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This page was last updated on 10 November 2008 |
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The next Trienial Reunion is scheduled ffor 26 September 2010 - subject to the approval of the new station commander who takes up post in January 2009. |
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Our annual Reunion will be held on the weekend of 10, 11, 12 October 2008. It was organised by Mick Mepham and held at the Ramada Hotel in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Forty five members and partners attended the reunion. The weather was exceptionally warm and sunny all weekend. As Kent has more than its fair share of castles around, many spent Saturday exploring Hever, Scotney and Sissinghurst castles and grounds whilst others took a trip into Tunbridge Wells where there was a French market taking place in the Pantiles. The event in the evening was good, as was the meal and the disco which enticed people to dance for the majority of the evening. Pictures were taken on the free disposable cameras that were distributed to all tables. Someone actually managed to get a picture of Alf Tebb sitting at the table with his hat off! The hotel staff were exceptionally helpful despite having a wedding and two coach loads of French tourist to contend with. The service for the meal was good and queues at the bar were quickly dealt with. All in all, a very good weekend was had by all. |
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The NMA is the United Kingdom's living and lasting memorial to commemorate and celebrate:
There is a wealth of information about the NMA at: http://www.thenma.org.uk/ On the 12th May 15 members of the 89th Entry and their partners arrived at The Riverside Hotel, Branston, Burton on Trent to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our Enlistment in the 89th Entry Aircraft Apprentices at Royal Air Force Halton. During the evening those present raised their glasses and a "toast" was given to our 50th and also to "absent friends". On the 13th, a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Staffordshire had been arranged. The party arrived early at the Chapel to attend a short service that is unique in our Country. The Arboretum volunteer welcomed the 89th Entry to the Arboretum before a packed congregation, then gave a talk on the construction and items in the Chapel before the 'last post', '2 minutes silence' and 'reveille' were sounded and observed. Members then went to the RAF Apprentice Memorial Grove for group photographs and laying of a small wooden cross from the 89th Entry to "absent friends". Due to the size of the Arboretum (150 acres), members then dispersed at their own pace to various Memorials around the site, including the new Armed Forces Memorial which was dedicated by the Queen last year to those who have died in service since WWII. It was surprising how many RAF names are listed and how many conflicts there have been since 1945.
The event was organised by Peter Moseley who wrote "I wish to thank all who attended - I am sure it was a day to remember and if anyone wishes to visit again or even for the first time, please contact me by phone or email and perhaps we could meet up again between Annual Reunions." |
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Reunion Weekend at Peterborough - 12, 13 and 14 October 2007 |
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The 89th Entry Reunion weekend was organised by Alf Freestone and was held in the Ramada Hotel, Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough on the weekend of 12, 13 and 14 October 2007. The Reunion followed the usual format and the Reunion dinner/dance was attended by a total of 61 members and wives/partners. On the Friday, as usual, we met in the hotel to renew old acquaintances and meet new members of the association who had not attended previous Reunions. Roy and Christine Linkins had travelled from Australia, Bob and Sara Martin had travelled from the USA. Also attending for the first time were Bill Proctor and Geoff and Lynne Potts. On the Saturday, members were free to "do their own thing" and visit some of the local attractions before returning in the evening for the dinner and dance. Peterborough city centre was within walking distance (albeit 30 minutes) and therefore the cathedral and shopping center proved to be popular venues We then gathered in the bar on the Saturday evening before being called into a private room for dinner. After dinner the energetic (and not so energetic) danced to DJ Kris until midnight before retiring to the bar for a nightcap. To view a selection of photographs, click on the photograph below (you will need a broadband connection).
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The HAAA Rememberence Parade at the Tribute will be held on 4 November 2008. The parade will be preceded by a service at St George's Church starting at 1100hrs. The costs of the event, which includes the cost of transport to the parade and museum, is £12. Please pass names to the HAAA Office with a SAE if you wish to attend. Full details can be obtained from the HAAA Office on 01296 696896. |
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The Cenotaph Rememberence Parade will be held on Sunday 10 November 2008. Tickets for the event are limited. Full details can be obtained from the HAAA Office on 01296 696896. |
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The 2006 Reunion, was held at Perth, Scotland on the weekend of 6, 7 and 8 October. It was organised by Peter Bolton and John Boyack. The venue was the Ramada Hotel in the city centre. As usual, on arrival on Friday we gathered in the bar and enjoyed a couple of drinks before dining informally in the evening at the hotel. On the Saturday, a few members went off to a distillery for “The Famous Grouse Experience” whilst the remainder of the members and their wives/partners did a bit of shopping or sight-seeing in the local area. The formal Reunion dinner was held on the Saturday evening at the hotel in a dedicated function room. First timers Paul and Veronica Sweetman were welcomed, as were Shug Dalgleish and Roger Gulliver who had been prevented from attending in 2005 due to illness. A magician was hired for the evening. The magician was extremely good—at one point Maureen Hughes suddenly found she had two balls in her hand (I’ll leave you to figure out the innuendo and the amusement that that caused). The magician was also adept at the usual card and rope tricks and, even at such close proximity to his audience, it was impossible to see how he did those tricks. After the dinner, we played a form of “shuv ha’penny” on the dance floor, except that it was played with pound coins and a large bottle of whiskey. Bill Butlin got his pound coin nearest to the bottle and so won the bottle of whiskey and the pound coins off all the losers. Bill generously donated his cash winnings (£45) to the Northwest Air Ambulance Service. He kept the whiskey (he’s no fool). There was also a raffle which raised £88 that was donated to the 89th Entry Association Fund. Later in the evening we did a little dancing. As usual, most of the men preferred to stand at the bar but, to encourage the boys, the girls reminded them of their youth when they would go along to the local dance hall and try to pluck up enough courage to ask one of the group of girls dancing around their handbags for a dance. Many thanks to Peter Bolton and John Boyack for a most enjoyable weekend. . |
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Reunion Weekend at York - 30 September, 1 and 2 October 2005 |
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The 2005 Reunion was held on the weekend of 30 September to 2 October at the Holiday Inn, York. The event was very well attended, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. We met on the Friday in the bar (where else) and then had an informal dinner in the hotel in the evening. On Saturday there was an opportunity to go sight-seeing and shopping in the historic city of York before putting on our ‘glad rags’ for the main event—the Reunion dinner. We were very pleased to welcome George and Mary Brown, Niall and Sandra Thomas, and John and Carol Newnham (who had come all the way from Canada) to their first 89th Reunion weekend. We had an area of the dining room allocated to us and a disco to dance to after the meal. Once the music stopped, the stalwarts retired to the bar for a nightcap (or few) before returning to their rooms for a few hours sleep. We then held the Annual General Meeting on the Sunday morning. All too soon it was time to bid farewell to our friends and to look forward to next year's Reunion in Perth, Scotland. Our thanks go to Gerry Klippel, assisted by Alex Hatherall, for organising an excellent Reunion. |
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The 2004 Reunion was held on 1st, 2nd and 3rd of October in Chester at The Queen Hotel. Frank Hare was our organiser and host for this event. There were 47 attendees (including wives and partners) which was well up on last year. 'First timers' were Peter Thorpe, Stan Byczkowski and Geraldine Wright, who accompanied Trevor. The format of the Reunion weekend was similar to previous years. Those arriving on the Friday met in the hotel bar and renewed acquaintances and friendships and then dined informally together in the evening. After breakfast on the Saturday morning, there was time to explore the City of Chester and its hinterland. The City boasts The Westgate Theatre, a medieval shopping centre, the City Wall (Chester is the only English city with a complete wall), river cruises on the river Dee, a Roman amphitheatre and bath house, Grosvenor Museum, Chester Military Museum in the castle, and horse racing. The Reunion dinner was held on the Saturday evening in a private dining room. After the dinner, Frank Hare organised a 'race meeting' - a race track and horses were laid out on the dance floor and then bidding started for each horse. There was a tote betting system to allow the punters to bet on their favourite horse. Residual proceeds from the race meeting were donated to the 89th Entry Fund. After the racing, we danced the night away to a local disco. Sunday morning dawned, and after breakfast we held the Annual General Meeting. It was then time to say good-bye and head for home. For Peter Thorpe, that was all the way back to New Zealand! Many thanks to Frank Hare for organising an excellent Reunion event. |
