Firstly I would like to thank everyone who attended our 11th Reunion. I really don't want to name individuals but I believe a special welcome must be made to the families of our fallen brothers who attended for the first time and hopefully they will continue to do so. It goes without saying how pleased we were to see our new C.O. Lt. Col. Andy Harrison MBE, R.S.M, Tony Hobbins, Maj. Allen Steele (Padre) and Brig. Chip Chapman and last but by no means least our very own Chelsea Pensioners Ralph Dickenson and Jim McGovan. Unfortunately Gen. Eberhardy was unable to attend but perhaps next year he will be able to join us. Our Arnhem veterans also missed this year due to ill health however I am sure they will make it in 2010.

As always the weekend (it seems to be growing every year i.e. people arriving on Thursday and staying until Monday) started with panics about weather, trains and general traffic conditions after all we did have four snowflakes. Trying to get through reception on Friday was nearly impossible as cases were abandoned as their owners on hearing that famous Airborne battle cry 'It's a £1 a pint' stampeded to the bar. Wives fought valiantly to prize their spouses from the bar without much success. The party went into the early hours of Saturday morning with old friendships being renewed. Saturday morning started with road, walk and run at 6 am.!!!!! then we all went to have breakfast.

After our annual visit to the Legion we arrived back at the hotel to watch a power point presentation on the tour in Afghanistan and given the attendance I am sure it will be included, battalion permitting for the foreseeable future. The C.O brought the battalion photograph albums which resurrected memories of places and people from our past. Did we really look like that?

On Saturday evening the dinner started on time and went well. For the first time in the reunion history we had a vegetarian meal request, it probably won't happen again. The toasts and speeches were kept as short and sweet as possible however special thanks goes to the PRA Lincoln branch who helped support our Wounded Soldiers Appeal and we are now in a position to give financial support at short notice. Our members who helped with the family's room at Selly Oak Hospital have my eternal gratitude. I am sure they don't want naming as that is not what it is about.

This year the 2 Para Reunion Club presented miniature medals with the name and conflict of every man we have lost since the last war. It will be displayed at the Battalion Headquarters. Already this year is off to a flying start with the club sponsoring the Inter Company Boxing and I am sure there is more for us to do in the future and we stand ready and willing. The Battalion is gearing up for their next tour but hopefully will still be here next February.

We are starting with a fundraiser which will take place Friday 2 - Sunday 4 October in Blackpool. Cost is £75 p.p. raffle prizes welcome. For the reunion in February there are two booking rates, £78 p.p. or £88 p.p. for a single room. The cost of the extra nights is £25 p.p. Rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so book early to avoid disappointment. Hopefully this will make life easier for everyone.

I would on a personal note like to make an observation. 2 Para on their last tour performed way and above expected levels. They lost men due to I.E.D's and took many casualties but the boys kept going giving their all to the end of the tour. Some of the management in their infinite wisdom failed to recognise the courage, commitment and individual acts of bravery. They have their conscience to live with. To the Officers, non Commissioned Officers and Men of 2 Para we salute you.

Utrinque Paratus