Letter regarding BD Mariners ‘Get Together’ August 2008

March 10, 2008

Dear All,

As you all know that the proposed BD Mariners ‘Get Together’ in Souhampton has been postponed until May next year.  The reason being not many positive response from our community.

I would like to suggest the following and invite opinions, comments and suggestions from all on above matter.

1.  First of all we have to commit ourselves that we all want reunion every two/three years.  If this is agreed then we can work to make it happen.

2.  Date, venue and cost are the main three issues.

2(a) Date: We have to select a date which is suitable for all living in the UK.  Many of us visit Bangladesh during July/Aug, Month of May is an exam month in the UK, etc.  It is only a long weekend we are looking for. So a suitable Bank holiday may be selected avoiding holiday season for overseas travel and exam periods.

2(b) Selection of venue is open to all.  However, we may have to choose a place which is convenient for all. Not necessary that up North or down South where number of BD Mariners concentration is high.  A nice, interesting, and equidistant place perhaps may be acceptable for all.

2(c) Cost: surely this is an issue for many.  It may not be easy for many to make contribution of GB400 to 500 for the vent for a family of 3/4 persons.  I would like to make a suggestion that we open an account in the Name of Bangladesh Mariner Association and contribute GBP10.00 per month.  Again I thought GBP 10.00, the amount may not have to be GBP10.00 , we can agree a monthly amount reasonably a workable amount and suitable to all.  At this point contents of this mail are open for suggestions. This way we can avoid one time big contribution. Further discussion will take place if we all agree in principle that this is the Way forward to raise fund for our get together.

3. It is important that we make best effort to bring all members of family in the get together.  This is SURELY a FAMILY event not a Mariners meeting. The idea is to get to know each other, socialize, have plenty of fun and good time.  We want to form a big family of BD Mariners in the UK. I know sometime it is not possible to get our sons/daughters as they have their own commitments.  But we can try to bring them along.  Early planning may perhaps help. It is more important that that we convince them to participate in this kind of events. Mind you, it is only once in two/three years.  Please remember this is all suggestion, not that I am saying it is must or mandatory.

4. By the grace Allah we are all doing well in the UK.  We have been able to leave sea and establish ourselves in shore.  Our commitment and contributions are the main criteria to make this a success.  We can do more once we become a BIG family like.

5. To make the event interesting we will have fun activities, camping, BBQ, boat trip, vist historically important places or landmarks, etc.  these may be planned by the committee when the  event is organized.  Last two get together were a big success, i.e.  in South Shiled and in Glasgow.

Please feel free to express your comments and if anyone has good ideas please come up.

Best Regards

Neaz Hyder
10th Batch