MCDOA members attend MWA Reunion weekend in Falmouth
17 Mar 2025 - Dual MCDOA/MWA members Bill Kerr and Rob Hoole have just attended the highly enjoyable Mine Warfare Association AGM and Reunion weekend at the Falmouth Hotel in Cornwall. This year is especially significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the MW sub-branch of the Royal Navy’s Operations (now Warfare) branch on 1 January 1975.
Several members had travelled a fair distance with Shiner Wright having come from his home in Switzerland. Most attendees arrived on the Friday night and met at the hotel before some went on to visit various old haunts in the town including the Chain Locker and the Club International (aka ‘Nashers’) but, to quote an old adage, “What happens in Falmouth, stays in Falmouth”.
Saturday morning included the lively AGM after which attendees were free to enjoy lunch in the town in delightful sunny weather. Some even watched the afternoon’s Six Nations England vs Wales rugby match although the result was greeted with some chagrin by several from west of the border.
The dinner on Saturday night included tots of rum for the men and sherry for the ladies for the traditional toasts, as well as delicious food, plentiful wine and outstanding service. We were also entertained by a table magician.
MCDOA member Dave Hunkin OBE, International Sales Manager for Mine Warfare Systems at Thales Defense & Security, was the guest after-dinner speaker and delivered an illuminating description of autonomous MCM systems being introduced into the Royal Navy and the enormous investment being made in the Mine Warfare branch to operate and support them.
The evening concluded with a raffle and an auction of MCM memorabilia, conducted by Taff Bow with the assistance of Tony Mulrain. These raised a four-figure sum towards the MWA’s planned memorial at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Huge thanks to John ‘Jan’ Harvey for organising such a joyful occasion and to Jim Hawkins, Taff Reader, Taff Bow, Tony Mulrain and everyone else, especially the other committee members, who helped make it so memorable, productive and problem-free.