Anything you want to share about yourself (within reason), the family, friends. Let me have it and it will go here.

Ron Brown 4th August, 2010.....

More sad news I'm afraid. It is with the greatest regret that I have to tell you that Ron Brown passed away early on Wednesday morning 4th August.

Ron was, I'm sure you know, Manager Flight Engineers for quite a while before his retirement and was greatly respected. He was a very astute manager and a good and fair man and I, for one, had the greatest admiration for him.

I'm sure you will join me in sending condolences to his lovely wife Jo, their daughter Cheryl and two sons Graig and Brett. Nothing we can say will help them with the grief that they must be suffering but our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

A funeral service will be held at: Uniting Church, 29 Albert Street, Taree, NSW at 11am on Tuesday 10th August.

Jo has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Melanoma Institute of Australia and that would be greatly appreciated. The Institute can be accessed at:

https://secure.donman.net.au/client/MIA/mia.asp

If you wish, register your details in the Personal Details section and then in the "Donation Details" click on the drop down menu for Direct My Donation and change to "In Memory Donation".

Lost & Found? Rowan McMath (30th Oct '09)

Dave Fidler is desperately seeking Rowan McMath (must owe him some money!).

Dave's email is:

david.fidler@gmail.com

Can anyone help?

Suzie Sharman (9th Oct '09)

I'm so sorry to be the bearer of more sad news. I have had a message from Kim Sharman who has asked me to let you know that Suzie passed away on Wednesday after a battle with cancer. I am attempting to include a link that explains all, I do hope it will work:

http://www.rosiebear.co.uk/

I'm sure that all of our thoughts and prayers go out to Kim, Ben and Andrew.

From Colin Cox (8th Oct '09)

Dear members (and friends) of the Guild,

I have been asked to remind those associated with the HK Region, either now or in the past, that there will be a Memorial Service in London for our old friend 'Captain Jack' at 1430h on Wednesday 28th October at St. Michael’s Church, Cornhill, EC3V 9DS. Guests will subsequently be invited to adjourn to ‘Bonds’ bar in the 'Threadneedles Hotel' at No.5, Threadneedle Street, EC2R 8AY, just a 5 minute walk away.

Whilst there is no limit on numbers, can anyone who intends to be there please inform the office in London by email of their names. Email address is simply gapan@gapan.org - Attn: Mrs Ruth Cundy. This is just to give some idea of likely numbers attending for planning purposes. Please forward this email on to others you feel may be interested in attending and might not be copied in here.

Thank you,

Colin Cox Assistant to The Court

Jack Smith (5th Sept '09)

As most of you will be aware, Jack Smith passed away on Tuesday 18th August. I have copied the original message from Helen, below. I need not say that Jack was loved and respected by all who knew him. I was privileged to be the F/E on his last command check before being made a captain so I particularly miss him.

Helen has asked me to pass on information about a Memorial Service to be held in London, the details being given below:

My Dear Friends,

It is with a very heavy heart that I have to tell you that darling Jack slipped away in the early hours of today (Tuesday 18th August). After such a long, hard battle, Jack went very peacefully with his family around him.

With love,
Helen, Jacqui & Juli

                                                               *****

Dear Rose and Graham,

Thank you very much for your kind message. Sorry this is rather a delayed reply.

I am still finding it hard to accept that Jack has left us - he has always been there for me, since I was seventeen years' old! However, I am glad that he is now at peace, after his long and so courageous battle and I have a wonderful, caring family, so I am very lucky.

I shall forward you a photo of 'Jack' sitting in his favourite corner barstool at his 'wake' last week at the "Aero Club". This is how I shall remember him!

Jack's funeral was at St John's Cathedral last week but we have arranged a Memorial Service for him in London with the help of GAPAN. It will be held at St Michael's Church in the City on 28th October at 2.30pm. If you could let people know, it would be great to see any old friends in the UK who are able to attend. Many thanks!

Kind regards,

Helen

Received from David Baker (26th July '09)

Interesting resume of David's recent adventures - G

Hi All

For those of you who may be interested (you can hit 'delete' now if you wish) the following is an update on recent developments in my professional life, or should I say the "soap opera" of a life that has evolved over the last year.

In March of 2008, The Air Group, the 28 years established company for whom I had worked for ten years, five as chief pilot, decided to sell out to a new mega enterprise called Sentient Aviation (odd people with an odd name but it is in the dictionary!). Seemed a great idea at the time. Their plan was to purchase ten other corporate aircraft management companies and combine them to form the largest company of its kind in the world. They talked about "300+ aircraft, 1000+ pilots and 2500 staff throughout the US by the end of 2008" . Well, they went ahead and purchased these companies but that was when their troubles started, 'cos they didn't have the money to complete any of the purchases! (hmmm, dealing with smart people here!). So most of the companies went away, owed millions and pending law suits will keep attorneys well paid for years I suspect. They decided to back out and sold the wreckage to a company called Jet Direct, run by a bunch of East Coast incompetents. They stumbled on, making promises they could never keep, laying off staff by the hundreds (and not paying them due salary or for leave not taken etc) until April this year and then conveniently declared bankruptcy (Chapter 7, no assets of course). Hundreds of ex staff were, and still are, owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. There was even a web site opened up by all these abused folk and right now a class action law suit is being put together, good luck to them! So then along came Wayfarer Aviation (are you still paying attention, I shall be asking questions later!). They said they could make a go of it, laid off even more staff, upset all the aircraft owners by not attending to their needs, who in turn became so ticked off by their incompetent shenanigans they took their aircraft elsewhere, Right now at the magnificent Van Nuys facility (3 x 20K sq ft hangars and 12k sq ft of offices) where we used to manage 20+ aircraft there are none, not one aircraft, they've all gone together with most of the staff and the company "manages" (I use that word in its broadest sense) just 30 aircraft nation wide, most of them smaller jets not the Gulfstream cabin-class aircraft that charter so well.

Earlier this week, out of the blue I received a call from the head office in Boston, asking if I was interested in becoming company overall chief pilot (I was currently the Western Regional Chief Pilot). Seems they had terminated the "national" chief pilot, which astounded me as he was a very good man. This they said was "a promotion with an increase in salary", hmmm. Downside was I would have to move from California to Boston, ouch! They made vague promises about relocation expenses, never came up with a definitive salary and were unable to answer my questions on the company's financial health or future. I had already seen that the writing was on the wall with my job, why have two chief pilots with such a small fleet of aircraft? So, to cut a long story a little shorter, I sent out resumes (CVs to you Brits) to a few aviation companies. I quickly got a response from a large corporate aircraft management company based at Van Nuys , Clay Lacy Aviation, who have been established 40 years, and on Tuesday I received a call from their chairman and owner (who I had met on many previous occasions) and he asked if I could have lunch with him the next day. This I did and he offered me a job on the spot, initially as a line captain and check airman on the GIV and GV fleet of aircraft (they have 20+ Gulfstreams) and a good salary. I even received written confirmation of the offer and terms and conditions the next morning and I accepted the offer. I went back to my office and typed my resignation to Wayfarer with no regrets whatsoever. My first day in the new job was yesterday and tomorrow I am off to Simuflite in Dallas for a week to do my six monthly class and simulator training. What a relief, the last year has been very stressful for all of us ex Air Group folks, never knowing when the axe would fall (I give Wayfarer 90 days before they go under). I am thrilled to be starting over, no office duties, no 80 mile commute five days a week, no hassles, just fly the line and enjoy my time off, bliss.

