Global Aviation Magazine : 60 Years of the Hercules
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Top Table Lunches
Why is it that these convivial gatherings to say farewell to mess members are no longer popular on the premier transport base in Oxfordshire. What used to be a much anticipated and fully supported function at Lyneham now seems to be trending to be held at other Stations or civilian venues. I attended two such functions at South Cerney Officers Mess last year, which was a great trip down memory lane and although enjoyable, due to the squaddification of the station, just didn't have the ambiance. The first occasion, when the two men and a boy from 29 Movs. Regt. were absent I just pitched up at the gate. The Modplod had a list of attendees. "Do you know where the O.M. is?" he asked. "I joined up here 50 years ago" I said. "Well you'll find it in the same place" he said. The second time, the pongos were "in" and we had to book in through the control of entry but were unescorted.
On the other hand, when 622 was inaugurated there was a choke point at the guard room at Braize of twenty or so vehicles because there were no escorts and only the arrival of a serving member, who managed to wave us all through as a "convoy", saved the blood pressures. I'm sure that even with contract catering Top Tables could still be a "Service" function rather than having to use the back room of "The Frog and Nightgown".
On the other hand, when 622 was inaugurated there was a choke point at the guard room at Braize of twenty or so vehicles because there were no escorts and only the arrival of a serving member, who managed to wave us all through as a "convoy", saved the blood pressures. I'm sure that even with contract catering Top Tables could still be a "Service" function rather than having to use the back room of "The Frog and Nightgown".
Last edited by Dougie M; 19th Oct 2015 at 13:00.
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Dougie, in the last year I've been to 3 Top Tables at the Secret Oxfordshire Aerodrome. Granted I do have a contractors pass so gaining entry is a little easier, but can't say I've noticed a decline.
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TBT
I am happy to stand corrected and I wish good fortune to all those concerned. Maybe it's because the ones I attended were mostly associated with the K fleet. Or maybe it's me (more likely) but the last Top Table I attended was in MacKenzies in Old Town Swindon. At least I could use my bus pass to get home!
I am happy to stand corrected and I wish good fortune to all those concerned. Maybe it's because the ones I attended were mostly associated with the K fleet. Or maybe it's me (more likely) but the last Top Table I attended was in MacKenzies in Old Town Swindon. At least I could use my bus pass to get home!
SPHLC - you and Mr Polis singing in Greek (- was it 'Old Macdonald had a Farm'?) after all the other 'guests' had left his kebab house was one of the funniest things I have seen down route. I had obviously drunk just the right amount of alcohol to enjoy it at the time and remember most of it the next day.
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WIDN62
Spooky! At Jim Hunter's request I attempted it as a sing song just before the top table retired to the bar, but on this occasion, didn't quite pull it off as there were 220 drunkards out of control, needing a leak/fag
Dougie M
I've been to 2 or 3 Top Tables at Brize (Sgts Mess) and it seems we were spoilt at Lyneham. There was no service. Cold starters were already laid. Main course was a buffet queue at the server! And desert was laid up on side tables for collection. Good times were had by all, but they barely qualify as a "Top Table Luncheon"
Also, there were 220+ guests at the De Vere last Friday. Even Lyneham could only cope with 80
SPHLC - you and Mr Polis singing in Greek (- was it 'Old Macdonald had a Farm'?)...
Dougie M
Why is it that these convivial gatherings to say farewell to mess members are no longer popular on the premier transport base in Oxfordshire...
Also, there were 220+ guests at the De Vere last Friday. Even Lyneham could only cope with 80
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Even Lyneham could only cope with 80
SPHLC.
Good point, well made sir. I suppose silver service is too costly these days anyway. They had better be in good order for the centenaries next year.
Dougie
Good point, well made sir. I suppose silver service is too costly these days anyway. They had better be in good order for the centenaries next year.
Dougie
Wherever it was held, it was a fitting and well "produced" event. I enjoyed the screens with the history of Jim and his career. I'm sure that I never, ever attended a function with more old mates than Jims farewell. Och a muchty Blar de Blar, whatever, he was a good bloke to work with, and I hope he has a great time in his retirement. Now, anyone know a good source for Compo biscuits (the porridge variety) without my having to join the reserves ?
