RAF Haydock

[aromalady]

Hi Bongaree, thanks for replying.
Yes my dad always had his head under the bonnet of a car, and subsequently damaging some part of his anatomy. By all accounts he was a bit of a lad!
I am in the process of trying to get hold of some photographs, this may take a while, but when I get them I'll upload them.

If you have any other stories of him I would love to hear them.

k

[geordielad]

I too remember Jim Makin (I arrived Haydock Aug '62). I know Frank will follow up. Frank has just had a cataract op last Friday( I had one in Dec) so he may be a bit slower than usual in replying!

Jim Makin had a sidekick - Cpl Andy Richards - who became a frend of mine in those days; lost touch with Andy over 20 years ago. Frank and I have talked about Jim, Frank was in the next office and they all got on well together. Frank speaks highly of Jim.

Best Wishes.

[aromalady]

Thanks Geordielad (funny that as Im in Durham and my older brother David is in Newcastle)!
I'll ask my mum about Andy Richards, I don't recall hearing his name mentioned.

My dad died in January 2009, he was 84. He and my mum had a very turbulent relationship and divorced in the late 80's.
Since his death I have been very interested in tracing some forces history, as I remember him speaking very fondly of his time in the RAF.

As mentioned earlier I am awaiting some old photos, when I get them I'll upload them, as Im sure you will be able to recognise most of the people in them.
Once again, thank you so much for replying.

K

[geordielad]

Yes I call myself a geordielad but I was born in Sunderland! Which makes me a " Barbary Coaster" in the eyes of "true geordies" !!

If you look back at pages 12/13 you will see various pictures; The "Committee" picture shows Sunshine Girl bottom left; I am the one with glasses in the back row; next to me is Tony Campbell who was the PBX Supervisor; and next to Tony Is Andy Richards. Ther is also a single picture of Sunshine Girl in uniform around there somewhere.

I spoke to Tony on the phone the other day; he is still working on the telephone exchange in a South London Hospital.

The picture of us all at a Xmas Party for the kids orphanage in Liverpool; I am next to the Co - then there is Cerura who also writes on Roots; tther is a WRAF Cpl caleed Gill Witt and in fron of her is Frank  Migy. I know Frank  will be very sorry to learn that your Dad has gone.

[aromalady]

here are some photos of my dad at Haydock

[aromalady]

And another, the lady on the left is my mothers cousin (now deceased) Doris Ramsdale. Dad 3rd from the left, next to my mother. I dont know any of the others but I think it was taken at Haydock

[aromalady]

Im not sure where the photo on the aircraft was taken, the other was in Haydock. Dad receiving a cup for either Javelin or shot put.

[aromalady]

I bet youre all sick of these now! 

Here is a group photo on the same day that dad received his cup (earlier photo). Can anyone recognise the others. (Dad is the tallest at the back)

[geordielad]

I think it's great if family or friends look for history of days gone by. This site is all about that and it is great to see old pictures and look for someone you knew.

From the early 60's there cannot be many of us around from those Haydock days; but we welcome new players to the game!

I recognise only 2 on the last picture; far right holding the cup is WO David Craig; who when he retired became a labour councillor for Haydock and later Mayor of St Helens. Sadly he passed away in the late 90's. I was at his funeral.

End left on the middle row is F/S John Sergison who lived at 6 Avery Square when I lived in No1 around 1965/66. Also sadly John died around this time at Haydock and his wife went back to Geordieland.
I wouls guess that the picture was taken in the late 50's. Frank may recognise more people.