Thanks for getting this far without nodding off, but I just had to let someone know! Take care,

Yours aye,

David

Tim's 70th (8th May '09)

Tim Casey enjoyed a surprise 70th birthday party organized by his wife, Gill and daughter Anya. Although we were invited, sadly Rose and I were unable to attend what turned out to be a "rollicking" event. The venue was the Royal Air Force Club, Hodges Room at Piccadilly. Here follows a selection of pictures after which I've added some names. But due to restraints, (my ability) I leave you to relate the names to the pictures.

Wayne-husband of Laura, Gerald-brother, Jean Leith-Smith

Harry McLean, Jane Quin, Peter Leith-Smith, Gill, Laura-niece

Gill, Phil Derry, Diane & Phil Yiasoumi, Angie Wade, Peter Mardon

L to R Julie, Andy-Gill’s brother, Norma Harris

Ken Quin, Andrea & Harry McLean

Brother Gerald and Jean Leith-Smith

Floydy's 80th (21st Feb '09)

First, my apologies for the dilatory inclusion of this happy event. Recovery from my sojourn in the GAFA, computer problems (surprise, surprise) internet problems with the "Site Of The Year - nay - Decade. These are my excuses. Anyway, at last, for your edification.

Brian Floyd celebrated his 80th birthday with friends in Perth on the 21st February and here are the rogues who attended, in all their splendour:

Brian Mercer - Brian Floyd - Clarrie Turner - Wee John Ridley - Bob Dewer - Geoff Green

ME (19th Dec '08)?

Greetings, fans, followers, debtors and well wishers. 

A few well chosen words to wish you all well during the forthcoming festive season.

No cards, I’m afraid, as we are guests of the Antipodeans at present. Naturally, like many of you, I will donate the savings on cards and stamps to a worthy charity – mine.

As those of you who faithfully follow my adventures will know, what started out as a few weeks in Perth (the upside down one) to visit our eldest, Gail and her family, developed into a monumental incarceration due to Rose falling out of bed and breaking her arm. Honest, it wasn’t me and she wasn’t smashed at the time – so she declares.

Anyway, thanks to the excellent service provided by Sir Charles Gairdener Hospital in Perth, which not only consisted of x-rays, plaster cast, panadol, etc., ended up with an operation to insert a metal plate to hold the whole thing together. I cannot over-emphasize how proficient they were; thank the Lord she was in their hands and not the NHS in YUK. She is now, thankfully on the mend.

I have, however, niggling doubts about instructions she says she has received from her physiotherapist demanding that she does not wash dishes, engage in strenuous cooking including hot beverages, make beds, lift any objects at all, exceeding the weight of a glass of white wine. Maybe I’m just overly suspicious!

Time is running out on our visa and we have not, so far, been able to visit our youngest, Tania and her family. However, we are in the process of begging the Immigration Department to extend our three month limit so that we can continue our World Tour of Australia.

However, Perth is now pleasant with decent temperatures after a rather Artic beginning caused mainly by that abominable wind, The Fremantle Doctor.

Meeting old friends at the monthly luncheon at the Albion Pub has also been a joy and we are looking forward to the next one later this month.

The biggest plus, however, is missing the sunshine and unbearably high temperatures of a balmy Edinburgh winter.

So, dear friends, Rose and I wish you all a truly Merry Christmas and, should I tempt fate in the present economic circumstances, A Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Keep the cheques rolling in – thanks:

Graham & Rose

Stop Press:

Those wonderful and generous officers of the Immigration Department have now deemed that we can stay and contribute to the Australian economy for a further three months, at A$240 a head.

Norman Davis (16th Dec '08)

Erika would like to let you know that:

Norman is in hospital in Brisbane having had a massive brain tumour removed on Friday.  He will need to have further treatment, either radio or chemo therapy as it was malignant.  He is in the high dependency unit at the moment and if all goes well he hopes to be home by Christmas Eve.  I will keep you in touch with any further news

From Tom (5th Dec '08)

Viv Cox 17.03.42 - 31.10.08
 

Tom, Michael and Julia have received so many kind messages that I hope that you will understand us responding in this way. Many wonderful loving memories recalled which have made her sudden parting very much easier to bear. Thank you. Her funeral service was inspiring and I hope that you will forgive me for attaching Viv's photo as it appeared on her service sheet. A final reminder of our darling 'Archibald Girl'.

Tom Cox

Simon Creasy's Progress (30th April '07)

Mike's Farewell (19th Feb '07)

I have to say at the outset that I was not able to attend Mike's funeral. This, I regret very much. Ann was aware of the reasons and was understanding. I gather, however, that the service went off as well as these things can, with a great degree of dignity and support from the many who did attended. Tribute should be paid to daughter Jody who was instrumental in the planning and organization. Son, Martin, delivered a very lovely eulogy which was so touching and accurate that I thought I would like to share it with those of you, like myself, would have wished to, but could not attend. It reveals quite a lot about a full life, much of which I certainly was not aware of.  I have Ann's permission to share it with you. It is, as follows:

Mike Hardy – A Celebration of His Life

In our time we meet thousands of different people, some we remember, some we forget, but occasionally we meet one of life’s special people, someone you certainly do not forget; Mike, my father was one of those very people, a remarkable and truly brilliant man, who influenced, inspired and guided many. 

You cannot understand what it means to have so many friends and family in this one place; that would have overwhelmed him. Some have travelled from the other side of the globe and we thank you all.

They say behind every good man there is a good woman; (some ladies might argue that’s the other way round), but in the case of Dad and Mum, never have truer words been said. 

From the late 50s when Mum and Dad met, through Dad’s spectacular rise in the Royal Air Force, then moving halfway round the world to work for the airline Cathay Pacific where he rose to the Board of Directors, Mum was there at every step - encouraging, supporting, entertaining, prompting and guiding. Mum was a vital part of Dad’s success and has been a tower of strength since he was taken ill, which gave him the strength to fight on.

As you can imagine the last three years have been an incredibly hard time and without the uncompromising and continual support and love from my sister Jody, I hate to think how much harder it would have been for Mum.  Thank you Jody.

Dad was an only child, brought up through the Second World War, later attended Worthing High School. He applied for the Royal Air Force College Cranwell – for every 350 that applied, only 30 were accepted. He was awarded his pilots wings on 26^th July 1954. Not only did he excel, but he gained one of the much sort after slots to train as a fighter pilot.

The early 1950’s were literally pioneering years in jet aviation and Dad and his colleagues had to learn to fly hard to fight and survive. Of the 36 pilots that graduated with Dad, 8 were tragically killed in flying accidents over the next decade.

Dad flew a variety of aircraft including Meteors and Hawker Hunters from 1956 to 1958. He enjoyed low and fast flying and was also happy upside down, hanging from his harness straps, often with his cockpit canopy mere feet from the tail of the aircraft below – and all of this at 350 knots.

Not just a skilled pilot, he was also a highly capable organiser and leader destined for great things. As such he was selected as an ADC, or Personal Staff Officer to the legendary Air Commodore Teddy Donaldson, holder of the 1946 world air speed record and Battle of Britain veteran. Dad was responsible for planning both Teddy’s daily military and social life, something he did with great flair. Teddy had a profound influence on both Mum and Dad and was one of Dad’s great supporters. With Teddy’s endorsement Dad was selected to become a Qualified Flying Instructor back at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in 1961.

After commanding the Hull University Air Squadron, Dad became the Deputy Chief Instructor at one of the Flying Training Schools training the next generation of fighter pilots.

Dad loved the flying, but found the office work and studying a bit laborious. In one of his many inspirational moments, he decided he could save the students a lot of wasted classroom time and the Royal Air Force money by cutting out the academics and ground school. This was done by borrowing a cement mixer and bricking up the front door of the school. I believe one of his assistant bricklayers is here today.  