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2003 Reunion Weekend - 3, 4 and 5 October 2003 |
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The 2003 Reunion was held at the Moat House Hotel, Markyate, near St Albans. The event was organised by Peter Pope. The number of attendees was down on last year (38 including partners) but a good time was had by all nevertheless. Peter and Mary Bolton and Colin and Marta Pimm joined us for their first Reunion event. Trevor Wright also joined us for the weekend — it was some years since he had last attended a Reunion. As usual, the Reunion was held over the Friday (pm), Saturday and Sunday (am). On Friday there was the usual ‘meet and greet’ in the hotel bar. After late breakfast on Saturday members did their own thing, mainly sight seeing or a long lunch in a local hostelry, before meeting again in the evening for the Reunion dinner in a private room with adjoining bar. After dinner we danced to a 60’s style disco until midnight and then the stalwarts (and there were a lot of them) retired to the main hotel bar until the early hours of Sunday morning. After breakfast, we held the annual general meeting on the Sunday morning before departing for our homeward journeys. Many thanks to Peter for another excellent Reunion. |
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2002 Reunion Weekend - 4, 6 and 7 October 2002 at Buxton |
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The 2002 Reunion was held at The Portland Hotel, Buxton, Derbyshire - just on the edge of the park, river, Pavilion and the famous Opera House. It was organised by John Wainwright, ably assisted by Alex Hatherall and their wives Sue and Liz. The weekend was enjoyed by 24 members and their wives/partners (48 in all). Peter and Linda Moseley joined us for the first time, as did Frank Hare's wife Shirley. As usual, the Reunion was held over three days (two nights) although members were welcome to come along just for the dinner-dance on the Saturday. Most members arrived on the Friday night for a convivial drink in the hotel bar and spent the day doing some sight-seeing on the Saturday before the main event. The theme for the dinner-dance was '60th birthday' as most of us had either recently passed this milestone or were about to do so. Tom and Sandra Muncaster kindly provided the birthday cake which included the Entry badge 'piped' in icing. The birthday cake was particularly appropriate for Alex Hatherall as it was actually his birthday on the night of the reunion dinner. Alex Hatherall also manufactured an 89th Entry shield which was displayed above the dance floor and this will be used at future Reunions. Peter Moseley won the prize for the longest flight in the indoor gliding competition although I understand that he cheated as Steve Perrott's wife Glen helped him to launch his glider. A super time was had by all. Thanks again to John and Alex. |
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2001 Reunion - 40th Anniversay of Graduation and Window Dedication |
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The 40th Anniversary Reunion, celebrating our graduation from RAF Halton in 1961, was held on the weekend of 6th and 7th of October 2001. The main event on the Saturday, attended by over 50 members and their partners, was the Reunion Dinner in the evening. We assembled in the private bar for pre-drinks and soon the place was full of old friends. After a couple of warm-up drinks we then moved to the dining room for dinner. The safari format (moving after every course) ensured that everyone was able to chat with all those who attended the Reunion during the consumption of an excellent meal. After dinner we returned to the private bar until it closed and the we made our way to the hotel public bar to chat (and yes drink) until the early hours of the morning. There was still a good sized crowd at 3 am!! We checked out of the hotel on the Sunday and made our way to Halton House (the Officers' Mess) to take a guided tour of Rothchild's stately home. Min Larkin, a stalwart of the Halton Aircraft Apprentice Association, told us a little about the history of the building. We then had a few minutes to meander around the rooms to admire the grand scale of the architectural features of the building before moving on to St George's Church for the 89th Entry stained glass window dedication ceremony. The dedication of our window was held separately from the main service and so we had the church to ourselves. Padre Lee Spicer officiated at the dedication. After an introduction by Padre Spicer and a hearty chorus of Fight the Good Fight, Peter Ayee read from Isaiah Verse 40.28-31. I was then invited to gave a talk before the formal dedication of the window by Padre Spicer. I have reproduced my address on the detailed event page so that those members who were not there will know what was said. (Click on "See Photos" above). The window is an excellent, lasting tribute to the 89th Entry. The success of the Reunion Dinner had much to do with the excellent organisational skills of Peter Ayee who, you may recall, also organised our previous anniversary event, which celebrated our 40th anniversary of arriving at Halton in 1958. Peter was also instrumental in organising the window dedication ceremony and the other events on the Sunday. |
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RAF Halton Triennial Reunion, Saturday September 2001 |
