OLD shipmates met up for a nostalgic reunion of the Ipswich Wartime Sea Cadets. And one comrade was so excited about the reunion he even travelled across the globe from New Zealand to join in the fun.

OLD shipmates met up for a nostalgic reunion of the Ipswich Wartime Sea Cadets.

And one comrade was so excited about the reunion he even travelled across the globe from New Zealand to join in the fun.

Jimmy Blackburn, who is now president of the New Zealand British Legion, made sure his trip to see his relations linked up so he could meet his old comrades from both the sea cadets and the White Ensign Club.

The star of the show drew in a crowd of forty-five old boys and guests at the reunion on May 16 at the Locomotive and Working Mens Club, in Rectory Road.

Among them were current officers of the Ipswich Sea Cadet core including commanding officer John Downie, supporting officers Robert Bird and Mike Parry and former area officer Geoffrey Prentice.

Also joining in the fun were three former members of the White Ensign Club, John Gaffer, Fred Downer and Pete Rogers.

Former Evening Star sports journalist Sam Reynolds, turned musician was also on hand to entertain the troops.

Mr Routh said: "It was a wonderful evening. We have never had music before and Sam was excellent as usual."

The next event will be a summer outing on the broads on August 6.