Dad was a modest man, never one to blow his own trumpet. One day while instructing a student, there was a loud explosion in the back of his aircraft followed by a worrying silence and a complete loss of power. He landed the aircraft with great skill and was commended. The entry in his logbook hardly mentioned the incident.

A very practical man – he objected seriously to having to pay extra life insurance premiums for what was an inherently risky occupation. His reasoning was that his wife of two years was so attractive, she would receive plenty of marriage proposals, and he was not going to let the lucky man get the lump sum, as well as such an incredible lady.

After attending Staff College and a subsequent staff job, Dad returned to flying, not the fighters he may have wanted, but commanding a squadron flying the large 4 engine Hercules transport. This was to be one of the personal highlights of Dad’s flying career.

In 1973, years of drought followed by torrential rain left thousands of Nepalese people on the verge of starvation. The United Nations appealed for help in distributing food. The British contribution arrived in the form of aircraft led by Wing Commander Mike Hardy.

Nearly 2,000 tons of grain was delivered by parachute and freefall drop in demanding high altitude mountainous terrain, often with no escape route for the aircraft and crews if anything went wrong. Dad’s planning and leadership ensured the food was safely delivered well ahead of schedule, before the approaching main monsoon would have halted operations and people starved. This was achieved despite 70 mph gusts of wind, short airstrips, torrential rain and baking heat – Dad flew many of the missions himself. 

A glitch in the supply chain from England meant the only entertainment available night after night, after night, after night was the film Zulu. Dad joked he could supply the names of 184 men who knew the film word for word.

Quoted in The Daily Telegraph Dad summed up the operation saying “We have never worked so hard in our lives, but given half the chance we would go back and do it tomorrow”

Later he commanded the RAF Station at Leeming in North Yorkshire – over 1,500 people and millions of pounds of her majesty’s aircraft. I treasure an afternoon watching the Red Arrows past very low over just Dad and I, as we stood near the end of the runway. Not many Dads could arrange that.

I wonder how high he would have risen in the armed forces had he continued serving, but he decided on a career change and took Mum to Hong Kong in 1976, to a new life with Cathay Pacific Airways. What a life that proved to be!

Always dressed immaculately in a pin striped suit, Dad was always impeccably well mannered, and in many ways never left the military behind. Walking into a colleague’s office one morning, he insisted on calling the gentleman sir - which for an Australian was a bit of a surprise.

Dad’s rise in Cathay Pacific was impressive, being promoted to General Staff Manager, then into Flight Operations, soon becoming the first non airline pilot to be Director Flight Operations.

Over the years there were many challenges including operations during the first Gulf War, events leading up to the handover of Hong Kong, the repatriation of refugees back to Vietnam – all without incident or adverse press.

One of Dad’s tasks was to negotiate annually with the aircrew. He would be away for days meeting well into the night gathering cat naps at his desk before re-entering the negotiations. He gained the pilots hard earned respect – in fact they made him an honorary member of the union on his retirement.

Quoting from a letter from Phillip Chen, the current Chief Executive “Mike made a tremendous contribution to the success and development of Cathay Pacific over the years. His hard work laid firm foundations for many of the policies we have in place today, and we are sincerely grateful for his steady stewardship in the Personnel and Flight Operations areas”

Mum was an integral part of that success – welcoming new aircrew and their families to Hong Kong, running the wives club, accompanying him to endless functions and hosting tremendous parties – 300 people for drinks on Christmas Eve – no problem!!

Dad loved gadgets. One Christmas Mum brought him a small hand held radio receiver. Our house overlooked the tricky approach to Kai Tak Airport so Dad used to sit by the pool and occasionally watch the planes with the unmistakeable green striped tails, listening to his pilots talking to each other on the Cathay frequency. Somehow they found out and from then on conversations became very short & business like.

Dad believed it was important to set an example. In London at the beginning of the air campaign for the first Gulf War, he decided that Mum and he should fly straight to the Middle East to ease anyone’s concerns there was a risk to commercial passenger aircraft. They did.

In his leisure time he never did anything by halves, besides it allowed him to procure more gadgets. You will remember Dad for his passion for sailing, but he also skied and scuba dived. Not content with the mundane side of a sport he started helicopter skiing – well into his 50s.  

Dad badly broke his leg in a skiing accident, neglecting to tell Mum so she would not be able to worry. I think God was trying to tell him to slow down when he broke the leg again – not in a skiing accident, but walking the dog after a rather good Christmas lunch – probably not the dogs fault, more likely wine topped up by the vast quantities of brandy in Mum’s Christmas pudding.

I am not sure where Dad gained his interest in the sea, but he sailed long before I was born. Fortunately for Dad (and later for myself) the military encouraged offshore sailing. He may have pushed it a bit far when one Monday morning at his London office in the Ministry of Defence, he was found snoring his head off, lying on his desk fully dressed in wet oilskins.

Mum and Dad owned a variety of boats, the last being the beautiful Orla. What a boat, finished and equipped to perfection (of course full of gadgets), checklists everywhere, lovingly maintained, and very hospitable – gin & tonics were usually mixed by the jug, not the glass.

One of Dad’s worries was that Orla would end up as someone’s weekend hobby lying on a mooring. It meant the world to him that she now belongs to Dougie and Trish who had been looking at her for two years. It was meant to be. Who knows where you will see Orla around the globe in the future – happy and safe sailing to both of you.

After 16 years in Hong Kong and 4 years in Sussex, Mum and Dad could not have chosen a better place to live than Hamble. As in the Royal Air Force, and Cathay Pacific they made many good friends.

I owe a great debt to friends in Hamble, especially members and staff of the Royal Southern who have closed round Mum and Jody over the last few weeks, indeed the last three years. I include Doctors and nurses, especially Dr. Mark Thompson, whom many of you will know as Tommo.

The Royal Southern Yacht Club was a passion, not just a club to Dad and I know he got as much out of it as he put in. As he requested, rolled up next to his left hand just now is his Royal Southern tie. 

Dad would do anything for Mum – over a year ago he and Jody arranged for my wife Melanie and I to come to England from Western Australia for a family Christmas. It was a surprise, and I mean a total surprise for Mum – she opened the front door on Christmas Eve to a tuneless bunch of carol singers – to find out it was Mel and I. Mum could not speak. Everything had been organised with great secrecy & military precision.

Dad’s grandchildren, James & Katie live in Kenya and wrote “we are sorry we never got the chance to say goodbye, we love you”.

Although not always the easiest man to get along with, you always knew where you stood as he was a fair and totally honest man who believed in the rules – perhaps a bit old fashioned, but always for the good.

Once you got to know him, he had a wicked sense of humour and if you could not see him, you could certainly hear him, that deep booming laugh.

Courageous to the end, he fought with incredible strength – a determined, brilliant and inspirational man.

Nothing will ever fill the gap you leave; we will miss you with all our hearts, and that you are at peace means everything.

Mike Hardy, a man’s man and a true gentleman.

Martin Hardy

Hamble

Thursday 15^th February, 2007

Celebration of Mike's Life (5th Feb '07)

Arrangements are now in place for Mike's funeral and, equally importantly, a Celebration of his Life, full and rich, as we all know, it was.

This will take place at 12 o'clock on Thursday 15th February at St Andrews Parish Church in Hamble. This is the only church in Hamble.

I am taking the liberty of including Ann's address, which is:

22, Old Priory Close,

Hamble,

Southampton,

Hants SO31 4QP

Tel: 02380 561705

Please use this as you think fit but bear in mind the sadness and grief which must be prevalent during this trying time.

