Illustrated report of the Tristan da Cunha Association Annual Gathering held on the 22nd April 2006 in Bournemouth.

See also:

2006 Annual Gathering at Bournemouth

Annual Gathering at Bournemouth - Saturday April 22nd 2006
Most Ambitious and Successful Annual Gathering to Date

Chairman Michael Swales shows members and guests the Tristan da Cunha Flag presented by Chief Islander Anne Green during the RMS St Helena Quincentenary Cruise visit to Tristan in February. Also shown are the three copies of paintings by the artist Edward Seago made during the visit of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to Tristan in 1957.

Photo : Beau Rowlands

Tristan da Cunha Millennium Tapestry

Shown right is the Millennium Tapestry segment made in St Marys School which was displayed at the Annual Gathering in Bournemouth and will join other contributions from UK Overseas Territories.

The Association has printed winning Christmas Cards from a recent competition at the school, which are available at £1.75 for a pack of 6, post free for Association Members. See the July Newsletter for details.

Over a hundred members and friends of the Tristan Association gathered at the Studland Dene Hotel, Alum Chine, Bournemouth for the 500th Anniversary Annual Gathering. After viewing exhibitions and a buffet lunch a meeting was held in the afternoon including a report on the most successful RMS St Helena Quincentenary Cruise by its co-ordinator, Association Chairman Michael Swales.

An Evening Dinner Dance featured the music of the St Helena Band supported by Islander Ricky Ryan (alias Elvis) who also travelled to Tristan to perform his show and raise money for sound equipment.

The event was blessed with glorious weather, enabling those present to enjoy the views across to the Isle of Wight and Old Harry Rocks from the hotel terrace (shown left) for lunch and drinks during the day.

A full report and more photographs will appear in the July Newsletter. Tristan Annual Gatherings are proving very popular, with over 80 members staying over the weekend, some flying in from Germany, Holland, Sweden, Ireland, Canada and the USA. Watch tristandc.com to book for the 2007 Annual Gathering.

VIP Group Photograph

Pictured left to right are Tristan Islanders Geraldine Repetto, Debbie Elsmore (nee Repetto) and Gillian Grela, together with Debbie's daughter Megan, front left and Gillian's children Jose, back right, Conchita (middle front) and Ramon (far right). Photo : Beau Rowlands

The Association asks all Islanders to make contact to receive details of future events.