This year will mark the 70th Anniversary of the Exeter Window in the Cathedral – the service of dedication took place on 1st March 1948.
As you may know, the Stained Glass Window in St. Andrew’s Chapel, within Exeter Cathedral, was commissioned in memory of the officers and crew of HMS Exeter lost or presumed dead in World War II. The window was paid for by survivors and families of the ship,. These families - the Macassar Group (named after the first camp in which most of the survivors were interred) have continued to hold an annual reunion, every year since the dedication.
With the strong bond of families and friendships which has sustained and grown over the years, we aim to make 2018 a very special anniversary for the Exeter Association.
The Reunion Weekend Format:
- Friday 2nd March - Formal Dinner
- Saturday 3rd March - Civic Reception, Remembrance Service, Lunch inc 'Up Spirits', Evening Reunion
- Sunday 4th March - Macassar Service, AGM
Friday 2nd March;
Many 'Exeters' will be staying locally in the city. The following hotels been recommended by members:
- Mercure, Southgate Hotel
- White Hart
- Premier Inn
- Travel lodge
- Mercure, Rougemont
On Friday evening...for those not attending the Formal Dinner there will be a chance to meet informally at the White Ensign Club. There are also some great places to eat and things to do in the city for those arriving early.
Hotel Information & Discounts
Mercure Southgate Hotel
Location: Southernhay East, Exeter, EX1 1QF.
Check in is available from 14:00.
The negotiated weekend rates are for Bed & Breakfast
(NB rates may change closer to the event so you are advised to book early)
- Single Room - £90 per room, per night, including B&B. (Note: This is for a double bedded room.) (£180 for 2 nights inclusive)
- Double Room - £100 per room, per night, including B&B. (£200 for 2 nights inclusive)
- Double Premier Room - £120 per room, per night, including B&B (£240 for 2 nights inclusive)
- Parking - £6 per car, per day. This is Secure and onsite. (£12 for 2 days inclusive)
Disability information: (Our view) this hotel is regarded as the most suitable to those with mobility restrictions. There are disabled rooms available on the Ground Floor of which two have been reserved. Blue badge holders, will obtain FREE parking.
Other Facilities available: The hotel has the events function room, bar, lounge and restaurant. There is a leisure Spa with heated pool, sauna and fitness room, all these facilities are located on the Ground Floor.
Note: There is no booking deposit required, the hotel will request your card details to secure the booking, and payment will be required in full on check in. If you wish to make payment in full at the time of booking your room you are able to do so.
Location: If facing the WEC, the Mercure is on the road to the right, with access via the front of the building.
We’ve managed to negotiate a 20% saving, getting the rates lower than back in 2016 and the parking at a 50% discount.
To make your reservation, please contact the booking line: 01392 412812, Option 1.
Booking Discount Code: HMS EXETER
The White Hart Hotel
Location: 66 South Street, Exeter, EX1 1EE.
Check in is available from 14:00.
The negotiated weekend rates are for Bed & Breakfast - only a few rooms left at the rates below.
Reunion guests are advised to book asap
- Single Room - £74 per room, per night, including B&B. (£148 for 2 nights inclusive)
- Double/Twin Room - £85 per room, per night, including B&B. (£168 for 2 nights inclusive)
- Parking - Free to residents, onsite. (Car Registration required on check in).
Disability information: (Our view) this hotel has various levels, although there is a lift available, the layout, might not be suitable to wheelchair users or those with restricted mobility.
Other Facilities available: The hotel has a bar, lounge and restaurant located on the Ground Floor, although internally has various levels and steps, including a Beer Garden.
Location: Across the road from the WEC, older building with an annex to the rear, a Marston’s pub & hotel, so decent beer and good food. Access is via the back for residents staying, for food etc… via the front or beer garden to the rear.
Note: There is a no booking deposit required, they will request your card details to secure the booking, and payment will be required in full on check in. If you wish to make payment in full at the time of booking your room you are able to do so.
We’ve managed to negotiate the rates to be kept at the 2017 prices.
To make your reservation, please contact the booking line: 01392 279897.
Booking Discount Code: HMS EXETER
Premier Inn Hotel
Location: City Centre, 2 Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1SG.
Check in is available from 14:00.
The following prices are correct at the time of producing information based on the fixed super saver rate; the prices will vary at the time of booking, it is advised to get the best deal to book as soon as you are able to do so.
- Single Room - £59.99 per room, per night, including B&B. (£119.98 for 2 nights inclusive)
- Double/Twin Room - £68.98 per room, for 2 nights, including B&B, based on two adults sharing. (£137.96 for 2 nights inclusive)
- Parking - £10 per night, underneath the hotel, onsite.
Disability information: (Not known). Although the website states it is disability friendly.
Other Facilities available: The hotel has a bar, lounge and restaurant.
To make your reservation, please contact the booking line: 0871 527 9570.
Booking: No Booking Code, please book early to get the most competitive rates, as they are likely to change as the hotel becomes increasingly booked.
Formal Dinner - Hotel Mercure Southgate on Friday 2nd March
The Formal Dinner is open to all members of the Association who would like to attend.
At 19:00 pre-dinner drinks (available for purchase) in the Seymour Suite.
At 19:30 guests will be invited to be seated for a delicious 3 course evening meal, - including "up spirits"
Drinks are not included in the evening meal package House wine is available for purchase at £19.95. Please pre-order when you book your attendance for the meal. There is an option to pre-order bottles in advance on the website.
Dress Code: Dinner Jackets/Cocktail Dress; (optional Lounge Suits or equivalent, including Kilts!)
Menu
Roasted Tomato & Basil Soup
Farmhouse Pork & Liver Pate
apricot and orange chutney with melba toast
Duo of Smoked Salmon & Haddock with Crab
samphire, saffron & caper mayonnaise
****
Pesto Coated Chicken Supreme
cherry tomato confit, buttered fondant potato, fluted carrots & fine French beans
Oven Baked Loin of Cod
white wine saffron cream sauce, buttered fondant potato, fluted carrots & fine French beans
Caramelised Red Onion & Goats Cheese Tarte Tatin
with seasonal salad & Balsamic dressing
****
Duo of Chocolate Mouse
shortbread biscuit
Salted Caramel Cheesecake
honeycomb ice cream
Fruits of the Forest Pavlova
strawberry coulis
****
Coffee / Tea
Glass of Rum / Port
****
Each course must be pre-ordered
Formal Dinner Booking: We will require you to book your attendance for the meal no later than: Sunday 18th February 2018.
Payments: Please scroll down for full payment options.
We ask that regardless of how you make payment you send an email letting us know the following;
- Names of each person attending and their connection to HMS Exeter(including the name of your Guest(s)).
- Any preference on who you may wish to sit with (we will do our best to comply within the seating plan).
- Purchase of House Wines (i.e. Red, White or Rose & how many bottles)
- Any Dietary or Mobility requirements
Please email: hms_exeterassociation@hotmail.com
Saturday 3rd March:
10:00 - Exeter Arrival, The Lord Mayor of Exeter will be hosting a Civic Reception for 80 guests at the Guildhall, along with other local dignitaries of Exeter and the Council. They will be proving refreshments for those attending the Reception between: 10:00 - 10:50.
The Civic Reception will only be available for those on the agreed attendee list. We are unfortunately restricted on numbers as the event and Association has grown.
Due to the heath & safety regulations that we have needed to adhere to, being enforced by the Guildhall & Council officers. The Association will ensure that there is representation from both ships. Those attending will be required to give their name on the door to enable you to be ticked off, prior to entry. As numbers are limited we ask that those who are on the final list please make sure they take up their place and attend the Civic Reception.
A full list of those attending will be published on; Friday 23rd February.
11:00 - Exeter Cathedral Remembrance Service.
The 2018 Service will mark the 70th Anniversary of the “Exeter” stained glass window. We will be honouring those who lost their lives during the Second World War, all those who we've lost since and also the families of those who have served.
We will be seated within the Quire area of the Cathedral in preparation for the service, which will start with the ringing of the Ship's bell from the D89 Exeter.
The service will be concluded by 12:00. We will then make our way to the White Ensign Club for a buffet lunch.
13:00 - The White Ensign Club.
This will be a reunion for all members of the HMS Exeter Association. Providing us with an opportunity to share stories from over the years with both our old and new found friends. Sharing those happy, sad and sometimes harrowing experiences from our loved ones.
This is a lovely chance to join the Association and truly enjoy the Naval Traditions that have long been established. So true to form, we will have our Traditional 'Up Spirits' Parade and enjoy a tot of Rum.
13:00 - 15:00 - There will be a running buffet lunch available to all HMS Exeter Association Members.
14:45 - Traditional 'Up Spirits' Parade
16:00 - Lunch Reunion comes to a close, allowing the club to set-up for the evening's reunion.
The Evening Reunion 2018
The White Ensign Club will open its doors at 19:00.
For all of those who have over the years perfected their fine dancing skills at the "Royal Naval School of Dancing", Joanna's in Portsmouth! There will be a DJ in attendance.... so make sure you bring along your dancing feet!
Steve MacDonald will be our DJ for the evening, he boasts a wide collection of music and will take requests on the night.
Sunday 4th March;
10:00 - 10:30 - A small private and intimate service will be held at the White Ensign Club, for anyone who would like to join.
10:50 - 11:20 - AGM - For those who are attending the AGM, but not the service, we request that you arrive no earlier than 10:40 to allow the Morning Service to be concluded.
11:30 - For most of us an onward journey will commence, having paid tribute and homage to all of our loved ones who are no longer able to join us, and indeed those who can. We remember the ultimate sacrifice so many gave for our today.
Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful