As the oracle foretold, as the sun rose on a very wet 7th May 2004 AD men of immense statue (mostly waistlines) and their ladies came from all corners of the known world to the Germanic City of Dortmund. This was to the 7th reunion and the 2nd in Dortmund of 260 Signal Squadron (SAM). Great distances and many seas crossed the arrivals went without a hitch, and on being informed that the bar was open spirits soared in more ways than one. By the evening all but a few were ensconced in the Drees Hotel.

Saturday the 8th was to be the day of the brewery trip but due to heavy rain the brewery was flooded, so all the work Peter Lori had done was all invain but we are made of stronger stuff, so another cure for a hangover was found like visiting the old army camp and quarters areas, so these gallant men and women set forth on another journey of discovery, Chris Conroy, Stan Howard and myself took a slow walk to Westfalen Park in search of bratwurst and we were not disappointed. This time was also used to buy prizes for the raffle in the evening which I shall mention later. So to Saturday evening the time had arrived for the Annual General Meeting and the hotel had done us proud and had laid out the Venus room to perfection which was only surpassed by the excellent organisation of Geoff & Beryl Scott who not only provided us with name tags but had the raffle organised to an extent that only the Pentagon could dream of. The attendance for the AGM was superb and after putting the worlds problems to right, discussions centered on the purchase of a New Squadron Standard, this motion was carried unanimously. The other main topic was the location for the 2005 Reunion. Much work had been carried out by Ted Williams but after a full discussion of the pro's & con's it was decided by a unanimous vote to return to Loughborough in the third week of April next year. Full minutes will be published soon. So to the Main Event the banquet with unsarpassable organisation between Pete Lori and Herr Drees. We started by making two presentations one to Herr Drees a 260 Signal Squadron plaque for all his help for all the reunions we have had at his hotel, he responded by buying everyone a drink (take note John Townson) a second plaque was presented to Jan Greenland who made our superb Standard her support is greatly appreciated. After a great meal a very good and amusing raffle was held.

We remembered Absent Friends and a Loyal Toast to Her Majesty The Queen.

Many photographs were taken and Steve Freeman - Pannett even made a video which should make for excellent watching next year, and as sixties music drifted through the night the party got into full swing (More details may appear in the News of the World). The following morning after a hearty breakfast goodbyes were said and it is then you see the enthusiasm for 260 Signal Squadron never wains, and these people genuinely like being together and hopefully by next year we will crack the 300 member mark. Finally can I say at this stage Geoff, Beryl, Pete, Steve, Ulla, Goldie and John you are diamond geezers and all your hard work is appreciated. As I drove away I thought that 260's motto is right, Don't think about it just do it. We have and we will do it all again next year, and if our genius of a Webmaster called Archie Cairns has his way we will be known through the universe.

Thanks to you All

John Seymour Chairman