Mike Hardy (3rd Feb '07)

It is with deep regret that I have to tell you that Mike passed away peacefully at 19:30 on 2nd February, at home, after a long battle with cancer. Ann and his daughter Jody were with him at the end. It goes without saying that Mike was greatly respected by all of us and our sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

At this time, I can only tell you that Mike's funeral will take place in about ten days time but I will keep you informed if I get any further news.

I have received the following from Brian Bawcombe and I really have to post it. It says it all - Graham.

I Remember, by BJ.

I remember receiving letters signed by him in answer to my enquiries about possible employment, but it was just a name and like the title, Manager Staff Department, it meant little to me in 1978. I remember receiving a ticket from him, Penang / Hong Kong return and a letter inviting me to an interview.

I remember my first meeting with him, going into Staff Department, a tiny office space manned by just a few and thanking him for the ticket. I remember he muttered something about it only costing the Company the price of an in-flight meal, but it meant far more to me.

I remember when he was appointed Director Flight Operations, the first time someone from outside the Department had held that position and I remember the hours of debate in the Aero Club that followed that controversial decision. I remember the quiet, unpretentious attitude of the man who assumed that role, taking up the challenge and meeting the demands without fuss or fanfare.

I remember the large figure in dark, pin-stripped suits and the quietly spoken greetings when passing in the corridors. I remember his laughter, often the first sound that would betray his proximity.

I remember his warm and disarming hospitality at social evenings in his home, where even the most junior in the group would be welcomed so genuinely.

I remember my last meeting with him, over a beer at the Albion Hotel in Perth a few years ago. I remember a man still full of dreams for the future which sadly were never to be fulfilled.

I remember Mike Hardy, a man's man and a real gentleman.

Greetings from the Rances (4th Jan '07)

In lieu of posting cards, we are again sending electronically our wishes for 

A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

We will once more donate the money saved to local charities. Please feel free to reciprocate in a similar manner!

Alison and her family continue to have full and useful lives. James has recently been appointed CEO of the new company Margaux Matrix (UK) Limited, which very cleverly analyses the effectiveness of TV advertising. Al continues her work as a special needs teacher at the local primary school. Hannah & Sam are still doing well at their secondary school. H is already planning what she will read when she gets to uni. To this end, she & Al recently had a visit to Berlin! All, we are pleased to report, are in rude health.

Jo is still struggling a bit health wise, but this does not stop her leading a very full life both with Tasia & Milenka (still growing like weeds!) and supporting Simon’s career in the Army. Si is now back full time with the Grenadiers, of which he is now Senior Major ( 2 i/c) based at Aldershot, commuting weekly from their lovely cottage in Corton, Wilts.

Rach’s & Andrew’s business, JustSo, continues to expand, to the extent where they have acquired a unit on a light industrial estate conveniently located in their village. Lucy continues to do well and is very happy in her second year at grammar school. Harry is continuing to progress academically and shines at his various sports.

For us life continues apace in Tillington. Next year we are planning a festival to celebrate the bicentenary of the famous Scots Crown built onto the church tower and the centenary of the installation of the organ. We are both on the planning committee and will be actively involved over the three days of the festival itself. Bob, as usual, has been roped in to help raise the funds. There is a small diminution in administration, because we sold the Meribel chalet in June. Small, because the winding up process of getting out of the French system still requires an inordinate amount of paperwork!

Sue continues her flower arranging, church choir and PCC work. Golf took a bit of a backseat earlier in the year when she had a hysterectomy, but has played a bit more recently. Although neither of us are playing as much as we should, for various reasons. Bob damaged his right shoulder whilst on holiday in Scotland, which was, and still is, holding him back a bit. Shooting might have to wait a bit longer before recommencing, although golf is now feasible.

We were on quite a long holiday in Australia from October, planning to return late November. We had visited WA, NSW and got to Queensland for Adrian Bayley’s 60^th, which turned into a surprise wedding to Ann, his partner of five years! We were then on our way further north to spend some time on Orpheus Island in the Whitsundays. However, we got an emergency call to return to the UK where Sue’s brother, John, was critically ill in hospital! We made it to the hospital at Cosham by mid-afternoon the following day, courtesy of a ten hour time change and a very efficient Emirates Airlines. John is, at the time of writing (28 Nov), stable and slowly responding to the medical care, which has only been administered because of the very strong stance taken by Al, Jo and Rach during a twelve hour vigil at the hospital the day before we got back! We are so proud of the way they handled the situation and the courage and determination they showed, which was initiated by Rach when she went down to visit with her auntie Jean. We visited the hospital daily for our first week back. Now we are hopeful John is getting the correct treatment, we are going every other day. Jean still goes daily and we are only an hour away, if she needs us. The jetlag is now over and we are gradually getting our own house and garden in some sort of order. The Christmas activities are also about to build up – you will be only too aware! On which note, we will sign off. 

With love and best wishes

Bob & Sue

The Stuart-Menteths, alas a little late at (3rd Jan '07)

This Christmas letter comes to you from the sunny island of Penang lying a few miles off the north-west coast of Malaysia. We have finally embraced modern technology so this year our greetings and news update come to you by email rather than snail mail.

We are spending more time every year in Malaysia and this summer we decided to buy an apartment on the northern beach of Batu Ferringhi – an area well known to Hong Kong based colleagues and their families from the days when we all seemed to bring our children here for seaside holidays. Our property – a three-bed top floor unit – provides us with a four hundred foot high view point over the coast line and is located behind the Rasa Sayang hotel (which has recently reopened as an expensive six-star spa-resort.)

The property is twelve years old and will need knocking about and redecorating so we are keeping our other rented property until all is resolved. And we are keeping our place on the Isle of Wight in the UK for the time being.

To the children and their news starting with our eldest, Oliver  …

Oliver and Caroline are now starting their third year of expatriate living in Annecy. Their big news was the arrival last summer of Annalise, a sister to Georgina. The family has taken to French living with relative ease and fluency so when visiting one does not feel one has stumbled onto the set of ‘Allo - ‘Allo.

Oliver’s one-man business thrives however he takes the rough with the smooth. Right now, for example, he is surveying aircraft at exotic Luton airport - a less than delightful winter destination. And yet there are compensations; during this last year he was able to visit us twice in Penang whilst passing through and he seems to have touched base on most of the sunnier continents. He has also discovered that European Business packs its bags and heads for the hills during both August and the Christmas holidays so he can exploit those lulls to take a break with his own family. An unusual situation for the self-employed who often cannot allow themselves to stop for a holiday.

We are back in Europe during the summer months and often drive to Annecy from the Isle of Wight. Or we take easyJet to Geneva from Gatwick. When driving we cross the channel from Dover to Boulogne with Speedferries. Twenty-nine pounds for a 55 minute crossing (at 38 knots) – they are doing to the ferry services just what easyJet and Ryanair have done to the short haul airlines. A super service but you must book on the net. We usually night stop on the journey, often at Troyes or Reims although more recently we have slipped off sideways to Euro-Disney to revisit the ” Pirates of the Caribbean”, the “Haunted House” and the “Silver Spur Steak House” where a carafe of good house red is just 6 euros and the lamb chops come crunchy. For accommodation at the park we choose the Holiday Inn – they offer an internet rate of 68 euro for a comfortable family room – and they are on the free shuttle bus route to take you to the entrance.

And next to Hester … who is still busy marketing her hotels and has moved from south London to live in Crouch End – not far from the Arsenal FC stadium.  This has reduced her commuting time so she can almost roll out of bed straight into her Threadneedle Street office. She kindly invited her parents to stay over the August Bank Holiday at the flagship hotel. Walking round the City was distinctly weird – all was deserted, shops and pubs closed – just the remains of fast food packaging and newspapers caught in the gusts to be sent tumbling down the empty streets. Just like the “Day of the Triffids”.

