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 The meal was served by members of the Papakura City Cadet Unit which has an historical association with the RNZA, and as well the Royal New Zealand Artillery Band played during the evening.
The Loyal Toast was given by Lieutenant Liz Furkert RNZA with all Gunners present being upstanding and drinking the health of the Captain General, HM Queen Elizabeth II, appropriately with Robard and Butlers Artillery Port.
The Toast to The Regiment was proposed by Rob Phillips, a Cadet Forces officer, who gave a humorous account of his 'several' associations with
members of the Royal regiment, and not all of them pleasant! The reply to The Regimental toast was given by Major Chris Bath RNZA, the Acting CO of 16th Field Regiment, who also took the opportunity to give a small 'State of the Nation' address on what is currently happening in the RNZA at this very busy time in its history. Major Bath also mentioned that the 50th Anniversary of 16th Field Regiment which was to have been held this year has now been put in abeyance due to operational commitments; it was suggested that there might well be an opportunity for ex-members of the Regiment to farewell 161 Battery later this year when it deploys on a Tour of Duty.
A toast to the Ladies was proposed by Dave Roberts and replied to by Mrs Joyce Bickerton.
Later after all Gunners present were in a convivial mood Jeff Waters spoke briefly on a proposed gift to the Papakura RSA of a "Gunner" bar leaner, and as well passed around an RNZA Lemonsqueezer hat complete with puggeree for donations. A sum of $200 was collected. Jeffrey broke with his usual tradition and did not this year recite "Drunken Gunners".
He also asked that if any other old Gunners would like to contribute to his bar leaner project to give him a buzz at home on (09) 296-2457...all donations most gratefully accepted!
The formal part of the evening ended when Major Denis Dwane MBE, RNZA presented to the Papakura RSA a beautifully framed map of the location of the 1st Australian Task Force at Nui Dat in the Republic of Vietnam.
After dinner most Gunners present were knee deep in cordite as all of the old stories and experiences were once again relived. The bar closed at
about midnight and a courtesy taxi was available to take all guests to their home or in many cases motels for those from out of town. New faces this
year included recently retired Cleave Hackett, John and Jackie Nagle, Brian and Jackie Soper.  Barry Oldham who is currently living in the wilds of the far north of New Zealand took a week off and has been catching up with many old mates from his Vietnam days.
The annual Gunners Day Dinner at Papakura is fast becoming another Gunner tradition and with the extensions that have recently taken place to the RSA Clubrooms, it is hoped to see even more couples and comrades at next year's dinner.
Click on the thumbnail to see the full-size image.
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