Two's News- May 2004

What a splendid time we had last weekend (as I write) and how nice it was to see amongst the "Usual Suspects" some folks who have, for one reason or another, been absent from our get-togethers for so long.  Welcome back to the fold that old rascal Willie Strachan and his lovely lady and also greetings to John Williams who travelled all the way from Cornwall; it was a treat to see you again and to see that the years had not diminished the inner beauty!.

As for the actual day and, as you may be aware, 6 Squadron were celebrating their 90th birthday over the weekend - done that; been there - and it was for this reason that we chose to gather in wildest Norfolk and to give them the opportunity to benefit from our Jaguar experience. (Well, that's our spin on the reason why we chose to gather there).  In the event, I'm not aware that anyone from 6 asked us to contribute from our extensive repertoire of "how-to-operate-the-Jaguar-to-its-best advantage" so we contented ourselves with sitting in the sunshine to watch the various displays whilst sampling the offerings from the eternal spring that was the Beer Tent!

Come the evening and we assembled in orderly fashion in the Sergeants Mess where, once again, an evening of sharing recycled memories of those Laarbruch days was enjoyed along with a fine buffet supper.  (Mark O'Leary reminded us of "Taff Coleman's Keyhole Club" and other delights of the Airmen's Block but given I was never invited to join I just had to take his word for what went on!).

It was a grand affair and our hearty thanks go to Phil Scott for all the hard work he did on our behalf to make the weekend such a success.  (Thanks also to Steve Gruner who sent a contribution to behind the Bar to compensate for his non-attendance.  Good luck with the new job Steve.)

If you were unable to attend due to one from the range of excuses from apathy through to other family commitments to the best one of all - in Geoff Millward's case - of colliding with a Deer on the friday morning prior and half-writing the car off, then all I can say is that we missed you and do try to do better next year.

If you need any incentive for next year - Yes, we are already thinking about it - or are just plain curious then take a look at the first pictures that have emerged.  Click on this link:The May Do Photo Album.  (If you were there with your camera then take this as a prompt to send me copies of your pictures and they can be added).

As was mentioned recently there have been low rumblings and admiring references made to the way we have been able to keep our little slice of Shiney Two in contact after all these years.  So much so that the great and good of II(AC) Sqn past and present have decreed that, " thou shalt create a wider group in our image and it will be known as "The II(AC) Squadron Association".  In pursuit of this fine ideal, Don and I were invited to the present home of Shiney Two located on the drafty far side of that rural expanse known as RAF Marham where we engaged in meaningful discussion with the present executive and advised then on how to go about it.

Any-road-up, as Don would say, the outcome is that there is to be such a body and both Don and I will be an integral part of the organisation.  It's early days at the moment but, as they say, watch this space and we shall keep you informed of progress and your invitation to be "in on the ground floor"!.

That's it this time around.  Keep in touch.