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The RAF Halton Triennial Reunion was held on 22 September 2001. There was an air display at the airfield which included a Messerschmit 109 in dessert camouflage colours which roar over at low level. There were the usual other activities on the airfield with hundreds of Brats milling around the vintage car display, model aircraft display and the apprentice souvenir stall. ACM Armitage was there autographing his book, The History of the RAF. Later, the church was packed out for a service and rousing hymn singing. There was a dedication to the installation of two windows: on to Sergeant Thomas Gray, VC of the 20th Entry, and an Entry window. Our window looked impressive and was ready for its dedication ceremony on 7 October 2001 (reported elsewhere). The next event was the long march up the hill to the parade square in Entry numerical order. On the square there was a very smart turnout by the uniformed staff, a brass band and DIs barking their instructions. All in all, it was an excellent day. Peter Ayee, Roger Bradley, Don Smith and John Tullet attended the Triennial. |
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2000 Reunion Dinner - 27 to 29 October 2000 at Banbury |
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The 2000 Reunion event at Banbury was held in the Whately Hall Hotel on the weekend of 27-29 October. The weather was somewhat damp but that did not dampen the spirits of the 35 members and their wives/partners who attended. The early birds who arrived on the Friday evening were treated to an excellent supper and drinks at Mike and Maureen Hughes' home which is situated not far from the hotel. Their hospitality was much appreciated by the weary travellers who had battled through the traffic jams to get to Banbury. Because of the train chaos caused by Railtrack's emergency inspection of the track across the country (following the fatal rail crash at Hatfield), everybody appeared to have taken to the road. Full marks to Gerry Klippel who made it despite his Landrover breaking down and he and his family (including a large red setter) having to continue the journey in a hired car. Saturday was, in the main, spent locally in Banbury due to the inclement weather. Other members arrived in the afternoon and we all assembled in the bar from 6.30 pm to start the evening's proceedings with a drink and a chat to catch up on the news since the previous Reunion. An excellent dinner was served at 8 pm followed by dancing to 60s and 70s music until midnight. When the event bar closed at midnight, the stalwarts (or brainless depending on your point of view) retired to the main hotel bar for a night cap before retiring to bed - comforted by the fact that it was the night when the clocks were put back an hour so we could all kid ourselves that we would get an extra hour of sleep. After a late breakfast on the Sunday morning we held our Annual General Meeting and then departed for whence we came, vowing to see each other again at the 2001 Reunion which will be orgainised near Halton to celebrate our 40th Anniversary of graduating from Halton in 1961. Despite the weather it was another excellent Reunion. On behalf of those who attended I would like to thank Mike and Maureen for organising the event and particularly for their most generous and warm hospitality on the Friday evening at their home. |
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1999 Reunion Dinner - 2/3 October 1999 at Cambridge |
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The 1999 Reunion was held at the Moat House Hotel, near Cambridge on the weekend of 2/3 October 1999. Once again it was a most enjoyable event attended by 43 members and their wives/partners. We were delighted to welcome John and Jane Baker, Rob Carrick, Roger and Pamela Savidge and Don Smith to their first Reunion dinner. The weekend started in the usual manner when about half the attendees arrived the evening before the dinner and met in the bar to renew old acquaintances. The following day we dispersed in small groups to do sight-seeing: Cambridge and Duxford Imperial War Museum being the most popular venues. I chose to play golf with Derek and Margaret Wallis (the hotel had its own golf course) and managed to lose a couple of ££s as well as a couple of golf balls. It was not one of my better golf games but enjoyable nevertheless. We assembled for pre-drinks at 7 pm and after further reminiscing and a couple of drinks we were called to dinner at 8.30 pm. A 60's disco played background music during the meal and then the volume was turned up to finish off the evening with dancing -- and yes a few more drinks. The stalwarts amongst us (or the brainless depending on your point of few) retired to the main hotel bar when the private function bar closed. The following morning we met at breakfast and then held our Annual General Meeting (reported under Notices) before saying our farewells and promising faithfully to attend next year's Reunion. Our thanks go particularly to Steve Perrott who organised the event. Unfortunately due his wife Glen having a serious operation two weeks before the event he was not able to attend for the whole weekend but he did make a welcome appearance on the night of the dinner. Our thanks also extend to Alan Roffey who, because of the forced absence of Steve, held the fort until I arrived. |
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40th Anniversary Reunion Dinner - Beaconsfield |
