RAFHAA News

The Association will endeavour to keep members up-to-date with the latest news gleaned from the membership; of planned events (such as reunions); "Classified Ads" and everything else one would expect from a quality newspaper.  Articles will be posted in reverse-chronological order of receipt (i.e. the latest item at the top of the list) and will remain until their "Sell-by-Date" has passed.

Scroll down and we can then hopefully claim, "You read it here first!":

Unbeknowst to many is that a dedicated team of at least two has been beavering away in the bowels of the Trenchard Museum for many months scanning in Apprentice Records with the objective of making this unique source of information available on-line through the Website.  Pleased to report that after much effort and testing they have finally "laid an egg" and the first set of documents can now be viewed by those deemed qualified to read them.  However, aware that this could be regarded as sensitive data it has been decided to restrict access to those who form the subject, i.e. only those members of the Entry concerned will be provided with the password that will allow them to get at the sordid truth about their time and achievement during their training at Halton.

The first Entry to be exposed to this new venture is the 223rd for no reason other than they came out of the hat when the project was started.  If you go to the Entries page and scroll down to the 223rd you will find a new hot link in the form of an arrow.  223rd-ers who want to gain access need to contact their Entry Rep Rob Rodham who will provide "the key" and instructions.  (Rob can be found at "robert.rodham@idnet.com").

As stated, this endeavour is on-going and as the document set for each Entry is completed these will be up-loaded together with the appropriate security controls to restrict access to just that Entry's members.  The procedure to gain entry will be the same in each case, that is, by confirmation of the member's bona vids by the Entry Rep.  There is no set Entry order for these records to be tackled but an announcement will be made as each addition is completed.

At last, a copy on the Website, please Click here to view the Minutes of the 2011 AGM.  Also includes as an Annex "The Lost Legion" so have a read and see if you can identify the whereabouts of our missing members.

Duncan Grant advises the latest status of the take-up of pavers at the Halton Grove at the National Arboretum.  Click here to open up a copy of the latest spreadsheet to view who has subscribed to have their Entry immortalised.

Graham Purdy advises that he has taken on the onerous task of becoming the Webmaster for the 56th Entry's website and a grand stab he has made of it too.  Either go to the Entries Page to gain access or, if that's too much trouble, then click here to witness the fine job that is now the virtual world of the 56th Entry!

Jim Draper of the 91st calls in to say,

"The 91st Entry are holding a reunion on the 19th and 20th December at the Bellhouse Hotel in Beaconsfield to celebrate the 5oth anniversary of their graduation. The hotel is the site where the graduation dinner was held 50 years ago and a special menu has been devised to incorporate all the elements of that meal. Outings have been arranged to either Bletchley Park or to the RAF Museum at Hendon – so come on 91st – get fell in!”

Bob Rodham is quick off the mark to send in the following report on the 223rd's Reunion this weekend (28-30 May 11):

"The second Icelandic volcano, the Doomsday prediction (which apparently didn’t happen), coupled with a weekend of total sport (Champions League final; Nations Cup; League Play-offs; Test Match; Monaco Grand Prix and Tennis) could not detract from the 40th Anniversary of that day in 1971 when strangers piled off the MT onto the parade square.  Yes, 223's first day at RAF Halton.

Held at the Oxford Spires Hotel over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, 22 members and partners converged from all parts of the Britain (thanks to the hard work of our webmaster Bob Rodham and his good lady Yvonne).  Sadly there were some late call-offs and one couple who managed to find the sister hotel in Abingdon where there was “no room at the inn”.

A small entry at the start 223 was even smaller after the passing of two years but due to Bobs’ tenacity, we welcomed two new attendees, Pete Lewis and Stu Thompson with their partners, who for one reason or another left us prior to our pass-out.  Once 223, always 223! The start of the first evening's celebrations rudely interrupted the gathering in the bar, however this was quickly forgotten with the customary group photo and listening to Ian Poveys’ account of 223 during which many names and incidents were recalled to roars of laughter.