Smudge
Smudge
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Compo
Hi Smuj
What a segue from Top Tables to Compo. I presume you mean the oatmeal blocks in the old brass tins that were in the 10 man "Ratpacks". I haven't laid eyes on them in a coon's age, even in the Reservists. You can get the new "meals" on line if you want but I wouldn't know where to find the old tins with the triangular sausages and single sheet toilet paper.
What a segue from Top Tables to Compo. I presume you mean the oatmeal blocks in the old brass tins that were in the 10 man "Ratpacks". I haven't laid eyes on them in a coon's age, even in the Reservists. You can get the new "meals" on line if you want but I wouldn't know where to find the old tins with the triangular sausages and single sheet toilet paper.
Ahhh Doug,
Like your good self, all my favourites on a Sunday evening. I'm considering an eBay search, surely there's a squaddie around who has some unopened offerings ? As for the segue, well, some things just stick in your memory, others awaken them
Crikey, a bit profound for an old hammock operator.
Smudge
Like your good self, all my favourites on a Sunday evening. I'm considering an eBay search, surely there's a squaddie around who has some unopened offerings ? As for the segue, well, some things just stick in your memory, others awaken them
Crikey, a bit profound for an old hammock operator.Smudge
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Ahhh Doug,
Like your good self, all my favourites on a Sunday evening. I'm considering an eBay search, surely there's a squaddie around who has some unopened offerings ? As for the segue, well, some things just stick in your memory, others awaken them Crikey, a bit profound for an old hammock operator.
Smudge
Like your good self, all my favourites on a Sunday evening. I'm considering an eBay search, surely there's a squaddie around who has some unopened offerings ? As for the segue, well, some things just stick in your memory, others awaken them
Crikey, a bit profound for an old hammock operator.Smudge
Best of luck.
As a slight aside and following the compo detour, as a 16/17 year old CCF cadet we went to camp at Lydd, but the grown-ups had forgotten to book the cooks. Selected by schoolmaster masquerading as Lt Col, from a cast of one ("You want to be a leader of men") so for a week, from a vast stock of compo boxes and some fresh bread and potatoes, and with a daily squad of helpers, I fed 150 cadets and officers. It was actually good fun, but absolutely knackering. So "compo" has a special place in my heart
Allison Engine Course-Indianapolis
I found the link to the forum on 24Sqn Assoc newsletter and was surprised to be mentioned. Post No 2148 infers I was asleep on this course however I was awake for a short time as this photo shows. I had massive help with the exam-thanks Snoopy!
I was crewed with Ancient Aviator on 48Sqn and latterly with him at EU.
Presume Android is Snoopy?
Allison Engines Course Indianapolis. B/R: John Robbins, Charle Hartridge, Len Davis, R? Mitchell F/R: Bob Blake, Dean Pringuer, Pete Burrage and Wally alias (Snoopy) Rhodes
I was crewed with Ancient Aviator on 48Sqn and latterly with him at EU.
Presume Android is Snoopy?
Allison Engines Course Indianapolis. B/R: John Robbins, Charle Hartridge, Len Davis, R? Mitchell F/R: Bob Blake, Dean Pringuer, Pete Burrage and Wally alias (Snoopy) Rhodes
Last edited by DeanoP; 1st Nov 2020 at 13:29. Reason: Replaced images blocked by Photobucket
Dean,
how very nice to hear (and see !) from you on this 'K' thread. Trust you and yours are well.
how very nice to hear (and see !) from you on this 'K' thread. Trust you and yours are well.
Defence Budget
No 6's were borrowed from the MOD stock - probably one size fits all. They certainly were not tailored
Nav were at Sewart AFB for about a month but pilots were there a lot longer, probably two months or so.
Nav were at Sewart AFB for about a month but pilots were there a lot longer, probably two months or so.
Dean,
do you have any more pics/stories from your time on the 'K' ?
do you have any more pics/stories from your time on the 'K' ?