That same weekend Hester went to a Harley Street clinic to have her eyes Lasiked to correct her myopia and astigmatism. What a success that was! Her vision is now brilliant and glasses are a thing of the past. It seems the modern techniques have overcome the past problems which is reassuring seeing one only starts life with one set of optical equipment.

Hester is always mobile – Japan most recently for a walking / exploring holiday but often Europe at the weekends. London City airport is conveniently close to her by the Dockland Light Railway and Stanstead is accessible through Liverpool Street station. She also found her way to Penang earlier this year and combined her visit to us with a trip to Langkawi to attend a friend’s wedding on the beach of the Andaman hotel.  We expect to see her again early next year.

And then to Clair  - who in just a few weeks time will be launching on her fourth decade.

Yikes! Tempus Fugit and he won’t be coming back! Concurrent to this advancing age comes the news that she has been elected a Fellow of the British Display Society – quite right too; ten or so years ago they awarded her firstly their silver and then their gold medal so it seems a natural progression. We are all very chuffed.

She is still in Dubai with Al-Futtaim and soon will have completed three years there. Housing is an eternal problem (shades of Hong Kong) and she has had to move when rents have risen out of her range. Her last move, a month ago, was to a new, more affordable unit and she is now hoping that she will be able to stay in one place for a few years.

Life is good in Dubai. Realistic salaries with lots of responsibilities and no income tax – we well understand why Clair is happy there. We spent ten days with her last October on our way out here but had also seen her in England during the summer when she came over for Annalise’s baptism.  

As to us – we are kept busy here in an expatriate circle that is centered round the E&O and Lone Pine Hotels. I don’t think that life has changed much since we first visited Penang thirty years ago – a bit of building, faster roads, longer runway, internet and moby phones excepted - so a leisurely tiffin, a cold Tiger beer or a peg of scotch all followed by a Cuban cigar and a siesta are still seen as a very acceptable way of transitioning from am to pm.  And, for that matter, back again.

But of course life is not all sleeping – this year we have explored northern Malaysia from coast to coast and as far south as KL. We have cruised in the Med., the Andaman Sea and more recently down the coast of Vietnam where I was able to re-introduce myself to the Mekong river – 44 years after leaving Laos.

We have also discovered that we could re-enter Hong Kong on our old ID cards and had retained our rights of abode there; we have lunched on the terrace of the Oriental in Bangkok and taken a seven hour train from Rome to Zurich through spectacular alpine scenery, all accompanied by warm white wine and truly atrocious cooking from the Italian managed restaurant car.

In short – we have been busy and we are happy to wind up this year by wishing you all the best for the next one!

Elly & Ned's Christmas Bulletin (31 Dec '06)

Norman Marsh (24th Oct '06)

Sadly I have to report that Norm Marsh passed away on the 22nd at his home in Melbourne. He had been ill for some time. I'm sure that many of you will remember Norm with fondness and would have wanted to know.

I have received the following from Dave Smith and I think it succinctly reflects all our thoughts:

A Bit Of News from Kim Sharman (13th [Friday] Oct '06)

At last, I hear you cry! Trust all is well with you and the family.

Had an interesting time lately with meeting a few ex CX colleagues.

Met up with Barrie Hesketh in Brighton in September, who has set up an interesting business in the fashion accessory trade. He seems very happy and has just recently remarried. Didn’t have a lot of time together as it was fairly late at night when we met up.

Spent an enjoyable evening with Hans Haan at the travellers Club in London, where he was one of six wine makers from around the world at a tasting. He has done very well with his wines, and has recently won the Gold Medal in a world wide competition for the best blended wine. Having sampled it, it is terrific stuff. He has created a huge reputation for himself in this field and looks very well on it. I have passed the URL of the site on to him. His email address is excellence@haanwines.co.au

Found myself being an entry in Brian Mercer’s book on page 199! I missed the chance to catch up with him when he was in London. Apparently Paul Jenner arranged a do for him at the RAF Club which is threatening to become an annual event.

Keep up the good work. It is much appreciated although I know it is a chore doing it. I have the same problem with my commercial site!

Kind regards,

The "do" mentioned above apparently did take place and the picture, below, sent to me by Brian would appear to prove it:

Johnny Mac's Send Off (30th June '06)

Not unexpected, but it would appear that the send off for Johnny was really well attended. It only proves how well thought of he was. As a tribute, I have copied a couple of reports which I have received. The first is from Brian Mercer to which I have added a plug for his forthcoming book - poor old chap, he really needs the royalties. Seriously, I do hope it's a great success. The second is from another Brian of Bawcombe flavour which, you'll agree also says it all. I've also added a group picture sent to me by Adam Takach, thanks, Adam.

Brian Mercer

How are you?  Geoff Green told me about this website and before you wonder what planet I've been hiding on, I have to say that I am very new to this IT stuff and frankly not very good at it.

Amazing turn-out for Johnnie Macs' send off yesterday; there must have about 300 people; some I hadn't seen for 30 yrs. Including Bob Crocket and Nick Carter who came all the way from UK just for the funeral. But then John was one of the really good guys and stood out like a shining light when I joined Cathay in Jan. 68.

There is an attachment to this e-mail which will probably interest you and it all started about 2 years ago when I had a letter from an aviation author in the UK called David Watkins. He was writing a book about the DeHaviland Venom and I was able to help him with stuff about the Venom ops. in Malaya during the fifties. (Malayan Emergency period. He told me that I should write a book. I thought about it for a while and then decided to have a go. To my surprise Pen and Sword Books of Barnsley UK liked it and are publishing it any time now.

The book cover design is attached. (not attached -G) There are some mistakes on it ( they couldn't even get my name right) and their first proof was a shambles so I have my fingers crossed that they make a better job of the final product. There is a long chapter dealing with Cathay. My best wishes to you and your family. Brian Mercer.

Brian Bawcombe

Managed to transit London and Hong Kong for a quick trip home from Copenhagen, and was then able to attend John McCausland's Funeral.

Although John left Hong Kong around the same time that I joined Cathay Pacific, I was fortunate to meet him in Perth during our retirement years and spent many enjoyable 'last Tuesdays of the month' in the company of this gentle and charismatic man.  His early life and career in Cathay  was largely unknown to me, but today, thanks to the courage and pride of his siblings, all of whom gave testimony to their father, I have a greater appreciation of the person I was so proud to call a friend.

Of John's six children, one related a story today of a woman, a single parent, who attended a Beauty Consultant's Course with her in Hong Kong, with the intention of establishing an new income earning career.  When John's daughter told him the woman had failed the course, John wrote a cheque to pay for the woman to do the course again and sent it anonymously to the school with the instructions that they were to ensure she passed the course this time around!  This was really a measure of the man I had come to know.

The Service, held today in Perth was attended by some 200 people, with Cathay being well represented by the likes of Bob and Shelagh Dewar, Brian Mercer, Hal Dyball, Bob Crocket, Brian Floyd, Geoff Green, Brian Lewis, Haden Ashley, Geoff Perret, Adam Takach, Les Hawks, Frank Laity, and Clarrie Turner.  I know I may have messed up seniority or missed out some others along with wives and partners, but that's without intent.

Jet lag precluded me joining the guys for a few beers but I'm sure somewhere in town today, glasses were raised by many old friends in memory of a really great guy that we were all so fortunate to know.

