News

R.A.F. Halton Aircraft Apprentices 86th Entry Association - News

. Please send me any suitable News/Information/Message you would like published here.

* Nov 2009:
More details of the get-together in April 2010 have been added to the Reunions page.

* Oct 2009:
Five of us - Chris Russ, Colin Pogue, Pete Towse, Dave Hunter and Dave George - gathered in the
Burford area during the 3rd week of October for lunch and a chinwag; the beer was good and so was
the company. If anyone else would like to join the next get-together (and can get to the Burford
area by around 13:00 during a weekday) please let me know.

* Oct 2009:
An Apr 2009 news item covered a petion to address an abnomally in the 1973 Pensions Act. The petion
has now closed after attracting over 23,000 signatures. Unfortunately, the petition site offers no
information as to whether or not it has been accepted for further action.

* Oct 2009:
I have received the following warning, from an accountant, regarding an email scam:

If you receive an email from no-reply@hmrc.gov.uk entitled "Notice of Unreported Income"
please delete it without trying to go to the link that appears in the email. The link directs
you to a fake HMRC website "Fraud Application" and asks that you download and review a tax
statement document. Should you follow this instruction, the website will open an executable file
which could compromise the security of your machine.

* Oct 2009:
Stuart Morgan, 202nd has informed me of a new (free) social networking site for Old Haltonians. Site members
have uploaded videos and photos and there are many discussions on the go. It would seem that Mick Masters,
3(A)Wing - Engines, had a hand in the site's development/update (if so, it has to be good, eh?).

Access to the site has been included on the Links page.

* Oct 2009:
Some time ago I added an item to the OAS page which included a link to a 9 minute video of the test flight of
a B-52 which what was claimed to be the largest flying model in the world. Sadly, that particular link has died,
as has the model, however some of you may be interested in the new item I have placed on the OAS page -
a video of the flight of a radio controlled model of an SR-71 Blackbird.

* Oct 2009:
A news item in November 2007 covered the launch of a book by Roger Brooks , 3(A)Wing - Engines, entitled

The Handley Page Victor: The History and Development of a Classic Jet.
Vol 1 - The HP80 Prototype and the Mark 1

Roger tells us that volume 2 has now been added and that volume 1, which had very good reviews, is sold all over
the world and has gone into reprint.

* Oct 2009:
I have to report the sad news that Gary Ryan has passed away. He was a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force
who joined the Entry as a 3(A)Wing - Inst(Gen) Apprentice and, as an S/A/A, was No.1 Flight Commander at graduation.
He was awarded the Air Ministry Prize for Highest in Order of Merit (All Subjects) and the Air Ministry Prize for
the Best Instrument Fitter(Gen) Trade Standards Test and graduated as a Substansive Corporal. He returned home to
continue his service with the RNZAF, retiring in 1985 as a Sqd Ldr. He lived in the Christchurch area.

* Oct 2009:
Roger Brooks, 3(A)Wing - Engines, has asked that a link facility be included against his name on the Members page.
If any of his old mates would like to get in contact with him, that's the way to do it.

* Oct 2009:
Unfortunately, Al Mudge and his wife will be touring through the Far East, Oz and New Zealand next April and
hence will be unable to join the rest of us at Aylesbury.

Al didn't meet up with many of the entry following CT after 14 months at Halton; although he did come across
Bill Dinnie and Pete Towse at Leuchars. He seems to have had an interesting Service life, managing to fit in
three tours at Tenga as well as loan service with both the RAAF and the RNZAF during his 22yrs stint. After
leaving the Service he spent 16 years working in Germany.

He and his wife live in deepest Norfolk and he is now "happily retired and busier now than when I worked full
time!". A contact-link for him, has been added to the Members page

* Oct 2009:
Mick Masters, 3(A)Wing - Engines, was RFT to the 88th Entry for medical reasons. He and his wife now live in
Wiltshire. He says that he "would very much like to hear from anyone of the 86th that remembers me", so I
have included a contact-link for him, on the Members page

* Oct 2009:
Dave Drinkwater has uncovered a YouTube video that demonstrates the remarkable artistic talents of a young
Ukrainian girl. I have added it to the OAS page, simply because I found it utterly stunning....

* Oct 2009:
April 2010 will see the 50th anniversary of the graduation of the 86th Entry of RAF Aircraft Apprentices from
RAF Halton and a reunion to mark the event is being organised. All arrangement details will appear on the
Reunions page.

* Oct 2009:
Having managed to get back into the country after several months abroad I am now trying to catch up with the backlog of
Entry emails and website updates. My apologies for not announcing my intended absence before I left but, unfortunately,
you can't be too careful in this day and age....

I hope everyone is keeping well and enjoyed their summer - notwithstanding the weather.

* Apr 2009:
I have included an item in the BackChat page, from Phil Stephens. Its subject is Roy Harper 2(A)Wing - ENGINES, who
left the Service and became a professional musician in the mid 60s*. His work has influenced some well known Rock
musicians, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant (Led Zeplin) and Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) amongst them. He went on to
become a well known performer, making numerous albums and was guest lead vocalist for Pink Floyd's song "Have a Cigar"

* Phil Stephens has now informed me that Roy Harper was only at Halton for 6 weeks before he secured a medical discharge.

* Apr 2009:
I have received these Virus warnings from various people; Phil Stephens, Dave Drinkwater and Bill Condie amongst them.
Working on the basis of being "better safe than sorry", it is worth keeping an eye open for the following:

1. An email along the lines of 'Osama Bin Laden Captured' or 'Osama Hanged'.

2. An email with an attached file named 'Invitation'.

If you receive either, don't open the attachment, just delete the complete email.

* Apr 2009:
The 1973 Pensions Act was implemented, for the Armed Forces, from 6 April 1975 as a retrospective change in the terms and conditions
of service for those still serving on that date. It would seem that as a result of this, people who did not complete a pensionable
engagement received a (presumably pro-rata) pension; however, those who had already left the Service did not qualify. Phil Stephens
has pointed out that this presumably included a significant number of our own Entry.

The Armed Forces Pension Group (AFPG) is lobbying Parliament to address this abnomally, so if you wish to support their campaign
visit the AFPG website for further details and/or the Petition Page.

* Apr 2009:
I am surprised by how few people have taken up the chance of getting their hands on Keith Wright's book of tales. The reason, most
probably, is because I forgot to include Keith's postcode - so here is his full address;

17 Eskdale Road
Bramhall
Stockport
Cheshire
SK7 1DS

I have to say that I found his volume most enjoyable. So come on lads, live dangerously and blow a fiver (I'm not on commission- 'onest).

* Mar 2009:
On the 20th of this month Dave Hunter, Colin Pogue, Phil Stephens, Chris Russ and Pete Towse met near Witney,
for lunch, to celebrate Dave's birthday. I have to say that for an old 'un, he looks to be in very fine fettle!

* Mar 2009:
Those with good eyesight, or new glasses, will have noticed the "Hit Counter" that has appeared at the foot of the
menu column. I installed it as I was beginning to wonder if anyone actually visited the site. The counter was
initialised at 86, on the 1st March 2009, and so the site has been visited 142 times in 27 days.... I think I will
continue....

* Mar 2009:
Poor old Dave Drinkwater (he is neither, really) wonders what he has done to upset Mick Fenn, Vic Gardner and
Frank Turner as they have not responded to his emails - in spite of his assurances that they do NOT owe him money.
So come on chaps, drop him a line.....

* Mar 2009:
Phil Stephens wonders if anyone knows what happened to a 3(A) Wing Engines chap called Gale (Given name, unknown).
For some reason he does not appear on the original Entry nominal role. Phil has reason to believe that he became
a Rolls-Royce field service engineer. As a matter of interest, Tyke Heywood also joined RR after leaving the Service.

Further info: AL Mudge believes he was a former Boy Entrant re-coursed to Halton as a member of the 86th.

* Mar 2009:
Nobody has responded regarding a "Questions" page but several people have thought there was some mileage in tracking
those who were/are trying to make contact with others. I have trawled through the paperwork and created such a list on
the Members page, called: Looking for.... The list will be updated to reflect future contact enquiries.

* Mar 2009:
Roger Harris and Dave Drinkwater have each responded to Mary Slater's request for photographs of Keith "Slats" Slater.
I am sure the time and effort you both took to do this is much appreciated by Mary; many thanks to both of you. If anyone
else has any info/photos regarding Keith that they can lend to Mary, please let me know.

* Feb 2009:
Phil Stephens has suggested that I include a Questions & Answers page on the site. If anyone thinks it worth the candle
and, more importantly, has any questions, then I am happy to do it.

Some time ago Barry Cosgrove, who now lives in Ontario, suggested that it would be nice to have a webpage that recorded
queries regarding the whereabouts of members and the names of those seeking to make contact with them. I suppose this
information could be included on such a page.

So what do you think? Give me some feedback.....

* Feb 2009:
Tony "Batty" Bowker has asked to be put in touch with Paddy Boyd. Tony spent 35 years 'trucking' and approximately
10 years as the proprieter of an Airgun business. He now lives in the the west country. Batty reckons he was probably
given his nickname by Pete Skinner...

* Feb 2009:
Keith Wright was the Entry's winner of the Elliot Memorial Prize - awarded for the best
English and General Studies. Happily, he has managed to put his Halton education to
good use and has produced a small book of short stories - and jolly good they are too.

Anyone who enjoyed Keith's account of his attempt to play "trolley dolly" for a grumpy
British Army General over the skies of Germany (see BackChat page) should also
enjoy this 88 page, A5 format volume. Keith is offering to send anyone a copy for Ł5,
which includes postage and packaging: so if you are interested, send a cheque for Ł5
(made payable to: Keith Wright) to;

17 Eskdale Road
Bramhall
Stockport
Cheshire

It occurred to Keith that because the members of our entry have had so much variety
in their lives each one of us could write interesting stories/articles. I agree and am
looking forward to receive more items that I can load into the BackChat page. So, come
on guys......!!

* Feb 2009:
It is with sadness that I have to report the sudden death of Charles Ducat, at his home in Malaysia. Charles,
universally known as 'Chas', joined the Entry as an Engine Fitter in 1(A) Wing. He was posted to Malta on
graduation and thereafter spent much of his Service life, and subsequent civilian-aviation time, overseas,
including Borneo and the Falkland Islands. He eventually made his home in Malaysia and had lived there for
the past 20 years.

Chas was a proud of being a 'Brat' and his time at Halton helped form the foundation for his wry sense of humour.
He was well read and loved jazz music. He was a keen member of the Entry Association and attended the 2007
reunion at York (there is a photograph of Chas, with Dave Drinkwater, on the Reunion page - photo 15). Chas also
contributed a number of items to our website.

He would readily fight other people's corners as strongly as his he did his own and sought support for Gurkha's
pension and domicile rights, retention of the Red Arrows and the wish to see them perform at the opening ceremony
at the 2012 Olympics. He also campaigned to get the Vulcan back into the Sky, the modernisation of Headley Court
and a fair deal for ex-pat pensioners.

Chas spent his last 4 years in retirement in Langkawi where he was, apparently, a familiar figure at "Charlies Bar"
at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. He will certainly be missed there and also by his many friends in the 86th: he
really was one of the Entry's "characters".

A Service was held in Penang and his ashes were later scattered at sea. He is survived by a son, a sister and his
ex-wife; our condolences go to each of them.

* Feb 2009:
Mary Slater pointed out that the link to the Apprentice Windows site, was broken. While tracking down the
site's new location, I discovered several other breaks/errors. I have a long history of laziness (as any of my
Brat mates will confirm) and I don't review all the links on a regular basis; so if you find something amiss
please bring it to my attention - Many thanks Mary.

* Feb 2009:
John Westland passed away in December 2005. Last month, I received this short email from a chap called John McVey;

Hi, just to let you know that my good friend over 45 years John Westland died in December 2005. His memorial from me was
two instruments which I made to his specification , both of which were finished in 2006; The Westland Plungerphone and the
Westland Shuttlefiddle .They will probably show up on a google - John McVey.

Information about the Shuttlefiddle does appear on the net (about 3/4 of the way down the page). Assuming
that Mr McVey is talking about our John Westland, then we have discovered yet another musical talent within our
number. Perhaps any of his old mates (or his son, Damion) could enlighten us?

* Feb 2009:
Vic Gardner has kindly sent me his new email address and has taken the opportunity to wish everyone all the best for 2009.
Will you please help me keep up to date with your whereabouts whenever your address, phone or email changes - Many thanks.

* Feb 2009:
Keith Slater's widow, Mary, is compiling a book of his Service life to help his youngest grandsons (aged 9, 4 and 3yrs) relate to him
as they become older. To this end she has asked if anyone can lend her copies of any photographs, or pass on any memories
relating to Keith, either during his time at Halton or during his subsequent Service years.

I believe that Keith Bennett, Mike Breckenbridge, Tom Fleetham, Bill Dinnie and Pete Moffatt, were all posted to Kinloss on
graduating from Halton, as was Keith Slater. Perhaps you chaps could come to Mary's aid? She believes that Keith appears in the
2(A)Wing ITF photograph, 2nd row from the rear, 6th from the left; however, it is my understanding that Keith was a member of
1(A) Wing. Unfortunately, I was in a different Wing and Trade to Keith and so I cannot confirm whether or not he is the figure in the
photograph.

This project seems a great idea to me and, hopefully, will produce a lovely vehicle for the boy's memories. Can anyone please help?

Mary sends her "Sincerest and warmest wishes to all members of the Entry"

* Feb 2009:
Just before Christmas I received the following from Spike Sidebotham;

Very best wishes to all 86ers for a super Christmas, and for a comfortable and happy New Year.
Brian Sidebotham. Rigger. 2(A)Wing

* Feb 2009:
My apologies for the long 'shutdown'. The software I use to upload my files onto this website has served me well for the past
four years or more, then, in October I suddenly found that I was unable to upload a single thing. Talking with the software's
manufacturer eventually tracked the problem down to an unannounced change to the (unrelated) security software that I use.
As you can see, the system is back to normal and I apologise again for the lack of updates over the past 3 months, or so.
Thanks to everyone who took the trouble to let me know they were having problems with the site - it's nice to know that people
do visit from time to time..!!

I hope that everyone had a good Christmas and may I take this belated opportunity to wish you and yours all the very best for 2009.

* Nov 2008:
Tom Fleetham has sent me the sad news that Peter MacIntosh has passed away. Pete, an Engines apprentice in 2(A)Wing, was
posted to Kinloss on graduation and entered the world of Insurance after retiring from the RAF. He settled down in the Forres
area, in Morayshire.

* Oct 2008:
I have been slow in catching up with my email backlog over the last few weeks and, consequently, have only just read this from
Rod Whitehead. Although the immediate campaign to which he refers has, I believe, been successful, other ex-Gurkhas are still
battling for recognition. Obviously Rod strongly supports their cause, as do many us, so it is worth reminding everyone of the
debt that we owe these soldiers and their families.

The lack of recognition, by our Government, of the service given by Ex-Gurkha soldiers to our Country has always
incensed me. I have worked with these soldiers in such far flung places as the Falkland Islands and Belize, and
I have always admired their attitude to the job in hand and their demeanour when off duty.

Having watched Joanna Lumley on Al Murray's show last night, (compulsive viewing in our house I'm afraid!), I
signed her petition which can be found here.

I am sure that any help given to this worthy cause would be greatly appreciated.

Rod Whitehead

* Oct 2008:
Mail for the following has been returned, undelivered.

