Spring reunion 2006
This reunion held at Beck Row, Mildenhall on the 2nd - 4th June was a great success and we were blessed with fine weather for the whole weekend.
The visit to the IWM at Duxford was a very enjoyable day particularly as it coincided with an event called 'Veterans Day' when many of the staff were dressed in '40's' style dress and the young women had appropriate hair styles.
Music of the period was played over the Tannoy and everything contributed to provide a great atmosphere for reminiscing. In the afternoon there was a display by a Spitfire and parachutists.
47 AIR NAVIGATION SCHOOL,
QUEENSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
THE
QUEENSTOWN AND
HANGKLIP
ASSOCIATION
Three successful reunions were held in 2005:
Lytham St Annes in April
Bournemouth in September
South Africa in October
and two in 2006
Mildenhall in June
Weymouth in September
Autumn Reunion 2006
The reunion was held at the Best Western, Hotel Prince Regent, Weymouth from 22nd to 25th September and members enjoyed two days of warm sunshine. On the Saturday, members drove to Norden station where they boarded a train for the short journey to see Corfe Castle. After a short stay, the journey continued to Swanage. We returned on the train to Norden later in the afternoon for the drive back to Weymouth. Members attended the AGM on Sunday morning before taking lunch at which Cynthia Westley, the daughter of our former Distribution Manager, Eric Westley, joined us.
The RAF Chapel
Lincoln Cathedral
AUTUMN REUNION 2007
Our 31st reunion was held at the Burlington Hotel in Folkestone from 28th September to 1st October and was attended by 10 Members and 6 Friends. On the Saturday 12 of us boarded a mini-coach which took us through the Channel Tunnel and on to Boulogne. The weather was a little unkind so the driver made an interesting tour of the journey so that we were exposed to the drizzle for a minimum time. The AGM was held on the Sunday morning and the subject of future reunions was discussed at length; the Secretary will make enquiries regarding costs for the suggested three options considered.
The journeys to and from Folkestone were made in very heavy rain. No doubt many of our Members will recall that there were occasions over 60 years ago when dubious weather was around prior to a flight and the call would go out - 'Send it down David' - well on the return journey He did just that with a vengeance.
SPRING REUNION 2008
Nine Members attended this reunion and were joined by our Friends Prof. Don Kurtz and his wife June. Once again we stayed at the Clifton Park Hotel, Lytham St Annes.
The excursion on the Saturday took us to Liverpool where much of the time was spent in the revamped Albert Docks area which enabled us to visit the Maritime Museum.
On the Sunday morning Don Kurtz gave us a very interesting talk on the subject of time and then invited us all to visit their house where we provided with an excellent buffet.
AUTUMN REUNION 2008
This was our 33rd reunion and we were blessed with wonderful weather throughout. Our hotel, the Rembrandt, was an excellent venue. On Saturday we set off in a mini coach for the Castle at Portland which is now a museum and from where it is possible to see two sections of the Mulberry Harbour which was developed for the D-Day landings.
At Portland Castle Museum
The next call was at the Abbotsbury Swannery (below) where we arrived in time for the midday feeding session.
The afternoon was spent in Dorchester where four of our party visited The Keep Museum (left) and the remainder went into the town centre.
The presentation of a crystal bowl was made to Leslie and Una Harborne on the occassion of their recent Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
34th REUNION MAY 2009
The reunion started with a big surprise for our Secretary, Norman. Unknown to him, Members and Friends had made donations for a presentation to mark their recognition of the enormous amount of work which he has put into the running of our Association since its inception. To add to the surprise, when the Chairman rose to announce the event it had been arranged for his daughter Sue and her husband Chris to enter the room to share his pleasure.
The presentation comprised a Salver, Weather Station,Computer Software and a residual cheque.
In the evening Professor Don Kurtz. an Astrophysicist, and Friend of the QHA, presented an illustrated talk entitled 'Seriously Big: the latest and greatest hits of the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescope'.
On Saturday we set of in a convoy of five cars for a visit to Warwick Castle where we spent the morning. The intention then was to move on independently to Stratford-upon-Avon for the afternoon. The weather was not kind to us and consequently some returned early to the hotel.
35th REUNION MAY 2010
In total the reunion was due to be attended by 23 Members and Friends. However shortly before the 14th May,regretably two of our Members and their wives were obliged to withdraw for medical reasons. Nine of our full Members were with us some only able to attend by travelling with family members or friends.
Our Saturday excursion took us first of all to RAF Cosford where there is a very extensive display of aircraft (including all three 'V' Bombers) and other military items and equipment.
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In the afternoon we departed for the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, Staffordshire which is dedicated to and inscribed with the names of all personnel who have lost their lives in all Services since the end of WW2
REUNIONS
The 2010 REUNION (& A.G.M) was held at the Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton near to Alcester, in Warwickshire from Friday, 14th May until the morning of Monday 17th inclusive, 23 Members and Friends being in attendance at various times.
Because there was general satisfaction amongst those attending, the Executive Officers have decided that future Reunions will be held at the same hotel.
We were able to arrange for the Hotel charges to be the same as they were in 2009, and the required number of rooms has been reserved in the name of the "Q.H.A".
The itinerary for the all-day coach excursion on the Saturday (9.15am to 5.30pm) incorporated organized Group Visits to the RAF Museum at Cosford and thence on to the National Arboretum at Alreswas.
Entrance to the venues was free and both have restaurants and comfort facilities available.
At the AGM on Sunday the decision was taken for future reunions to be held from the Friday until after the lunch on Sunday following the AGM.
The day was completed with another most interesting talk in the evening by our Astrophysicist Friend, Professor Don Kurtz, entitled "the Stars are Ours".
