Around 1987 I was telephoned by my best man Jack MacKenzie, 83rd. He asked if I was going to Halton for a meeting convened to talk about forming an ex-apprentices association. About 60 of us attended and a committee was formed which included a brilliant young chartered accountant with creative talents as well as being reasonably honest, to head up the associations finances, called Eric Wright 85th 3 wing. Many issues were raised at this inaugural meeting including, how often should we meet. It was agreed, every 3-years hence the Triennial.
I believe our first Triennial was around 1989. The format has remained unchanged except for this year when we will be based in the old 3-wing area in the new Henderson Hall.
The earlier format included:
· Parking in the sports field on the left of Chestnut Avenue, driving down from main point towards airfields.
· Arriving at the airfields around 10.15-10.30 and go to one of the two hangars where you would find your entry number pinned up around the perimeter. It was something like 1-56 and 57 to 200. It always interested McGuinness and I to see that each entry fielded 8-12 members whereas the 56th always took it very seriously and turned up with a minimum of about 60, all kitted out with banners, berries, ties and all immaculately dressed. I believe there were around 500 who passed out from the 56th!
· In 1989 there were lots of old aircraft to look at and many ex-apprentices brought their own planes or helicopters for the day. Spike Glover (85th ) brought his Lotus Elan and Chas French nearly brought his bike (Chas ended his working career with a number of bicycle shops).
· In 1978 we had a number of flying displays in the 3rd hanger a number of tables selling ties, badges and other memorabilia. Also in the 3rd hanger were tables and benches for feeding the 3000 who attended. In those early days we had the dreaded packed lunches including the black Carlton chocolate.
· One the highlights was the Golden Oldies and even writing this it brings tears to my eyes. Assembled together were 30, at least pipers and drummers with 3-pipe majors, including Johnny Walker 83rd, and Jim Neal 85th on side drum, marching to and fro’ in front of the hangers. Many in uniforms. What a glorious sight.
· You could also go into Schools and workshops.
Interestingly, little has changed in both except that with technical training ceasing around 1986 it is only the ghost of Hercules, Merlin, Avon and other engines that lingers on.
Around 2pm there is usually a commerative type service in St. George’s Church which is between main point and Schools. You can imagine that with seating for 400 it was quite challenging for the 1200 ex-apprentices to squeeze in, it brought back memories of the train journeys from Baker Street.
· Around 3pm we all assembled outside of workshops and with Haltons finest in columns of six marched up the hill behind the pipe band of the Golden Oldies. How could any of us ever forget that twice daily occasion in our earlier lives.
On the way from main point towards Maitland Square you pass the Air Commodore’s residence and in 1979 the Air Com. was Ian Blunt (84th), it was a great boost to us all to see what Ian had achieved.
On the square we had a march pass with an ex- apprentice vice marshall taking the salute. We then had the massed bands of the Royal Air Force playing a sunset tribute. There is always total silence with the opportunity for reflection on those matters that we all hold important. A very moving 15 minutes.
· We then had the freedom of the sergeant’s mess in each of the 3-wings.
· At the earlier Triennials Jack McKenzie, Johnny Walker, Errol Flyn, Johnny Gardner and I would all stay the night at the Bull in Aston Clinton, Dinner on Saturday night plus bed and breakfast, all for £5! Unfortunately the landlady died in 1992 and by then I had moved to Ashridge, 8 miles from Halton.
I have been to every Triennial with a fleeting visit to one, it being my sons wedding day. On each occasion, I meet up with those of the 85th I call my good and close friends including Ian McGuinness, Nobby Clark, Allan Thompson, Alan Spencer, Jim Neil, Gordon Suter, Eric Wright and in more recent years 750 Jones, George Kelly, David Welch, Chas French and others.
Between 1980 and 2002 a number of us in the 85th got together for dinner to renew our friendship.
The Triennial is an occasion to keep in touch and the opportunity to revisit the place that was for most of us the place that helped to fashion our adult lives.
For those of you who have never been to a Triennial I should apologise. I take far too much for granted. Living just down the road it takes me 10 minutes and if I want to show visiting friends and family our incredibly good 85th Entry stained glass memorial window I simply telephone the duty officer and borrow the keys to the Church for an hour. I can always say “hello” to the standard rose planted in memory of one of Haltons true gentlemen, Sam, although the engraving also gives his full name of Danton Samarawicgrema, ex 78th.
Halton is special to me and so are the lifelong friends I made there. Even if you cannot make the Triennial or our dinner-dance on the 25th/26th September do your best to have a visit at some time. The real benefit of the Triennial is that the entire Halton camp is open to ex-apprentices and the occasion is unique.
I do hope that I am helping to persuade some of you to come so please do not forget to book your hotel and for our dinner-dance your cheque per couple of £80 payable to myself or singly, just sending your young wife, partner or daughter, £40.
Remember, for those going to the Triennial there are little or no facilities for wives or partners and they are therefore not invited. Hence, you need to sign them up for one of the options I have previously given of,
· A visit to Waddesden Manor
· A visit to London
· A visit to Whipsnade Zoo
· A pamper day at Pendley Manor
For many of you who have been to previous Triennial I know you will join with me in encouraging as many as possible to join us for the memorable day.
Ted per pro Ralph King
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