(I have to add that BJ was a bit reluctant to let me publish his wee report, feeling that it might appear that he's hogging the website. Bless him, I don't know what I'd do without his inputs so I've taken an editorial decision and added it anyway - G)

John McCausland (13th June '06)

It is with the deepest personal regret that I have to tell you that John passed away peacefully this morning. He died at home, aged 76, his family were with him.

I am sure you will all agree with me when I describe John as a true gentleman, in the truest sense of the word. I know that anyone who was fortunate enough to be involved with Johnny whilst he carried out his duties in the check and training department was, indeed, a lucky student. Nothing phased him and his approach was always with kindness and understanding. He never changed and treated everyone, both professionally and socially, with an easy going grace that placed him high in all of our esteem.

I pass on, to his wife, Lisle, daughters and son, all our thoughts, sympathy and prayers. Well done, during a rich and fulfilling life, a true and honest gentleman.

Lisle' address is:

3 Prospect Street

Claremont, 6010,

Western Australia

If any of you would like to add anything, please let me know and it shall be done.

Simon Creasy - Good News (28th May '06)

I have just received the following email from Simon which I present to you, with his permission, in its entirety as, I'm sure you will agree, represents good news particularly since he obviously still retains his sense of humour:

Elly and Nev Edwards (24th April '06)

Received the following from Nev and have his permission to publish it - thanks Nev, - G. Please, every body else, I beseech you, how about an input.

14 April 2006.

Hi Graham and Rose,

Awfully sorry not to have been in touch. You know only too well how it is. I am also lazy, indolent and recalcitrant. Just ask Elly.  

Since Cyril and Dorothy Carey left for Mudgee, the only ex-CX people I ever hear from are young Peter Jerdan, who I believe is removing himself and Bev from their Buderim residence for more serene pastures, and there is that strapping young chap Adam Takach, who resides in Sydney and is thus only available at the end of either a telephone or email.

I retired from Aviation Australia on Feb 3^rd. this year. Elly and I thought that this was to be the beginning of a well-deserved rest away from the dreaded noisy airborne things that we have all been involved with all of our working lives.

Next day, a phone call had me preparing for a Dash 8 course, starting on the 8^th Feb. “Oh well,” I thought, “one more won’t hurt, and it is a little money in the bank.” I also arranged that I could conduct it at Maroochy airport, just over the river from home. Halfway through the course, there was a call from my old mates in Air Niugini. Could I possibly see my way clear to do some ground courses for their Fokker 100 pilots? “Oh well.” I thought, “One course won’t hurt.” Suddenly, there are five courses this year and probably some more next year and I’m on a contract! And maybe they want me to do their Dash 8’s as well. I’m more in demand in retirement than I was when working for a living! Fortunately, Elly has been blessed with a fine sense of humour.

Otherwise, all is well here in Maroochydore. Our youngest son Alan and his wife Ronita have indicated that they will be coming home for good late July. That means they’ll be staying with good old mum and dad of course. We think they will be after jobs in Brisbane as they are definitely townies, not country. Also, Evan and his girlfriend Hana will be getting married in Adelaide early next year, so we’ll be off down there for the wedding.

Anyway, hope you and the family are all well. Somehow, I don’t see us getting to go in your direction unless we get a lottery win, so if you get to come in this direction, please email to arrange a small libation or three.

Love the website. Keep up the good work.

With very best wishes from Elly and myself,

Nev.

The Stockels - Keeping It In The Family. (8th April '06)

Don Delaney (3rd April '06)

Sadly, I have to report that Don Delaney passed away on 14th February, this year. Many of you would know Don as Engineering Manager of Cathay Pacific. A private, family funeral was held. I know all our sympathies go out to his wife Wanda.

Looking For (12th March '06)

The Perth Mafia Xmas Bash (25th Jan '06)

A bit late in publishing due to computer crisis, so apologies to Hen Hart. I do wish the UK mob got together like this.

Barry Palmer 2nd Jan '06)

A bit late, but I have received the following message from Peter DeSouza:

Perhaps you would like to promulgate the sad news that Barry Palmer died on the 21st December from cancer (aged 68). Barry was a lifelong friend of mine and well known to many Cathay personnel of our vintage. He spent most of his working life in the travel industry and frequently visited HKG with various groups in tow. Married to Hiroko, a charming Japanese lady, he lived for many years in Japan and had recently retired back there to the family home in Otsu.His cancer was only recently diagnosed and assessed as incurable.

Ray Hanna AFC (2nd Dec '05)

It is with deep personal sadness that I have to report the following. I say personal since I was honoured to know Ray quite well and was lucky enough to have him as my instructor whilst undergoing an aerobatic flying instructors course, in Hong Kong, a long time ago. The following text is copied from an email that I have received via Adam Takach, I hope the writer, Tudor Owen, will forgive me for the copy, as it says it all.

"With deep sadness I report that my good friend Ray Hanna passed away yesterday. He passed away peacefully, aged 77 years.

Ray joined the Royal Air Force in 1949 having learned to fly in New Zealand in 1947/48. Following training on the Prentice, Harvard and Meteor he was fortunate enough to fly such piston types as the Tempest V, Sea Fury, Balliol and Beaufighter. His first operational posting was to 79 Squadron, 2ATAF flying FR9 Meteors. Ray first led a team of four Hunters in 1957. In the fifties, he flew nearly all the early British jets including Vampires, Venoms, Attackers, Sea Hawks, Swifts and Javelins. In 1963/64 he was a member of the College of Air Warfare Meteor Team and was selected for the newly-formed Red Arrows as No 3 in 1965.
To the best of my knowledge, he remains the longest serving Leader in the history of the team.
Ray's leadership is widely regarded as making the Arrows the world-renowned aerobatics team they ultimately became and, in recognition of his contribution, he was awarded a bar to his AFC previously awarded for several feats of airmanship.

Ray retired from the RAF in 1971 for a new career in civil aviation, initially on the Boeing 707 with Lloyd International Airways followed by seven years with Cathay Pacific, again with the 707, and for two years the Lockheed L-1011 Tri-Star. In 1979 he was asked to head a private diplomatic 707 company with world-wide operations.

With his son Mark, who was so tragically killed flying an Me109 six years ago, he built up a vintage warbird collection at Duxford which ultimately became the renowned 'Old Flying Machine Company.' In addition to achieving acclaim on the display circuit, the OFMC has numerous movie credits

Ray was undoubtedly one of the finest display pilots ever, and regarded by many as the best of the best. Ray displaying his famous Mark IX Spitfire MH434 was a joy to behold, and a sight which will be sorely missed on the display circuit.

Far more important, he was a fine man. Not only did I admire him enormously, but I regarded it as an honour to have been a friend.

Tudor Owen."

Simon Creasy Accident (19th Oct '05)

I'm sure that many of you will have already learned that Simon had an extremely serious accident on the 18th when his Lanceair aircraft apparently suffered an engine failure.

The accident occurred about 20 kilometers south of Taupo near a place called Te Rangiita. Simon was accompanied by a nephew from London and apparently both have suffered severe burns.

Notably, and not surprisingly, Simon has been highly praised for his ability in getting the aircraft on the ground under extremely difficult circumstances and in particularly difficult terrain.

I'm sure we all pray for his and his cousins speedy and complete recovery. I will keep you posted if I have further news.

My thanks to all of you who sent me details of the unfortunate event.

Ray & Elaine Kenneally

Hi, Graham

You may certainly put my email address on the list. You never know, someone may even try to contact me.

I now live at Phillip Island which is about 100k southeast of Melbourne. We have been here for almost 15years.

