Our Reunions

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Why We Move the Reunion Around

Some ship associations hold their reunion in the same place every year, and we have had to do that for the last few years due to hotel availability. In 2027, we will revert to a rotation.

Our shipmates are spread across the UK. If we held the reunion in Portsmouth every year, it would always be the same southern-based members who attend, and we’d never see shipmates from Scotland, the North, or the Midlands. By rotating between northern, midlands, and southern locations, we make sure that everyone gets a turn being local and a turn travelling.

It also means each reunion weekend feels different. New hotel, new area to explore, new pubs to discover. Some of our best reunions have been in places nobody expected.

If you have a suggestion for a future reunion location or know of a good hotel that would suit us, tell the committee. We’re always looking for the next great venue.  

Coming for the First Time?

If you’ve never been to a reunion before, you might be wondering what to expect. Here’s the honest truth:

It’s a weekend in a hotel with people you used to share a ship with. Some of them you’ll remember. Some of them won’t look anything like they did forty years ago (neither will you). Some of them you’ll never have met because you served at different times. But you’ll all have one thing in common: you were part of HMS Andromeda’s ship’s company. And that’s enough.

There’s no initiation, no standing on ceremony, no pressure to buy rounds, tell stories, or do anything you don’t want to do. The people who come to these things are ordinary blokes, women and their families, getting together because the bonds forged on a warship don’t dissolve when you step ashore.

Every single person who comes for the first time says the same thing afterwards: “I wish I’d come years ago.”

If you’d like to come but feel a bit nervous about it, tell us. We can introduce you to people who served around the same time, or simply make sure someone says hello when you arrive. You won’t be on your own for long.

Accommodation

We negotiate a group rate at a reunion hotel each year, which typically includes bed and breakfast and use of the function rooms for our events. The group rate is usually the best deal available, but you’re under no obligation to stay at the reunion hotel.

If you’d prefer to stay at another hotel, a B&B, or with friends or family nearby, that’s absolutely fine. You’re welcome at all reunion events regardless of where you’re sleeping. The only requirement is that you register so we know you’re coming.

How Many Days do I Attend? - We are flexible

You can attend as many days /  nights as you want. Some people do the whole weekend, some do one day, some do Friday and Saturday, and some only turn up for a DTS. Your choice, we are flexible, we would just like to see you.

What to wear

Keep it simple:

• Thursday / Friday / Sunday: Casual. Whatever you’re comfortable in.
• Saturday morning (AGM): Casual. It’s a meeting, not a parade. Stokers usually wear T-shirts with humorous motifs.
• Saturday evening (gala dinner): Smart. Jacket and tie (if you want), lounge suit, or equivalent. Medals may be worn if you wish, but are entirely optional. Ladies: smart evening wear or whatever you feel good in.

That’s it. No mess dress, no formal uniforms, no anxiety about getting it wrong.