3rd. Ukaramcons Reunion
Edinburgh – 2010.
29th. July – 1st. August.
Edinburgh - Scotland
Another enjoyable Ukaramcons Reunion was held over 4 days beginning on Thursday 29th July and finishing on Sunday Morning 1st. August. In between 2 evening meals and a golf tournament were held with the reunion dinner on the final evening Saturday 31st.July.
Although the reunion ended as a great success it started off on a low note. During Thursday afternoon around sixty booked into the Hotel and congregated in the lounge greeting friends from years gone by and those they met at the last reunion in Maidenhead/Windsor. The excitement was beginning to build already and the level of conversation could be heard rising as the afternoon progressed.
Most had travelled a long distance by car but none more so than Louis Rotter, who drove all the way from Hungary to be at the Reunion. Others had flown in from Holland, Orkneys, Portugal, Saudi Arabia and Spain. After such long journeys most elected to eat at the Hotel, which had put on a special evening menu. This turned out to be a bad move but unfortunately there was little that could be done at the time to improve things. On the other hand where else could we have tasted fish and chips with CARROTS!!! A few of us had a starter but those who only wanted the main course had to wait until they were finished before the rest could be served. For a time it looked as though we had joined the wrong party as it felt like a wedding reception. Eventually, after an hour, the main course was served. A lot of us requested Fish and Chips expecting it to come with the usual veg. of mushy peas. Were we surprised when it was served with carrots, and unfortunately they turned out to be the best part of the meal!! Thankfully it takes a lot to get Ukaramcons down and although disappointed with the evening meal the conversation carried on as normal and into the early hours of the morning for some.
Others went to bed at a reasonable time as they were involved in the 3rd. Ukaramcons Golf Tournament early on Friday morning and were up for breakfast at 7:30am. Credit due when deserved, the breakfast was 100% better than the evening meal the previous night and there was plenty of choice..jpg)
As the golfers left for the golf course the other guests were arriving down for breakfast before going sight–seeing and shopping in Edinburgh. The weather was kind to us once again and the conditions for playing golf were very good. The Tournament was held at Silverknowes Golf Course beside the Firth of Forth just east of the Forth Railway Bridge which is well known and one of many tourist attractions in Edinburgh. With a number of prizes to be won in the modified Stableford Competition, co-sponsored by AOC Uk Ltd. and etvideo (the Hosts), the golfers set off down the first fairway in good spirits. The course was undulating and very open with excellent fairways, only a few holes were lined by trees, but the greens were fast. Needless to say the scoring was not good but all who played thoroughly enjoyed their day.
On their return to the Hotel they arrived to meet others booking into the Hotel and some returning from their day out. By late afternoon more Ukaramcons had arrived and you could hear the screams of delight as old friends were reunited. Slowly but surely the Ukaramcons were beginning to take over the Hotel.
In the evening nearly everyone went to the Lauriestone Farm Toby Carvery. Transportation was arranged for 7:00pm with Edinburgh City Cabs and everyone met up in reception and as the taxis arrived 67 guests were ferried to the Restaurant.
The Toby Carvery is a popular eating house and in the past has always given us a good meal and excellent service. The staff were very friendly and the Manager kept his staff back an extra 30 minutes at normal closing time to accommodate everyone while waiting for their transport back to the Hotel at 11:00pm, where normal service resumed until very late. Many of the attendees commended City Cabs on their time keeping and the Cab-drivers who were always jolly and helpful. They were used repeatedly throughout the week-end by all..jpg)
Saturday morning was another beautiful day just what was required for a final day of sight-seeing. Edinburgh Castle was a favourite place along with Princes Garden with the floral clock and beautiful borders. One of the floral displays commemorated 100years of the Girl Guides Association. Others visited the Falkirk Wheel, Royal Botanic Gardens and The Royal Yacht Britannia to name a few and of course the last minute shopping.
The Reunion dinner kicked off at 6:00 pm and as everyone came up the staircase to the reception room they were offered a welcome drink of Bucks-Fizz or Fruit Juice. They were then welcomed by their host, Tom Henderson and each Lady was given a large single red rose by their hostess, Eileen Henderson. In the background Charlie Stewart played the Bagpipes as the crowd congregated and talked about their excursions.
At 7:00pm the Host called everyone to their tables and once settled he welcomed everyone with the customary Salam Alekom. He remarked how nice it was to see so many faces who have attended past reunions and hoped those who had come for the first time have enjoyed themselves and would come to the next.
With a few items to be addressed before dinner he moved quickly on to the results of the Golf Tournament announcing the prize winners and presenting the prizes.
Longest Drive on Hole #14 - For a while it was Mickey Mouse until Andrew Mullen .jpg)
passed his mark by 30 cms. – Prize, Taylor Made R9 Players Towel.
Nearest the Pin on Hole #8 – With less than brilliant golf, add fast greens,
result - nobody was able to hold the green.
What should have been given for 3rd. place was given to 4th. Place
with 18 Points. - Dave Harry - Prize, Taylor Made Golf Cap 2010.
With no winner of nearest the pin the prize went to 3rd Place
with 21 Points. - Janet Scott - Prize, Taylor Made R9 Players Towel.
Runner up with 25 Points.
- Allan Martin - Prize, Taylor Made R9 64inch Double Canopy Umbrella 2010.
Winner of the 3rd. Ukaramcons Golf Tournament with 28 Points.
– Murray Welsh - Prize, Taylor Made Burner Super Rescue (Graphite Shaft) 2010 Club.
A Consolation prize of a PGA Tour Perfect Touch Chipping Net was presented to the Player who had the most exercise – Bill Davies.
Next on the agenda was a report on the website and Tom announced he was thinking of closing the site due to the lack of information being sent to him. He said it was difficult to keep the site interesting without the participation of Ukaramcons. He stated it would stay open until the start of next year but if things continue the same it will be closed but he will keep the email address running.
The bad news out of the way Tom introduced Martin Wingrove, Assist to Mr Ahmed Alzayyat, Managing Director AOC B.V.
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Martin gave Mr. Ahmed Alzayyat’s apologies as he could not attend due to Company commitments and that he had been assigned the task of representing AOC.
He started by talking about the events that had taken place since the last reunion – Saudi Aramco Reunion 2009 – the new Malls which have sprung up all over Al Khobar. All of which brought back fond memories - the bargains that could be had if you risked the dangers of the Khobar highway to hit King Khalid Street or the dark depths of the Shula Mall – A haircut still costs 13sr. – Tank full of Petrol (gas) less than a Fiver. - a Schawarma for 5sr. Memories we all share.
To close he talked about the Reunion which started from a few friends from Abqaiq getting together, to the major gathering it is today and how appropriate the Reunion should coincide with the launch of the new Alaela Magazine, which means Family in Arabic.
Martin finished his speech by presenting to the Host a letter from Mr. Ahmed M. Alzayyat which thanked the Host and Hostess for their endeavours and ensuring AOC’s support for the next Reunion in either Wales or Ireland in 2012.
Tom thanked Martin on behalf of all Ukaramcons and said he would write a letter of thank you to the MD.for their continuing support.
Copies of the Martin’s full speech and Managing Director’s letter can be seen by clicking on the links below.
(Martin’s Speech) (Managing Director’s letter.)
It was at this point Tom explained to everyone that the Golf Prizes were co-sponsored by AOC Uk Ltd and etvideo (Hosts) Tom hoped as it was the first time AOC had co-sponsored the golf, they would become more involved with the next Tournament and that many more players would enter the Tournament. The Welcoming Drinks was sponsored by the Holiday Inn and finally the Reunion Dinner and decorations was sponsored by Aramco Overseas Company BV..jpg)
Finally, Tom introduced Kimberly Johans P.R. A.O.C. Uk Ltd. who was his contact with AOC. Kimberly is also the editor of the Alaela Magazine. She announced that Management had given Ukaramcons the privilege to launch the Magazine at the Reunion. She continued by thanking all those who contributed - many of whom were at the Reunion. She gave a special mention to the Hosts, Eileen & Tom Henderson, Lynne Hampson, Penny Walker and Colin Knight who helped to critique the pre-production of the magazine during various stages of development and presented them with a first copy. A few photos were then taken of those involved with the first issue.
See (Alaela Launch Article)
Thanking Kimberly, Tom asked the attendees to give Kimberly their full support and to send in their travel stories and photographs. He informed everyone that they would receive a copy of the magazine after dinner.
The speeches over dinner was then served.
After dinner a prize draw was held where all the flowers which were the table centres were given out as prizes to the Ladies and for the men 6 prizes of Scottish Single Malt.
As a token of appreciation for everything AOC has done for Ukaramcons this year, the Host on their behalf presented a small gift to Martin Wingrove and Bouquet of Flowers to his wife Ann.
Flowers were also given to the Hostess for the continuing support she gave to the Host while organising the event and to Carmel Philp who gave her time to set up the gifts for the evening.
At this point, Tom thanked Sandra Smith of Design-a-Party for the decoration of the room with the Balloons, the beautiful flower arrangments on the tables and the gorgeous bouquets.
Martin then surprised both Hostess and Host by announcing it had been Eileen’s Birthday on Thursday 29th July and it was Tom’s Birthday today 31st July and while his wife Ann came forward with a token birthday cake the Reunion rang out with a rendition of Happy Birthday.
Another surprise was given to the Host by Charlie Stewart the piper at the start of the evening. He presented, on behalf of all those who attended, a Scottish Quaich and a single malt miniature to Tom for his endeavours in putting the reunion together. He said it was due to his hard work that it had been a great success. Tom thanked Charlie and accepted it had had its moments but the real success was done by those who attended - without them none of this would have happened. He poured the single malt into the cup, raised it, and before drinking it wished everyone Good Health.