On return to Oz I went to work for Australian Airlines but got caught up in the infamous pilots strike and decided it was no longer a nice place to work so move down to the "Island" Life is quiet and the only person from Cathay apart from Ron Taaffe recently has been Bruce Arscott who has a holiday home down here although I haven't seen or heard from him for some time now. He keeps changing his email address and my mail has been returned so I have been waiting for him to contact me,

I sometimes manage to get a bit of free time - being retired I no longer have any free time and I wonder how in the hell I was once able to find time for work . I am happy to knock up the odd article occasionally Talking of the pilots strike, I did meet Gary Cooper back then and he is the only person I know who actually gained by the fiasco. He applied for a job at the time and hoped he may get a r/h seat on the 707 freighter Ansett operated at the time - he got a 767 command and for once I saw Gary smile and was a little happy

Will get back to you

(Ray's address is on the Contacts list - G)

Geoff Gratwick (7th June '05)

It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that Geoff passed away on the 24th May after a long battle with cancer. Geoff, who was General Manager Flying just before his retirement was respected by all and was a true gentleman. I'm sure I speak for you all in extending our sincere sympathy to his family.

Ron & Kay Taafe (1st June '05) 

Hello Graham.

Kay & I have been living in Melbourne for a year now & we are enjoying it. We moved here from Forster on the NSW north coast to assist with our Daughter, Jodie's wedding last December. We live on a Greg Norman designed golf course estate called Sanctuary Lakes, just up the road from the old Point Cook Airforce Base. The course is to hard for a thrasher like me but the living so close to the city, is great.

I still have an interest in vintage & classic cars & presently drive a 66 E Type that Kay & I first rode in over 30 years ago. It belonged to an old friend in USA & we brought it to Aust when he passed away.

I have joined a group that is restoring an old B24 Liberator. It was used as a home (minus wings) after the war & had lain in a field, overgrown with trees for years :- http://www.users.bigpond.com/paulmcc/b24/b24.htm  lets you have a look at it.

         Roger                             Ron

It was while I was being introduced to the other members of the group that I bumped into Rodger Williams, ex F/E who is also living in Melbourne. He is well & sends his regards.

Hope this finds you all happy & well as we are.

Cheers,

Ron & Kay.

Bill Jones. (17th May '05)

I've just received the following sad news from Peter & Bev Jerdan. I'm sure I speak for all of you, who knew Bill that our thought go out to Jan.

"To all ex-Cathay staff who knew him, this is to advise that  Bill Jones died peacefully on Sunday 15^th May . His funeral will be conducted at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Buderim at 11.00 am on Friday 20^th May 2005. Jan Jones’ address is:

 31 King Street

Buderim QLD 4556

Phone (07) 54451414"

Captains Jerdan, Jerdan & Jerdan (8th May '05)

Sounds like a soliciters company, but no, I've heard that there's three of them now. Can you imagine the mayhem with all three in the cockpit, the mind boggles. Anyway, congratulations to them all.

Dave Holbourn - A Blast from the Past (2nd May '05)

Hi Graeme, I've been meaning to get in contact for a while and pass on my contact details, thanks for running a really great web page-- I hope to take an active interest and make contact with some of my old CX mates. I retired from flying nearly 3yrs ago and would you believe I'm 60 this year  ( just a boy I hear you say) anyway, I'm still here, now as a full time Sim Inst'r on the Classic-- that's 19 yrs on the same aeroplane and 22yrs in CX and I love it and of course dear old HKG.  Anyway, here are the contact details for your website.  

Dianne and Dave Holbourn

Email: cherrywood@iprimus.com.au

In Hkg Email: lildave@netvigator.com

 In addition there is a chap at Goolwa Sth Aust where I have my Nanchang who is an old friend of Warwick Armitage and would like to make contact. He is- John Harding, PO Box 270 NAIRNE Sth Aust 5252

Tel: 61 8 8388 6996  mob: 0403 55 1707. I believe that John and Warwick used to fly together in their previous Aussi airline life.

Graeme , I trust that this note finds you and yours well and happy and I look forward to hearing from you. Best Rgds Dave Holbourn.

Thanks for the complement Dave and thanks for making contact.

Dave did give his address and telephone number but I'm reluctant to publish that sort of detail. I'm sure if you contact him by email, he'll gladly let you have it.

Michael - See Below (2nd May '05)

I gather from Gordon Smith that Michael's farewell went well, as follows:

"What a wonderful night it was last night at the HKG Aviation Club, the farewell drinks & diner for Michael was just great.

Michael Kadoorie, Adam Takach, Jack Smith & Brain Lewis’s son all gave short speeches thanking him for his commitment to the club during the past 38 years.

In recognition of his time the club they gave him a life’s associate membership with no monthly fees.

Adam took some photos of the night that he will email to you.

I’m here in HKG for a couple more weeks just visiting my son who now works for Dragonair as an A320 F/O.

Bumped into Rob Gawler & Stuart Davies here in Discovery Bay, Rob lives here and Stuart was visiting his daughter. 

Well that’s it for now, just wanted to let you know that Michael had a great farewell and will be missed by us all."

Gordon.

Photos courtesy Adam Takach - many thanks.

Michael - The Aero Club's Chief Barman. (29th March '05)

I've just heard from present Aero Club members that Michael is retiring on the 30th April after 38 years behind the bar. He also turns 65 on that day (alas, he's 35 days younger than I am). I bet he could tell a tale or two.

The suggestion is that some of you might like to drop him a line or, if you are in the vicinity, pop in and say farewell. Rose and I spent a fair while with him a couple of months ago.

The email address of the Aero Club, or to give it its posh new title of about twenty years ago, the Hong Kong Aviation Club, is:

gm@hkaviationclub.com.hk

So, there's no excuse not to make contact.

By the way, does anyone know Michael's surname. To put you out of your misery, it's Ko.

Charlie Abbs and Don Unmack (29th March '05)

I have just received a message from Adam Takach and I'm very sorry to report that both Charlie Abbs and Don Unmack have passed away. I have no other information but it goes without saying that our sympathy and thoughts go out to their relatives as they do to Lyell's. As you are all aware, Charlie and Don were both flight engineers with the company.

Lyell Loutit (20th March '05)

Sadly, I have to tell you that Lyell Loutit passed away a month or so ago. This information was relayed to my by Geoff Green and Jim Stuart-Menteth, but I have no further information.

Many of the older hands will remember Lyell but for the others, he was a very senior First Officer on the Convairs and had previously been a professional wireless operator. Lyell's passion in life was always radio and he had a pretty efficient set up in the flat where he lived, I think on the Mid Levels. I can well remember being able to contact Lyell on HF when it was literally impossible to get through to Hong Kong Dragon or anyone else on SSB. He always declared that his antenna was a length of wire chucked over his balcony.

Addition From John Williams:

I have just been up on the site and seen your note about Lyell Loutit and felt I would like to saw a few words about him as I came to know him quite well.

As you say Lyle was an ex R.O; I met him on one of my early simulator sessions in the 880........he had no real idea as to how the FD 108 worked and I tried to help him. We soon discovered that we had something in common........radio.......I was a qualified Maritime  R.O. and knew what a morse key was but I had let my ham call expire and it was Lyle who pushed me into getting a Hong Kong callsign VS6HG. I was living in the harbour Hotel at the time so he invited me to "share" his shack with him on the Peak.

When you say antenna I will always remember the first time I saw it.....it was huge.

He was a lonely character but had many friends in the Ham Radio World who thought highly of him and there was always a huge "build up" of Hams from the four corners of the World when he came ON AIR. 

Talking of Hams, Geoff Green, Lyle and I were the only Cathay hams at the time..........I can imagine that Geoff must have heard about Lyle from the Ham World........I can't find a contact for him, do you have his e-mail address?