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The 40th Anniversary Reunion Dinner (40th anniversary of our joining the RAF as Halton apprentices) was held on Sunday 24 May. It was held at the Bellhouse Hotel, Beaconsfield where we held our graduation dinner. It was a very successful event, 41 members and their ladies (77 total) sat down to an excellent dinner, washed down with good company and lots of nostalgia. Colin and June Smith had travelled from Australia and Roy and Josie Scott had come from Singapore. For some, it had been the first 'sighting' since leaving Halton and for others it was a chance to renew friendships from previous Reunions - but for all it was a most enjoyable occasion. For many of the attendees the Reunion started the day before, on the Saturday, when almost half took the opportunity of the bank holiday to make a weekend of it. As usual we all gathered in the bar in the evening to break the ice and get in some drinking practice for the main event the following day. Following an excellent breakfast on the Sunday, most did their own thing for the day before returning to welcome the remaining attendees in the afternoon and to get ready for the evening's festivities. We gathered for an hour in a private bar next to the reception area before dinner and at the appointed hour Keith Arnott piped us into the meal. It was a wonderful sight to see so many of our colleagues and their ladies in attendance. After a briefing by Peter Ayee, who had organised the Reunion, on the safari supper format (changing tables after each course) we got down to the serious business of eating , drinking and talking. After dinner we danced the night away (well 'till midnight - hotel rules) to a disco and then were entertained splendidly (along with the rest of the hotel guests!) with a medley of tunes on the bagpipes by Keith Arnott to round off the evening. The hardy ones then retired to the resident's bar to see who could keep the barman up the longest - I gave up at 4 in the morning and so don't know who won! After breakfast and a short 89th Entry Association meeting to discuss the way forward on a number of issues (which will be reported in the Newsletter) it was time to say our farewells to those who had become, by now, close friends. It never ceases to amaze me how wonderfully well we all get on, including the ladies, at these occasions. Sadly, it will be nearly 18 months before our next Reunion in October 1999 which Steve Perrott has volunteered to organise somewhere near Cambridge. Finally, many thanks to Peter and Jan Ayee for organising such a great Reunion. |
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RAF Apprentice Tribute Ceremony |
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Her Majesty the Queen unveiled the RAF Apprentice Tribute on 31 October 1997 at RAF Halton. It was a glorious day, both in the sense of the occasion and the weather. The unveiling ceremony was preceded by the presentation of a new Colour during a parade held on the Henderson/Grove parade ground. The Royal Air Force Central Band played us through the ceremony, with the beautiful Chiltern Hills bathed in sunshine forming a lovely backdrop to the occasion. After the parade is was time for lunch and an opportunity to meet other members of the 89th Entry. There were a number of old hands (well we're all getting on) and some new - at least as far as I was concerned. The 89th attendees were Malcolm Austin, Peter Ayee, Ken Coburn (yours truly), Shug Dalgleish, Eddie Gillespie, Roger Gulliver, Bill Jefferson, Gerry Klippel, Gordon Lowe, Dick Mustoe, Derek Page, John Robbins, Peter Short, Slim Steed, John Wainwright and George White - many were accompanied by their wives/partners. Following lunch, we all assembled on the parade square, formed up in threes (by Entry) and marched off down the hill behind the pipe band and mascot (Lewis 9, the goat) to 'Schools' where the Tribute awaited our attention. The sight of a thousand or so apprentices, young and not so young, marching down the hill was something to behold. When all were assembled around the Tribute, Her Majesty arrived and after a brief welcome speech she unveiled the Tribute. I don't have a picture of the Queen unveiling the Tribute but I do have a drawing of the Tribute in the setting of the Schools. After Her Majesty departed there was more playing of pipes and floods of nostalgia, bringing to a close a most memorable day. |
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St. Clement Danes Commemorative Stone |
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A service was held at St. Clement Danes, London on Sunday 19th April 1998 during which a stone to commemorate all those who joined the Royal Air Force as Apprentices and Boy Entrants was dedicated. The stone is set in the paving on the South side of the church and bears the inscription, "TO COMMEMORATE ROYAL AIR FORCE APPRENTICES AND BOY ENTRANTS, 1920 - 1993". An airman's hat badge is engraved above the inscription and 'the wheel' below it. When you are next in London, you might wish to view the commemorative stone. |
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1997 Reunion - Isle of Wight |
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The 1997 Reunion dinner was held on the weekend of 23/24 October 1997 at the Luccombe Hall Hotel, Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. It was a lovely setting, right on the cliff edge overlooking Shanklin Bay. Members and their wives travelled to the hotel on the Friday and met in the bar that evening, followed by a meal in the restaurant, as a prelude to the weekend activities. The following morning we ventured out and saw a little of the island and then met at lunchtime in a local hostelry. The weather was so lovely that we sat outside by the sea and enjoyed the convivial atmosphere (and the beer). That evening we gathered again in the hotel bar before entering the dining room for the Reunion Dinner. The food and wine were excellent and there was much banter from the 'brats'. Following dinner, we returned to the bar (where else) and joined the other hotel guests for a disco dance. The 89th Entry rendition of "Saturday Night Fever" was something to behold! All too soon it was time to leave on the Sunday morning and to return to the mainland. It had been a truly memorable occasion, enjoyed by all the members and their partners. Special thanks go to John Gorman who organised the 1997 Reunion and also to his wife Margaret for volunteering him (at the Winchester Reunion that was held the year before). |
