From: Shirley and Duane Bach, Carrying Place, ON
Shirley and I wish all you Movers and families a safe and Great New Year. We have a weekly meat draw at the Legion and if you don't win any meat then you have to draw a card to see who wins this prestigious trophy (see picture above) and then you bring it back next week and do it all over again… lots of fun and laughs for the veteran movers and the "Ham & Spam Gang" .... the website I run is for the Brighton legion at rcl100.ca, Have a safe and Great Christmas and Happy New Year!
Another year just flashed by... Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all you fellow movers out there. Many thanks Tony for the fantastic work you do in keeping the stories alive. I had a chuckle at Peter King's little anecdote in the last issue - I can testify that his mischievous doings did not end with his 'retirement' from the RAF! Cheers, Budgie & Carolyn
From: Stephen Bird, Chester
Seasons greeting's to all of those in within the Movements Family both serving and retired, special thoughts also with those whom are suffering with illness and the families whom have lost loved one this past 12 months. Stephen, Beverly Bird & family
From: Taff James, Bristol
A very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all current and past Movers wherever you may be.
From: Andy Kay, Colorado Springs
I'd like to send my best wishes to all movers past and present and for them all to have a happy and safe 2020. Let's also raise a glass on New Year's Eve to the memory of those that we have lost in the last 12 months. Cheers lads!
From: Moe Audet, St-Georges, QC
I would like to wish all movers everywhere a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2020.
From: Ian and April Place, Meanwood, West Yorks
Wishing all Movers either side of the pond, throughout the East and Far East and around the World, all the best for Christmas and the New Year!
From: Fred and Bonnie Hebb, Gold River NS
Wishing all Movers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2020. A special wish to those deployed or unable to be home with family and friends. Also wishing everyone good health and happiness for many years to come.
From: Len Bowen, Chisholm, ACT
A very merry, happy and safe Christmas to all OBs, your families and friends, and a braw, bright and prosperous New Year to ane' and aw.
From: Barry Tappenden, Shortstown, Beds
Currently working as a volunteer presenter at Hospital Radio Bedford. (HRB) Next year 2020 I'm putting together a programme for all ex servicemen and women, part of the programme is to be dedicated to all movers world wide. So if you want to send a new years message with a record request then get in touch either through our news letter or www.hospitalradiobedford.org.uk , twitter @hrbedford , or btappenden@virginmedia.com . To listen just go to www.hospitalradiobedford.org.uk and just hit the "listen" button.
Andy Kay at the Frazier Museum, Louisville, KY, on the Bourbon Heritage Trail
Back yard at the Bowens, with a 'sundowner' of good Canberra wine - Len is c/w battery pack!
Moe Audet bought himself a new hat for the summer
April & Ian Place at their favourite haunt - Vegas!
Fred Hebb - a portrait in black and white
Barry Tappenden spinning the vinyl at Hospital Radio Bedford
Hello Tony,
You keep doing it over and over, what more can I say about your latest OBA edition other than most entertaining, well written by your members, informative, historical and fun to read!
So many good ones. This time again Len Bowen doesn't disappoint with his lifelong stories. Then Mike Stepney's party boat one, Brian Hunt in Cyprus, Tony Street in Jamaica etc. Love them all as they touch a nerve from when I was serving at the same places or just for reading from their own experiences during a different era than mine.
Then the OP Hurricane battery resupply relay site mission in the high Arctic from Michael Hunter in 1990 got me having a look at my records as I recall going on the same operation with a Cpl Hunter too! Only to find out it was in 1992 with Cpl Shawn Hunter whom coincidentally was also from 3 AMU Ottawa if I am not mistaken. Then he did Honduras, again I did too but just a freight relief drop-off stop over after a disaster. Interesting.
Finally, on Hayden Gouman with the D8 Dozer going to Antarctica. If one is familiar with Tim "The Toolman" Taylor from the old sitcom “Home Improvement” when he is making grunting noises of excitement, well that is exactly how I reacted when I saw the load with all the chains on it. Best trade in the Forces.
Great memories indeed and thank you all for submitting your tales and mostly to you Tony to put it all so nicely together for our enjoyment.
Anyhow, Happy and Festive Holidays to all around the World wherever you maybe serving or retired and the very best for 2020. Peace on Earth.
Cheers, Glen Falardeau
To all current and past Air Movers wherever they may be in the World may you all have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. Chas 43rd
We wish all movers and their families, wherever they maybe a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Seasons greetings to all in the Movers vast Family, past and present. Have a good and peaceful one.
Wishing everybody in the 'Mover Family' a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy 2020! Also, special thanks to Tony Gale for another year of an amazing newsletter which keeps us all connected - much appreciated.
Thank you Tony. Seasons greetings to you and all movers worldwide.
All the best to the R.A.F. and all persons who have served in it, and serving today. As usual, I shall be cracking a bottle of Champs, a few Oysters, and a few nibbles, I find family lunches slightly tedious!
I send warm wishes to all "movers" all around the world. May you all have a very happy Xmas and a bright and prosperous New Year. Christine (Widow of Brian Dunn MAMS Abingdon 1964-69)
Wishing everybody a very good Christmas and a prosperous and healthy new year.
To Movers and Loadies and their SOs world wide, past and present, I wish you all a Happy New Years and a "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
Season's greetings to all Movers past and present all around the world. A special thanks to Tony for all his hard work! Andrew (son of W/O Eric Batty rtd).
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Tony for all his work and endeavours in maintaining and producing what must be the most popular regular Air Movements publication in both the northern and southern hemisphere. We would also like to wish all past and present Movers a peaceful and merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year for 2020.
Thank you Tony for a great newsletter and the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy and Peaceful New Year. Cheers!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in the Air Movements world a wonderful Christmas and New Year . Especially my friends from Abingdon , Muharraq 67/ 68 and Northolt , wonderful period in my life looked back with great memories. Also best wishes to yourself Tony , without you and your monthly newsletter, life would be very boring!
Merry Christmas to all the movers currently deployed on Operations overseas and away from their friends and families. Our thoughts are with them, especially over the Christmas period, and our thanks go out to them for their continued, dedication and commitment to supporting UK Armed Forces wherever they may find themselves.
As ever at this time of year, it is appropriate to reflect on the year that’s passed and to look forward to what is to come. Operations continue across Europe, Africa, the broader Middle East and in Afghanistan while UK Armed Forces stand ready to deploy, as required, to meet the challenge of global threats.
Wherever, UK PLC chooses to deploy its forces, RAF Movers will be front and centre in delivering that operational effect and ensuring that our reputation for professionalism and excellence is maintained. Long may that continue.
From: Sue and Richard Lloyd, Dunfermline, Fife
First of all heartfelt thanks for all the work you do to produce such a superb monthly newsletter with all the news from ‘Old Bods’ to whom I wish a blessed Christmas and a wonderful 2020, the year in which Sue and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in April. The above picture was taken at the Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach, on the reconstructed ATC Tower rebuilt brick by brick from RAF Goxhall in Lincolnshire. They actually have a flying Mosquito. Recommended!
Here’s wishing all UKMAMS Old Bods around the world, particularly those from Kilo Team, a wonderfully joyous Christmas and great health and happiness in 2020. May your DFs be plentiful and your imprest never run dry!
From: Steve & Jodie Boucher, Leeds
We'd like to wish Movers and ex movers a very merry Christmas and prosperous new year, wherever you are in the world.
From: Andy Downard, Ballarat, VIC
Please pass on seasons greetings to all mover’s, past and present, hoping everyone has a great Christmas and an even better new year in 2020. The photo this year provides confirmation for those that served with me in the ’60s and ‘70s that I was a know it all smart alec. Pictured is me picking up my PhD from Victoria University, aged 68.
From: Liam and Diane Devlin, Port Talbot
From the windy shores of The Mumbles in Swansea Bay, Diane and I wish every one of our friends in the Movements world a Very Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2020.
From: Dougie and Jackie Betambeau, Swindon
Seasons Greetings to all, especially those that will be separated from their families... Our warmest wishes for 2020. The picture shows us renewing our marriage vows in Gretna Green, Scotland.
Mike and Sandra McCann, Beckwithshaw, North Yorks
To all movers, near and far, old and new, Mike and Sandra McCann wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Trevor Porter, Birgu
Seasons Greetings to all past and present Movers. Stay safe and healthy in 2020.
From: Donald Milburn, Swindon, Wilts
To all current brothers, sisters and ex-members of the Movements empire, my best wishes on the forthcoming festivities. May you all enjoy both Christmas and the coming New Year with the same enthusiasm as you do/did in your service career.
From: Mike and Gerry Lefebvre, Burton, NB
To all our friends and acquaintances, far and wide and at home, Gerry and I would like to wish you and yours a most memorable and happiest Christmas ever. Our wishes for a healthy, prosperous and peaceful 2020 to all, with a special thank you to you, Tony for doing such wonderful work year after year. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year.
Don Hunter - still globetrotting
Andy Downard picking up his PhD from Victoria University, aged 68
Liam and Diane Devlin spending some time on the Swansea Mumbles
Dougie and Jackie Betambeau are in Scotland renewing their vows
Sue and Richard Lloyd at the Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach
Sandra and Mike McCann
in Budapest last year
Trevor Porter soaking up the
sunshine at home in Malta
Donald Milburn enjoying a brew at
his neice's wedding last summer
at the Oromocto Pioneer Club
Christmas 'High Fives' (and Two and Halves to those who have difficulty in reaching the top shelf) to all Movers and their loved ones at this time of what ever it was? A special 'High' to those who were in London on the 10th of November both on the parade and those sensible ones who went direct to the Porcupine for the reunion. I thought we were quite good. A least all the arms were swinging together as we passed the Cenotaph, but not sure about the feet. And it did sort of switch from a quick step to something more like a slow foxtrot once we got into Parliament Square.
To those who have looked more closely at the group photo in the last Newsletter, rather than 'where's Wally?', can anyone match two marchers in actual identical kit? Assorted headgear, top coats, scarves, jumpers, blazers etc. No, neither can I...
Happy Christmas, best wishes for a speedy recovery on Boxing Day and a safe and fun New Year!
David Powell, F Team UKMAMS, 1967-69
To all my friends and colleagues from bygone days at RAF Changi, RAF Gan, UKMAMS, HQ 38 Gp and RAFMS Brize Norton. I send you my warmest greetings for Christmas and the New Year. Keep taking the tablets!
To all movers old and young past and present have a wonderful Christmas and all the very best for 2020.
A quick message to all movers worldwide, have a very Merry Xmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
To all the Movers far and wide, may the Christmas and New Year’s seasons be merry and great. Stay safe and move the world as always!
To Movers Young and Old, Wherever you may be, Have a Merry Christmas And don’t forget Hogmanay!
I would like to send seasonal greetings to all movers past and present and hope that 2020 will be kind to one and all. You al have a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year. Lang may year lumps reek.
A big thanks to you for all your hard work Tony, it is much appreciated. Please wish every mover and ex mover and all their families a great 2020, good health and good luck to all.
We wish all movers, young and old, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I would like to send the warmest festive wishes to all Movers past and present. Have a safe holiday and wherever you are in the world, have a fantastic time, a wonderful New year. I also raise a glass to those who have ascended to the higher crewroom.
Marie and I wish all movers past and present Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year and a thank you all for your service.
Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year to all the movers out there.
I just want to wish all movers past and present a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. My thoughts especially go out to those away from family at this time.
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to all Movers (or whatever you call yourselves now), Past, Present and Future.
