Photos

C'mon guys, post your photos of the reunion before it is all a blur in the distant past. There are already some pics posted. Enjoy reminiscing!
mary

Bash photos

Hi all, click on the link below to access the photo library of the reunion and also upload your own photos (you will need to sign up for photobucket).

link : http://photobucket.com/mj_08          password: bhairoba

happy memories

Zac

Edinburgh

A few words of thanks to everyone who made the effort to come to Edinburgh.

 Apart from a few initial teething snags with the hotel rooms, the three day event was a success.In true AFMC style, everyone were determined to have a good time and most did(I think). We kicked off with the Tattoo, and thankfully it did not rain, although before we had even left the hotel premises, the fire alarm was set off. This just seemed part of the entertainment, somehow.

Then those with sufficient energy left, stayed on in the hospitality suite until the early hours of the morning, only to start the next day all over again.

The CME were of a fine standard and Zac, Dinesh and KK set an example for the younger ones to aspire to. The golfers  had their own CME at  the 18th  hole.

The Scottish evening started off with a champagne reception and a traditional meal, with a toastmaster addressing the haggis(vegetarian-to appease the queasy!) and then a ceilidh.which was in a league of its own. Suffice to say that the band had seen nothing like this before  but the whole crowd enjoyed and danced on and on, and then the die-hards stayed on in the cocktail lounge

The city tour and well attended, and so was the distillery tour. Most are well versed in the 'whisky' speak and our own malt 'Bharoba Daru' now graces many a cellar!

It was hard to say goodbye after  the warm response from everyone who cam to Edinburgh, 

So on behalf of the Organising committee, a HUGE thank you to all of you for coming and letting your hair down and simply being delightful. We raise a glass and say 'Slanje va' until the next time, in Birmingham.

A couple of photos to bring back the moments. Doesnt KK look dashing in his kilt?

Mary

Sad H2

i am sad, H2 batcher who is stuck on call being a fellow here baylor, houston. but hope u guys have fun at edinburgh. i really wanted to attend. hope to attend the future ones.

NO UMBRELLAS

Folks, the weather report  says it will be cloudy with occasional showers, on Saturday evening.

Since the Tattoo is held outdoors, there is a possibility of showers, so please wear 'shower friendly' clothes . NO UMBRELLAS are allowed within the tattoo(it will obstruct views). So, please bring shower proof clothing, and if you have not packed them, shower proof ponchos are sold around the castle or in Edinburgh city for around £2.

Also we have 15 vegetarians who have replied to Ashok. Any more, who haven't replied, and are strict vegetarians(not even fish), please contact Ashok Okhandiar ASAP, or you will be chasing a few peas and carrots on your plate  at the banquet.

Mary

safe journey

Folks, Many of you will be on your way by now, others packing their cars and some boarding flights..

 Just to wish you all 'Safe journey'. All drivers, please  take  frequent breaks, and rest on the way.

Looking forward with excitement and anticipation to meet&  you all. 

One advanced party has arrived in Glasgow and the merrymaking making has begun.

We will all be there by Saturday the 2nd evening. there are some folk already checked in .

However, if you need to make contact, here is my mobile no...07788418691.

Ciao

mary

Going...Going...

Out of a total of 230 bottles of whisky, around a 100 have been reserved already.
Avoid diappointment.Book now.
I will go off line by 0900 on saturday(2nd) morning...
And no cheek from chunkath!

Music requests

We are trying to create a music list for the disco, and would like to include music from the days of your 'E' mess parties etc. While we have a wide list to cover most tastes and decades, you may have special favourites, so out with it...we may even play a request!

'Bhairoba' orders

Hi,

Can i make a plea please.

The whisky  is packed in cases of 6 bottles/case, and those making large number orders( they are coming in fast ) could you do that in multiples of 6 please. You will find it easy to carry a case or two or three rather than free bottles. Remember, they will not be boxed(that would have cost us too much)

This is not a sales scam, just plain practicality!!

mary

Travel to Dalmahoy

The best information for travel directions to the hotel is on the hotel website.
Some details however
It is 7 miles from the city center, so a taxi would cost around £12 one way from Waverly/Haymarket station. It would be much less from the airport as it is much closer.
The hotel provides transport, but you have to arrange that seperately, and I must warn you that there is a wedding organised for the 2nd evening in the hotel, so hotel transportation may be unreliable despite pre-arrangement.
mary

Gopi comments on 'whisky'

A highland malt with the Bhairoba logo - does it get any better? Mary, you guys have done the Bhairoba community proud!!

