"We have reached our cruising altitude - please feel free to move about the cabin"

 

UK’s largest solar farm granted planning permission


On December 16, 2013, a USAF C-17 flew a whopping 675 men, women and children out of Tacloban Philippines, in a single load
 
From: Richard Lloyd, Dalgety Bay
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 2:20 PM
Subject: Last day at RAF Khormaksar

Dear Tony,

I had lunch with Jock Drysdale in Perth (UK not Western Australia) today. We hadn't met for some time, and our conversation started off with our last day in Aden. He says that the last day was the 29th November, not the 30th as asserted by me in my piece. Also he says that either he, or Neddy Nethercott was the last UK service person to leave the colony. Who is right? I think we need to know...

Best,

Richard
 
From: Don Lloyd, Calgary
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2013 10:45 PM
Subject: Re: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony,

This is for You and Yours as well as all the Movers around the world.  Our wish is for everyone to have a traditional Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

Best wishes from Don & Judy Lloyd
.
Christmas lights in Calgary
 
From: Bill Girdwood, Carlisle
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2013 1:45 AM
Subject: Mystery Photo 092713
Tony,

Just realised that man on left of picture (RAF Mystery Photo 092713) is a young Sam Heaphy.

Will try to find some "old and bold" pictures for the newsletter in the new year. 

Once again, kindest regards to you and yours, together with my renewed thanks for all your hard work,

Bill Girdwood
British renewable energy supplier, Good Energy has been granted provisional planning permission for a 49.9MW solar plant - the largest in the UK following the cannon of announcements for a 40MW and 41MW solar park in recent weeks.

The proposed 91.1-hectare site used to be a Royal Air Force (RAF) airfield but has been disused for 20 years. The site is in West Raynham near Fakenham, Norfolk in eastern England.

PV Tech
 
From: Tony Freeman, Thornhill, Dumfries
Sent: Friday, December 20, 2013 1:53 PM
Subject: Re: Christmas Newsletter
Thank you Tony. 

On behalf of the original and current members of the part-time Movers of 4624 Squadron, I wish all members of the Old Bods Association a very happy and healthy New Year.

Best wishes

Tony
 
From: William Nangle, Kingston, ON
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 9:12 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Tony,

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year to all Muppets - past and present!

Cheers,

Bill Nangle
Ex-D Shift UKMAMS
 
From: Allan Walker, Burnley, Lancs
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 10:21 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas Newsletter
Hi Tony

Wishing all Movers, old & new, wherever you are, a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Keep up the good work!

Allan Walker
UKMAMS 1970-1972
Team Leader, Training Officer & Ops Officer  
 
From: Thomas Iredale, Heidelberg
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 11:59 AM
Subject: Happy Christmas
Neuenheim, Heidelberg Sunset, 16 December, 2013
 
From: Peter Chappell, Wellingborough
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 10:36 AM
Subject: Christmas Greetings

Hi Tony,

Well it’s that time of year yet again. I am still working with the Met research aircraft in Cranfield. Have been quite busy this year; Tucson for a month, Kiruna several times this year and 3 weeks in Exeter and just came back from 3 weeks in Prestwick . Now we are getting ready for a joint campaign with NASA and NCAR out in Guam Jan/Feb of next year.

Christmas wishes to all ex and serving MAMMERS , and condolences to the families of all who passed this year.

Best Regards

Peter Chappell
 
From: Mike Stepney, La Nucia, Alicante
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 10:42 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony
Please wish all Movers old and new, a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

If you are serving abroad and separated from kith and kin... I wish you a speedy end of tour and safe return to your family and friends.

Best regards and thanks for the great newsletters of the past 12 months.

Mike Stepney
 
From: David Howley, Melton Mowbray
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 11:03 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony,

Attached photo of me flying a Tiger Moth out of Duxford - 70th birthday present from Claire - not having to find lift to stay aloft made it a very different experience from gliding - really enjoyed it.

Wishing all Movers a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous and Healthy New Year.

Regards

David
 
From: Brian Jenkins, Portland, Dorset
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 11:08 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
 
From: Charles Cormack, Lyneham Village
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 11:15 AM
Subject: Christmas Wishes

Best wishes to all the movers I have met and worked with during my time on movements from the 60s to the new millennium.

We have lost a lot of the old-timers in recent years but some of us keep soldiering on and we shall raise a glass to them for 2014.

Chas & Pam
Merry Xmas to one and all; especially any ex-member of Bravo Team 1973 -1975 & the lads in the Ops Room who looked after us so well!

Taff Jenkins
 
From: Eddie Mottram, Woodley, Reading
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 11:18 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony
I would like to take this opportunity to wish Old Bods everywhere a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.

Thanks for your help in tracking Bob Atcheson down - I am now a Facebook friend of his son Joel.

Regards

Eddie

 
From: Mike Gerigk, Port Alberni, BC 
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 12:06 PM
Subject: Merry Christmas

A very Merry Christmas to all Movers past and present and hope the New Year brings better joy in 2014.

We have lost a few members this year and we will in the future, but now is the time to live it up.  Everyone, have a "Cool Yule" and enjoy yourselves, now is the time.

"Prosit"

Mike Gerigk
(Mover/Loadmaster)
 
From: Dave Jodoin, Puerto Viejo
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 12:17 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
 
From: Jack Cross, Moralet, Alicante 
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 12:28 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony,

A Very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a safe and healthy New Year, to all movers (old and new) wherever you are.

Jack Cross
 
From: Woody Wood, Pembroke, ON
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 1:10 PM
Subject: Christmas Greeting for the Movers
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2014 TO ALL MOVERS AROUND THE WORLD


Di and I would like to convey a very Merry Christmas & Prosperous Happy New Year 2014 to all Movers & their families serving at home and abroad.  For those "Trappers" on tour, we wish you all a safe & speedy return to your families.

Regards,

Len & Diane Wood
 
From: Terry Bell, Trenton, ON
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 2:24 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
A very merry Christmas to all "Movers" whether young or old.  2014 will mark 50 years since I joined the RAF and I'm delighted to have re-established contact with old friends during 2013.

So, let me send seasonal wishes and hopes for health and prosperity in 2014 to Howie Bumford, Charlie Marlowe, Bob Atcheson, John Morgan and Vic Belcher.

As for good mates who have passed on; memories of friendship will always survive and let's spare a thought for those still serving away from home and family around the world.
Good cheer to one and all

Terry "Dinger" Bell
Ex-Lyneham, Khormaksar & Brize Norton
 
From: Christopher Briggs, Stafford
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 4:17 PM
Subject: Merry Christmas
I don’t often write, but would like to wish a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to anyone that knows me and to all those serving around the world.

Chris Briggs
 
From: Budgie Baigent, Takaka, Tasman
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 5:52 PM
Subject: Christmas Greetings from NZ


Festive greetings to all the movers & shakers out there from 'down-under' ... on the beach in Golden Bay, the heart of Middle Earth! The [yule] tide’s coming quick & when it arrives the caps will be off  (the bottles!)

Have a great Xmas & New Year everyone.

Cheers, Budgie
 
From: Fred Hebb, Gold River, NS
Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2013 7:51 AM
Subject: Herc after 65 hours of ice rain

Herc after 65 hours of ice rain

 
From: Basil H J Hughes, Pattaya
Sent: Saturday, December 21, 2013 6:46 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
Every Blessing to all this Christmas and trusting we all have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2014

Baz Hughes
 
From: Konrad Putu, Wellington
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 1:22 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

To Tony and all the UKMAMS Old Bods

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and the best for the New Years

I will have a few beers for you all

Puts
 
From: Lindsay Campbell, Mount Barker, SA
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 1:56 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony,
A Merry Christmas to all from all the ‘old Commonwealth’ partners currently ‘downunder’ at the new ‘RAAF Base Woomera’ - yep - that’s right, the RAAF’s first ‘new’ airbase in over 40 years is about to be stood up with effect 1 July 2014.

This famous place of aerospace happenings - generally regarded by some media places as ‘one of the ten most secret places on earth you won’t ever get to visit’ - is about to get a huge makeover when the current RAAF Woomera Aerodrome and Woomera Village are merged next year to become ‘RAAF Base Woomera’ - big step forward but a really exciting one at that!

As is usual in ‘downtown Woomera’, sharing the South Australian Outback with the rest of Australia we have a good contingent of Brits, our token Kiwi’s (aka myself of course), and some Canadians supporting the RAAF Heron UAV Det at Woomera here at the moment.
So just the ‘usual suspects’ still hiding out down here. Of course all have now just also headed home for Christmas and from our 35-45º Celsius temps - to temperatures I understand is more like ‘minus a lot’ in the northern Hemisphere at this time of the year. But down here we are just ‘warming up’.
Attached is a photo of a 99 Squadron RAF C17 (you might notice the ‘endless blue sky’ of South Australia in the background) which had just completed the famous ‘Kangaroo Air Route’ out from the UK to Woomera a few months back.

We got them unloaded, turned around, and a very quick ‘Cooks Tour’ of Woomera Village in less than 100 mins (- and many thanks to the MALT crew led by former RAF member John (‘pom’) Perry, and now of the RAAF Edinburgh Air Movements flight which deployed up to Woomera (only 500km each way so just an overnighter as the road trip only takes 5.5 hours and there only two towns to pass through on the way!) to support the RAF mission).

To everybody, I wish the weather you all hope for this Christmas wherever you are - and ensure you stay safe!

Cheers from downunder Woomera/Adelaide, South Australia

Lindsay Campbell
(RAAF/Ex-RNZAF)
 
From: Murray Smith, Blenheim
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 2:04 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony,
Season’s Greetings and best wishes from the land of Hobbits, to the whole Movements community around the world, especially those who are still serving in the various war zones, our thoughts are with you and your families while you are separated at this time.

Tony, I'll have to dig out some of my old print photos and scan them, maybe that's something I can do over this Christmas break.

Cheers, Murray Smith
 
From: Martin Gledhill, Ossett, W Yorks
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 5:10 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Movers past and present from Martin Gledhill and Alan (Strawhead) Kilpatrick
 
From: Steve Harpum, Shrivenham
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 7:12 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Dear Tony,
I'd like to send to all Air Movers, everywhere, the very best wishes of the season and a very happy new year. I'm out of the RAF in 2014 and as I look back over 32 years I can say that the best of them were spent in the company of Movers - there were some <ahem> 'interesting' moments too, but no regrets and I wouldn't change a thing!

Happy Christmas,

Steve Harpum
UKMAMS 83-87, 95-96
 
From: Christine Dunn, Ramsey, Huntingdon
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 9:19 AM
Subject: Season's Greetings

Dear Tony,

Please extend the compliments of the festive season to all ex-comrades of my late husband, Brian Dunn, who sadly passed away earlier this year, especially those who keep in touch with me.

Thank you for keeping me on the list of recipients of your excellent newsletter.

Christine Dunn
 
From: Ian Envis, Crowborough
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 10:58 AM
Subject: RE: UKMAMS OBA OBB #112913

Good day Tony,

Finally catching up with a host of emails and have just read the OBA Newsletter from November and noticed Andy Downard’s quick referral to GAN and the ''cut-off'' in 1974.

I must admit it caused me to chuckle as I got out of GAN to Singapore on the last VC10 that completed its schedule before the Greek v Turk bust up in '74. It was my mid-tour break - marrieds most often went to Cyprus and met up with their wives etc and we ''singlies'' went to HKG or SIN.

I stayed with John McDonald RNZAF Mover in his OMQ at Seletar with the then Sue Collarbone (has been Mrs E since 1976) and we discovered the Cyprus War had stranded us and many others from returning to either GAN or in Sue's case back to BZZ and 10Sqn.
Eventually a Fat Albert was sent over the Pacific into SIN and loaded primarily with Food and other rations for GAN and subsequently Masirah (remember rubber eggs etc) who were also ''cut-off''. The Albert routed via GAN up to Masirah and then AKR and the load included Gannites from SIN & HKG and some Masirah folks, a VC10 slip crew and of course me and Sue - the loadies and crew of the 130 waived the load criteria and Sue stayed on the crew bunk bed back to GAN and I slept in a 5K Net Hammock - before anyone asks - it did support my weight!.

Sue and the 10 Slip Crew eventually left GAN about 36hrs later when a VC routed back from HKG and joined the AKR-UK airlift process.

You can imagine the gip from Andy and the boys back in GAN (included Chico Jeavons, Dave Sked etc etc) - I seem to recall I was made to do about 3 x 24hrs shifts as a penance.

A great video and nice to see Andy is keeping in touch - he and I do email and when he is in UK we try and grab a coffee and catch up.

For the record: Andy and I finshed up keeping HM's movement's world in order in Akrotiri from 1976 thru 1979 but that would taken eons to explain.

Yours Ian
 
From: Bernard Connolly, Wantage
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 10:26 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony,

Best wishes to anyone out there who may still remember me. 50 years since joining the RAF in Sept 1963, retiring in Nov 2002. It seems like only yesterday! Completed second career in Environmental Health two years ago and now finalising third and ongoing role helping my wife Gill run a ladies fashion shop in Wantage, Oxfordshire.
If you happen to be passing then pop in for a chat at, OPAL Ladies Fashion & Lingerie, 2 Newbury Street, Wantage, OX12 8BS. Tel: 012335 762164

Happy Christmas to you all, and thank you Tony for the fantastic job you are doing running the newsletters.

Best wishes for a peaceful New Year.

Bernard (Bernie) Connolly
(ex-50th Entry, Hereford)
 
From: Jimmie Durkin, Stafford
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 11:10 AM
Subject: GREETINGS
Hi Tony,

Please wish all our Movements friends and families a very Happy Christmas and a Great New Year and not forgetting those we have lost.

Jimmie Durkin
 
From: Ian Envis, Crowborough
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 11:19 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
Wishing you, your family & friends a fantastic Festive Season and a great New Year 2014

May all your take offs include an equal number of landings

May your In-Flight meals be edible

May your baggage arrive at your destination (on the same flight)

May 2014 be smooth & trouble free

Ian Envis
 
From: Charles Collier, Ewhurst
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 4:28 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
Hi Tony,

I wish all my fellow Movers a very Happy Christmas and a profitable and Happy New Year.

All the best

Charles Collier
 
From: Aaron Reynolds, Darwin, NT
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 6:02 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony,

Sorry, still busy over here with Philippines Assist etc.

Anyway

Merry Xmas to all the movers out there, give me a bell if you are ever visiting PNG. I'll be stationed in Port Moresby as of next month.

Cheers

Aaron Reynolds
Witney Gazette
 

Garden centre donates giant Christmas tree to RAF terminal

MILITARY personnel passing through the passenger terminal at RAF Brize Norton over the past few days have been greeted by a giant 15ft Christmas tree.

For the second year running, Hilltop Garden Centre in Ramsden has donated a Norway spruce to the air station.
Hilltop’s chief executive, Boyd Douglas-Davies, who handed over the tree, said: “As promised we again donated this year’s Christmas tree. This is a very important building at RAF Brize Norton as troops travel through.

“This tree screams Christmas and is beautifully dressed, adding to the festive cheer, which I’m sure troops appreciate.”

Corporal Natalie Gilmartin, who organised the delivery and decoration of the tree, said: “I’m delighted that Hilltop has donated the Christmas tree for the air terminal. At 15ft it’s certainly something that can’t be missed.”
 
From: Steve Tomlinson, Brisbane, QLD
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 6:20 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony

I’m still living in Brisbane and working at Brisbane Airport, in Dangerous Goods world, also trying to impart my vast knowledge to the Masses!

Please pass-on my heartfelt best wishes for the Festive Season to all “Movers”, hoping everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a happy & safe New Year.

If anyone finds themselves in this beautiful city, please look me up.

It’s currently 26° C with a Humidity of 57% here, for all those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, enjoy the cold weather & the snow!

Merry Christmas!

Steve
 
From: John Furney, Al Manama
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 2:21 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Dear Tony,
Taking up your invitation to pass on seasons' greetings, may I say how much I enjoy your newsletter with memories of past escapades and reminders of familiar names from the past. I am not sure if I envy the present breed of movers in that in my day it took three days to just get from one end of the Mediterranean to the other in a leisurely if sometime noisy manner.

The  pace today seems to be a lot faster and my congratulations to those who continue to maintain the high professional standing of the "mover" throughout the world.

My alternative reason for making contact with your readership is to say that I am a collector of military and other crests, the paper or embossed type that you get on Christmas cards and other organisation or squadron stationary. If there is anyone who does not know what to do with their crested cards after they come down in January, then I would be very happy to take them off their hands and will try to reimburse postage.

Although I now live between Bahrain and Spain, depending where the sun is, I do have a UK address which I will give to anyone who feels that they can help, just contact me by email.

A happy and and fulfilling festive season to all, especially those separated from their families and friends, and let next year be a bit more peaceful from both military hostilities and humanity disasters.

John Furney
UKMAMS 1966-69
 
From: Brian Spademan, Lanarca
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 4:29 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony

Thanks again for keeping the mag. going.

Just like to say a happy and safe Christmas to all movers world wide past and present, let's hope the new year brings everything you all wish for.

Back in the UK for the festive season and already wish we were back in the sunshine.

Brian Spademan
Christmas Greetings from Costa Rica.

Wishing you all health and happiness whereever you may be.

Dave Jodoin
 
From: Sam Heaphy, Royal Wootton Bassett
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 6:49 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
Hi Tony,

Greetings and I hope you will have a wonderful Xmas. 

Thanks Tony for running a most successful mag and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all your readers a Happy Xmas
 
Sam
 
From: Margaret Clarke, Lancaster
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 7:21 AM
Subject: Thanks

Dear Tony,

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who were kind enough to send messages of condolence following the death of Philip; a dear husband, son, brother and friend.

The sentiments really did help us all in our time of grieving.

Margaret Clarke
 
From: Mike & Gerry Lefebvre, Oromocto, NB
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 9:07 AM
Subject: Merry Christmas
Where did the year go? Suddenly it is December… again - and we realize that with giant strides we started in January and within a blink of an eye, 2013 is on its back!

A big "Thank You" to each and every one of you, for any impact you had on my life this year. Especially for all the e-mails I received....and  just being my friend or family… without you, I'm sure that 2013 would have been extremely boring.

From my side I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas Season filled with Loving Wishes and Beautiful Thoughts.

May 2014 mark the beginning of a Tidal Wave of Love, Happiness and Bright Futures.
And to those who need someone special, may you find that true love.
To those who need money, may your finances overflow
To those who need caring, may you find a good heart
To those who need friends, I am still here for you
Thanks for being my friend!!

MERRY  CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE BEST IN 2014
From Mike and Gerry Lefebvre in Oromocto Canada 
 
From: Keith Parker, Bowerhill, Wilts
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 8:17 AM
Subject: Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

Hi Tony,

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year to all around the world.

It is intended to hold a MAMS Association (not to be confused with the OBA) Reunion on Saturday 31st May 2014 at Alexandra House, Wroughton (Formally RAF Wroughton), which, they tell me has been transformed into a very classy business center type hotel www.swindonalexandrahouse.co.uk

It is open to all MAMS Association members plus wives/partners, which, if you are not a member you can join. Contact Steve Beaumont on membership@ukmams.co.uk

The cost per head is £30 (this will be heavily subsidised by the association) includes a 3- course meal and wine.  The dress will be jacket and tie. Accommodation is available at £50 per room and includes breakfast.
Right, if you are interested the next thing to do is e-mail John Conduit at editor@ukmams.co.uk  asap before the end of January 2014. This is initially so that we can book the venue - it is not a confirmation.

In February /March we will send out the menu for your choice of meals we will also be requesting a deposit for the function. If you will be requiring accommodation then you will have to contact the hotel direct (details will be added to the menu choice in Feb/Mar when that is sent out next year).

So let's make it a real good do to remember, you won't have to drive home afterwards no matter how far you have to travel and if you attend alone there will be the chance of sharing a room perhaps with an old mate, any questions contact me on the above or John Conduit.

Daphne and I, and the rest of the committee look forward to seeing your there

Keith Parker RAF(Rtd)
Entertainments and Gash Shag
 
From: Dave Moss, Clitheroe 
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2013 7:26 AM
Subject: Greetings
May we wish all readers a Very Merry Christmas.  And to those of you who are still serving and are unable to be with your family and friends at home, we wish you an especially peaceful time and safe return as soon as possible in what I am sure we all hope will be a Happy and Prosperous 2014.

