Old Haltonians

After over 4 years of planning, design, fundraising, manufacture and positioning, over 450 witnessed the unveiling of the wonderful bronze winged detailed design depicting Trenchard’s legacy. At 9:30 saw your Chairman Frank Denton-Powell (90th) and Council members and partners congregate ready to ease your entrance between 10-11:30. Each member (and guest) entering was presented with their identification lanyard, Trenchard Legacy Souvenir Lapel Badge and dining permit.

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We were very proud to host the following dignitaries:

 Lord Hugh Trenchard - 3rd Viscount Trenchard

 RAF Chief Of Air Staff - Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton

 RAF Chaplain in Chief Venerable Giles Legood

 Rev'd Richard Lee

 Professor Tom McGorrian

 Tim Potts (Sculptor)

 Gp Capt Hetherington Commandant Aviator Training Academy (CATA)

 Wg Cdr Seanor Station Commander (Stn Cdr) RAF Halton.

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At 11:15 Lord Trenchard kindly agreed to be interview by Prof Tom McGorrian as part of the Apprentice Story Film.

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At 11:30 all attendees and dignitaries and the RAF Halton Guard of Honour (GofH) congregated in the beautifully presented Halton Grove and Sir Dusty Miller, HAA Patron, (210th) started proceedings with an introduction at 11:55, Then under Guidance of Barry Neal (103rd), the RAF’s A400M Atlas completed a very impressive 250ft flypast right over the proceedings at midday. At 12:05 Lord Trenchard cut the ribbon with razor sharp scissors, formally unveiling the beautifully sculptured bronze memorial. In the background was our RAFHAA Standard, handled with perfection by Al Bennett (219th). At 12:06 the Chaplain in Chief and Rev’d Richard Lee Dedicated the memorial, after which followed address by Lord Trenchard.

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RAF Halton SWO then took charge... organising those ‘naturally’ disciplined Brats into Entry order taking part in the marchpast for Lord Trenchard and CAS to take the salute.

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Leading the way under Sir Dusty’s charge was’ The Golden Oldies Pipe Band’ who played and led the way in grand style, with their skirl of pipes and rhythmic drums. Then followed, RAFHAA Vice-Patrons, RAFHAA Standard, RAF Chaplain in Chief & RAFHAA Padre, CATA & Stn Cdr RAF Halton, Marian Slomka (49th Entry) accompanied by Marek & Longina Slomka, all Entries in seniority order then the RAF Halton GofH and remaining VIP Guests & hosts & wheelchairs.

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Post march-past the SWO dismissed the parade and those present either went for an informal lunch in the NMA Cafeteria or a Formal Lunch at 13:00 with the dignitaries in the Aspects Building. At the Formal lunch the loyal toast was announced by Mr Vice Richie Waylen, 155th Entry and the very last Aircraft Apprentice. Our chairman Frank opened the after-dinner speeches followed by Sir Dusty, and then CAS who both provided entertaining and complementary words. After lunch, Lord Trenchard and CAS both immediately headed South after delaying their other engagements, proving the importance of the RAF Halton Apprentices. 

 

What a wonderful day all round, plus the Chaplains request from ‘above’ for reasonable weather was obviously granted.