OS Dinner on HMS BELFAST
7 November 2018
On Wednesday evening, 144 Old Stoics and guests gathered for the Old Stoic Dinner aboard HMS BELFAST. We were astounded by the popularity of this occasion: tickets sold out six months in advance of the event, no doubt due to the historic vessel which played host to our gathering.
The evening took a strong Royal Navy theme, with three Old Stoic Admirals in attendance, including Former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sir George Zambellas (Walpole 76) and Former Second Sea Lord and Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent (Grafton 67). We were also delighted to be joined by a number of Old Stoics who have served in the armed forces, which was fitting due to our fine location and close proximity to Remembrance Sunday.
After boarding the Ship, guests gathered in the Ward & Ante Rooms for Drinks and were given the opportunity to explore the vessel. Admiral Sir George Zambellas (Walpole 76) was spotted giving guests a tour of the Ship – a once in a lifetime opportunity for those with him.
The Ship tannoy announced the call for Dinner and guests were then ushered through the bowels of the Ship to the Ship’s Company Dining Room, where guests were seated for Admiral Sir George Zambellas’ (Walpole 76) very entertaining Naval Grace.
After a cured salmon starter, our guest speaker, Mike Stewart (Chandos 62), shared his story of recovering five tons of Russian gold from HMS EDINBURGH, lost in 800 feet on Arctic Convoys. HMS EDINBURGH was sister ship to HMS BELFAST. Mike’s story brought to life the realities and practicalities of treasure hunting, made possible only by the technological developments in the early 1980s.
After Mike’s speech, guests dined on guinea fowl followed by gingerbread panna cotta. Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent (Grafton 67) kindly gave the Loyal Toast and in Royal Navy tradition, asked guests to remain seated. The Old Stoic Chairman, Jonathon Hall (Bruce 79) then offered his thanks to the Society for the honour of serving as our Chairman over the last three years before introducing Dr Anthony Wallersteiner. Anthony ended the evening’s proceedings with an entertaining speech about Stowe and the 100th Anniversary of the end of the Great War.
As expected, HMS BELFAST provided an exciting and unusual venue for the OS Dinner. A true highlight of the evening was the opportunity to see the London skyline and Tower Bridge lit up in all its finery from the Ship’s deck – guests gathered for photos with the stunning view before making their way into the night, some seemed to have found their sea legs whilst on the Ship.
I would like to thank all those who joined us for the OS Dinner this year, making the event truly memorable. My express thanks go to our guest speaker, Mike Stewart (Chandos 62), who shared his story with our merry crowd. The staff at HMS BELFAST looked after us superbly and we were delighted to be graced by our Old Stoic Admirals, who added to the sense of occasion perfectly by dressing in their full mess kit and medals.
Click here to see the photos from the evening.
Anna Semler (Nugent 05)