Colin Edgeley - 1(A)Wing Airframe.
Mick Fenn - 2(A)Wing Armourer.
Brian Lawrence - 3(A)Wing Armourer.
Bernie Watson - ?(A)Wing Engines. (ex 84th)
John Sullivan - 3(A)Wing Electrical.

If you are still out there, or if you are in contact with any of them, please drop a line - thanks.

* Oct 2008:
A friend has sent me the following virus-alert: If you receive an email with a Power Point presentation titled
Life is Beautiful, delete it immediately, it's a virus that will kill all your data/programmes and pass your private info
to ne'er-do-wells.

Don't know whether it's true or not but it's worth passing on anyway.

* Aug 2008:
Phil Stephens has asked for this info. from Robin Stott - founder of The Armed Forces Friends website, be included
as a news item;

The Armed Forces Friends website has now got to a size that I cannot give it the attention it justly deserves. Therefore
I am passing on the site to Forces365.com whom I have great faith in providing the attention and resources it now requires.

Forces365 is the first military social network site for both those who served, and the serving. Like Armed Forces Friends,
it features your own profile, photo gallery, videos, blogs, groups, and a remembrance memorial. You can connect, reunite,
and socialise.

This flourishing military site, just like Armed Forces Friends, is completely free of any charge. Forces365 are supporting
three forces charities too; Help for Heroes, The Royal British Legion, and the Forces Pension Society.

To visit the site go to Forces365

* Jul 2008:
I trust that those of you, so inclined, are enjoying the Olympics. However if, like me, you are confused by many of the flags
that turn up you might find this Flag Identifier site useful.

* Jul 2008:
During the last week of this month, six of us got together, in Burford Oxon., for lunch - and jolly nice it was too. Five riggers
turned up (Dave Hunter, Colin Pogue, Phil Stephens, Chris Russ and Bob Johnson), plus one Inst(Nav), Pete Towse, for balance.

If you fancy organising something similar in your own area, eMail me and I will sort out contact details for those of the
Entry who live in the part of the country you would like to "trawl".

* Jun 2008:
Al Monk and Dave Drinkwater have refreshed my memory regarding the 3(A) Wing ITF discips. They were; Cpl Campbell,
Sgt "Jonny" Davis/Davies and P/O "Nasser" Northway. Sgt Davis/Davies had a reputation as a judo expert: I don't know
if it was just a rumour but, if so, it seemed to work, as I don't recall anyone giving him any 'lip'. I believe that P/O Northway
held one of the very few (non-flying) National Service commissions....he also had a reputation.

Subsequent to the above, Sid Sidebotham has reminded me that quite a few people in the Education branch held non-flying
National Service commissions; though I don't think that Northway was an educationalist.

* Jun 2008:
Just a request that you let me know whenever your email address changes - thanks.

* Jun 2008:
Rod Whitehead was much taken with Ian Bradstock's advice regarding vehicle fuel-tank filling points. He remembers another
piece of useful advice he received while in ITF:

".... takes me back to Halton days, and our first introduction to the dreaded webbing belt. The instructor was our D.I Sergeant
in 3(A) Wing ITF and he was telling us the correct way to assemble and wear the belt;

'What I am about to say will be burned indelible in your minds forever. There is only one correct way to assemble and wear a
webbing belt, and any belt you will wear, come to that: the male is ALWAYS right!

And he was right. I have never forgotten that and indeed all belts in my strides are thus inclined. Anyone else?'

Can anyone remember the name of the 3(A) Wing ITF Sgt DI? (He is centre of the second from bottom row in the photo
of 3(A) Wing intake, taken in May 1957).

* Jun 2008:
I recently received a list offering several pieces of advice - three of which seem worth passing on;

* You only need two tools in life; WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move, but should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move,
but does, use the Duct Tape.

* If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

* Remember; everyone seems normal, until you get to know them.

* May 2008:
In view of the appalling images coming out of Burma after the cyclone, Keith Wright wonders if anyone had ever contacted the
Burmese AF apprentices in our entry, viz; Edsel Htoo (Eddie), Myint Thein and Lala Vanglaniagh - the latter passed out with
the 88th (there is some debate over the spelling of Lala's name). Jim Terry has the same thought.

Is anyone currently (or ever been) in contact with any of them since Halton?

* May 2008:
Dave Drinkwater has kindly unearthed a couple of photographs of Andy Trowbridge. One was taken the month we all joined up
and the other was taken at Summer Camp. Many thanks David; I have forwarded them to Andy's relative. If anyone else has
any photos, anacedotes or other information regarding Andy could you please forward them to me - with a valid return address,
if required. Thank you.

* May 2008:
Phil Stephens has recently heard from Colin Levy. He is still living in Goa, but with "the sun out every day, a temperature
of 34 degrees and lager at 50 pence a pint" that doesn't come as a surprise. He still holidays all around the world and
this year will see him in Vancouver and the UK, as well as going on a 22 day cruise across/around the Atlantic.

The monsoon, due in June, will "wash all the crap away for next season starting October". It is nice and quiet in the bar at the
moment and Colin expected to be watching the FA Cup Final on the big screen live at 18;00 (local), with a pint (what else?).

* May 2008:
Ian Bradstock has sent in an interesting little item for our "edification". I have put it on the OAS page.

* May 2008:
A relative of Andy Trowbridge is seeking information or photos of him. Andy was a 3(A) Wing Armourer who, sadly, passed
away in February 2003. A good start would be if someone could positively identify him on the 3(A) Wing Initial Flight photograph
which appears on the Photos page. If anyone has any documents/photos that they are willing to release, please send them to
me. I promise to return any originals - Many, many thanks.

* May 2008:
When the poem THE UNKINDEST DEFENCE CUT OF ALL was put into the Backchat page, its author was unknown.
Happily that is no longer the case and the item has been updated with a corrected version and its author acknowledged.

* May 2008:
Continuing the theme of the previous item, another name that came up more than once at the 50th reunion, was
Alan Saxon, a 2(A) Wing Rigger. Phil Stephens has spent a long time tracking him down and he understands that Al
is now in possesion of his (Phil's) email address. So this is a request, to you Alan, to please contact him (or this
website) as he, and many others, look forward to getting in touch with you again.

* Apr 2008:
One topic of conversation that came up time and again at our 50th reunion was "What happened to 'our' Venezuelans?".
Phil Stephens has spent a lot of time trying to track them down and his efforts have finally been repaid with an
email from Jorge Hurtado - known to one and all as "George". He and Frank (Fransisco) Navarrete thoroughly enjoyed
their time at Halton and both returned home in April 1960 to serve in the Venezuelan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Venezolana)
eventually retiring in 1990. Jorge then took up employment in a private aircraft company. Frank, sadly, has now passed
away (date unknown).

The Venezuelans were popular members of the Entry - in spite of their superior uniforms and renumeration - and I know
many will be glad to learn that contact has been re-established after all these years. (Well done Phil).

* Apr 2008:
Came across this photo on the internet. I'm convinced that it is a snap of the Entry taken sometime during our
Summer Camp at Woodvale - possibly at the night-exercise rollcall or, in view of the gas masks, greeting the
arrival of the latrine honey-waggon. Any other suggestions - or names?

My thanks to the original (unknown) uploader.

* Apr 2008:
Just returned from a long break in southern California, which is why the site has not been updated for some
time. Without a doubt the highlight of the trip was a 35 minute flight in a B-17G, out of San Diego. The old
girl, Liberty Bell, is maintained by the Georgia (USA) based Liberty Foundation, who are flying it across
the pond this summer to display it in the UK and Europe. They plan to overfly American war cemeteries,
former USAAF airfields and the Normandy beaches. One UK airfield they intend to visit is Framlington in
Suffolk. If you get the chance to fly in her I'm sure you will find it a fabulous experience - and worth every
penny!