Arriving in Edinburgh station at about 1800 on 2nd Aug. Whats the best way of getting to the hotel

Best and see soon 

Rabinder sidhu says

 

I will be there on the 1st around 2pm.
Looking forward to a great time 

Scottish islands

I shall refer you to an earlier post titled Hebrides, which shows  a map of the islands(at least  the whisky producing ones)

deraye admits

my mistake, I had presumed that Islay was a Scottish expression pertaining to the "Islands" and having tasted the Islay distillings of Laphroaig and Lagavulin, I was not particularly excited about another whisky from the "islands" .... I am now a wiser man, thank you. 

fringe guru

To all those who wish to see something of the fringe festival...check out the link www.fringeguru.com. It gives a comprehensive guide to the performances and some of the reviews too. So you can be more discriminating  ,given that you dont have too much time.

Whisky

Deraye, fret not...the whisky is from Arran, not Islay, hence more like a highland malt. No peat, promise!

deraye comments

Doggy, I will be there on Saturday morning at about 1030. This is all sounding so exciting .... and we get to meet people like Rohit Sharma! What a trip... and the memories of the Bhairoba. I am partial to the Highland Scotch, but will have to make an exception for this Islay single malt. See you there 

deraye comments

: 

To those of us who have done the original thing from the "bladder" with the boiled egg chaser (because the taste was so awful) and will now get to taste this single malt islay scotch, I would like to quote from an add "You've come a long way, Baby" 

Doggy says...

the blogspot is going abegging!!! Need some input. s" Who all is (?are) arriving on Friday at the Marriot?/Saturday??
I will be there ----

CME

Hi everyone,
Would all those planning to attend the CME please let Ashok or me know. We need to cater for lunch on that day. Would hate to see anyone go hungry, and after all Gordon Brown has mandated us to minimise food wastage!!
mary

Slanje va

Folks,
To celebrate this reunion, we have managed to bottle a special edition of a single malt Whisky from the Isle of Arran.
This will be available for purchase at the reunion on the 3rd morning at the AGM and in the evening before the Banquet.
Cheers, Good Health or Slanje Va as they say in Scotland

Programme summary

2nd August 2008: Welcome
Hotel check in and registration
Tattoo- Coaches leave at 2000hrs

3rd August 2008: Dalmahoy suite

AGM 0930-1010hrs
CME 1010- 1530HRS

Banquet and Ceilidh 1930---late

4th August 2008: Distillery and City tour
Coaches leave at 0930hr


Dalmahoy suite
Indian Buffet and Disco 1930—late



5th August 2008: Breakfast and goodbye!

Deraye comments

For many of us who are ex-faujis and/or are sons/daughters of faujis, this certainly is something to be proud of ... Indian Army Chief's Band at the Tattoo!
As an ex Naval Officer, it will be an honour to be witness to this first representation in Scotland of an Indian Military Band.

Indian band

This is from the programme for the tattoo which is now available online.
'First Indian Military Band at Tattoo
Forty musicians from the Indian Army Chief's Military Band, in Delhi.
The band is renowned for "its faultless coordination of music and movement."
"I'm thrilled to add the first Indian military band to our line-up for almost half a century," said Major General Loudon.'

Indian Military Band

BBC reported that this year's Tattoo will feature the Indian Military band among the invited bands, the first time in 46 years!
So get out those'Tiranga Jhandas' guys...We must proudly rejoice!

message from Deraye

PJ... it has been so long since I saw you and am looking forward to seeing you again. I am sorry, I am not a golfer and so I will have to wait till you get to Edinburgh to see you. Have fun with Ponky and Anil and Khan ... see you when you get to the reunion.

Desi Vs Pardesi

how about a vote then...

