The 81st Entry
RAF Halton Aircraft Apprentices
Sept 1955 - July 1958

ISSUE No.16 - AUGUST 2008
81st ENTRY NEWSLETTER
Editor: Mike Stanley

WE WILL MEET AGAIN SOMEDAY
A view of the reunion from Ned Kelly.

Just as it was 50 yrs ago, I was very excited about our Entry big day.
I decided to travel by train from Oakham to Kemble via Birmingham + Cheltenham Spa,
Leaving home at 9.20hrs and proudly wearing my Entry T shirt. It was a good trip and no mishaps. The weather was very warm but the thought of meeting the Lads kept me going.

Arriving at Kemble at approx. 1410 hrs. The rail station and car park were both deserted. This was a bit of a shock to me as I had expected to be surrounded by Entry lads who I hoped would recognise our Entry badge. Luckily a lady was also there and phoning for a taxi. She kindly gave me a number to ring. In 20mins. I was on my way to the RAC.When I approached the Porters Lodge I noticed a group of men and ladies outside.To be honest I did not recognise anyone. I felt a little shy. Then a voice called out. It was my old mate Don Higgins. We both came from Castletown, I. O. Man when we joined in 1955. That started the day for me. Then we obtained our info letter and name tag and room key. The name tag did the trick, it was great to go near members then know who they were.
I was made most welcome and felt a little like a "prodigal son". But we all wanted to get to our rooms for the shower, and this we did at 1500hrs. The RAC to me seemed liked a maze, but thanks to Tony Birchenough we located our rooms. My room was up several flights of wide stone stairs. I then made the decision to watch my beverage intake as it was going to be tricky at the end of the night. Alas, that decision was discarded as the night went on.

We remustered at !800hrs and the Pipe band and drummer kept us entertained.The students bar was also entertaining. Then we marched off to our Banquet room for Brian to address us and for us to pay our respects for our members who have left us forever. Next back down for the Entry photo. A lot of good banter during that event. It was noticed that in the photo line up a member of the Pipes was standing. One of our lads shouted "WE HAVE A ROOK IN OUR LINE UP". This brought out a good laugh, but the kilted piper looked a bit off. He was a very large man so I'm glad he didn't think it was me.

Piped back to the Banquet. The young Italian students stood in awe at the sound of the Pipes. It was a very good buffet lay-out. Everyone sat at their table talking and talking. It was then the "Ned Kelly" of 50 yrs ago came out. I went to the buffet table and said, "some one has to start it". The shouts of "GANNET" went up. but it started the roll. Brian was presented with his well deserved gifts. The beverage flowed it was welll consumed. We ended up again in the Students Bar. The company was brilliant.

Alas , Alas , the funds ran out. But right on closing at approx. 0015hrs. Never quite made it to breakfast in time. Had to rush to pack my belongings. Don was giving me a lift to Kemble rail station. My apologies to all I never said goodbye. Also to our member when I took his trolley case thinking it was mine. Thanking him for spotting my error.

Do so hope we can meet again. (Freddie Mercury--Barcelona)