* Feb 2008:
I've had an email from an ex 83rd 3(A)Wing chap called John Fenwick. He was hospitalised, came down to us,
was rehospitalised and then chose to go skilled trades rather than be recoursed further. He would like to
make contact with Mick Grasby-Dalton - 2(A)Wing Armourer. So if you are out there Mick, contact me via the
Links page and I will put you in touch. John would love to hear from you (so would we!).

* Jan 2008:
Following an enquiry by Phil Stephens, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has supplied further details of
the sad loss of Ray Harrison. His entry on the Farewell page has been updated.

* Jan 2008:
A Happy New Year to everyone. Lets hope that 2008 will be kind to us all.

* Dec 2007:
Trevor Leech, 2(A) Wing Engines, is alive and well and living in Holland and sends his regards to all who remember
him. He says that he is "determindly" not into computers but would love to hear from anyone who can still manage
to cope with pen and paper. His address can be obtained from me, via his contact link on the Members page.

* Dec 2007:
Bill Hardwick has unearthed an interesting YouTube collection of RAF aircraft marshalling techniques. It has
been added to the OAS page.

* Dec 2007:
I have received information regarding a book titled A - I'm an Armourer B - I'm an Armourer. The author,
Dave Jackson, was a member of the 91st Entry and so some of you may well remember him - particularly,
of course, our Armourers. The publisher describes the book as "A light-hearted look at the life of an Armourer
in the RAF.... with a few serious observations as well".

The author served at RAF stations Finingley, Lyneham, Leconfield, Stafford, Muharraq, Ballykelly, Coningsby,
Ouston, Bruggen, Scampton, Wildenrath, Luqa, Belize, Honington, Swanton Morley and RAE Farnbrough;
so you may have come across him, post-Halton.

I have yet to see a review but if you are interested in purchasing a copy for some Christmas / New Year reading,
the ordering details are;
A - I'm an Armourer B - I'm an Armourer by Dave Jackson
ISBN: 978-1-906302-01-6
PRICE: Ł9.95 (P & P Ł3.00 UK, Ł4.00 EU, Ł6.50 RoW)
Blenheim Press Ltd.,
35 Market Place,
St Albans,
Herts AL3 5DL
e-mail: blenheimpress @ tiscali.co.uk

* Dec 2007:
If you have left it a bit late to get the Christmas Turkey, don't panic! You can download "Turkey Shoot"
on the OAS page and bag your own.

* Dec 2007:
Phil Stephens has forwarded a few notes on his (short) career as Father Christmas. I have put them on the
Backchat page.

* Dec 2007:
I've put a simple helicopter-ride on the OAS page; so for those of you who have had enough of the fixed -
wing stuff, give it a try.

* Dec 2007:
Well, it's that time of the year again, so I have switched the PC over to Yuletide mode and, after a bit
of a struggle, managed to put up the Christmas Tree ......

So, wherever you and your family are, have a good one .....

* Nov 2007:
Richard de Fraine has sent me a screen dump confirming that after he managed to fly the paper plane
out of the window it reached a remarkable distance of 97.244 metres - but this was bettered shortly
afterwards by Rod Whitehead. The league table has been updated.

* Nov 2007:
John Humphries tells me that he has managed to get the paper aeroplane to fly 5.939 metres and feels
confident enough to suggest a competition! He currently heads the league table I have put on the OAS
page. So who can beat him? No cheating now....

* Nov 2007:
An interesting video of a newspaper reporter flying in the rear seat of a US Naval F-18, has been added
to the OAS page.

* Nov 2007:
If you were ever into paper aeroplanes, then the little thumb-twiddler I have put on the OAS page may
appeal to you.

* Nov 2007:
Phil Stephens has asked me to place the following as a News item. He has received the same information
from three separate sources. It sounds rather like other (unfounded) warnings that have circulated in the
past and it may be a hoax - but it is worth being aware of, just in case such a file does turn up.

"This information arrived this morning direct from both Microsoft and Norton. Please send
it to everybody you know who has access to the Internet.

You may receive an apparently harmless email with a Power Point presentation titled
'Life is beautiful.' If you receive it DO NOT OPEN THE FILE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
and delete it immediately. If you open this file, a message will appear on your screen
saying: 'It is too late now, your life is no longer beautiful' and you will subsequently
lose everything on your PC and the person who sent it to you will gain access to your name,
e-mail and password.

This is a new virus which started to circulate on Saturday afternoon. AOL has already
confirmed the severity, and the antivirus software's are not capable of destroying it.
The virus has been created by a hacker who calls himself 'life owner.'

Please ask your friends to forward this immediately."

* Nov 2007:
Chris Russ has drawn my attention to a book review in The Aerospace Professional which, along with
Aerospace International, is distributed to members of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

The author of the book under review is Roger Brooks who, as a 3(A) Wing member of the Entry, trained
as an apprentice Engine Fitter. He served as a Crew Chief on Victor Mk1s and Mk2s and has obviously
put the knowledge he gained in these posts to good use. The reviewer, himself an ex-Vulcan and
ex-Victor pilot, is very complimentary about Roger's volume, remarking that "This is the ultimate
Victor reference book that I would very much like on my shelf": so if you are looking for a christmas
present for yourself, or any fan of the crescent-wing, then this may well be the very thing.

The Handley Page Victor: The History and Development of a Classic Jet.
Vol 1 - The HP80 Prototype and the Mark 1 by R.R. Brooks
Pen & Sword Aviation
47, Church Street
Barnsley, S.Yorkshire, S70 2AS.
240pp. Illustrated. Ł29.99
ISBN 1-84415-411-4

* Nov 2007:
I have received the sad news that Keith 'Slats' Slater has passed away. Keith joined the Entry as an Armourer
Apprentice in 1(A) Wing and was posted to Kinloss on graduation. He was Tom Fleetham's best-man.

* Nov 2007:
I've loaded a ditty, whose theme is 'Defence Cuts', onto the Backchat page. Its a rather pithy comment on the
parlous state of the Air Force, reflecting the current concern over resources. Interestingly, I first came across
it over 30 years ago - so it seems that the current debate is a merely a re-run......

* Nov 2007:
Richard de Fraine tells me that has has not "played the pipes" for many years now, so, unfortunately, we
shall have to scratch him from the pool of the Entry's (current) musicians

* Oct 2007:
Further to the thought of persuading Billy Pritchard, Barry Cosgrove, Pete Skinner, Roy Harper and Richard
de Fraine to give us a few tunes at the 2010 Reunion, Dave Drinkwater has subsequently offered to add the
sounds of his trombone to the musical feast - but only if the session includes some Jazz or Swing numbers!

As a matter of interest, who else out there is a budding/accomplished musician?
* Oct 2007:
Several people have contacted me regarding the United Kingdom National Defence Association (UKNDA).
It claims to be a politicaly unaffiliated organisation whose policy is;

"To campaign for SUFFICIENT, APPROPRIATE and FULLY FUNDED ARMED FORCES
that the Nation needs to defend effectively our Country, its people, their security and vital
interests at home and worldwide."

If you would like to know more about UKNDA, please visit the Links page.
* Oct 2007:
Keith Wright (1A Wing - Engines), has asked me to pass on the following message:

"I wonder if this would interest anyone. At B.Ae.Systems Woodford, Cheshire, a team of volunteers,
including myself, maintain the Avro Heritage Centre. The Centre displays the history of A V Roe,
from his own first flight in 1908 to the present day. There are numerous displays, models and historical
pictures. We have separate rooms for the Avro 504, of WW1 fame, the Anson, the Lancaster and the
Vulcan. Also at Woodford is Vulcan B2 XM603, now unfortunately deemed unsafe, from which parts were
removed to help get XH558 into the air. The pilot, incidentally, was Al McDicken, the Woodford Chief
Test Pilot.

We conduct guided tours of the Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for individuals and groups. Larger
groups usually opt for a visit which also includes the Customer Training Centre, with its four simulators,
and lunch in the canteen. If anyone would like to visit the factory contact me for details. For 86th
members only, I'll buy the lunch.

Keith Wright".

I have added a website tag on the Links page for those who would like more information on the Centre. I for
one would like to take advantage of Keith's kind offer and hope that others who reside in, or are visiting the
area, will also give their support Who knows, perhaps we could arrange for a group of us to get together for
a visit; anyone up for it?
* Oct 2007:
An item has been added to the OAS page, covering what has been claimed as the largest flying model aircraft
in the world - and most impressive it is (was) too.
* Oct 2007:
As you can see from the following, the number of Entry members who became musicians, along with the
number of coincidences that life seems to throw up, continues to grow. Roy Harper (2A - Wing Engines)
became a singer/songwriter of international repute - and a film actor to boot.

From Phil Stephens (1A Wing - Airframes)
"I've just been reading a novel, entitled 'Piece of my heart', by Peter Robinson. It's one of a series about
a Leeds-based policeman, Chief Inspector Banks. This particular one is based around a murder at a pop
concert in the late sixties. A lot of bands are mentioned by name in the story, many of which I recognised.
He also mentioned a number of individual musicians, one of which was a Lancashire lad named Roy Harper.

Now, you all know me and my memory for names and faces! On the day I travelled to join up, sitting
opposite me in the train was a little fair-haired chap, with a broad Lancashire accent. He had a guitar slung
across his back, and introduced himself to me as Roy Harper. He didn't stay long at Halton, so I never saw
him again there. From the induction list, he was an Engine Fitter, and went to 2 Wing. When I went to RAF
Weeton for a Trade-Board, in 1964, I ran into him in a coffee bar in Blackpool and we spent quite a riotous
evening together.

Coincidence is a funny old thing, but, you never know, so I put "Roy Harper, English musician" into Google.
The resulting Wikipedia Entry runs to 7 pages! The biography confirms it as our lad. He's done well, having
done guest lead vocals with Pink Floyd, made an album with Jimmy Page (Led Zepplin), and has list of credits
for his own work that runs into two pages! In the write-up, he freely admits that he feigned madness to work
his ticket. Yet another amazing ex-Brat career..!

He and Billy Pritchard (now residing in Texas) who has appeared alongside the likes of Cher, at Las Vegas,
means that the 86th can probably make claim to being the only Halton Entry to include two future Rock Stars."
* Oct 2007:
I have been asked to circulate details of the following scam, originating from Belize, which is apparently
doing the rounds at the moment.

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting
that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on 0906 6611911 (which is
a premium rate number). If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will already
have been billed Ł15 for the phone call.

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 0207 2396 655,
or ICSTIS (the premium rate service regulator) at www.icstis.org.uk

Please circulate this to avoid others being ripped off as Christmas approaches. Many thanks.
* Oct 2007:
Well, they have managed to get the Vulcan into the sky, as they promised. So well done to the team of
enthusiasts behind the project and well done to everyone whose donations made it possible. I know that
Chas Ducat is particularly chuffed! View the event.
* Oct 2007:
Barry (Elvis) Cosgrove (2 Wing - Engines) has asked for a contact link to be established for him on the
Members page. He is looking forward to chatting to old friends and hopes to attend the next reunion in
2010 - so if anyone wants to get in touch with him, click on his contact link.

Further news from Barry: After Ballykelly, via Lynham, he arrived in Aden, met some great guys and
formed a rock band where he was the lead singer and played bass. After Aden he had a band in the UK for
a few years, playing clubs, and then decided to move. Since then, he and his family have lived in Canada
and the US for 35 years. Although they feel at home in Toronto, their current address, they frequently
meet with old friends in Europe for a change of pace. Barry spent some time on the Isle of Man with
Graham "Blondie" Gawne (2A Wing) and his wife, shortly before Graham, sadly, passed away.

With Barry on Bass and Billy Pritchard on Lead Guitar we are pretty much on the way to being able to
provide our own music at the 2010 reunion - perhaps Pete Skinner (who was no mean guitarist himself) and
Richard de Fraine could add their bagpipe talents to a chorus of "Rock the Bear". Any votes for that?
* Oct 2007:
According to the "Vulcan to the Sky Club" website, the aircraft could well be flying anytime from the
second week of this month (see the Links page).
* Oct 2007:
Vic Gardner and Chas Ducat have each asked that we sign another petition, this time in support of
The Red Arrows being allowed to participate in the 2012 London Olympics' opening celebrations. As
you may recall, we recently had a page dedicated to the petition to prevent the Team being disbanded.
That petition was successful - perhaps those whose plans were defeated are behind this decision as
well. The new petition can be accessed via the Red Arrows page listed on the Menu.
(Note: The petition is now closed - and was successful).
* Oct 2007:
The petition calling for a SSAFA run family accommodation unit, next to the Military Hospital at Headley
Court, is now closed. Although the outcome has not been published on the Prime Minister's website, I
understand that the petition has been successful - so to everyone that signed; thank you.
* Sep 2007:
Rod Whitehead attended the Triennial meeting at Halton this month and has kindly sent in an excellent
review of the day's events. His article has been included in the BackChat page.
* Sep 2007:
Those who knew John Hart, who joined as an Armament Apprentice in 1(A) Wing, will be sad to learn that
he has passed away. John attended the Entry reunion in May and, although he was very ill at the time, he
thoroughly enjoyed himself and took the opportunity to catch up with his many friends from the Halton days.
He became a leading light in his local Lions Association and his enthusiasm and concern for others will be
sorely missed. John was also a very active member of our Entry association's committee and always brought
humour and a "can do" attitude to their meetings. In his younger days he was a keen rugby player.

Our thoughts go out to his wife Christina and to the other members of his family.
* Aug 2007:
Derek Paul (3A Wing - Airframes) tells me that he has now retired and is living in France. With the summer
we have been having here, to say I am envious would be an understatement. I have added a contact link for
him on the Members page. Good to hear from you Derek - go easy on the plonk!
* Jul 2007:
Chas Ducat has asked me to publish details of a petition to the Prime Minister concerning Headley Court.
Further information can be found on a temporary page that has been added to the Menu.
* Jul 2007:
Anyone who does not believe that life is full of coincidences should turn to the BackChat page and read
Jim Terry's tale. As they say, you really couldn't make it up.......
* Jul 2007:
In February, Chas Ducat asked me to publish details of a petition to the Prime Minister to retain the
R.A.F. Aerobatic Team - The Red Arrows. The petition closed on 24th July 2007 after attracting 60,662
signatures. The powers that be say that the Red Arrows will not be axed - so thanks to all of you who
signed.
* Jul 2007:
A video, titled "86th Entry Graduation", has appeared on the YouTube website. Details can be found
on the O.A.S.page.
* Jul 2007:
Phil Stephens has supplied me with information from the Record's Office regarding two of our Entry's
members; Raymond Harrison and John Mathews. Unfortunately they have both passed away - their
details have been added to the Farewells Page.
* Jun 2007:
British State pensions are uprated in the following overseas countries: Austria, Barbados, Belgium,
Bermuda, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia,
Malta, Mauritius, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Sark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, The Netherlands, Turkey, USA and Yugoslavia.

Amazingly, British State pensions are frozen in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Australia,
Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe and most other Commonwealth countries.

The pensions are paid out of the National Insurance Contribution fund which, the Government's own
Actuary Department stated in early 2006, has a surplus exceeding current requirements of over Ł30
billion and growing

Chas Ducat, who lives in Malaysia and whose pension is therefore frozen, has asked me to publicise
a petition, currently on the 10 Downing Street website, which reads as follows:

"We the under signed petition the Prime Minister to remove the discrimination
against British State pensioners who retire in certain overseas countries."

Chas has invited friends, and any other person similarly affected, who would like to offer their support,
to sign the petition, which can be found at Pensions Petition. There are a dozen or so members
of our Entry (that we know of) who are affected by this anomaly.
* Jun 2007:
Vic Gardner has sent details of a Veteran's Lapel Badge. For those of you who are interested I have placed
the information on the OAS page.
* May 2007: The current good health of our association is chiefly because of the hard work put in during the
early days by Chris Russ and others. Following his decision to stand-down, the committee had planned to
present Chris with an engraved Tankard to thank him for his work, first as Chairman and, latterly, as
President. The presentation was meant to take place at York but, unfortunately, Chris and Jean had to
call off their plans to attend, at the last minute. Subsequently, Phil Stephens visited Chris at his home
and did the honours.
* May 2007:
I have received this warning from Vic Gardner about a Virus that has just emerged. He thought we might like to
take note and then pass the warning on to as many people as possible.

WARNING: Be alert during the next few days:
Do not open any message with an attached file called "Invitation" regardless of who sent it, It is a virus that
opens an Olympic Torch which "burns" the whole hard disc (drive C:). If you do receive such an mail do not open
it - Delete the email and any attachments immediately.

The virus, which destroys the Zero Sector on hard disk drive C:, has been classified by Microsoft as the most
destructive virus yet seen. It was discovered by McAfee yesterday (30.May.07) and, as yet, there is no fix.

Many Thanks Vic.
* May 2007:
A report on the recent gathering at York has been loaded onto the Reunion Page. Many thanks to all who supported
the event, particularly those who travelled quite amazing distances to be there. There are quite a few pics on the
page so it may take a while to load - my apologies for that.
* May 2007:
Paddy Boyd and Mick Fenn have each asked for a contact link to be included for them on the Members page.
* May 2007:
It was announced at the General Meeting in York that Chris Russ has decided to stand down as President of the
Entry association. With reluctance, the meeting agreed to abide by his decision and asked that an expression of
thanks be forwarded to Chris, on their behalf; this has now been done.

It was hard work and determination on his part, with others, that created our association. As chairman he then
nurtured it during the early years, playing a significant part in organising the funding, purchase, installation and
dedication of the 86th Entry Window in St George's Church, Halton. His later efforts helped install the Frank Whittle
Window in the same church.

Thanks to his enthusiasm the association is now in a pretty healthy state with more people finding their way to the
website and communicating with the committee. So, well done Chris and Thank You.
* May 2007:
While at York, I overheard Keith Wright relating various tales to Pete Reynolds about his time in Germany. One
story amused me no end and I asked Keith if he would allow me to include it on the BackChat page; fortunately
he has and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. For me it illustrates two life-skills that Halton gave us; firstly
the ability to adapt and cope with just about any situation and, secondly, a (healthily) casual attitude to rank and
status, - whether it be real, or imagined.
* May 2007:
Frank Turner has asked for the following to be included as a news item:

In memory of youthful commitment, 1957.
A good meal, a few drinks, and mixing with associates with whom you have some shared experiences normally
results in a pleasant sociable event. To make it special requires a bit extra with the planning on the part of the
organisers.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of their enrolment date, the 86th entry had such an event at the Marriott
hotel in York on 5th May. In this case 'a bit extra' is a gross understatement. Our committee really excelled
themselves and went to great lengths to provide us with an exceptional and memorable evening's entertainment.
The members who attended, plus of course a modest amount of alcohol, obviously helped maintain the convivial
atmosphere but the comradeship was certainly initiated by those who had called us together, and had planned
so meticulously for our benefit. A particularly nice touch, was the purchase from ebay of a limited edition
china plate commemorating the Halton apprentice scheme, which was bought by Meg Towse to present to
Ian Smith for his talk on his experiences as a Concorde flight engineer.

All in all a cracking evening. Those who were unable or unwilling to attend will be doing themselves a
disservice if they don't make a special effort in 2010; our committee did in 2007!

Thanks chaps. 682986
* May 2007:
The Reunion Dinner ran smoothly and everyone who attended seemed to have had an enjoyable evening.
A write-up on the evening's events, will appear on the Reunion page in due course. I would like to
include some photos so it would be great if you can email me any snaps you may have taken - please
include names if you can!
* May 2007:
Safe journey to York for those of you attending the Reunion. To those who cannot make
it this time. . . . we will drink to your good health (plus a few extra pints, I'm sure).
* Apr 2007:
Received a letter from Vince Williams. He is sorry he will miss the session at York
but says "Hello to those who may just remember me!". He has asked that he be included
in the Members page contact links.
* Apr 2007:
Robin (Rags) Wyborn has asked for a contact link to be included on the Members page.
* Apr 2007:
Frank Turner has asked for a contact link for him to be included on the Members page.
* Apr 2007:
The Reunion Dinner menu (see 50th Reunion page).
* Apr 2007:
News of an informal get-together, at York, in the evening of Friday 4th May (see 50th Reunion page).
* Apr 2007:
Mike Breckenridge has asked me to include a contact link for him on the Members page.
* Apr 2007:
In February, Chas Ducat brought it to our attention that a petition had been launched to oppose the rumoured
decision to disband the Red Arrows aerobatic squadron of the Royal Air Force. At that time 12,568 people had
signed the petition. As of 16th May, 57,630 people have signed and it seems that the Red Arrows have been saved.
Well done and thanks to all who signed the petition - and well done Chas for making us aware of what was going
on. I will leave the relevant link on the website until the petition closes on 24th July.
* Apr 2007:
The agenda for the AGM has been added to the Reunion page.
* Mar 2007:
Roger Harris has asked me to include a contact link for him on the Members page.
* Mar 2007:
A new page (named O.A.S.) has been added to the Menu; it covers "other ancillary subjects" (i.e. odds and sods).
My thanks go to Ray Helliar for contributing the first item.
* Mar 2007:
An introduction to our after-dinner speaker (see 50th Reunion page).
* Mar 2007:
Updated list of those coming to York (see 50th Reunion page).
* Mar 2007:
Paul Fidler, Howard Foakes, Al Hancock, John Hill, Pete Moffat, Colin Pogue, Guy Rumbelow and Dave Skill
have asked me to include contact links for them on the Members page.
* Mar 2007:
List, to date, of those coming to York (see 50th Reunion page).
* Mar 2007:
Keith Wright would like to contact David Williams (Engines) who was, I believe, in 1(A) Wing. If you are out there
David, or if anyone knows how he can be contacted, please let me know. Many thanks.
* Mar 2007:
Holiday Inn, York (see 50th Reunion page).
* Mar 2007:
Tony Bowker, Bill Dinnie, Dave Hunter, Pete Reynolds, Ian Smith and Dave Wiseman have asked me to include
contact links for them on the Members page.
* Mar 2007:
After-dinner speaker at York (see 50th Reunion page).
* Feb 2007:
Dave Drinkwater has reminded me of two Venezuelans; Frank Navarette and George Hurtado, who, he believes, were
both Engine Fitters and resided in 2(A)Wing.
* Feb 2007:
Can anyone provide me with the Names, Trades and Wings for any of the Venezuelan Air Force guys who were in our
Entry?
* Feb 2007:
John Humphries, 3(A) Wing, has asked me to include his contact link on the Members page and to pass on the message
that he hopes to meet up with all the others on the contacts list, at the reunion.

Jim Baker, Bob Ratcliffe, Rod Whitehead, Harry Northmore, John Willows, Jeff Young and Roy Young have also asked
for contact links to be established for them.
* Feb 2007:
Malcolm Lambert tells me that he is associated with the Canberra WF922 restoration project. I worked on PR.7s and
B(I).8s at RAF Laarbruch in the early 60s and so found the Canberra Association website, for which Malcolm provided the
link, very interesting. For those of you who may also be interested in the Association, or the restoration project, the
site has been added to the Links page.