A marvellous meal was consumed, followed by a raffle which paid for our entry paver proudly on display in Halton Grove at the National Memorial Arboretum.  The many raffle prizes included a glass painting of an Avro York “York Flight being our first home”, RAF Halton memorabilia and a tail rotor blade from a Sea King!! Don’t ask. Thanks to all who contributed prizes. The profit of £121 from the raffle was unanimously voted to go to the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at Cancer Research UK, as the usual scribe, of these reports, Taff Wilson was sadly unable to attend this year.   Later old photographs displayed around the room were viewed with the usual identity disagreements.  However it was noted that there were now a few more pairs of glasses required to view them.  We are still 17 year-olds in these ageing bodies and acting like 17 year-olds: a lesson learnt was not to leave your camera unattended as a number of inappropriate photos were taken, so that’s what Wing Commanders got up to in the officers mess, Tanner!

A free day on Sunday saw the majority of members take the short walk along the river into Oxford whilst others took the bus and some even taxis!! A small group returned to RAF Halton for the first time since leaving, this included a visit to the museum which was opened especially for them and St Georges to view our stained glass window; sadly they were late on parade, apologises to the museum curator.  (Second lesson to learn, don’t trust the satnav). That afternoon we were treated to a magnificent BBQ before retiring to the bar to continue the Brat banter.   A more sedate evening was had by all, apart from the bar staff.

A splendid weekend was had by all and perhaps another 40th anniversary in two years' time for our pass out.  Thank you to all those involved."

Report provided by Dave Squires

Just received some tongue in cheek advice from a comrade who believes he has identified another outfit who might be available for ceremonial duties if our own Golden Oldies can't make the date!  Click to view: here:

Paul Hardy advises that the Golden Oldies are considering producing a CD and/or a DVD of the band playing some of those iconic tunes that we marched up and down 'that hill' to all those years ago.  If enough support is forthcoming to go forward with this idea then someone with the experience/knowledge and required recording equipment is needed to assist in putting this all together.

If you are interested and/or have the wherewithal to assist then please contact Paul Hardy at p.l.hardy2@ntlworld.com or tel: 01353 610178.

Jim Draper writes to proclaim that the 91st Entry are holding a reunion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation next year (2011) on December 19th and 20th.  Arrive meet and greet evening on the 19th; Group visit to Bletchley Park on the 20th by coach followed by a formal dinner in the evening.

The venue is the Bellhouse Hotel at Beaconsfield where the 91st graduation dinner was held.

For more details Contact Jim Draper at jim.draper@jd91.co.uk or by telephone on 01244 372159.

I was sent this by a like-minded "saddo" with the instruction to click here for a little diversion and a reminder (maybe) of times when being involved with aircraft was a pleasure!

Those of you who attended the Triennial would have been witness to the Golden Oldies doing their set piece of "The Bear".  Those of us who weren't there can still enjoy the performance.  Click to view:

A splendid event and a huge vote of thanks to both to those Brats who managed to attend and, more importantly, to the Station and staff and those on the various committees and working parties who organised the whole affair.

For myself, I was a non-attendee giving that BA cancelled my flight back from Naples and put me on a later one that got me into Gatwick about the same time as the aforementioned Working Party was folding the deckchairs, picking up litter and washing the glasses.  So no first-hand report from me.  However, the messages are beginning to come in from those who were better organised than myself and on receipt they will be posted here in order that the sentiments may be shared with a wider audience.

First up, Bob Rodham (223rd) says:

Hi all, a good day yesterday at the Triennial at Halton, both Dave Gingell & Bob Willson 'performed' in the Golden Oldies.   Check out the photographs at the following link: click here to view

Brian Norton (78th) calls in to say:

Thank you for a truly wonderful day!

Being severely disabled and a permanent wheel chair user was not a disadvantage, support and advice was wonderful before and throughout the day. The portable ramp for access to the Museum was truly appreciated and the lunch was excellent considering the numbers catered for.

The best Triennial I have attended; thanks to you all “at the airfield” and the Staff at RAF Halton.  Please pass on my thanks.

Tears in my eyes once again at the end of the Day.  My Daughter would also like to thank you all, she even felt the emotion of the occasion.

I trust I will attend many more!

Sincere Thanks.

Michael Conlon (302nd) adds his gratitude:

Just to say how impressed I was at the way the Triennial was organised.  I was one of the "unfortunate few" who had to endure an overnight stay in barrack accomodation.  You can put my name down for the 2013 do!

Although I am the only member of my entry(302nd), and only one of two of the Admin Apprentices who went through Halton who were there, I was made most welcome by the guys I met in the Sgt's Mess.  The welcome I received typifies the "Halton Brat Spirit", and it really made it more special for me.

Many thanks to all involved.

John Hester (82nd) shares his take on the day:

My thanks and congratulations to you all for another marvellous and well organised day.  Initially I had a few doubts about the new format for the day, but in the end it worked very well, especially with being able to walk up the hill at my own pace, not being as fit as I was some 53 odd years ago!  My congratulations also to Cliff Spink for his impressive display in, and the wonderful sound from the Spitfire in a rather confined display space.

Thanks again, see you in 3 years time,

---

Anyone wishing to add their own congratulations is encouraged to do so (even if it may be at the expense of making us non-attendees feel even more desperate that we weren't there!  Just better get ourselves better organised for 2013, I'm thinking).

In Memory of Harry who was just short of his 17th birthday when he died; the youngest ex-Apprentice to be killed whilst in active service.  He is listed in the Roll of Honour under the 39th.

Tom Ambrose tells that the 131st now have a Website.  Go to the Entries Page and click on the graphic and see what they have to say or if you can't be bothered to travel that far then just click HERE and share in their news.

Likewise Ted Cossins informs us that the 85th have resurrected their presence on the World Wide Web and their Website can be found either by going to the Entries Page and clicking on their badge or, for the lazy ones, by clicking HERE.

Rod Abbott of the 79th is pleased to report they now have a Website.  Go to the Entries Page, click on the graphic and see what they have to say.

Not such good news comes from Dave Williams who advises that the link to the 77th no longer works.  As the caveat at the top of the Entry Listing states, if the hosting for any particular site is not maintained (i.e. paid for when annual hosting fees are due) or, worse, the host has gone out of business then there is little we on the Old Haltonians site can do other than remove the link and await further advice.  So, once again folks, if anyone has just cause or knows of any reason why this man or this women ... no, wait a minute, that's something else!  Let's put it another way; if the 77th want their Website to be reinstated, then get in touch with your Webmaster and sort it out!

Pleased to report that following the demise of CompuServe and AOL Website hosting services and the disappearance of the 99th; 100th and 106th Websites when they went down the virtual plughole that, Phoenix-like, they have reappeared and are now being hosted by a new provider.

If all that sounds like so much Gobbledegook as spoken by computer-literate nerds suffice to say that the 99th, 100th and 106th sites are back up and running.  Thanks to Chris O'Brien for his efforts.

Ross Kneath (aka "the one from 3 Wing, Wellington Flight (Propulsion) circa 1969") writes in to tell us of the 216th Entry 40th Anniversary Reunion that took place over the Weekend of 30th October - 1st November.  Ross reports:

The event was to celebrate 40 years since we entered Halton to start our apprenticeships.  The weekend was tremendous and kicked off when we assembled in the RAFA building on the Airfield for a meet and greet along with our inaugural AGM.

On Saturday we had a visit to our adopted Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, No 216 Sqn.

They very kindly took us on low level sortie around the south coast of England in one of their Tristars – Brilliant!!

That night we had our dinner at The Holiday Inn with Keith Youlden and Paul Hardy from the Golden Oldies to provide entertainment with their pipes and drums; they were great and the evening was outstanding going on well into the early hours.

Sunday started with Min Larkin giving the tour of Halton House.  Then to St George’s Church to dedicate the magnificent 216th Entry Stained Glass Window.  The Golden Oldies were in attendance before and after the service and on leaving the church we then marched behind them down to the Tribute to lay a wreath and remember our members who have gone on their ‘last posting’.

I think all will agree that the Dedication and then the Tribute were very emotional events, both happy and sad, helped by the playing of the Golden Oldies.  We finished off at Henderson with Lunch in the Mess and afterwards following the Golden Oldies in marching to the Trenchard Museum!!

A point of note here; whilst were in the church there had also been a whole load of recruits who were just into the 4th day of their RAF Careers!!  They were also on the Parade Square when we marched on and duly clapped the ‘Old Geysers’ and their families as we marched to the museum!!

Finally we would like to say a huge thank you to The Golden Oldies they made the weekend complete and to the RAFHAAA who have guided and helped us in developing our Entry Association, in particular Min Larkin – from all of 216th Entry – THANK YOU and see you next year at the Triennial.

216 Forever

Great news, Ross, and delighted to hear that the 216th were able to celebrate in fine style.

On Tuesday 03 Nov a service of remembrance was held at RAF Halton in St George's Church.  The service was followed by a parade around the Tribute in front of Kermode Hall (Schools) where wreaths and crosses were laid.  

In parallel with the ceremonies at Halton, a further commemorative event was conducted at the National Arboretum when tributes were laid in the Halton Grove.  Duncan Grant reports:

THE HALTON GROVE AT THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM-ARMISTICE DAY 2009

There were 42 poppy crosses placed at the Halton Grove under this year's Management Committee Initiative, together with a Posy from the Grove Management Committee.  The most senior Entry whose memory was reflected was the 4th, the most junior being the 216th.  A number of personal crosses were also placed within the overall total.

More comprehensive reports with pictures will be published in the next edition of The Haltonian.

The sharp-eyed amongst you may have noticed an addition to the menu choices at the top of the page and ask, "What the **** is "Ning"?!

Suffice to say the Old Haltonians Website has joined up with the rest of the 21st Century and allied ourselves to the social networking site created and promoted by Stuart Morgan.  Those who haven't come across this phenomena before then, fear not, your computer is unlikely to be infected.  Such an application is a step up from just posting messages on the Guestbook (which, incidently, will remain in place) and will allow both debate amongst the ex-Brat community and also allow the executive to beat up on anyone subscribing to the chatroom who has yet to join the Association; so be warned!

Click on the link and enter the wonderful world of chat and communication with Old Haltonians who have already joined this network.

Keith Youlden reports that the Golden Oldies were engaged by the 54th Entry for their 60 (Diamond) Anniversary (of Passing-Out) at Halton on 4 Oct 09.  The day was an outstanding success as indicated by the following email:

"Hi Sam (Wright 97th), Just got back from a most memorable weekend.  Dead chuffed that it all worked so well - The Golden Oldies were responsible from emotional tears to screams of joy - how lucky we were, with the weather and the organisation.  The hairy guy from down under - Garth Slade - came to me and said, " when I heard the pipes my chest filled with emotion and when the Bear was played I cried" and he was not alone.  I have had to explain to the uninitiated - that to march four times a day to the sound of the pipes & drums 350 days a year - it really gets into your soul - what an emotional day.  Keith Youldon (Pipe Major) played an absolute blinder.  On behalf of the 54th association thank you so much for making our Diamond Anniversary of "passing out" a day of emotion and excellence.

Best Regards Derek ( Dicky ) Bird"..

Glad to hear it was so well-received Keith and a reminder to folks who may be planning or contemplating a reunion or similar event that the "Golden Oldies" are available for hire.  See the News item below which was posted on 29 Jul 09 for details of how to go about it.

An indignant Lez Duquemin - ex-408 - wrote in and gave us a deserved flea-in-the-ear saying, "Your web site only mentions Tech and Craft entries!  What about the Mechanic entries 401 - 410; do they not also deserve a mention?  We may only have done one year at Halton but it was at Halton and we are still brats and proud of it."

Blimey Lez, you're absolutely right.  How could we have overlooked that one?

So welcome aboard all you 400-ers.  The Entries Page has been updated to include the Entries 401 to 410.  Now its up to you to tell us what you've been up to and what Entry Associations you may have formed since you graduated.

The Golden Oldie Package

The Golden Oldies are available to all Ex-Apprentice Entries and individuals to enhance their reunion, dinner or other function.

Over the past 6 years, the Golden Oldies Pipe Band has performed at 18 Entry reunions at Halton, 8 Entry reunions at other venues, 2 Battle of Britain Parades, 5 Carnivals and Fetes.  In addition smaller groups of Golden Oldie pipers and drummers have performed at numerous birthdays, weddings, funerals and other ceremonies.

Their aim is to maintain the Halton piping and drumming traditions and in the process entertain and enliven each occasion.  They guarantee to meet all requirements and expectations in terms of performance.