Paul and Diane Weir, Leighton Buzzard, Beds
On behalf of my wife Di and myself, I would like to wish every Mover throughout the world a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Once again Tony, thank you so much for your endless dedication and enthusiasm by keeping this unique and special web site going. It’s a priceless way of receiving Movers’ news and memories good and, too often, very sad. Let’s raise a glass (or two) to those dear friends who have departed and gone to pastures new, they are sorely missed.
As you can see from the attached pictures, myself and my wife, Diane, are still busy with the business.
In February this year we were very privileged to be invited to the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers Exhibition at the Guildhall in London and, furthermore, to be commissioned to make a unique shopping basket for HRH The Duchess of Gloucester.
Take care everyone, we are not getting any younger but let’s all enjoy life while we still can.
Regards and best wishes.
Paul (Stretch) and Diane Weir
Paul Weir is a Yeoman member of the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers in London. A mark of quality and excellence. www.bedfordshirebasketmakers.freeindex.co.uk]
Exhibition at the Guild Hall London Feb 2019
Basket Presentation to HRH Duchess of Gloucester
Curved Chair Back Restoration
Papasan Chair Restoration
Games Hamper, Parker Games
1925 Austin - Rear Basket Hamper
Large Rectangular Trunks
Large Trunk - Made for "Singing in the Rain" production
Season’s greetings and very best wishes for a fun 2020 to all readers from Andy and Helen Gell in Truro, Cornwall. Attached is a snap of us enjoying a pre-dinner tipple in the F-Zeen Hotel, Kefalonia in June where we stayed for a spot of R&R before flying home after a flotilla sailing holiday.
From Steve & Pam Legg, Wigan
Best wishes and seasonal greetings to the Movements family, serving and retired. All the very best for 2020.
From: Gordon Black, Swindon
Ann and I would like to wish all movers past and present all the best for the New Year. In particular those who are separated from their families and those who are no longer with us.
From Tim Buckeridge, Calne, Wilts
I had the honour of attending the Festival of Remembrance at The Royal Albert Hall in November; it was very moving. Seasons Greetings to everyone.
From: Ian & Christine Berry, West Swindon
Seasons's Greetings to all members of the Movements Family wherever you are in the World. Stay safe, stay healthy and have a brilliant 2020.
From: Peter Clayton, Wroughton, Wilts
I would like to wish Movers and their families everywhere a Happy New Year and hope you all had a Merry Christmas. As you are reading this message I will be on the Outer Hebrides, Harris & Lewis to be precise in my camper van. Obviously hoping to avoid any storms but you never know, not just during the winter but almost any time of the year these days. I'm sure it will be very different but enjoyable I hope, hoping to do a bit of cycling in preparation for May 2020 when I cycle from Vatersay to Butt of Lewis or the full length of the Hebrides. Best wishes to you all, near and far.
From: Duncan Andrews and family, Pinner Middx
New Year‘s Eve is a time for celebration of friendship, of love, of life. It is time to feel thankful for the wonderful people who are next to us but also for our family and friends around the world. I hope that 2020 brings joy and magic into your lives! Happy New Year to all Movers, their families and friends from Duncan, Heather, Poppy and Harvey Andrews, Pinner, London.
From: Gary Farndale, Torpoint, Cornwall
Just to wish all the old movers around the world that I had the pleasure of working and more importantly socialising with throughout my RAF career seasons greetings and a prosperous New year! Attended the cenotaph this year for remembrance service and had great catch up with all the lads and lasses; a real highlight for me. Marching was a giggle but that's another story!
dinner tipple in Kefalonia last June
family day out in Blackpool
holiday in Zante last June
Gary Farndale & Kids at the North Pole
which is surprisingly near Plymouth!
Christine and Ian Berry
cruising on the MSC Sinfonia
Peter Clayton was in the Hebrides earlier this year
The Andrews family, Christmas 2019
Dee and Martin Gledhill at the Bristol Docks when
visiting old pals Alan and Carol Kilpatrick
H Firth at Port Issac, Cornwall
From: Martin & Dee Gledhill, Selby
To all Movers around the world, have a great Xmas and a prosperous New Year and keep safe!
From H Firth, Bude, Cornwall
I would like to wish all the members of the Movements Trade past and present and their families, wherever in the World they are, a wonderful Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous 2020.
Hope all well with you mate, I'm not sure if we are too late for the Christmas newsletter, but by luck a few ex-Movers managed to meet up last night [8th December] here in the Airport Meridien Dubai and we all said we need to get a Christmassy photo for the Newsletter. All the best for Christmas and New Year!
L-R: Martin 'Geordie' Sweeney, Simon Clarke, Colin 'Toyboy' Neat, Roger Gough, Andy Triggs is in front.
To all my friends and colleagues from bygone days at RAF Changi, RAF Gan, UKMAMS, HQ 38 Gp and RAFMS Brize Norton. I send you my warmest greetings for Christmas and the New Year. Keep taking the tablets!
To all movers old and young past and present have a wonderful Christmas and all the very best for 2020.
A quick message to all movers worldwide, have a very Merry Xmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
To all the Movers far and wide, may the Christmas and New Year’s seasons be merry and great. Stay safe and move the world as always!
I would like to send seasonal greetings to all movers past and present and hope that 2020 will be kind to one and all. You al have a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous and peaceful New Year. Lang may year lumps reek.
Dear Tony, firstly a big thanks to you for all your hard work it is much appreciated. Please wish every mover and ex mover and all their families a great 2020, good health and good luck to all.
We wish all movers, young and old, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I would like to send the warmest festive wishes to all Movers past and present. Have a safe holiday and wherever you are in the world, have a fantastic time, a wonderful New year. I also raise a glass to those who have ascended to the higher crewroom.
Marie and I wish all movers past and present a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year and a thank you all for your service.
Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year to all the movers out there.
Well another year has come and gone. It would be wrong if we even thought of the upcoming year if we didn’t recognize those that have come before us and provided the Movement Family with such history. The past year saw the passing on of many friends and associates who will be sorely missed by all. Maureen and I would like to wish serving and retired members (and their families) the very best in the coming year. Stay safe all.
I just want to wish all movers past and present a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. My thoughts especially go out to those away from family at this time.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and all the members of the Old Bods a very Merry Christmas and New Year. Tony, aound this time, 48 years ago, on the 28th December, you and and I went for curry in Oxford prior to heading out to Luqa in Malta and Sigonella, Sicily. We picked up two female students (Rachel and Charlie) who were hitchhiking (moving flats) in the pouring rain. I eventually married one of them, and as they say the rest is history. Rachel sends her best wishes too!
Many thanks indeed for all of your outstanding efforts in pulling together the monthly Old Bods News Letter and keeping us in touch with each other. It is greatly appreciated and I look forward to each edition. As this is the end of year missive, Margaret and I send all Movers, past and present our very best wishes for 2020 wherever you may be and for those on active duty, please keep safe.
Wishing all retired and serving movers (especially those from my time on UKMAMS in the 70's and 80's) A very Happy New Year and hoping that 2020 will bring some semblance of order after the uncertainty of the past 3 years in Parliament. Looking back with fond memories of my time in the RAF.
To all my old pals from back in the day, and my new acquaintences from Tony’s fantastic newsletters, I wish you all the very best for the New Year.
To all movers past and present Merry Xmas and Happy New Year for 2020.
Hope you're fit and well. May I wish you and all your fellow Movers the very best for 2020, may it be peaceful, prosperous and above all safe wherever life takes you. I've seen the job from both sides, Movements at Masirah and then as an AQM and Loadie on Brits and VC10s and I know which was the easy job!
From: Mick Goater, Goole, East Yorkshire
Merry Christmas & Happy 2020 to all. Remember, I am in East Yorkshire and always available for a beer or two if you are up this way.
From Alan and Josephine Potts 11100 Narbonne
Merry Christmas to all movers, young and old, near and far and all good fortune for the year ahead.
From: Arthur Rowland, St Ives, Cambs
Message to all Movers, past and present. Trust you are keeping well and have a very merry Christmas and an especially good 2020.
From: Andy Holloway and Family, Durham
Hello to all Movers past and present. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas wherever you are around the globe, and a very happy 2020. I'm currently a Section Manager with ALDI at their Darlington distribution centre and enjoying civilian life. The wife and I are off to San Francisco and Las Vegas in April next year, so if anyone is in the vicinity it'll be good to catch up.
the service for Armed Forces Day
National Memorial Arboretum
a passionate racing cyclist
fit on the golf course
as a crewman on S&R
local garden center quite recently
Family at Center Parcs
From: Len Bowen, Chisholm ACT
Subject: My First ‘Sharp End’ Christmas
I sort of remember serving Christmas Lunch in the Airmens' Mess at RAF Labuan, Borneo, in 1965. In the true tradition of the RAF the Officers had RV's at the Sergeant’s Mess, and then, suitably primed, proceeded down to the Airmen's Mess. Traditional Christmas fare beautifully cooked by our RAF cooks, chef and the locally-employed civilian catering team despite tropical heat and 90% humidity. Tables well laden with cans of Tiger and Anchor beer (for the un-initiated into Far East Air Force drinking culture at that time, you were either a Tiger drinker or an Anchor drinker, and never the twain shall meet - rather like Ford & Holden supporters at Bathurst).
Also on the table were a number of bottles of wine, but the erks had no taste for "That nobby Officers' piss". They, too, were well lubricated prior to the meal, probably from and by the travelling beer garden run by the visiting RAAF Sabre Squadron. The fighter jocks and their ground support crew had commandeered an Air Dispatch tractor & trailer combination, and having fitted it out with Aussie eskies [‘chilly bins’ for our Kiwi readers] and copious quantities of free Aussie beer, had been circulating round the Station since Christmas Eve, dispensing good will and good cheer to all.
As a result Pilot Officer Bowen, like many of his peers up to and including the CO - Wg Cdr 'Rusty' Pinn - was serving the blokes their meals with a bottle of wine in each pocket of his bush jacket (No 1 [Tropical] Dress required for all Officers & SNCOs serving the meal) and sipping liberally from each as the meal progressed. I do remember getting the Christmas pudding out round the tables - amazingly enough without anointing any of my Air Movements team with hot custard (we all tried to serve our own Flight or Section blokes first)....but thereafter it was something of a blur, and I barely made it back to our own Mess for our Christmas Dinner, via, I was informed the following day by my AMS Shift SNCO, Sgt 'Nobby' Clark with "Just a little afternoon snooze in the Sergeant's Mess Beer Garden, Sir!"
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to all Movers (or whatever you call yourselves now), Past, Present and Future.
To all Movers past and present – have a great Xmas and a very happy New Year,with special greetings to old members of Team Bravo & my old mate Derek Barron. Not forgetting to thank Tony for all the work, effort and time providing news, history and happy memories.
A very Happy Christmas to all members - and families - of our wonderful Association - especially to all ex members of NEAF Mams. Very good health is wished for all in the new year.
To all our friends in the Movements world, may we wish you a very happy Xmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
A seasonal greeting to all movers wherever you may now be. I hope 2020 brings you happiness and contentment; you’ve earned it!
I would like to wish everyone festive cheer And a healthy happy New Year. I would like a special mention to the members of the 1990 club. Has it really been 30 years since our Christmas at MPN? All the best for keeping us all in the know Tony. Great work!
May I express my best wishes to all and sundry for this Crimble and New Year from us in Highworth on the Hill.
Seasons greetings to all Movers past and present. May you have a Merry safe Christmas. A special thought goes to those on duty both at home and overseas.
Season's greetings and best wishes, now from North West Vendée, for a healthy and happy 2020 to all, serving and retired, who enjoy Tony's unmissable newsletters. Thank you, Tony.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all movers wherever you are. Special wishes to you Tony, keep up the good work.
Season's greetings to all movers especially those away from home this Christmas.
Please wish all Movers everywhere and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020.
Thank you Tony, always great to read your newsletter. To all Movers, I wish you a very merry Christmas and health for 2020. And especially to those who are away from families during the festive season, stay positive and focused, share stories with your friends at your deployed locations (with a beer or two) - I know how a difficult time this could be, I missed two Christmases (deployed to the Golan in 1983 and Somalia in 1992). Jeep Pichette, LCol (retired).
Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year to all the Movers I have had the pleasure to have known and worked with during my 30 years plus on Movements. Now, on reaching 80 this past year, I wish you all good health and keep Moving.
Merry Christmas to all readers and those of whom I have the privilage to "career manage" as drafter. Particular wishes to Bruce Oram, Tony Gearer, Dougie B and many others who seemed to manage their own careers...not sure it was supposed to work that way! Suffice, hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year, to you and your families, serving or retired, stay safe and my wife Eve and I hope 2020 is all you want it to be. From Air Staff RNZAF, in Wellington.
Ed and Karen Stout, Aylesbury
Karen and I wish all movers and their families, all over the world, a very Happy Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous year ahead.
Alan and Barbara Walker, Burnley
To all Movers, Past & Present, wherever you may at this time of the year, a Very Merry Christmas and Happy and Prosperous New Year.
From: Kev Koslowski-Smith & Clan, Cambridge
To all you worn out Movers, with bad backs & aching joints, have a fantastic Yule & may 2020 be as crazy as you need it to be.
From: Dan Dupuis, Comox, BC
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Dupuis clan Comox British Columbia.
From: John & Rosemarie Harney, Perth, WA
That time of the season again when we think of past times and people we worked with wherever we were stationed throughout the world with RAF Movements and MAMS teams and remember those who have passed on throughout the year. So, to all Movers active and retired and all members of the OBA and your families, Rosemarie and I wish you all a very Merry Xmas and a safe and Happy New Year 2020.
From: Jacques Leclerc and Sophie, St-Alexandre de Kamouraska, QC
Merry Chrismas and Happy new year to everyone. Joyeux Noel at Bonne année.
From: Allan and Kay Mitchley, Rhyl, Denbighshire
This year we have closed the guesthouse and this is the first year since 2002 that we have not hosted Stars from Panto for 6 weeks at this time. Myself and Kay, who still remember many of us older movers, would like to wish you and all those serving and now retired a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. We hope to be able to meet up with some former movers next year.
Steve, Carol and Luke Perry, Royal Wootton Bassett
Best wishes to all movers and their families worldwide, especially those away from their loved ones. Have a great Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
From: John & Kay Tudor, Stevenston, Ayrshire
We wish that you, yours and all movers from all countries have a lovely Christmas and very happy New Year. Stay safe everyone.
Crooked Elm, Lower Hutt
spirit. Aylesbury, December 2019
celebrating his 80th in July
Dan Dupuis - a blast from the past
John Harney having coffee in the garden
on a trip to UK earlier this year.
Jacques Leclerc and Sophie - best friends
Allan and Kay Mitchley - retired at last
Luke, Carol and Steve Perry -
spending quality time together
Kay & John Tudor - "The two of us"
Thank you Tony for yet another excellent publication during the past 12 months. I wish you and your family, all our movers and their families a Very Happy Christmas and a Good, Prosperous and Healthy New Year 2020. Also, let’s remember those family members, friends and colleagues who have left us behind. God Bless.
I would like to wish all "Movers & Shakers" throughout the world all the VERY BEST wishes for the coming Christmas season, and to the following New Year. Merry family times together, and if apart for deployment reasons, a safe and healthy New Year. My family's prayers hope you will be safe and a quick return to your loved ones.
Wishing the worldwide band of Movers and their families very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous new year, with very best wishes.
Wishing all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Thinking about all the absent friends.
Wishing all the movers and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
Merry Xmas to all and a Happy New Year. Rachel (Rae) Readman also sends her best wishes to all.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all Past and Present Movers near and afar. May the New Year bring you good health and happiness.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all from me and my family; Neeanne, BamBam and Leo-oh here in Thailand. I will be thinking of you and Christmas on Christmas Island. Love from us all.
To all Movers past and present, Very best wishes at Christmas and for a peaceful and safe New Year.
A Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year to all world wide.
Best wishes to all Movers everywhere for a safe and happy New Year.
When you cannot spend time with your family over the Christmas period – enjoy the company of those in exactly the same situation – make the most of the opportunity to create friendships and memories that will last long after your military service. To all those in possession of such memories - keep safe and thrive!
Would like to wish movers old and new a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Season's greetings to one and all. We hope the new year brings happiness to all.
Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to all current and former movers wherever you are in the world.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all Movers past and present
From: Keith and Daphne Parker, Bowerhill, Wilts
Another year has passed and I'm still here, Daphne and I would like to say A Very Happy Christmas and a safe New Year to all Movers everywhere especially those away from their families. Also a special Happy Christmas to all my Canadian and American Mover friends. This year I managed to get in touch with two old mover friends who asked me to add on to this message, Tony Ferrison and Dave Gillinder both send their regards. Finally we must reflect on the guys who are no longer here but in that rather large Crewroom in the Sky, and let their families know that they are in the thoughts of all Movers.
Buon Natale e un Felice Anno Nuovo. Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year to you and all "Old Bods" and their families.
To all fellow Movers, and their families, serving or retired, especially those who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances at this time, Pat and I send seasons greetings and wish you everything you could wish for yourselves in 2020. Happy Christmas!
We would like to wish you and all Movers and ex Movers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
From: Michael & Susan Stoddard, ON
To all the movers may you have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year in 2020
Still hanging in there!’- Here’s wishing Movers wherever you are, past, present and all those absent friends a very joyful incident free Christmas; with prospects for a comfortable, more settled 2020.
Would like to wish a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2020 to all movers and their families young and old throughout the world. We especially think of all those who are deployed or away from families due to other circumstances. Have a wonderful Christmas Season!
From: Mark (Turk) Bird, Edmonton, AB
Greetings to all fellow movers and families. Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe, prosperous New Year.
Richard (Kit) and Christine Kitson, Doddington, Cambs
Merry Christmas to all the movers around the world and especially anyone I had the pleasure to work and play with!
From: Mick and Sue Bedford, Newton Abbot, Devon
Sue and I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for 2020.xx
living the dream in Sicily
luxury canal liner - Woo woo!
at home in Allestree
are all ready for Christmas
"Say Cheese!"
60th birthday in Cambridge
on a recent trip Stateside
Season's greetings to Movers old and new.
With season’s greetings to fellow Movers, old and new, and wishing you a healthy and happy year to come.
A happy Christmas to all serving and veterans may it be a peaceful and safe one.
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all Movers and Families and a special thought to all the families missing loved ones this Christmas, our thoughts are with you.
Can I wish all those friends and colleagues from my days at JATE / JATEU / JADTEU a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
To all the present and past TFC Techs wherever you may be in Canada or around the World, I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your Service.
Merry Christmas to all. Dee and I hope that your egg nog contains enough rum to get you through a Christmas season filled with lots of joyous smiles from family and friends as you celebrate and that the new year finds you and yours upright and breathing without any big credit card bills. We will be pigging out on seafood as we try to stay cool with family and friends around Brisbane, Oz. Meanwhile, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy 2020.
It's a rather bone chilling -27C here in Kingston this morning, winter has very obviously arrived with a bang. I'm always delighted when I receive the Old Bod's Brief and catch up on the news... both old and new. I would like to wish all Movers good health, a very Happy Christmas, and an even better New Year.
I would like to wish all my ex mover colleagues a Healthy Happy Xmas and New Year!
A Happy Xmas from Geordie Laidlaw ex NEAF MAMS 1968. To all Movers wherever they may be, take care and remember all of us who started it all and appreciate those who keep us in touch Merry Xmas!
Here's to all Movers, retired and still serving and especially to those on deployment who won't be home for the holidays, we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
I would like to send best wishes to all Movers but particularly the Old Bods from the Abingdon era. There are still a few of us hanging on. If anyone has contact details for Paul Steiner it would be nice if they could put me in touch with him.
Hopefully every ex-Mover and currently serving Mover will have a safe and Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Take care everyone.
Not many left of the originals of UKMAMS from 1964. Our numbers are getting fewer as the years pass. Lang may your lums reek!
I’d very much like to wish all members of the association a great Christmas and, especially, a very healthy 2020. This latter comment is very heartfelt especially in a year we, and especially I, have lost 2 special people from our MAMS family: John Dunstall and John (Hank) Middleton, both of whom were my illustrious Flight Sergeants on UK and NEAF Mams respectively. Both were special men who helped me enormously in my very early days as a “baby” officer and it sad that they are no longer with us.
It is now 50 years since I first joined the MAMS family at Abingdon and its obvious to us all that time is moving on and that some of my good friends and their partners, even as I write, are not in the best of health. So I want to wish you and your families the very best of health for 2020 and to those of my 2 teams – we need to get together soon to catch-up and refresh the memories before they fade away. Mandy and I send our love and very best wishes to you all.
NEAF MAMS Blue Team of 1973, 46 years later, to celebrate the life of John Middleton, our much loved chiefy. L2R: Neil Middleton, Peter Orton, Peter Herring, Frank Holmes and Gordon Black.
From: Bernie & Osa Lafrance, BC
To all my friends and movers may this season be joyful and greatly appreciated allowing for lots of good health and cheers. Blessings to each of you and all the best for 2020.
From: Syd Avery, Alicante
Mr. Syd Avery and Miss Riet Poissonnier will not be taking a full page advertisement in either the Daily Telegraph or the Daily Star (covering all bases) to wish all and sundry an extremely Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous 2020. Instead they will use this far more widely reaching platform which personages of greater intelligence and more empathy peruse. Having stated our case, we wish all chaps, chapesses, and families, whether they be at home or away, (come home safely, soon), a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2020. Take care of each other and go well in whatever you do. May your landings equal your take-offs.
From: Jim and Margaret Mackintosh, Glasgow
We both would like to wish all Movers and their families a very Merry Xmas and a Happy, Healthy 2020. Special thanks to Tony for the sterling work he does on our behalf.
From: Lynne and John Leek, 79380 La Ronde
Wishing all past and present movers a very festive Christmas and a super 2020!
From: Neil Middleton, Ipswich, Suffolk
Here’s wishing yourself and all who I know (and those I don’t), a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
From: Lee Kincart, Basel
All the best for Christmas and the New Year to all Movers young and old alike. Take care, Kink
From: Don and Judy Lloyd, Calgary, AB
To Tony and all movers worldwide, may the warmth of the Christmas tree combined with the blessings of the Nativity help to make this holiday season the best it can be wherever you are stationed. We also include in our thoughts those that cannot be with us. These warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year are extended to all from us both.
Charlie Marlow, Freshwater, Isle of Wight
A very Merry Christmas to all and may 2020 be a happy, exciting and peaceful time for everyone.
From: David & Darrelle Moss, Sorbie, Dumfries and Galloway
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous and most importantly Safe and Peaceful New Year. As always to those of you who due to the exigencies of service duty are away and unable to spend Christmas with family and friends, know that you are always in our hearts and minds, and we hope you are all home safe as soon as possible.
