The 1996 Reunion

Firstly from Tony Parrott Thank you all for attending the recent reunion and helping it to be a huge success. It was a izreat pleasure for all of us to meet old friends. Plans are afoot for the next one - 3th March 1997 - put that date in your diaries. It will possibly be held at a different venue, and possibly with a planned after dinner entertainment such as a speaker or an organised sing song. If anyone has musical talents, please contact the committee.

Secondly, mainly on the social side, from Jack Strange Heading up the M40 through the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside towards Warwick for the second 69th Association AGM and dinner in bnlliant sunshine, one could only feel good to be a member of such a fine body of men and not having to do the Saturday morning shopping! Goodness, stop dreaming Strange. I am sure the last sign pointed towards Warwick.. Panic - where's Tony's map - one eye on the road and the other on the map - OK • keep going and find the junction of the M42 and M6. After a five mile double back I arrived at the Novotel at midday Already members were propping up the bar and Tony Parrott had the registration under control and was doing good business in Entry ties - did you buy one? If not give Tony a call as I'm sure he had some left over. (see page 3) Having booked in to the Novotel and found my room I headed for the bar. Oh there is so and so - "Good to see you." They all look suprisinaiv well - but then they are retired - I must do something about that Derek Morris looked well sunned after his annual wintering in the Canaries - George Rork, George Booker and Don ODonnel over there from 3 Sqdn -Electricians and Engine fitters are well represented. The bar service hasn't improved from last year - it's the French!! Torn Faulkner's ruddy face appears at reception armed with his bagpipes. We learnt to play the Rowan Tree together on the chanter. He went on to better things and became a piper and a SNAG. I got my monthly '36' as a member of Sid Searle's C of E choir. Much happy chatter over bar snacks until we are called outside for the photocell. We assembled at 2 pm for the AGM. The husky voice of Derek Gosling called us to order. Tony Parrott, John Nelson and Frank Sheppard joined him on the top table. Alas Gordon Hocking's apologies were received because of illness and we all wish him a quick recovery to full health. (See page 4) Discussions ranged from subscriptions to future reunions to include wives. I didn't feel we came to many decisions, in particular with regard to the inclusion of wives. It was felt that we should look for a different hotel more suitable for wives and an outing for them whilst we have our meeting, etc. Ron Townsend agreed to look into this possibility. It was reported

that about ten members have not paid their membership renewal, please check whether it is you. After much lively discussion the meeting closed until the next in the Spring of 97. Some then retired to the bar while others took a kip in preparation for the evening activities. Torn Faulkner piped us in to dinner and an enjoyable meal amongst friends followed. Absent friends were remembered., in particular our overseas members in Pakistan, Burma and Sri Lanka. Since our last gathering Adnan Thorpe passed away in Boston. Adrian was a much respected friend of many of us. In Boston since his retirement he was a keen supporter of his church and RAFA. This was evident by the full church for his funeral which George Rork, Bill Harris and mvself attended. We shall miss him. Following the ending of the dinner, Torn gave us a rendenng of the Halton Bear Gerry Tuilet had brought along a very amusing tape on Air Traffic Control. Talk and laughter continued into the night and the next morning over breakfast farewells were made until next year.