To end the evening Tom announced that AOC as in past reunions had a Commemorative Gift for everyone along with copies of the new Alaela Magazine and proceeded to distribute them.
A fantastic night of reminiscing and laughter continued into the following morning.
Sunday morning and everyone filtered in to breakfast and the chatter filled the Restaurant area as people said Good-bye and exchanged contact details. It had been a good reunion but as they had arrived one by one on the Thursday and Friday, they left vowing to be back in 2012.
To see the photographs taken by Hatim Oweida - Official Photographer, Host and Hostess,
click on the above Photographs or on Photo Gallery 2010
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Below are typical samples of the comments emailed in after the Reunion.
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The arrangements on Saturday were great and we both enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces - in fact many faces but thank you for the name badges as our memories aren't quite what they were!
Once again, thanks for all your hard work - we're looking forward to the next one!!!!
Margo Rochefort & Andy Mullen
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I wish to thank all who were involved in the Reunion last Saturday in Edinburgh. After 25 years it was amazing how many I remembered, I will now be looking forward to the next DO in 2012. Regards to all EX ARAMCONS.
Charlie Stewart.
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What a super time I had even if I didn't know a lot of people but I certainly got to meet and hopefully get in touch with a few of them again. I had a great time and hope that I can manage to the next one. You and Eileen must have put in a lot of work beforehand but it certainly paid off as everyone at our table certainly enjoyed the night and the Friday night too. It will be nice to breath easily for a while and now that you've done 3 reunions the 4th will be a dawdle - you know it will. Once again, thanks for a fantastic weekend.
regards Joan Anderson
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The Aramco reunion last weekend went really well & thanks so much for organising it
It was good to meet so many of my old pals after about 25 years, reminiscing about our adventures both then & since, & I've still not got thru the 'goody bag' contents. The beautiful red rose, however, is still looking wonderful in spite of a very long & arduous train journey from Edinburgh to Bristol & then to Keynsham!
Many thanks again, Tom & Eileen, & enjoy a rest before you start organising the next one!
Margaret Downing
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Another wonderful Reunion, Everyone we met really enjoyed themselves. What a lot of hard work you had both obviously put in. We had a marvellous time and look forward to the next.
Wishing you both well and thanks. It seems a long time ago since Lynne’s 5oth when we were discussing an Abqaiq get together – from little acorns oak trees grow!
All the best to you both.
Tony & Lois
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Just wanted to say thank you to you and your wife for organising such a successful event. It is the first one that I and my friends had been to, but we are all eager to do it all again in two years time. It was amazing to meet up with so many old friends, some of whom we hadn’t seen for some 25 years or so. Thank you so much for all your hard work, I know that it was appreciated by all.
Barbara Williams
P.S. Table decoration and rose still going strong!
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Sue Whittaker and myself would like to thank you both so very much for all your time and effort to ensure that we all had such a great time in Edinburgh. One is always a little apprehensive about meeting people you haven't seen for 20 years in Sue's case and 25 in my own. However we should have remembered how it always was with Aramco folk and it was as though we had only seen them a couple of days ago. (except of course for the grey hair and increased waist lines in some cases!!!). I'm sure you are both totally exhausted now so have a good rest and start thinking about 2 years time – its definitely on my calendar.
Gill Gundry
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Hello Tom, I just got back to Spain and I want to thank you for the wonderful job you did on the Reunion.
We really enjoyed it, more than we had even expected. I know just how much work you must have put in and it really is most appreciated.
Thank you so much to you and your wife. I know everyone had a great time.
We are looking forward to the next one in two years.
Thanks again. Ruth Yates
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What a lovely weekend we all had - thank you so much for all your hard work and preparation, and in making it such a success. My thanks also to Eileen - I'm sure it involved her a lot too. Please also pass on my thanks to all those at AOC for their work and generosity.
There was certainly plenty of choice of things to do, easy to get around on the local buses, etc. I enjoyed our evening at the Carvery too on the Friday - really good value for money, and a good chance to take to others there.
With all good wishes,
Kind regards,
Angela
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I just wanted to send a note to say a big thank you for organising the Edinburgh reunion. I think most of us realise just how much effort it takes to plan a gathering like this and how much time it takes.
I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and it was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends from the past - no matter how much time has elapsed we all have our Saudi experiences in common and so many shared experiences from the Desert!!!
Again - many thanks. Your efforts are really appreciated.
Best regards
Judy Enright
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Belated thanks to you and your wife for all the effort you both put into organizing the Edinburgh reunion. It was a lovely evening and I was thrilled to meet so many of my old friends. You both worked really hard and I just wanted to say that I appreciated all the work you had undertaken.
Thank you again. Best wishes to you both.
Margaret Jepson
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Thank you very much, again, for all the work you did. I, and my friends who had not attended before, thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to attending in future.
Best regards
Shona More
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