Thai Trip 19 Seven Seas and the

OCA Dinner Page 3

The invitation to the Seven Seas flag lowering ceremony.
Auld Lang Syne and the photo shoot were over for another year. Mike Chapman had invited us back to the Seven Seas for food and drink. It's now a fifteen kilometre trip through Warin Chamrap and on towards the new Ubon University on Highway 24. This gave us the dilemma of whether to stay for the sunset lowering of the flag, or go back to the hotel for a shower and change of clothing. In the end, we decide it was too big a round trip with a tight schedule to get back in time for sunset.
So we sat eating, drinking and chatting with the local ex-pats. Some of them were aware of our involvement with Thailand and Ubon, others were surprised to find that fifty plus years earlier, Commonwealth forces had worked on two big projects that helped this part of north east Thailand to develop and defend itself. Of course the man most in demand was Neil, especially by a fellow Scot named Frank, who was delighted to hear the 'Pipes' being played in his favourite bar so many miles from the Mother country.
Neil entertains the Seven Seas ex-pats with his playing.
The gathering for the last Post at the Seven Seas.
As dusk approached we moved out into the forecourt of the Seven Seas. The Bugler stood on the balcony and at precisely 17:30 started to play The Last Post. As he did so Julian Strathearn lowered the Union Jack. It was a sombre moment, not only observed by us but by members of Little Mother Ubon's family. The Remembrance Ceremony in Ubon has become of significant importance to this family, indeed some of them travel long distances to be here. When their Grandmother who had (cont below)
very little for herself and her family, gave some of it to starving prisoners saving their lives, she unknowingly started a movement that stretches out to all who attend the Ceremony and now to the lowering of the flag at the Seven Seas. Julian folded the flag and then handed to Mike who turned to face us, spontaneous applause broke out as we acknowledged the sacrifice made by people now departed. It was at this point last year that the event was over, but this year was different as Neil Campbell was about to show.
Julian Strathearn lowers and hands over the Union Jack to Mike Chapman.
Sgt Phongpitak and Neil Campbell perform on the Seven Seas balcony.
Neil stepped out on to the balcony as the bugler, Sgt Phongpitak Triamart stood aside, he would be back later. The low setting sun lit up Neil from the west as he played the 'Flowers of the Forest' and moving on to 'Cock of the North'. It was a poignant moment as he marched slowly up and down the balcony in time to the music. When he was finished Neil and the Sgt, played a duet together. The strains of 'Amazing Grace' floated out from the balcony and across the surrounding area. I wonder what the neighbours made of it?
The images above have not done justice to the sky that silhouetted the musicians. As Neil played, the sun dropped below the horizon and bathed the clouds in orange, pink and purple hues. A magnificent backdrop for the events we had witnessed. We continued to socialise with the others for a while, but it had been a long day and the need to freshen up was upon us. So we said our goodbye's and headed off back north to Ubon. As it was the Loy Krathong Festival, we asked the driver to keep his eyes peeled for a place we could participate in Loy Krathong.
We leave the Seven Seas and drive to participate in the Loy Krathong festival.
The group participate in the Loy Krathong festival at Kut Si Mangkhala park.
 The driver pulled over just off the road on the edge of the Kut Si Mangkhala park. We went to some stalls that local vendors had set up to sell their Krathongs. It was a very busy place with locals enjoying the event. Some of us bought Krathongs whilst the others were busy taking pictures. Traditionally Krathong's are  beautiful lotus-shaped rafts, decorated with candles, incense and flowers. But this year for the first time, I spotted a different Krathong who was looking lonely on a stall all by itself. So I bought it. (Rollover above)  
It was now after 21:30 hrs and time to head back to the hotel as it had been a long but fruitful day. We arrived back at the hotel around 22:15. Some of us, especially the one's who'd been in Thailand for some time and had adjusted to the time difference, intended to shower and then continue in the ZAB food court for a few beers. Others, intended to sleep. Tomorrow was to be a free day with a minibus available for those who wanted it. The OCA dinner was planned for the evening and this time it would have a new twist.
The group prepare to leave the Loy Krathong festival.
The OCA dinner at Tom Thumwaree's house.
 Traditionally the OCA dinner caterer has been Miss Tom Thumwaree and dinner has been at her restaurant. This year we were priveledged to be invited to her home to eat Al-Fresco in her garden. She laid on a great spread of Brit style food, pies, sausage, mashed potato, salad, bread rolls, veggies even an apple lattice pie. Tom's garden is beside a small river well outside of the city. The sound of the chirruping insect's and tree frog's, provided an exotic tropical atmospheric and peaceful mood to the dinner. Fantastic!
Gill Allison presents Tom Thumwaree with a token of her appreciation.
An unsung OCA hero is Gill Allison, who as the only female on the trip not only kept her husband in check, but the rest of us as well. Another of her talents is to always have a supply of gifts to present to people who've been kind and helpful to us, just as Tom has been since the begining of our involvement with the Ubon Remembrance Ceremony. So thank you Tom and thank you Gill.

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