My Guestbook

RAFHAA Mar 2019 Newsletter

Our Newsletter arrived on our web server in good order.
However, on pressing the send button the email bulk server caused mayhem by inserting strange hieroglyphs into our document. How or why this occurred is as yet not known but I must apologise to all who received this email. If a clear document is required please email me using the IT address contained on the back page of the Haltonian. Depending of the number of requests it may take some time to get back to you. Once again I am sorry to cause you problems.
Alan Farley

Hello to all,

I was fortunate enough to be in the first mechanics entry 401 in October 1969.

It's disappointing that there is not an independent or site linked web site for this fairly historic entry. Whilst Im not savvy enough to build a linked 401 dedicated site, Im certainly not beyond asking for either assistance or indeed for other members of this entry to contact me. If memory serves me right I was in H flight.....

I look forward to continuing my links with the site and to hearing from other members of 401, wherever you are all hiding.

Pat White

As the Chairman's letter was cut short (without warning) it will be published unter the 'NEWS' tab within the next day or so.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN...HALTON REUNION...
I am very pleased to report that our President Group Captain Katherine Wilson has agreed to hold what will be RAF Halton’s FINAL reunion of our Association on the 15th August 2020. Further details of this event will be sent to you in the next edition of the Haltonian. This means, your Council’s earlier proposal to hold a final reunion at the NMA in September 2020 is now cancelled.

The above decision was taken after the Department of Infrastructure announcement regarding the phased drawdown and closure of RAF Halton commencing in 2022. This announcement will not alter the Council’s decision regarding Legacy matters. The Station is fully on board with the arrangements we are making. I will present our latest position in the next Haltonian.
I know some of you will be buoyed with the idea that phasing Halton’s closure may extend the life of the Association. However, the challenges we have to face, namely, a newly formed Council in September 2020 and sufficien

I sent an email through your contact service a few weeks ago asking whether you could help me trace my father’s cousin, Ian Hugh McDowell, who was an apprentice at Halton before joining the RAF’s 101 Squadron. I am wondering whether you received the email as I have so far heard nothing from you.

Ian was killed while piloting Avro Lancaster I ME619 SR-U on 23rd April 1944 and his name appears on the Old Haltonians Roll of Honour. I notice that your website states you have numerous apprentice archives for reference, and should be most grateful to know whether you have any records of Ian’s time at Halton.

Jayne Kirk

Corfton
South Shropshire

I have just seen the following post on Facebook about the demise of RAF Halton:

“If it’s going to be torn down for new houses give us Brats the opportunity to buy a piece of our history. There must be items from our training that we could purchase to remind us of our years in training. What's goung to happen to the WW1 trenches?”

Would/could the RAFHAA exploit what might be a way of swelling Association funds by selling off small parts of the school to Brats? A piece of aspalt from the paradeground or a piece of workshop walls could be sold for, say, £5 (plus P&P).

I am trying to contact Brian Wilson,entry was 1955,D.O.B 16 May 1940.He previously lived in Colne Drive Romford he married in 1960 and worked on Lightnings at Coltishall in 1966 (airframes).That was when I last saw him.Remember he was Man Utd fan.
If he's still around I'd be delighted to hear from him again.Thank You John Gilbert

I was posted to Apprentice Wing as a Sgt in Nov 1988 and took over as the Drill Instructor for 148 Entry then 151, 154 and finally 155 entries.

The Sgt for 155 Entry was my close friend Roy Bentley but he was detached to the Falklands about 6 months before the final graduation so I took over the entry until Roy's return then we trained them together for the final parade. I just saw the 154 entry graduation today on line and there I was with sash and pace stick - Happy Days

If anyone would like to make contact I would be delighted too hear from you.

To Chris East.
Data for the AGM is always contained in the latest Haltonian magazine. Unlike a website the magazine is directed to paid up Association members. Hopefully this will explain why information is not always placed on the web. Regards, Alan.