At this present time there is no formal Daring Association for the 1966-1968 fifth and final commission. However, Dave Axford has managed to contact some of the former Darings' and has arranged several very successful reunions.
There are 37 former members of the Daring (fifth and final commission) in contact with one another, as of December 2004.
On Wednesday 13th June 2001 four members were able to meet up at the Royal British Legion Club in Bridgwater, Somerset. The first time we've all been together for over thirty three years. Needless to say an excellent evening then ensued with lots of 'lamp swinging' and lubricated with the much loved Pusser's rum, Tiger beers etc. Those who attended were Pez Barlow (host), Taff Davies, Bob Beacock, Dave Axford and his wife Nelita.
The second reunion was held at the Tom Mogg Inn, (near Bridgwater) on Saturday 20th July 2002. Thirteen members attended, with their wives, and presentation plaques were handed out for the occasion. These were made specially in the Lebanon from our roving ambassador, Dixie Dean. The weather was very warm, dry and sunny, so we had "Up Spirits" in the garden followed by a raffle. The prizes included nearly two bottles of Pusser's Rum plus other bottles of spirits etc, as well as a booby prize of a mug! Sadly Taff Davies was unable to attend this year. Pusser's Rum was kindly provided by Malcolm Cowen Ltd and much appreciated by the Daring members.
The third reunion was every bit as successful as the last. Same excellent venue, same excellent weather, though the latter cannot be guaranteed every year. Because of the change of date, some members couldn't make it but there were several new (old) faces this year to increase the numbers to 15 plus wives. The tradition of "Up Spirits" followed by the raffle was held in the beer garden once again, followed by dinner and yet more 'lamp swinging'.
The fourth reunion was once more at the Tom Mogg Inn, only the weather didn't live up to the previous occasions. All the same, great enjoyment was had by all who attended. The same format as previous years, with Pusser's Rum again kindly provided by Malcolm Cowen Ltd, followed by a slideshow of the Daring and her crew.
Subsequent reunions have been every bit as successful. The sixth brought in many more new faces, making around 50 members.
For further details of the next reunion
contact Ossie: