any suitable News/Information/Message you would like published here.
* Nov 2009:
I have added a short clip to the OAS page. It demonstrates a beer dispensing device that has to make it a strong
contender for the 'Recognition of organised Kinetics' (RooK) Award - 2009. If the lad wasn't a Brat then he damn well
should have been....
* Nov 2009:
Roger Harris has confirmed that 1(A)Wing didn't have an ITF photo of the whole Wing; instead photos were taken of the
Trade Groups in ITF, by Room. He has sent me a photo of "...our 9 Block ITF roomsworth of Plumbers in our 'youff'
(only seems like yesterday sometimes.)..." After ITF they were all billeted in 1(A)Wing, 2 Sqd, Blk 13.
* Nov 2009:
The RAFHAAA's archivist, Derek 'Min' Larkin, is seeking information about an A/A Jefferson. Originally he was a member
of the 85th Entry but was re-coursed to us. Unfortunately he died in a motorcyle accident but whether this was pre or
post graduation I do not know. If those who remember him can shed any light as to his Trade, his Wing and what happened
to him - I will be most grateful.
* Nov 2009:
I have had to remove the 'Helicopter Game' from the OAS page as the download site has gone.
* Nov 2009:
The Newark Air Museum is hosting a reunion for everyone who served on any unit operating the Valiant, Victor or
Vulcan, in any role, aircrew or groundcrew. Wives and partners are welcome, as are widows and children of former
V Force personnel. The event is planned for Saturday/Sunday 24th/25th April 2010 and details can be found here.
* Nov 2009:
I am putting out a call (again) for items that will be of interest to those who visit this site. A rich, but as yet
hardly touched vein, are the potted histories of what befell each us after we graduated from Halton. Some very
interesting tales have found their way onto the page but, with the honourable exception of Dave Drinkwater, nobody
has yet offered a potted-history of their travels/travails. A good example of what I am talking about appears on the
87th Entry's web site 'Resumes' page. Our own travels/travails must be at least as interesting, so how about dusting
down those memories and sending them on to me....?
* Nov 2009:
A video clip on the OAS page purportedly shows the graduation of our Entry. The clip is credited to someone,
called 'daftcaptain', whose identity was unknown. Well, Dave George believes that 'daftcaptain' is a chap named
Frank Shaw who was in the 90th(?) and now resides in Dereham, Norfolk. I'm puzzled as to why he would bother to
produce something connected to our Entry - I can only think that we tipped his pit once too often and that the
words put in Trenchard's mouth at the very end are perhaps meant to be malevolent rather than humorous....?
* Nov 2009:
Whereas Nos. 2A) and 3(A) Wing organised group ITF photographs it would seem that No.1(A) Wing did not. To have
a record of how all of our fresh-faced lads looked when they first joined the Entry we need copies of any photos
taken of the Entry while they were in 1(A) Wing ITF. Colin Pogue has kindly started the ball rolling with a picture
from his collection which I have put on the Photos page. He is unsure as to whether it shows members of ITF 9-4 or
9-6 or just the 1(A)Wing Airframe apprentices - but his gut feeling is that it is the former. If anyone recognises the
photo perhaps they can remember or, if they have similar photos, email me a copy for inclusion on the Photo page.
Colin recalls; "The only thing I clearly remember about ITF was the pillow fight the whole landing had including
Tony Freeman, who may have come across the landing for the fun (as I don't remember him in my room). The punch-line
of this story is that W/O Varty was standing outside as pillow after pillow came flying out the end window! Amazingly
(or perhaps not, with hindsight) he took a relatively benign attitude to it, (after a suitable b*ll***ing!)".
* Nov 2009:
Pete Reynolds has managed to make contact with Peter Dent who was an Inst(Gen) basher in 2(A)Wing. Before Halton
they were together at school in Germany and after graduating met up again at Goose Bay and then Wyton. After visiting
our web site Peter says: "Interesting to see the 2a photo and the 'very wet behind the ears' 16 year old seated bottom
row, far right. I'm even wearing a smile - little knowing what the next 3 year held in store. Currently I'm still actively
running my business (as per the last 35 years!) but thinking now of retiring while I still have a few bones that don't ache!".
A contact link for Peter has been added to the Members page and Pete Reynolds and I are trying to persuade him to join
the rest of us at the April get-together.
* Nov 2009:
Ralph King (85th) shared a billet with Pete MacIntosh (2 Wing, 3 Sqd) for over 2 years and they became close
friends. Peter (whose mother lived in Oban) often stayed at Ralph's home, on short leaves. As too often
happens they eventually lost contact after leaving Halton. At each Halton reunion Ralph attended he sought
information on Peter from any 86th brats he came across - without success. Eventually he managed to get in
touch with Phil Stephens and was sad to hear of Peter's demise and very much regretted leaving it so long
before attempting to re-establish contact. I suppose this really is a wake-up call to us all; if you have put
off trying to contact someone, do it now, time waits for no man.....
* Nov 2009:
Phil Stephens has heard from Brian Strickland who was a 1(A)Wing - Engines man and a member of the
Royal Rhodesian Air Force. He became an S/A/A and was a Colour Escort at Graduation. He was awarded the
Air Ministry 2nd Prize for the Best Engine Fitter Trade Standards Test. He graduated as substansive Corporal
and returned home to serve with the RRAF. He now lives with his wife in Johnannesburg, close to his offspring,
and seems to spend much of his free time sailing his catamaran, fishing and looking after his dogs. Brian is a
partner in an engineering company that manufactures fasteners, electrical line components and associated
products. He still works but is looking forward to the day he can put his feet up...
Pete Hadden was the other member of the RRAF in our Entry and he also was a 1(A)Wing Engine man. Brian has
lost contact with Pete over the years but is currently trying to track him down through ORAFS (Old Rhodesian
Air Force Sods) forum site.
He seems interested in attending the Reunion bash next April - so who knows; some of us may get to see him
again after all these years.
* Nov 2009:
More details of the get-together, planned for 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 petition to address an abnomally in the 1973 Pensions Act. The petition
has now closed after attracting over 23,000 signatures. Unfortunately, the 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 £5,
which includes postage and packaging: so if you are interested, send a cheque for £5
(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: