The Halton 80th Anniversary, 1999

This wasn't particularly a 69th event, nor was it even specific only to Halton's Brats, as it was in recognition of the whole of Halton's history, but members of the 69th were in attendance. The following comes from a HAAA leaflet describing the itinerary for the Anniversary celebrations. The photographs may or may not be of the actual event, but were in a collection of random stuff that was filed along with the itinerary.

At approximately 1150hrs the SWO will call for the pageant to form. The HAAA members will be asked to fall in behind the pipe band and goat. We hope as many of our members as possible will march down to the airfield. Drill instructors will be on hand to keep us under control. The Pageant will march off at approximately 1210hrs. Some vintage RAF vehicles will lead the procession followed by the pipe band and us.

Behind us will be the brass band leading the graduating recruits, who in turn will be followed by the ATC, Scouts, schoolchildren and others. Lord Trenchard accompanied by other VIP's, will take the salute as the Pageant passes St Georges Church in Chestnut Avenue. The Pageant will dismiss at the airfield when you will be free to rejoin your families to enjoy the rest of the day. NB. Please do not fall out before reaching the airfield. Ask your families to collect or deposit anything in your car as they walk to the airfield.

Whilst we are forming up for the Pageant your families/guests should make their own way down Armoury Hill, cross Main Point to Chestnut Avenue to take up position on the pavement either side of the saluting base in front of St Georges Church. (Show them this position when you walk up to Henderson for the parade) This will be the best position from which to view it. They may of course join on the end to continue down to the airfield. Chestnut Avenue and Halton Road is closed to traffic during the procession.

There will be no specific area for ex-brats during the afternoon. This event has been organised by the station and it is meant to be a celebration for the Halton family over the years. We are, of course, a major part of Halton's history, but not the whole. There will be plenty to interest all age groups. Some flypasts have been arranged and we are expecting up to 6 vintage aircraft to fly in (all either built, rebuilt, owned or procured by ex-brats). These aircraft will be parked for static display.

At the craft stalls, look for Peter Mark 38th Entry, manufacturing wonderful weeding trowels. Jim Alford 60th will be manning the HAAA stall. Although fast food stalls and bars will he available, those members with an aversion to queuing may wish to consider arranging their own packed lunches and drinks.

WET WEATHER PROGRAMME. Regrettably, there is no alternative wet weather parade programme for us. Should the weather on the day be really foul, i.e. peeing down, you may assume that the parade will be held in the drill hangar which will accommodate only the parents of the graduating recruits and VIP's.

If the weather looks particularly bad on the morning of the 26th we suggest that you call the station to check. However, if the parade is cancelled the Pageant may still take place provided the weather is not too bad. In this case we will be forming up in Swann Avenue (Chestnut Parallel). Station personnel will be on hand to direct If the weather is bad on your arrival, we suggest that you stay in your cars or coaches until advised what to do by the car park attendants.

The afternoon's activities will obviously be curtailed somewhat if the weather is bad, but there will be plenty going on in the hangars and tents. Also, St Georges Church will be open from 1300hrs for those who wish to view the stained glass windows. And a bus service will run from the airfield to the museum in the afternoon. Our advice is to come prepared for typical English summer weather. We hope that you enjoy the day.