David & Darrelle Moss
 
From: John Calver, Kempsford
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 9:48 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
John & Maggi Calver wish all our friends a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.  May you all enjoy good health
 
From: Ben Loveridge, Brough, E. Yorks
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 11:26 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hello Tony,

Thanks for all your work over the past year. Best wishes to all of the Movements "family", and a special thought to those serving away from home at this time of year.

The attached picture is of me and Rip Kirby, taken July this year, near his home in France. There are no old bold pilots, but plenty of old, bald Movers!

Regards

Dibs Loveridge
 
From: Andrew Kay, Colorado Springs, CO
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 12:15 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter
Hi Tony,

I'd just like to send best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year to all movers past, present and future wherever they may be at this time of year.  Also, let's all raise our glasses this Christmas season to toast and remember those that we lost this year.  Cheers lads, you're all missed.

Andy Kay
 
From: Colin Easdon-Smith, Ingham, QLD
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2013 6:27 PM
Subject: Ex- RAF

Hi Tony,

I am ex RAF 1958-1960, was called up for National Service while working in Traffic and Operations for Lufthansa Airlines in London.

I took the three years (considered Regular). Square bashing at Bridgenorth and trade training at Kidbroke In London.  On completion, was shipped out by Army troop ship to El Adem, Libya, then flown to Mombasa (short stay), then Aden (short stay) and finally Bahrain, where I spent the major part of my service in Air Movements. 

I returned to the UK for demob at Lyneham late 1960.  I enjoyed my three years, played a lot of sport for the RAF. Came out as a Corporal.  I had the option of signing on again, had the education for Officer status, but declined, as I had plans to immigrate to Australia.
I am retired, and live in the small sugar town of Ingham, North Queensland, on the way to Cairns. I would be interested in communicating with others who served in the service in the same period and places.

Cheers,

Colin Easdon-Smith
 
From: Kevin Stanger, Calgary, AB
Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2013 12:47 AM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony,
Wishing movers, serving and retired a Merry Christmas, you are a loyal band of brothers. For those deployed, stay safe and I hope you will soon be home with your loved ones. 

2013 saw the passing of some of the finest the movers we have had the honour to serve with, they are at rest in the crew room in the sky, my best wishes I send to your families. I hope 2014, brings you health and happiness.

Sincerely

Kevin "Geordie" Stanger
 
From: Susan O'Regan, Paris
Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2013 5:03 AM
Subject: Happy New Year to all

Hi Tony,

I would like to wish a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2014 to all from John O'Regan (UKMAMS in the 60's) who was 90 in June this year!

The photo is of John O'Regan with his wife Gisela.

All the best

Susan
(J. O'Regan's daughter)
 

Late Breaking News...  26 December 2013  - RAAF 'may be used for South Sudan evacuations'


Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says two Royal Australian Air Force planes on their way to South Sudan may be used to evacuate Australian citizens.

The planes are being sent initially to help transport extra United Nations troops being sent to South Sudan, amid continuing fighting between rival groups.

Ms Bishop says hundreds of Australians still believed to be in South Sudan are being urged to leave on commercial flights as soon as possible.

But she told Kerri Worthington the two Australian planes could be used to evacuate some of them if necessary.
World News Australia
 
From: James Buchanan
Sent: Wednesday, December 25, 2013 9:18 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas Newsletter

Hi Tony

Merry Christmas to yourself and family and all of the movers around the world.
Just got a new Kindle Fire for Christmas and got your email too late for the greetings but now introduced to the new technological age will be bugging you next year.  The attached picture was just taken with the new toy - only took an hour to find out how!

Best regards

James
 
From: Murdo Macleod, Newport-on-Tay
Sent: Tuesday, December 25, 2013 6:31 PM
Subject: Christmas Newsletter

A Very Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to you all

Murdo

 
From: Robert Taylor, Doncaster
Sent: Thursday, December 26, 2013 5:18 AM
Subject: Mike Tookey

Hi All,

My apologies for spoiling your Boxing Day but I thought you would like to know straight away that Mike Tookey passed away yesterday at about 3pm after a very short illness.

He was diagnosed with stomach cancer some time in September or early November. I was in touch with him and Sue up to the end but unfortunately he did not respond to any treatment and passed away at home.

Sue will let me know when and where the funeral will take place and I will pass on the info a.s.a.p.

Rob

This edition is dedicated
to the memories of
Phil 'Nobby' Clarke
&
Mike Tookey