98th Entry Halton Apprentices

Two items of news for you bringing outcomes not as good as the previous post. Geoff Ventress has been traced. Unfortunately, when Geoff was contacted he was clearly not interested in renewing old friendships with ex members of the 98th. N.F.I. we used to call it!  We did, however, learn from him that John Singfield had tragically suffered a [...]

Jamie Brotherston and Rob Flemmich have been found by Vic and Jackie Munro. The ‘riggers’ are gathering at last to balance the ‘fairy’ and ‘plumber’ contingent who have checked in already. Let me wish them both a very warm welcome to the 98th Entry Website. Can I also pass on my appreciation to Vic and [...]

Saturday 18th April 09.
Arrive at accommodation TBD
Dinner in the evening at a venue TBD
Sunday 19th April 09
10.30 - Meet at Halton House - Guided tour.
12.00 - St George’s Church for the service of dedication.
12.30 - Visit Apprentice Tribute outside ‘Schools’ for photographs.
13.00 - Henderson Mess for lunch. (Cost £6.00 per head)
13.45 - Apprentice Museum visit [...]

A note for all your diaries. The 98th Entry Reunion and ‘Window’ Dedication Service has now been arranged with RAF Halton to take place during the weekend 18/19 April 2009. More details will be posted on the website soon. This post is a ‘heads up’ so that you have as much advanced notice as possible. We very much hope that we will [...]

What you are looking at gentlemen is an iconic, arcane device known as ‘Bend Bars’. Second only in fame to the five pint brazing lamp. These were issued to the chosen few. The apprentice artisans of Halton, the Airframe Fitters. (When the Beatles sang, ‘how does it feel to be, one of the beautiful people’, [...]

Sports Afternoon was on Thursday for us. I was an FA and RAF football referee I was chosen to officiate one of the organised games. Free of Charge! I was A/A and the Corporal said you will. On this particular day A/A Kabluczenko (Kabby), an amazing Goal Keeper, decided to play outside right. I had [...]

Once a plumber - always a plumber and don’t think you can disappear either!
I am sure that Pete Waltuch’s son, Ian, will not object to me posting  a recent email that passed between us:
An email arrived:
Hey Peter,
Just found your website while I should have been working and have been spooked by a picture of my Dad, Pete, [...]

John Hannaford has found us and promised a valient attempt to stifle the wailing and gnashing of teeth of our beloved editor [ AKA: The Bard - or should he be?]. Thank goodness for that, say I. If that doesn’t work we’ll get a big sack and few lead weights at the local flea market [...]

Where is everybody?
Am I writing things to myself?
Few comments, articles or feedback
It’s like being left upon the shelf.
The site needs contributors
Or it will simply fade away
It’s just not worth continuing
If 98er’s don’t have things to say.
Please let me know if there is life out there
Is it worth us continuing with the link?
My time and effort [...]

All seems very quiet on the website lately so here is another chapter of my RAF life for you to read if you can take any more! My escape from Cranwell led me once again to Finningley and SAR Wing. Sea King and Wessex choppers and just ten minutes from my house. God bless the [...]