Closing registration

Folks, We have had a tremendous response to this years celebrations.
Alas, the numbers have reached the extent where health and safety('elfin safety') has become an issue, so we are closing registration as of from the 15th of July 2008.
Looking forward to seeing you all in August.
mary

Identify yourselves

We've received two cheques from sources we are unable to identify.
1. Lehmann bros
2. Cookville medical center
One looks as if it may be a bank cheque and the other from a practice. Would those associated with these cheques please identify yourselves to Shelly, Ashok or me.
Thanks
Mary

Golf-message from PJ

Re. Golf
I have tee times on Sunday and monday at Dalmahoy championship course for 2 four balls - 8 players. I would appreciate it if either Ashok or you could forward email list of those who are coming so i could confirm numbers. St Andrews - kings Barns is about £200 per person and Carnoustie is now fully booked. Ponky, Khanna and Anil Khurana are coming mid week to Glasgow and I have agreed to host them on Wed Thurs & fri at my course locally - afraid i am restricted to 3 guests at Glasgow Gailes.
Please contact PJ at pramodjauhar@hotmail.com to arrange golf.

Kilts and Tartan

Folks, Ashok has secured a great deal for those who wish to own a kilt. He could get you a kilt in the Black-watch tartan,(the legendary Black watch regiment was sadly de-commissioned ) shirt, sporran and socks to complete the regalia, all for 80-100GBP. This is a fantastic deal as you pay much the same to hire the kit for one night.
Please contact Ashok if interested. you can post as a comment on the blog too.

Hebrides

Hi folks, got some queries about visiting the hebrides and so I thought I'd post some details. These are islands off the west coast of scotland(see map) and are well worth the visit. Many of them still brew whisky and that in itself may entice some of you. The site below is a good one which gives you details of how to get there and back(although you may wish to simply stay put) and where to stay, what to do etc.
http://www.visithebrides.com/

Edinburgh Fringe

Hi folks, This may interest those of you who are unlikely to be attending the CME.While the main Edinburgh Festival starts on he 8th of August (what a pity!),the Ed Fringe festival will start on the 3rd of August, so you can take advantage of the fact that you are already in the city. The fringe is more edgy, has more humour ,is off the wall and improvising, so it could be a mixed bag of astonishing talent and satire, or completely incomprehensible, BUT never dull. Check out the poster...this one was shown last year and was hilarious. You can get tickets online at www.edfringe.com or at the box office on the day.

THE PROGRAMME

As requested,


Saturday day 2nd August 2008

1500 hrs Registration at Dalmahoy

1800 hrs Coaches leave hotel Edinburgh Tattoo at the castle.

2230 or so Coaches bring us back to the Hotel
Bars in the hotel are open till late.
We have hired a hospitality suite for the entire length of the reunion, so those who wish can chill out till the wee hours of the morning.

Sunday 3rd August 2008

0930--1630 CME & AGM in the Hotel (Dalmahoy Suite) –
Buffet lunch for the CME Attendees
1900 -1930: - until late! Banquet Dinner with Ceilidh Band -- A Very Scottish Evening
For those not attending the CME, there are several options: Golf, Tennis Swimming & other activities in the Hotel
Please arrange with the hotel for these activities. (+ 44-131-333- 1845)

Monday 4th August 2008

0930 Coaches take us to Glenklinchie Single Malt Distillery for a 2-3 hr visit (included in Registration fees)
1230-1400 --- free time (delegates have time to savor the various options of the city's Festival Delights)
Please note Lunch is NOT included in the Registration fees
But there are many interesting cafes, pubs and restaurants in the area.

1400-- 1730 City Tour of Edinburgh with >500 yrs of Medical History

1930--- till Late- Indian buffet meal with Disco with Live Bhangra & Dhol DJ

Hotel rooms

The rooms at Dalmahoy are fast getting booked up. Please get your rooms booked if you are coming to the reunion.
Those not registered should do so soon as the tickets for the Tattoo will be returned.
Mary

