RSA Liverpool

Six members of the RSA Liverpool Branch; awoke one morning to find that a very official looking envelope had landed on their doormats. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Paul Clark had formally invited Aussie Graves, Frank Conlan, Bobby Taylor, Colin Svenson, Jim Abbot and Steve Brisk to attend an Annual Veterans Day; Civic Drinks Reception and Buffet on Wednesday 27th June 2007. However our Chairman Bobby Taylor was unable to attend as he was unavoidably detained (not by the Police on this occasion Ha-Ha-Ha). The venue for such a prestigious event was the historic Town Hall. The Town Hall was designed by John Wood, a famous architect from Bath. The foundation stone was laid in 1748. The new, supremely elegant Town Hall and exchange opened in 1754.

The Muster RV was to be the Liverpool Arms Public House on James Street. A little “Dutch Courage” was to be the order of the day with samplings of the Local ales. A short walk along South Castle Street brought us into full view of the prominent Town Hall. We also had the privilege of “christening” a new hip flask complete with two collapsible chargers brought along by Steve Brisk. A wee dram of Grants each; purely medicinal (tongue in cheek) was a welcome addition to the short stroll.

As we entered the Town Hall memories came flooding back for Frank Conlan as it was almost 25 years ago since he was last in the Town Hall with his family and while serving with 33 Signal Regiment; he was to be presented with the LS&GC. During the Reception it was clearly evident that old comrades were revitalising friendships with numerous handshakes and introductions to forge new friendships. At one point the Assistant Chief Constable Helen King made a bee-line towards Colin Svenson. Was it because she had seen his mug-shot in the rouges gallery? Or might it have been she had recognised his Police LS&GC medal? Father John was seen to be in fine spirit as he mingled among the congregation. Jim Abbot became our very own Maître-d' keeping us all well and truly fed. At one point Father John had to relieve him of a loaded food tray; he had become a little over excited in his assignment.

As our carriages were being summoned we declined an offer to join a number of serving personnel to continue the festivities in a number of well known night clubs within the City Centre. We hope they all had a well deserved drink and a good time.

Our thanks must go to The Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Paul Clark and not forgetting the Staff from the Town Hall and the Liverpool City Council for such an enjoyable event. It really was a grand occasion enjoyed by everyone.

Yet another very good time was had by all.