The 1998 Reunion Dinner
Saturday
30th May 1998 saw 21 old boys and 16 guests celebrating the second
reunion of the 95th Entry with an excellent dinner at the Queens
Hotel, Leeds.
Although only a small number
attended, the event was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, who
appreciated the warm, intimate atmosphere that only close friends
generate when in company. It was particularly pleasing to meet some
old friends who were unable to attend the first reunion in 1993. After
35 years, an exceptionally poignant occasion.
The function room was the perfect
size, being neither too large nor too small and the "square
box" table layout allowed for chatter in all directions. The
floral display, proudly placed in the centre of the box, looked
reminiscent of a wake - the health of which was toasted several
times!!
Thinning hair, shiny pates and
spreading outlines gave ample evidence of the passage of time - and
that was just the ladies; the lads hadn’t changed a bit! (All lies
of course - as usual the ladies put us to shame.)
The Commemorative Window
A pleasant dinner was followed by
convivial discussions about the future, with valuable contributions
from all quarters. Bill Thornley provided details of the proposed
"stained glass" window for St. George’s Church, Halton. A
full size draft of the proposed design, surmounted by a "king's
crown", provoked a jovial response - we’re not that old surely!
Every one agreed to proceed with the proposal provided that a discreet
Sycamore was included somewhere in the final design.
Donations received to date amount to
£270:00; many thanks to those of you who have contributed thus far.
The estimated cost of the project is expected to be approximately £750:00
so now is time to honour the pledges that you have made, as we would
like to get the work started as soon as possible. Any excess
income over expenditure will be donated to the church, in the
entry’s name. It was also agreed that, after the window is installed
we should arrange a service of dedication, coupled with a mini
reunion/ get together at Halton. Hopefully many of you will be able to
attend this event - probably during the year 2000.
Future Reunions
It was agreed that future reunions
should retain a similar format of a dinner with partners attending.
Many comments were made that, as for Thame in 93, the chosen venue
fitted the bill - Qualitas will out tha’ knows!
95th Entry Association
Despite protests, I will continue to
take a lesser but active part in future events and I am pleased to
announce that I have managed to coerce John Othen, Jeff Bullock, John
Cormack and Bill Thornley to help me form a committee to bring about a
95th Entry Association. Our remit will be to organise, plan and
execute (no, not the discip NCO’s) future reunion functions - 40th
Anniversary in 2003 near Halton (or Coventry or Edinburgh.)
If you pardon the pun, the wheel is
turning but it now needs you to keep it rolling. The future of the 95th
Entry is in your hands!
The Entry Badge
An entry badge was designed and
adopted when we were in 3 wing, do you recall the design, or better
still do you have a copy that I might borrow? If there is sufficient
interest we could have some shields made up.
40 year reunion – 2003
There are some basic questions to be
asked:-
- Are you in favour?
- Where should it be held?
- Any suggestions for filling a
weekend?
Revised Addresses
Enclosed is an update on addresses
that we know have changed. Please keep in touch and keep the spirit of
the 95th Entry alive.
Where are they now?
Attached is a list of the
ex-colleagues that we have lost touch with. Can you throw any light on
their current whereabouts?
Dates for your diary
- RAFHAAA Triennial reunion – 26
Sept 1988
- Dedication service for our
stained glass window. To be arranged - probably in the year 2000.
- 40 year reunion – 2003 (Date
and venue to be arranged.
What is wanted from you?
Please respond as the future of 95th
Entry reunions is in your hands.
This will be the last contact unless
you tell me that you want to receive more newsletters similar to this
one. Please let me know either way, if you don’t want any further
contact let me know and your wishes will be respected. However it
would be nice to have a response to the following: -
- Confirmation of current addresses
and notification of any future changes.
- Do you support the proposal for a
95th Entry Association? Your views are important please
share them.
- If you haven’t already
contributed are you willing to make a donation towards the cost of
the stained glass window?
Costs
To reduce costs
please supply a stamped and addressed A4 envelope if you want to
receive more newsletters similar to this.
Qualitas non
Quantitas.
Alf
Banyard |