Malcolm is Chief Engineer at the Midland Air Museum, which is based at Coventry. Apart from Canberra WF922, he
has been involved in the restoration and painting of a Boulton Paul BP111a, a Whirlwind (civvy version), a Sea Hawk,
a Hunter F6A, an F104, a Fairy Gannet and a Thunderbird missile. His current project is the second prototype HS125
(G-ARYB) which has been WIP since early Dec 06. The Museum's website has also been added to the Links page.

His first love is the Canberra and he still remembers all the Canberra B2 noses in the Halton workshops that we were not,
as a junior entry, supposed to enter. The smell and fascination for the type has stayed with him ever since and WF922 still
carries that aroma. He says that he had one ex-Nav visitor who actually shed tears after sitting in the back seat for the
first time in some 40 years. The chap said that it was his sense of smell that triggered it off: Malcolm found it a very
poignant experience at the time.

An article covering his activities with the Midland Air Museum has been added to the BackChat page. As is evident,
Malcolm is still very active but, like most of our vintage, has had the odd bypass and other problems; however, as he says,
"Luckily at the moment everything is hanging together!".

Malcolm has also kindly provided some missing details from the Entry Members' page.
* Feb 2007:
It would seem there is talk of disbanding the Red Arrows aerobatic squadron of the Royal Air Force. Chas Ducat has asked
me to inform as many people as possible of a petition that objects to this policy. If you care strongly about this then please
support the petition, which closes on 24th July 2007. At the time of writing, some 12,568 people have signed. Many thanks.

Details of the petition have been added to a temporary page, accessed via the menu.
* Feb 2007:
Contact links for Ian Bradstock, Hugh Brown, John Colligan, Richard de Fraine, Tony Freeman, Dave George, Bill Hardwick,
John Hart, Malcolm Lambert, Ian McLeod, Al Monk, Jim Terry and Mike Treen have been added to the Members page.
* Jan 2007:
Phil Stephens has managed to track down Billy Pritchard, who was 3(A) Wing's own guitar playing "Billy Fury". He was
posted to 43 Sqd. at Leuchars on graduation and then spent time in Cyprus, Bicester, Singapore, Aden, Hong Kong and
Baharain. He left the RAF in 1971 and worked as an Inspector for Handley Page and, after they folded, spent some time
working as a licenced engineer. By way of several opportunities he ended up in a Show-Band in Accapulco, Mexico, where
he lived for a couple of years. The Band was eventually booked to play in the Golden Nugget Hotel, Las Vegas, after
which Billy made a very decent living as a solo musician. He has lived in the US for over 30 years and currently resides
in Austin, Texas, and - despite having two children and two heart valves replaced - is fit and healthy. He says he has a
mass of tales to tell and I hope to persuade him to do just that with an article for the BackChat page. He hopes to be at
the Reunion in May and I am sure that many, like me, are looking forward to seeing him again after all these years.
* Jan 2007:
An email contact link for Keith Wright has been added to the Members page.
* Jan 2007:
Ian Bradstock has kindly provided information regarding the Wing he was in, prior to our all trudging up the hill to 1(A)Wing
during our final year. Keith Wright has kindly provided similar information regarding Pete Lane. The members page has been
updated accordingly. While on the subject, can anyone enlighten me as to exactly when we did all move up to 1(A)Wing?
* Jan 2007:
The contract for the hire of a suitable venue for the 50th anniversary dinner to mark the Entry's formation, has finally been
signed. Information regarding the event can be accessed via a new 50th Reunion page which I have added to the Menu.
* Jan 2007:
Dave Longland has contacted Phil Stephens. Dave was a S/A/A and acted as #2 Flight Commander at our Graduation.
Unfortunately he is not enjoying the best of health at the moment but is looking forward to seeing old faces at the reunion.
I am sure that you will join me in wishing him all the best in 2007.
* Jan 2007:
Happy New Year everybody. I hope that it is kind to you, and to your friends and families.
* Dec 2006:
Jim Baker (2A Wing Inst-Nav) has been in contact with Phil Stephens. After leaving the RAF, Jim moved to South Australia
and set up his own company to design, manufacture and sell software based radio nurse-call systems. He sold the company
and retired in 1996, only to undergo a quad bypass operation 4 months later. It made him see life in a different light and,
fortunately, he seems to have been enjoying the good life ever since. He lives on a golf course, playing the game as often
as he can but he and his wife spend much of their time away from home exploring the "fantastic" countryside and also take the
occasional cruise. They have just returned from a cruise through French Polynesia and up to and through the Hawaiin Islands.
It was a bit of a nostalgia trip as 45 years ago he spent some time at Hickham airbase near Honolulu and a year at
Christmas Island - two of the ports at which they stopped. He extends warm regards to everyone and would love to see anyone
who might drop into his neck of the woods.
* Dec 2006:
Phil Stephens has contributed an interesting addition to the BackChat page. It describes an encounter with the CO of 14 Sqdn;
later to become the current Patron of the RAFHAAA.
* Dec 2006:
Phil Stephens has received an email from the smallest chap in the Entry - John Timney (2 Wing Armourer). He had an unusual
career in the Forces; originally an Armourer, went "Bomber D" (Bombsight systems), was refused an extension to complete
22 years service, transferred to the Navy, and ended up as a Chief Artificer(Electrical).

After leaving the Navy, John spent some time in Suadi Arabia and now lives in France. His grandchildren, on recently being
shown the 2A Wing photo on this site, commented on his stature: he had to admit that when the photograph was taken he was
15 yrs and 6 months and, on a dry day, was 4ft 10.5" tall. He seems to be doing well and invites his old mates to contact
him via the link on the Members' page.
* Dec 2006:
Tony Freeman (1Wing Armourer) has been in contact with our secretary, Phil Stephens. Tony now lives in Australia but managed
to visit the UK in September. He enjoyed the trip but found the temperature during the stopover in Dubai, 48 degrees C, a bit
much; however, he does plan to make a repeat trip during 2007. He is certainly looking forward to the Ashes series and seems
to be an Aussie supporter through and through. Tony certainly seems to be enjoying life down under, apart from the damage to
his garden and golf course, caused by the serious drought problems they have experienced over the last five years.
* Dec 2006:
A Merry Christmas to you all. Look out for the drinking, the driving and, most of all, the expanding waist-line. Arrangements for
the 50th Reunion are just about finalised and I hope to announce details in the first week of 2007. Take care and have a good one.
* Sep 2006:
I'm sure you have heard the outcome of the latest appeal for funds to get an Avro Vulcan back into the sky; a cracking result!
Many thanks to everybody who responded to my emails on the subject. The temporary "Vulcan Appeal" page has been removed
and the link to the "Vulcan To The Sky Club" website has been transferred to the Contacts/Links page.
* Aug 2006:
The relevant link on the Contacts page has been amended to reflect a change in the RAFHAAA's website address.
* Aug 2006:
Sam Weller, the 90th Entry Association's secretary, has asked me to publish details of an appeal for funds to get the restored
Avro Vulcan flying by next year. Details of the appeal have been added to a temporary page, accessed via the menu.

I do have to declare an interest, as my first posting from Halton was to 83 Sqdn at Waddington, which after a year or so reformed
as 44(Rhodesia) Sqdn. Although the Vulcan could be a swine to work on I must admit that it made a wonderful sight in the air.
I did managed to fly in the beast, as did my wife Meg, who at the time was a member of the WRAF in Waddington ATC; so perhaps
we are the only husband and wife ever to have flown in an Avro Vulcan (though not at the same time).

If you want to help you will have to do it quickly - by the end of this month in fact....!
* Aug 2006:
A short item has been added to the BackChat page, supplementing David Drinkwater's recollection of the loss of a C-130 at Fairford.
* Aug 2006:
An ex 84th Brat has asked to be put in touch with Pete Knapp (1 Wing Engines). If you are out there Peter, please get in touch with me
as soon as you can. (Ditto anyone who can help me contact him). Thanks.
* Jun 2006:
A "culinary item" has been added to the BackChat page.
* May 2006:
An addition to the Links page connects to a site containing illustrations and descriptions of the Apprentice Windows in Saint George's Church,
at RAF Halton.
* May 2006:
A second item has been added to the BackChat page. It is a fascinating account of David Drinkwater's experiences over the last fifty years
or so. It covers the period from prior to his joining the Entry as an Apprentice Engine Fitter in 3A Wing, through Halton and his time as a
ground engineer and then as a flight engineer. He flew aircraft types ranging from the Belfast to the Lancaster and had a range of jobs after
leaving the Service, before finally retiring to Spain.

Hopefully this interesting item will motivate other members of the Entry to find the time to jot down their own experiences or anecdotes for
the rest of us to enjoy. I cannot begin to imagine the number of tales that must be out there!
* May 2006:
Dave Drinkwater has kindly provided some additions, and corrections, which have been incorporated into the Members page. Please contact
me if you can fill in any of the remaining gaps.
* Apr 2006:
Those who remember Graham (Blondie) Gawne, who joined the Entry as an Airframe Apprentice in 2(A) Wing, will be sad to learn that he
recently passed away. Blondie was posted to Leuchars on graduation and, after leaving the RAF, lived in the Isle of Man, where he ran
an hotel.
* Apr 2006:
A new page, "BackChat", has been added to the Menu. Its purpose is to serve as a repository for anecdotes or memories that any member
of the Entry would like to share with the rest of us. The items can be as long, short, serious or humourous as you wish and can cover
Halton and post-Halton periods. The only caveat is that no item can be anonymous and the site moderator reserves the right to discuss and
agree upon any controversial article with its author, prior to publication.

Ray Helliar has sportingly opened the batting with a short anecdote. Its theme could well cause him to be known to the rest of us as
"Green-Fingers" Helliar from now on.
* Apr 2006:
Sadly, I have to report that Leslie Stevens, who joined the Entry as an Electrical (Air) Apprentice in 1(A) Wing, passed away in January
of this year, while on holiday in Australia. After leaving the RAF he joined the Civil Aviation Authority; eventually retiring as a Senior
Surveyor. He then worked for some time for Royal Brunei. Our Secretary, Phil Stephens, relates that the Flt.Sgt. i/c 3 Sqdn (1A Wing) was
convinced that A/A Stephens (Phil) inhabited Block 16 and that A/A Stevens (Les) resided in Block 15 - when, in fact, the reverse was true.
The happy consequence of his confusion was that neither lad's name appeared on the Church Parade List for the Block in which they lived.
Apparently they got away with it for over a year.
* Mar 2006:
An urgent request for a photograph of the 1(A) Wing members of our Entry has been received. If you have any snaps of the whole Wing, or
of I.T.F. groups, or of individuals (particularly Bill Whyte - Armourer), that I could borrow, please contact me. I promise to take good care of
them and return them to you as soon as possible - Many thanks.
* Mar 2006:
A new link - that takes you to a site listing eMail addresses of ex-Brats of various Entrys - has been added to the Links page.
* Jan 2006:
I have received the sad news that John Westland passed away on the 7th December 2005. John joined the Entry as an Electrical (Air)
Apprentice in 2(A) Wing and was posted to Gaydon on graduation. I believe that he was awarded a school colour for shooting in 1959;
perhaps someone can confirm this? John had a bold approach to the use of colour, particularly as an embellishment to the sober
charcoal grey suits we, when senior entry, were allowed to wear. Some may remember the time when John, deciding that his fair hair
needed an upgrade, experimented with a product obtained from a local chemist - and basked in the result, which lay somewhere between
red and orange. The effect, when combined with the suit, luminous green socks and matching tie was, apparently, quite spectacular.
John was a well-liked and well-remembered member of the Entry and our thoughts are with his family.
* Nov 2005:
Duncan Davey, who many will remember as a 3(A) Wing Electrical (Air) Apprentice, is currently Instructing at Cranwell but intends to retire
at Christmas to enjoy the good-life. A contact link has been added to his entry in the Members Page and he will very be happy to hear from
any of his old friends.
* Oct 2005:
Dave Drinkwater has retired from the civil aviation training world and has been living in Spain since May 2004. He is enjoying the relaxed
life and his interest in music seems to keep him pretty busy; he sings with the local Gilbert and Sullivan Society and plays clarinet and
trombone with a local band. Some may remember that he was the Colour Warrant Officer on our graduation parade. Dave would love to
hear from any old friends and has asked for a link to be established for that purpose. (See Members Page).
* Sep 2005:
Following completion of the project, a small sum of money remains in the Entry's "Whittle Memorial Fund" account. The committee has
agreed to close the account and donate the money to the RAFHAAA's "Boy Mechanics Window Fund".
* May 2005:
Vic Gardner has been in contact with Phil Stephens. Vic underwent a double lung transplant, at Papworth, some two years ago and
everything seems to have gone very well since then. Vic says he is looking forward to the next reunion and would like to hear from any
of his old mates (see Members Page). I am sure we are all very proud of Vic and wish him and his family all the best for the future.
* May 2005:
Contact details shown on the Members page are no longer direct email links. All requests are now filtered for spam before being forwarded
to the member concerned.
* May 2005:
An email contact link to Ron Young has been added to the Members page.
* Apr 2005:
An email contact link to Bernard Horton has been added to the Members page.
* Apr 2005:
A link to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Apprentice Association's website has been added to the Contacts/Links page.
* Apr 2005:
Sadly, some of the fresh-faced lads with whom we shared ITF, meat-pies in the Tank, Jankers and Snoop-baiting, are no longer with us.
A Life - Assurance friend of Phil Stephens informed him that, based on the current actuarial tables, some 10.3% of the 334 lads
inducted in May 1957 would probably no longer be with us. Worryingly, that conversation took place some 10 years ago. To keep track
of the lads we have lost, a 'Farewells', page has been added to the Site. Please contact me with any fresh names and relevant
information that should be included, as well as any additional information you may have regarding friends already listed.
* Mar 2005:
The Holiday Inn, Aston Clinton, has just informed us that they have managed to 'double-book' their Function Room for the evening of
8th May 2005. Because this disappointing news comes at such short notice we have been forced to postpone the planned reunion until
later in the year. Annoying as this is, it does give us an opportunity to consider suitable venues in other parts of the country. If you have
any thoughts on this subject we would like to hear from you asap.
* Feb 2005:
An Entry Reunion has been arranged for the weekend of the 7/8th May 2005 at the Holiday Inn, Aston Clinton. Other venues were
considered, but, for a variety of reasons, were either unable to offer the dates we wanted, or guarantee that they would be able to
cater for our likely numbers.

The format will be as usual, viz: attendees arriving on Friday evening, if they so wish, with Dinner arranged for the Saturday evening.
Accommodation should be booked through the Secretary and paid for by the individual on departure. Bed and breakfast will be Ł69
for a double room, per night.

Dinner will cost Ł20 per head and, as a deposit against attendance, we ask that a cheque covering the price of your meal(s) be sent to
the Treasurer. Please contact Ray Helliar for details.
* Jan 2005:
Ray Helliar has a stock of laminated bookmarks, one portraying the 86th Entry Window and another portraying the Whittle Memorial Window,
both of which are installed in St George's Church, RAF Halton. Please contact Ray for details.
* Dec 2004:
Sadly, Ray Parker RNZAF passed away in May 2004. He joined the Entry as an Apprentice Engine Fitter, became an S/A/A, and was a
member of the graduation Colour Escort. He retired from the RNZAF, as a Group Captain, in 1987.