The Golden Oldies may be engaged in one of three ways:

1. A Golden Oldie Band comprising of all elements viz; Drum Major, Pipers, Bass, Tenor and Side Drummers.  Cost £300

2. A Golden Oldie Group consisting of up to 4 pipers, 2 Side drummers and a bass drummer.  Cost £190

3. Individual pipers and/or drummers.  Travel cost @ 20p per mile not exceeding £45 per individual.

In addition to the above costs, it is expected that band members are provided with a meal - as is provided for the host party.  Members of the Golden Oldies come from far afield and not all their travel costs are covered by the above fees.  They are happy to subsidize the costs involved because they enjoy performing and giving pleasure to other ex- apprentices.

The above information is a guide to promote the use of the Golden Oldies by ex-apprentices.  The actual engagement should be negotiated and made with the Golden Oldie Secretary, Sam Wright (Tel No 01249 890516 or email "samwright97@talktalk.net").

Just when I thought it safe to leave the country and to leave the Website ticking over on its own I come back to another in-box of messages of hot stuff to be added to the site.  (Note 1 to self: must get Laptop configured and take it with me so that I can hook up wherever I might be and thereby provide a seamless service.  Note 2 to self: Downside to this proposal is that I will get it in the neck from the wife!).  Anyway, with that passing thought, my apologies for the delay but here goes:

208th Entry - Adrian Small provides confirmation of the "Power of the Web" with thanks for including a link to our web site on the entry page of the RAFHAAA site.  He says, "I am very pleased to report that a third of the new 'hits' we have received come directly from that link and the number of old chums getting in touch increases weekly."  Glad to hear it, Adrian.  You can get in touch with Adrian on adrian.small@gmail.com

The working group charged with developing plans for the Apprentice memorial (the Halton Grove) at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) has reported following months of study and deliberation.  The full report has been presented to the HAAA and can be viewed on request by the membership, however, recognising the practical difficulties in accepting such an invitation, an executive summary of the report has been compiled and can be viewed by clicking the following link - click here.

Queries arising (such as those generated by the cross references in the summary to sections of the full report) can be raised with the Association Office via e-Mail or by phone.

After months of hard work and painstakingly slow progress it is proudly announced that the WW2 Roll of Honour has been published on our Website.  This major piece of work provides not only a permanent tribute to those who perished during the years of that particular Global Conflict but will also assume a definitive source of reference to historians and geneologists alike.  From the RAF Records Office down through various other organisations to our own Association we are proud to have created this tribute to our fallen comrades and indeed somewhat humbled when we read of the sacrifices that were made in order that we might enjoy the relative peace that followed their passing.  If you haven't discovered it already, the Roll of Honour can be found under the "Tribute" tab on the heading Menu.  Take a look and be inspired.

Ray Dodd advises that the 71st now have a website under construction at www.haltons71st.org.uk.   Content will continued to be added in the near future but Ray reports that as a first step the Old Haltonians Website has been added as a link!  71st-ers are invited to get in touch with Ray at raydodd@f2s.com who will be delighted to receive your input to this new addition to the World Wide Web.

Rich Martin (AKA Turner) advises the 139th has a new website address, http://www.139entry.org/ with thanks being given to Tony Hodgson (now in Australia) who did the hard work in its creation.

The Old Haltonian Website Entries page has been updated to reflect but Rich asks for anyone who has contact details for 139-ers to get in touch with him at twistagain1964@hotmail.co.uk as they are in the early stages of attempting to arrange a reunion (25th Anniversay of Pass-out in 2010) possibly to coincide with HAAA Triennial).

Gav Clark reports that he is the contact point for the 152nd and messages should be directed to him at 'clarkg680@coningsby.raf.mod.uk'.

He advises, "We have had a couple of small initial reunions but are now looking to start up a small committee and Association plus a web page for contact details.  We are also on Facebook via Pete Jackson-Souter.  Login details for the pictures on a web site of the Reunions are available by contacting Gav Clark on the e-mail stated."

Doug advises all his friends and comrades that his e-Mail address has now been changed to dougtill@talktalk.net and sends his regards to all.

New items have been added to the list of memorabilia.  Check out the latest stock by clicking on the "SHOP" button above.

George Barker reports that the People pages in his 29th Entry website now carry interesting notes and pictures (including of lots of "bods") relating to the six members for which information is available and who are or would have been around 90 this year.

The 127th Entry are in the process of arranging an Entry window in St. George’s Church at Halton.  All former members of 127 Entry are invited to contact Nick Firby on (01494) 496121 or eMail nick.firby394@mod.uk for further details.