From: Andy and Penelope Spinks, Aylsham, Norfolk
As we leave the old year and enter a new one, our thoughts are with all Movers deployed away from their families or otherwise having to work over the holidays. I have nothing but continued admiration for all the good work that is done by our successors throughout the year. And to you Tony for such a fantastic production, keeping us up to date throughout the year. Happy Christmas everyone!
their Christmas in Belgium
patiently await the first course
Christmas in Khormaksar 1963
Neil Middleton - Favorite Grandad!
Lee Kincart and Mark Price celebrating
his 50th in Ireland last September
Don and Judy Lloyd's Christmas tree
waiting for Santa to arrive in Calgary
Charlie Marlow and eldest daughter, Collette
David Moss at the RAF memorial in Newton
Stewart on Remembrance Sunday
Andy and Penelope Spinks, chillaxing in Venice
If you are still out there Chris Cahill, Gordon Woods, Dave Reed, Ray Metcalf , Nick (Engineer), or anyone from Gulf MAMF 1971. Happy Xmas everyone!
When Christmas comes around, as it seems to do all too quickly now, I am reminded of the Christmas of 1979 when about 15 UK MAMS guys were in Rhodesia in support of Operation Agila the monitoring of elections there. So, best wishes to all movers especially those separated from their loved ones by duty. And a safe 2020 to you all.
To all current and ex movers everywhere, we wish a Merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year.
Happy Christmas to you and yours. To all movers everywhere.
I know it’s a waste of time wishing movers everywhere a Merry Christmas. It’s what we do. I would like to wish all movers, whether they know me or not, all that they would wish themselves in 2020.
Marion and I send all the best to all for the season. Where does the time go? We had a new addition to the family - a beautiful girl and spent 10 days visiting in Kingston. It was difficult to leave, however we’ll be heading back up next July. Once again to all Movers, all the very best!
Another year draws to a close and the numerous challenges of war, relief work and deployments to support our Armed Forces during 2019 mean that some of the regulars and Auxiliaries will be away from home during the Festive Season and the celebrations for the New Year 2020...to every currently ''active mover'', young and old, your families and Friends I wish good health, stay safe and may 2020 bring you luck. This obviously also applies to our comrades from Australia, New Zealand and Canada. To the many who have retired, like me, may you continue to enjoy life and remember the good times of your service to the Queen and Country. May we all enjoy the monthly Newsletter that our stalwart editor-in-chief, Tony G produces and routinely proves we are both smiling & breathing. (D Team UKMAMS (eons ago))
I would like to wish all Movers past and present a Happy Prosperous and Healthy New Year. May your wishes and aspirations be fulfilled and may we all enjoy good health and united families. Best wishes to all have a great 2020.
Can I say that I am always very grateful when your newsletter appears. There is something special every edition and extremely interesting. I admire the time and effort you and your contributors put together. I have had experience of running the ‘Boscombe Bulletin’ as editor for just over three years. It was the monthly station publication of A & AEE Boscombe Down. That was 1989-1992. It was a busy time what with flying duties etc, but there was a constant stream of contributions from all departments, and that was more than helpful. I look at your OBA newsletter and yes, there are contibutors but I know what it takes to get the finished product. On that note can I take this opportunity to Wish you and all our contacts a ‘Happy Christmas’ and a ‘Very Merry New Year’. Keep up the good work Tony, and like I said earlier, I always look forward to every issue. Roll on 2020.
I would like to wish all Movers, current and retired, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2020.
Mike and Pat Green, Coventry
A very merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year to movers everywhere (‘C’ Team UK MAMS 1964-67).
Fritz & Carol von Kaitz, Edmonton
We would like to wish all movers, whether at home or deployed, a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2020.
Paul and Ellie Austin, Marham
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all Movers, past and present, whether you be in the UK or somewhere else around the world. Traditionally, this is a time to catch up with special friends and family so how about we all toast each other on Christmas Day and send festive vibes across the globe. Be good.
From: Ken Usher, Edmonton, AB
How time has passed from days ago and I would like to wish all Movers around the world, at home and overseas, to have a very Merry Christmas and all the very best of health and happiness in 2020. Please, let us always keep in our hearts, those that have ascended to the Great Warehouse above the clouds! God Bless!
From: Mick Cocker, Swindon, Wilts
With Christmas looming I thought I had better put something down to reach out to that fantastic bunch of people around the world. I am constantly astonished by the friendships that endure both time and distance. Friendships forged in both happy, sad, hard and easy times. I often think back to the time I first decided to join the RAF and think how lucky I was to make that decision, and better still, get the chance to spend 30 years as a Mover. Can I just wish all those that know me, and those that don't, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Anyone in the Old Town of Swindon area is welcome to call in for a brew... I promise not to force them to buy any fishing tackle!
Paul Newman, Peterborough
Season's greetings and salutations to all Movers past and present. Special thanks to Tony for the fantastic newsletter!
From: Mick Sullivan, Carterton Oxon
Seasons Greetings to all Movers both Veterans and serving. We have lost a few more to the final departure lounge this year. I hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year. Eat, drink, but stay safe and those on Ops keep your head down.
From: Ken Davie, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
I look back on my years in UKMAMS with great nostalgia. Wonderful trips, wonderful friends, lazy days in Abingdon at the pubs. Bloody marvellous! Happy Holidays to all of the movers in the world who did such a great job for decades in horrible conditions for the most part. I would go back tonight and relive it all again if I could. Sharjah, Dubai, Belize, all of the Norway and Denmark trips, Germany, France, Ireland, Machrihanish, oh God did I just say that? The back of beyond but lovely (if a wee bit dour) people. Have a wonderful Holiday Season everyone!
From: Ian and Angela Sloan, Aberlour, Banff
I would like to send all my bets wishes for Christmas and a very happy new year to all FEAF MAMS especially but also to anyone who remembers me from Brize and Lossiemouth. Thank for your hard work doing the newsletter Tony, I do really look forward to it each month, So have a nice time and don't drink too much!
From: Tony Mullen, Toowoomba, QLD
From a very hot, dry and smoky Australia a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2020 to all ex Movers wherever they may be.
From: OBie O’Brien, Corinda, QLD
G’Day Tony and Movers of the World. Money’s tight, times are hard, so here’s OBie’s Christmas Card! This morning, 4th December, the fires, covering some 47,500 hectares are still out of control, and the coastal highway is cut/impassable in both directions ... not a good start for our coastal communities who are tourist/holiday season dependant. Cop Yers, and do enjoy the Festering Season.
From: Frank & Janet Johnston, Navarre, FL
Season’s greeting to one and all from the Sunshine State!
From: Steve Tomlinson and Muriel, Tenerife, QLD
Seasons Greetings to all from my partner, Muriel and I, taken at the Brisbane Marriott Christmas Day lunch. Here's hoping you all had a very Merry Christmas & wishing you a prospective Happy, and safe, New Year. Roll-on 2020!
are wintering in Yuma, AZ
Mick Cocker's business in Swindon
(Cheap advertising if you ask me!)
Paul Newman over Loch Leven/Portmoak,
an annual occurrence.
Paul and Penny Newman
in Tenerife last Christmas
Mick Sullivan with Robbie Collins last April
Ken Davie having a meaningful
conversation with a giraffe
Ian and Angela Sloan celebrated their 50th in 2018
Tony Mullen visited the Sydney Opera House
OBie O'Brien with the smoke from
the bush fires in the background
Frank and Janet Johnston spending
Christmas at home on the Panhandle
Steve Tomlinson is cuddling with Santa
Santa is cuddling with Steve
Tomlinson's partner, Muriel
To all MAMS personnel, current and retired please have a Super and safe Christmas and New Year with all the enjoyment the season brings. I look forward to meeting up with some of you in the New Year/ 2020. Hope the uk rain does not get you down, but if it’s any consolation the monsoon here in Sri Lanka was supposed to finish beginning of December and has only just started to ease. However we have had some Sun in the meantime!
I would like wish seasons greetings to all Movers past and present. For those deployed, stay safe. Lets not forget those this year who sadly took their final posting. Warmest congratulations to all Movers who were recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.
To all Movers past, present and future - we lived the life and never looked back - we had it all. Have a very Happy Hogmanay. See you all next year!
Wishing you all the best for the coming Xmasand Happy New Year.
Hello Tony, Just a line for the next edition wishing all movers active and retired a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year. To those movers working over the holiday stay safe.
From: Pete Orton, Camberley, Surrey
Best wishes to young and old movers around the globe. Thanks to this site, I have re- kindled friendships from over 50 years ago. Thank you Tony.
From: Brian and Lussi Gibson, Paralimni
Wishing all serving, retired members and their families of the Movements World a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hoping 2020 will be a good one for you all.
From: Aaron Reynolds, Darwin, NT
Seasons greeting to all the awesome Movers in the world, have a great break if you can, enjoy the beginnings of a new decade and remember, it always gets better…
From: Ian Stacey, Nashville, IN
Now living among the hills and forests of Southern Indiana USA and wishing all my old colleagues and friends the very best for this festive season and the coming year (Delta Team Leader 1964 - 1967).
From: Bruce Gill, Newton Abbot, Devon
A very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year to all movers, past and present.
their Christmas tans in Sri Lanka
under the Christmas tree
the RAF and USAF
with the Christmas tree!
Send their best wishes
gent in Indiana
- hungry on the inside!
The RNZAF Operation Christmas Drop 2019 crew, maintenance and support team.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is participating for the first time in Operation Christmas Drop in Guam, packaging and delivering supplies to islands in the Western Pacific. Operation Christmas Drop is an annual United States Air Force tradition that dates back to 1952. It started when locals on the island of Kapingamarangi, in the Federated States of Micronesia, waved at the aircrew of a passing WB-50 Superfortress, prompting the crew to gather supplies from the aircraft and drop them by parachute to people on the islands. Now in its 68th year, Operation Christmas Drop includes air forces from Australia and Japan, and this year the RNZAF has sent a Hercules C-130 aircraft and personnel from №40 Squadron to participate.
During the week-long operation, supplies will be delivered to more than 20,000 people living on 56 Micronesian islands spread over 1.8 million square nautical miles. The packages include food, tools and clothing, plus other goods donated by private donors, charitable organisations and the University of Guam.
RNZAF CPL Toni Thompson goes through a pre-flight check on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam
Aircrew assigned to the RNZAF and USAF prepare a Low-Cost, Low-Altitude bundle.
RNZAF loadmasters, CPL Toni Thompson and SGT Ethan Moran, run through their checklists.
An air sickness bag holder is adorned with festive holiday decorations on the C-130H
Sgt Ethan Moran and CPL Toni Thompson await the green light.
Sgt Ethan Moran and CPL Toni Thompson prepare to cut the suppliesfree .
Green on - Sgt Ethan Moran and CPL Toni Thompson cut the supplies free .
Low-Cost, Low-Altitude bundles fall to a Micronesian island
CPL Toni Thompson collects parachute straps above a Micronesian island.
Sgt Ethan Moran and CPL Toni Thompson wave to locals after dropping supplies.
This newsletter
is dedicated to
the memories of:
Jean Cowan, wife of Pete Cowan (RAF)
Anna Hubbard, wife of Keith Hubbard (RAF)
If you wish to help support the OBA:
In Canada, via e-mail transfer
Overseas (including the UK), you may send Cheque or Money Order to:
Tony Gale
602-60 Rue Cormier,
Gatineau, Quebec, J9H 6B4
Canada