First Ever All-Brit Aramco Reunion Held in England
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Author: Tom Henderson
Released 4 October 2007
Allan Fox and Eileen Henderson, Allan had just flown in from Saudi Arabia and Eileen, as Hostess, was welcoming people as they arrived.
On August 24th, 2007 the Aramco-Brits held their 1st Reunion at the Holiday Inn, Derby-Nottingham, Sandiacre, Nottinghamshire, England. The weather was hot and sunny which encouraged everyone to sit outside welcoming each other in turn as they arrived.
In the evening they all went out for dinner at an old Mill converted into an English pub and restaurant. As they arrived the sun was setting over the fishing lake in front of the Restaurant making it the perfect scenic start to the reunion.
On the Saturday morning the golfers were up early for breakfast, then off to Broughton Heath Golf Club, Derbyshire, where the 1st. Aramco-Brits Invitational Golf Tournament was played. There were prizes at 4 holes - for nearest the pin and a prize for the golfer who scored the most points in the modified Stableford Tournament.
Those not playing Golf went shopping and sight-seeing in Derby and Nottingham. Some explored Nottingham Castle while others enjoyed the Shopping in the local markets.
On the Saturday evening the hosts, Eileen and Tom Henderson, welcomed the guests with glasses of Champagne sponsored by the Holiday Inn and gave every Lady a red rose.
Ami Louli, Martin Wingrove, Bob Nickson, Tom Henderson, Bill & Ida Davies preparing to play the Aramco-Brits Invitational Golf Tournament on the Saturday Morning.
Tom welcomed everyone with ‘Salaam Alekum’ and explained there were a few items to be addressed before dinner. He began by announcing the winners of the Golf Tournament - two finished with the same number of points, Bill Davies and Martin Wingrove, both having 33pts and on a count back Bill Davies was the winner. Martin did not lose out as he got nearest the pin on Hole No. 8 while Allan Fox won on Hole No.11 and Graeme Mumby at Hole No. 16. With Martin having already won on Hole No. 8 the final prize - 3rd overall – was won by Darrin Henderson. Ami Louli was given a consolation prize for having the most exercise of all the Golfers!!!!!!!
The prizes were sponsored by the Hosts, Tom & Eileen.
As next year will be Saudi Aramco’s 75th Anniversary Tom suggested having another Reunion but this time to open it up to all British Aramcons. Everyone agreed and volunteers to help organise the event were asked to contact him after the dinner.
Another first and unknown to everyone, the host had developed a simple website for British Aramcons, of which they were given a tour. It was explained that their participation was required and the sending of photographs and articles to be published was imperative. It was agreed by everyone that the site name www.ukaramcons.co.uk should be adopted and be launched in September 2007.
With the website adopted the company had another surprise. Again unknown to them Tom had made contact with Vicci Thompson of AramcoExPats who in turn contacted Aramco Overseas Company b.v. Leiden, Holland. When AOC Management heard what was being planned they generously agreed to sponsor the flowers, Dinner and Table Wine. They also sent a representative (Juvie DeKoning) with a Stand and she gave out Music CD’s and various Aramco publications. AOC also gave each guest a commemorative gift to mark the occasion.
This received enthusiastic and spontaneous applause from all of the guests.
Mr Salah Masoud, Director of Industrial Relations, AOC b.v., Leiden congratulating the company on the occasion of the 1st Aramco-Brits Reunion.
At this point Tom introduced Mr. Salah Al-Masoud, Director of Industrial Relations, AOC b. v. Salah informed the guests that AOC were happy to sponsor the event as it brought Aramco workmates, friends and families together. He emphasised it was the first such event for UK Aramcons in Europe and hoped there would be more to follow. He congratulated the Host on the hard work put into organising the reunion and in the selection of such a lovely and inspirational location as Nottinghamshire. Salah spoke about the history of the area and how it reflected on the retirees who had shown the same energy, expertise, insight and enthusiasm while working for Saudi Aramco. He finished by saying it had been a pleasure to address the guests and hoped he would be invited next year.
The guests as a whole applauded Mr Salah Al-Masoud and Tom assured him that his invitation was in the post!!!!
Just before dinner photographs were taken of the group which will be posted on the website, AramcoExPats, AOC Overseas and The Arabian Sun.
The overwhelming opinion of the attendees was that the weekend had been a fantastic success, meeting up with old friends and making new - something to be repeated next year.