Progress

Hi Everyone, the reunion date draws near and we have had a good response . There is a healthy contingent from India which is hugely exciting and looking forward to you guys. We hope more of you from the US would buck the credit crunch and cross the pond.
Looking forward to all those who have registered and hope you will have a great time in Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland as it would be such a pity if you did not see more of this beautiful ' small country'.. PJ has posted a message regarding arrangements for golf. Please contact him if there are more of you who wish to participate. For those who wish to go on the arranged city tour, please make sure you have given your names to Ashok, as the transport is based on the numbers registered. If however you wish to make your own arrangements, and travel around in B&Bs, the site for visit- scotland is useful. More details on the website.
We have booked a ceilidh band for the 3rd night , so get yourself in shape to do a spirited 'Gay Gordon' or 'Highland Scottische' and finish with a bruising 'strip-the-willow., Ladies, remember to bring along comfortable shoes, as you will be on the floor and swirling away!
Kilts are available for those who would like to get into the whole spirit of the day...Ashok has a great deal for both hiring and purchasing the whole kit...in fact his deal is almost unbelievable. Please get in touch with him ASAP if interested.
Again, please remind your friends who have not registered to do so soon .
Until then
Mary (M)

Golf

Dear All

The cost for golf on 4th August is £160 plus caddies (£50). Please advise if you would like me to book - difficult to get tee times. Venue Kings Barns St Andrews - probably the best new course in Scotland, certainly the best in St Andrews. 

I was going to ring the hotel to ask for tee times on sat am as well - the course at the hotel used to be used for PGA events.

Incidentally i haven't registered yet - Mary what do I do!!! Also who is the contact at the hotel so I can ask for tee times?

I am still lost with this blog thing

Best wishes

P.J.

EDINBURGH TATTOO

Ashok Okhandiar has managed to convince the ticket agency to hold on to the remaining unclaimed tickets for the tattoo until the 31st of May. This message is for all those who have not registered. Please do so before this date so that you will not be disappointed when you come to Edinburgh. They are quite difficult to get on the day.

Argyll

You can see the hebridean islands of Islay and Jura which are of course famous for malt whisky(Jura, Lagavullin, bowmore, Bunnahabhain etc etc).For those who might be interested, there are island hopping trips with tours of the distilleries included. The site for whisky tours ha the details..

Getting around

Two websites: afmcites.com and afmcpune.com now feature the event and related links.

Zac

comments

am learning all the time. I think i have finally managed to enable  all of you to post comments  on the blog. Do try ...

mary

Numbers so far

Folks, these are the numbers registered so far.

USA ----       De Raye    H, Anil Khurana  H,Ram Trehan    N,Phushpendra (PK ) Jain  K

Ireland ----    Dharm Pandeya  U

India   ---Annand Gupta     H

                 Ravi Raghavan     L

                 Jayanta Basu      L

                 Jyotsna Shivpuri  L

                 Deepak Rosha    K

                 Chandra Vaid     M

                 Sunil Anand       M

                 Rohit Sharma     K

                 

 

UNITED KINGDOM ----   

                                  Anukul Goswami   M,Arun Tangri  H, Rajat Goswami   I, Baljinder Singh    N

                                   Tulika      Singh   N,Narendra Sharma  N,Gopi Radhakrishna L 

 Leela (Paul) Thampy H , Sandeep Sanyal      G, Virendra Shrivastava   A

                                    Surrindra Verma       A, Rajiv Virdi  F,Amita (Deswal)  Sharma   K

                                  Pankaj Premnath   J,Prasun Kumar  ,P Pradeep Kumar  P, Y B Mathur A

                                  Pradeep Khanna  H,Zac Koshy   C2, Ashok Okhandiar     K,Mary  Ray  M

                                   Pramod Jauhar(PJ)   F, Suresh Joseph  L, Tony Bhullar   K    

                                      

 As you find your friends listed here, do register early and book your rooms. 

Mary

                                   

           

 

From Deepak Batura(K)

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Deepak Batura <d_batura@hotmail.com>
Date: 11 Apr 2008 23:29
Subject: Blog
To: mj1536@gmail.com

 
Congratulations to the organising team on this very deftly executed website and on their efforts for the forthcoming convention.  With all the entertainment promised, may I request them not to be too shocked and disappointed if the CME goes a bit "undersubscribed" as we re-practice our "bunking classes" skills once more!

---

A prize an hour, 24 hours a day. Try Big Snap now!

Thank God

I hope this works

I think this is how it goes...

Top right - sign in with your google ID, then click on new post- and blog away.

Problem- Its Ok for us to get our group up to speed with this process, what about the rest of the junta outside the group? Should we asterisk the blog and add a note?

Zac

Just testing the system but also to comment on how good the website looks. Maybe we could officially launch it at the next meeting with a bottle of bubbly!

Shelly

Test this blog.