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!":

Successful Annual General Meeting of the now-titled RAF Halton Apprentice Association conducted at Kermode Hall (Schools) on Saturday 24th July.  Full report and Minutes will be posted.  Keep checking back!

Keith Monk writes in to say that the 66th Entry Diamond Jubilee Reunion will be held at the Birmingham Bromsgrove Hilton from Saturday, 4th September 2010 - Monday, 6th September 2010.

Reunion details are available from Bill Kidd ( 01733 894287) or Les Monk ( 01732 742440).

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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.

Arranged to be coincident with the Triennial at RAF Halton on 25th September, the 74th are putting into place their plans for a reunion/get-together at the ol' Alma Mater.  Details can be gained from Tony Merry who can be contacted by telephone on 01296 434079 or through e-Mail at tony74merry@ntlworld.com

Members should have received a Springtime Newsletter chock-full of information keeping them up-to-date with Association goings-on.  However, if like me, you are blessed with sharing house with someone who is forever tidying up and hiding or throwing things away before you have committed details to either memory or calendar you may require a reminder.  In addition, those ex-Brats reading this who are not Association members - a bizarre combination, it must be noted! - and would not have seen the Newsletter and be curious about the arrangements for the day, may be encouraged to attend.  Whatever category you may sit within, the following is shamelessly plagarised from the Newsletter for your consideration!

There is a change in format to previous events.  It will start in Burton Hall (indoor drill facility), Henderson Grove, at 10:00.  Beers/soft drinks/tea/coffee will be provided.  A two course lunch will be served in Henderson Grove Mess.   Displays are being negotiated.  For members wishing to display vintage vehicles of any description are welcome to do so, but please tell the office beforehand.  Members wishing to fly into Halton should contact the office for operational reasons.  The Sunset Ceremony is at 15:20.  The Golden Oldies will lead the parade from Henderson Grove Square to the front of workshops.  At 16:00 a service in St George's Church will be conducted by The Association Chaplain, the Reverend Richard Lee.  During the service we will dedicate the whole of the stained glass window (now complete) and celebrate the 90th anniversary of the apprentice scheme.

n.b. Transport will be provided during the march for disabled, infirm, and excused boots.

The RAFA Club at the airfield will open at 16:00-19:00.  The museum will be open all day.

There will be plenty of car parking spaces on the Bakery Field.  Regional branches/entry associations planning to arrive by coach are requested to let the office know.

Members who have enjoyed the barrack block experience at past reunions will be pleased (or possibly disappointed) to hear that this year we have managed to secure 120 single rooms.  These will be available on Friday 24th at a cost of £20 per head, for high tea, bed and breakfast.  It is hoped that a suitable drinking venue will be provided on the station for those staying overnight on the 24th.

The cost of the reunion to those members who pre-register will be £18, which includes lunch.  Members arriving unannounced on the day will be charged £22.  Non-members arriving on the day will be charged £60 to cover a three-year membership and lunch.  Please pass on these details to those non-members in your entry who think they can just turn up on the day.  Membership is available at £10 a year by standing order. Members are respectfully requested to pre-register as this is the cheaper option and it will reduce the workload on the day for your ageing council members. Members should note it was agreed unanimously at the 2005 AGM that the reunion should be for members only.  However a carer of either sex may accompany the disabled and infirm.  Carers may attend the reunion at no cost, but will be charged £8 for lunch which must be pre-booked.  All wives/partners/friends are welcome to join the reunion at the church service and sunset ceremony.  A separate morning program will be arranged for wives/partners/friends to include a visit to Halton House and the museum.  Light refreshments will be on sale at the church; memorabilia will be on sale at Burton Hall.

Members are requested to return the pre-registration form with an appropriate cheque and an SAE (6.5 x 9 inches preferably) - click here to download form.  A pack containing full details of the reunion, including the programme for the day, parking and security arrangements, will be sent out in late August/early September.  Entry to the reunion will be by ID sticker, which will be included in the pack.  You will need to have your membership card to hand if challenged by guards. If you have lost your card please send a SAE to the office for a replacement.

Once again please encourage any non-members you know who intend to come to the reunion to join the HAAA NOW (and save all concerned time, effort and aggro on the day).

Bob Rodham calls in with plenty of notice to advise all those who are qualified that the 223rd Apprentice Entry 40th anniversary reunion will be taking place over the weekend of 28 - 30 May 2011 at the Spires Four-Pillars Hotel Oxford.

He says, if you haven't already done so, please contact Bob Rodham at robert.rodham@idnet.com or call him on 01159640245 for details.

At the AGM a number of topics under the heading of 'Financials' was discussed including the proposed move of the Association's banking from Barclays to Santander.  Benefits to the Association from making this change include the ability to manage On-Line Banking.

However, a consequence of introducing this improvement to our affairs does mean that members who presently have a SOM set up now need to instruct their bank to cancel the Barclays arrangement and to set up a new one to point your subscriptions to the new account at Santander.

Members should be getting a notification through the post in order to do the business but should this be the first you've heard of it then please click on the following link, print off the form and follow the instructions thereon click here.

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.