2009 Reunion

From 3rd to 5th April

This, our eighth reunion was held at the Crooklands Hotel in the Lake District and was a resounding success. All due credit must go to our committee and the sadly missed Peter Honeyman for organising the reunion. For the rates negotiated the Hotel did us proud. Some of us stayed on for a few days extra to explore the Cumbrian terrain and some even negotiated the Hard Not Pass, Prim didn’t say a word for at least 30 minutes!) a truly amazing experience.

Our evening gatherings, with many reminiscences of events long since past, gave credence to what being one of 'Trenchards Brats’ is all about. Ian Robertson regaled us with the reasons why his Hopeman Golf Club had endorsed a special brew of the ‘hard stuff’ and after a

little arm twisting the seal was broken!

John Jones produced a book of Halton Songs which could be bought back in

1930 for 2/6. If we can raise enough vocal talent for our next reunion in 2011 we

might give some of them a go.

Geoff Munge has passed on a book on the history of RAF Halton No 1 School of

Technical Training. This makes a very good read particularly in the light of the

current discussions surrounding the continuance of our title the RAFHAAA.

Such was the success of our reunion that some may have difficulty in remembering events and for those of you that were unable to attend a brief resume’ of our itinerary for the weekend follows:

Day 1. Friday 3rd April

Arrival Day. On arrival we had to select our choice of dinner from menu. Everybody gathered in the bar at 1830 hrs. prior to dinner in `The Hayloft`. During the evening Peter Cunningham, our Chairman, welcomed everybody and gave a brief outline of the weekend activities.

Day 2. Saturday 4th April.

Between, 0800 to 1000 hours breakfast was taken in the ground floor restaurant. Then at 1015 we boarded a coach for a Taster Tour of the Lake District. Our first stop was at the Rheged Discovery Centre near Penrith. We then moved on to Grasmere for lunch at a Carvery with plenty of time to explore the village afterwards. At about 1430 we set off for a tour to view Rydal Water,Ambleside and Windermere, returning to the hotel at about 1545. Dinner was scheduled for 1930 but the bar was open and well patronised!

Day 3. Sunday 5th April

This was a free day to do as we pleased but to be in good shape for our Gala Dinner for which we had exclusive use of 'The Westmoorland' function room. We assembled at 1930 for 2000. Following the call 'Dinner is Served' we took our places at the tables and remained standing out respect for our deceased members as all 31 names were read out.( A toast to absent friends may be the format for future reunions). Geoff Payne then said grace and sat down to dinner. The Hotel did us proud with a six course meal and table wine. Alan Laycock proposed the loyal toast and our Chairman,Secretary and Treasurer gave us an update on the current state of play with our association and their willingness to carry on in office for a further term. It was noted that the next reunion will be in 2011 and that Ray Dodd would be setting this up at some place in the West Country

Day 4. Monday 6th April

Sadly this was the day to pay our bills, Vacate rooms, say farewells and depart but a few of us stayed on to do some more site seeing. It was a jolly good reunion and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Here's to 2011.