A CAR from the turn of the century was one of the many pieces of memorabilia present at a staff reunion for the AA.

Nearly 60 retirees from the famous motoring organisation that has historic local connections came together on Thursday last week for the 18th time to celebrate ‘the AA we remember’.

The former employees, all from different departments, got together at Weybrook Park Golf Clubhouse bringing little pieces of history from their time at the company.

Many of the former employees worked at Fanum House in Basing View, which has been the head office of the AA in Basingstoke since 1973 when it was opened the Queen, and continues to be used today.

Lynda Goddard, chair of the AA reunion club, said: “The AA was known as the fourth emergency service, and has been first on the scene for a couple of national incidents, including the Clapham House disaster.

“All sorts of activities took place out of Basingstoke, and it was the best location, as there were many people who were employed locally from the surrounding area. It has been a huge part of Basingstoke for years, and a big employer.”

Old AA handbooks, maps, guides, signs, model cars, and photos of old staff throughout the years were on display for people to reminisce.

Rosalind Morton, who was a receptionist at Fanum House from 1978 to 1999 and the first female receptionist there, was one of the members in attendance. Rosalind said: “It was like a family firm. Fathers and sons and mothers and daughters would all be in the same company, and make remembering names and departments difficult.

“It was the most amazing place to work, we had many different responsibilities and different areas to cover. We had royalty visit, including the Queen to open the building, and the Duke of Kent visited. You never knew who might be there, we even had Margret Thatcher, and the Only Fools and Horses crew.”

One of the more exciting display pieces was a Renault car that was made in 1905, the same year that the AA was founded. Owned by a wealthy American Baroness for many years, it was bought by enthusiast Paul Waring in 1950, who’s family sold the car to the AA in 1965, the organisation’s diamond jubilee year. It was bought to represent the year that the AA was founded.

It was brought in by custodian Denis Bass, who looked after the car, and is still employed by the AA after 54 years.

The AA Reunion Club is still looking to find former members. Any previous members can contact reunion club chair Lynda on e-mail at lyndagoddard@talktalk.net or call 07851 702691.