Thank you RAF Valley, 20 Years On
 

Nearly 20 years ago this September, I was invited on a base tour by one Dave Harris, a Hawk test pilot at RAF Valley.

As a lad (and even now I must admit) all I ever wanted from life was to be up there roaring around between the clouds, but alas, due to a severe hearing impairment it was never to be.

I was fortunate enough to have a relation who worked at the base who mentioned her 'plane-mad young nephew to Dave who was generous enough to invite me and my Mother on a visit to the base.

Well you can imagine the excitement this caused to my then ten-year-old brain and quick as a flash I accepted his invitation before you could say "Hawk!".

I still have strong memories of the day; the gun-toting guards on the gate; the tasty lunch in the officer's mess; the guided up-close tour of a real RAF Hawk; a flight in the Hawk simulator; getting up close to the flightline as they refuelled and marshalled Hawks out; a grandstand view of the wonderfully noisy Harrier incoming from Germany landing right before my very eyes and getting kitted up like a real-life pilot. Needless to say I practically begged my Mum for the next few weeks for us to move to RAF Valley (Har har! I hear some of you stifle).

I would just like to thank Dave Harris and those at RAF Valley at the time for these treasured memories. It was a wonderful act of kindness which I still often think about and shall never forget. I have often wondered what Dave is up to these days, still flying the Hawk no doubt?

I do have a few photographs of the visit (taken on a cheap 35mm camera, so not fantastic I'm afraid) which I would like to share, however I would just like to check it is OK first as there are a couple of faces visible? One of them I remember is a moustached character (Monty Q?).

Here is a safe one, anyone recognise the room?

http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/...y/Biggles2.jpg

I seem to remember writing a thank you letter at the time but I'm not certain, so just in case. Better late than never! :ok:

Also have a lovely 3 Squadron patch and signed Hawk squadron print, will upload if permittable?

Ref your question about the room.
With a sewing machine, you were most likely in the Safety Equipment Section. Flying helmets, survival suits, life rafts and the smell of curing rubber cement perhaps still in the recesses of your memory ?

Or you were in the base Tailor's !!!!!

I seem to remember the Senior 3 Sqn Squipper had a classic moustache, so I think you were in SES.

You thinking of Monty Christy? Have to say I don't remember a Dave Harris - there was a Martin Harris and possibly a Harrison though.

It would be interesting to see the pictures.

Remember an Archie ?

There was a Dave Harris at Valley around that time and he worked pretty closely with the test pilots but he was actually the BAE Systems on-site technical rep.

Thanks all for the PMs and info, it has been really interesting. Please keep them coming.

Seems who I thought was 'Monty Q' is actually Monty Christy. I think I have a picture with him somewhere, will upload when I get around to scanning them in.

Don't remember an Archie, sorry.

Interesting to hear about Dave Harris, last I heard he was working in the Gulf but that was some time ago.

I've uploaded the squadron print they gave me, may be of interest to some of you. I'm going to try and get the photos scanned this week.


http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/...h_DSCN0657.jpg

Thanks for that - I recognise all of those names except the one I can't decipher under the nose. I think Meub is right about the name - can't ever recall a pilot of that name.

BN, I probably assumed everybody on the base was a pilot back then! Must've stuck. I will revisit my invitation letter from Dave and see if it sheds any more light, although what meub said makes sense.

Just double checked this with my Mum and she says it was actually October 1991 so there we go. What is making you think it could be 21 years ago BN?

Just came across an old photo from this visit. This was the delightful young chap who gave me a tour of the aircraft. Thank you, whoever you are! :ok:

http://i1000.photobucket.com/albums/...ps39flxkw1.jpg

Who was that man?
 

Is the chap in the photo above Mark Boyes?......now a big wheel with Inzpire in Lincoln??


Our People - Inzpire

Looks like "Boyzi" to me as well...

The Company name sounds like something dreary they would come up with on the Apprentice.

Thanks, Valley, 65 years on. Happy Days !

Danny.

Thanks Stu66 what a great thread - well done:ok:

Made me think of my own visit in 1972 - this time Gnats and shown round by "Joey" Gough...