location, as seen on ITV’s This Morning translight backdrop, every weekday morning.
The welcome reception will be held on the quarterdeck, the Mess Dinner style meal will be held in the Courtroom (converted Engine Room) and guests will have the opportunity to have an iconic phot opportunity on the forecastle with the London Eye/Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) in the background. For a, slightly dated, virtual tour please visit https://youtu.be/3J7NYLkPyx0?t=195 and to see how this ex warship ended up as a renowned London event venue visit this link https://youtu.be/GOqJ_NO8sT4and https://www.hcmm.org.uk/about-us/our-livery-hall/hqs-wellington.html.
A venue used by the good and great of London Livery Company’s and Royalty, will allow numerous association members to get together, as was the case in Portsmouth for the Warrior Reunion in 2018, to reminiscence, spin dits, and meet ex shipmates. In addition, this event will allow Association Members and Guests the opportunity to toast His Majesty the King, for the first time. Thus, consolidating the associations pledge in our condolence letter sent to King Charles III.
We intend to make it a weekend event, with an informal get together on the Friday evening, at a venue to be decided. The Saturday morning will be one of leisure for those that do not wish to attend the Minewarfare Association Annual General Meeting onboard the HQS Wellington, with an envisaged start time of 1000, so that we can be finished in time for the start of the final Saturday of the Six Nations Rugby!
The main purpose of this survey is to gauge interest in this event amongst members, before we commit to signing a contract for minimum numbers. In conjunction with the Caterers and Honourable Company of Master Mariners we have managed to negotiate this improved package, at these trying times of austerity and inclusive of VAT, from that mentioned above: –
- 1 x Glass of Prosecco per person upon Arrival
- Chip & Pin Bar Facility 1930 -2330
- 3 Course Meal
- 1 x Bottle of house wine per person with dinner – option to purchase extra wine by the bottle at the tables
- One glass of Port
- Still/Sparkling mineral water on tables.
At a price of circa £130.00 each.
With an association subsidy, we are thinking of asking members and one guest to pay £80.00 each, £160.00 for a couple and/or £130.00 per additional guest. This will equate to the same subsidy given for the 2018 HMS Warrior Dinner, in Portsmouth, of £50.00 per member and their guest.
Would you all be so kind as to complete this very short form below please, so we can ascertain if there is sufficient interest before we commit to signing the final contract and paying the deposit.
Can we please ask for a response by 1200 on the 11th of December 2022, please.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this request and we await your replies.