I can't help with Geoff's email address, he has never contacted me. If anyone can, how about passing it on - G

Lost & Found (22nd Nov '04)

I get a number of enquiries from our colleagues who have, one way or another, lost contact with friends. In an effort to help, I'll post these. If anyone can assist, please drop me an email, or, if you are able, contact the folk direct.

01. From Dianne Duggan

'I have been trying to find out how to contact Trish Ellis for a couple of years. I have been given telephone numbers, and addresses, but my letters keep coming back! Is there anyone out there who can help please?'

Can you post this notice for me please?

Best wishes,

Dianne Duggan.

<mailto:dianne@bushwood.plus.com> 

“Bushwood”, Witheridge Hill Bottom, Highmoor, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 5PE, U.K. Tel/Fax +44 (0)1491 641223

02. From George Young

Not strictly aircrew, but in an effort to assist. George, ex Cathay Engineering, would like to make contact with Rhienhart Walter who was also Cathay Engineering - Out Stations. I'm sure many of you will remember Rhienhart as the German engineer in Bahrain and Jakarta, a bit brusk at times, but a heart of gold. If anyone know where he now is, please let me know and I will pass the message on.

03. John Williams.

John is trying to contact ex Cathay Flight Engineer Jim Tully. He's tried HKAOA with no success. Johns email address is:

johnwilliams@telefonica.net.

From Terry Duggan (23rd Oct '04)

Since my last 'retirement', I have been relaxing, and endeavouring to become as proficient on my computer as my three year old granddaughter. Actually, we now have two granddaughters, as Michael and Carolyn became very busy in the past few years and Natasha and Alexandra were born only 13 months apart.

We also ski a lot in the winter, as we have a (small) share in a super lodge in Chamonix.

We try to visit Hong Kong about once every eighteen months, usually on the way to Australia to see relatives. Actually, the thought of retiring back to Australia is very tempting, but as long as our kids are over here, we will probably stay in Europe (and then there is the skiing...).

Siobhan 'makes' films for Discovery TV (and is married to a tax accountant - beat that!), and Michael is property developing in Yorkshire where his lovely wife comes from. They all seem to live the life of Riley (Reilly?), and make their fare share of trips around Europe, and indeed the world.

Dianne crowned her fifteen years of study and research by gaining her Ph.D. at the University of London in architectural history, and has been busy writing academic articles, and giving the odd lecture ever since (including at Oxford!). If you want to know anything about the early history of Covent Garden, ask her.

Michael Cuttler (15th Sept '04)

Sadly, I have to tell you that Michael, son of Allan and Sue Cuttler passed away on Tuesday 7th September, he had been suffering from lung cancer. Although I have only now been able to post this sad news, and it's therefore a bit late, the funeral will be held on  Friday 17th September at 1300.

It will be held at the Easthampstead Park Crematorium
(Tel. 01344-420314), South Road, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham. Berks.

Directions to the crematorium can be found at:

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Drop down the 'Quick Find' list Select: 'Cemetery & Crematorium' Go to the 'How to find us' paragraph Click on the word 'Map'.A separate window a map will now open. 

After the service refreshments will be served at the nearby Easthampstead Park Conference Centre (Tel.0118- 9780686) off Peacock Lane, Wokingham Berks. Obviously all are welcome to attend. 

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Duchess of Kent House Trust and sent to the Funeral directors,  A.B.Walker and Son, (Tel.0118-9573650) 16, Eldon Road,. Reading, RG1 4DL 

Allan was a Tristar F/E and still works for Cathay. Our thought go out to him and Sue.

This information was passed to me by Spike Parker.  Once again, apologies for the late posting.

Blast From The Past (20th Aug '04)

Hello Graham,

Lorenzo Martin gave me your site URL...great! I was thinking of doing something like it myself but could not work up the enthusiasm.

Remember me? We joined the group at the same time 1972, I left in 1979; the best years of my life, I would do it again for nothing but I'm glad I didn't.

Laurie and I are here in Sotogrande which is a very up-market development near Gibraltar.

Laurie plays golf and my wife and I run a Real Estate agency.

Lots more and I do have pictures but I'll wait to see if you get this first.

King regards,

John and Hilli Williams.

www.shop-in-spain.com

From Terry Duggan (20th Aug '04)

Since my last 'retirement', I have been relaxing, and endeavouring to become as proficient on my computer as my three year old granddaughter. Actually, we now have two granddaughters, as Michael and Carolyn became very busy in the past few years and Natasha and Alexandra were born only 13 months apart.

We also ski a lot in the winter, as we have a (small) share in a super lodge in Chamonix.

We try to visit Hong Kong about once every eighteen months, usually on the way to Australia to see relatives. Actually, the thought of retiring back to Australia is very tempting, but as long as our kids are over here, we will probably stay in Europe (and then there is the skiing...).

Siobhan 'makes' films for Discovery TV (and is married to a tax accountant - beat that!), and Michael is property developing in Yorkshire where his lovely wife comes from. They all seem to live the life of Riley (Reilly?), and make their fare share of trips around Europe, and indeed the world.

Dianne crowned her fifteen years of study and research by gaining her Ph.D. at the University of London in architectural history, and has been busy writing academic articles, and giving the odd lecture ever since (including at Oxford!). If you want to know anything about the early history of Covent Garden, ask her.

Jeff Morris Update (12th July '04)

I’m heavily involved in a charity operation called “Angel Flight of Vancouver Island”, we fly folks to medical appointments in Vancouver & Victoria from some of the remote locations here.  Strictly a VFR Daytime operation and at present we have 20 pilots who donate their time, aircraft & expertise and we reimburse them for fuel & oil costs.  YVR are very good to us and have waived Landing & Parking fees for our flights.  Operate under an Exemption to an AOC which Transport Canada issued in 2001 and for my sins I’m V-P & Director Operations.  Principle flights are into YVR, I now have more “landings” at YVR in single engined craft than in 747’s!  This year, our third, we’re running at double last years total so we should complete about 120 flights.  Take a look at our website, www.angelflight.ca for more info, I’ll send you some photos if you’d like?

Looking for John Lewis Lloyd

Received a self explanatory email as follows. Can anyone help?

Hi Graham, I have not had the pleasure of meeting you but have been steered in your direction by Gary Ogg who is still with Cathay as a full time sim instructor. He seems to think that if there is any chance of tracking down John LL you may have some ideas ? The background to this quest is an attempt to find students and instructors who formed 101 course in flying training in the RAF. We graduated in Dec 1954 at RAF Oakington and subsequently went our merry ways to various Commands. John was not much older than his students having been selected to go directly from graduating from Cranwell to CFS. I also spoke with Henry Walker and Brian Lewis who were equally stumped by my enquiry ! They pass on the their regards. Should you have any snippet of info that may lead us to him it would be very much appreciated, the reunion is to be held at the RAF Club on 18th Oct, 04. Best wishes, Tom Hussey.

Tom’s email is

Tom.Hussey@bigpond.com

Can You Believe This: (20th May '04)

Come on, George, how did you manipulate the picture?

News From David Baines (7th April ,04)

Having promised to send you something following my recent registration, perhaps I’m cheating a bit by forwarding the letter I sent to friends last Christmas. We have been doing a lot of cruising the last few years having discovered some good bargains offered to ex-airline staff, which are reflected below. As the letter implies we are now living permanently in Andorra having sold the house in Hawaii, some years ago

We think you are doing a good job holding the old hands together. Keep it up

Best regards to all

David Baines.

Again in memory of the Christmas Spirit fashioned by Ebenezer Scrooge, we are not sending Christmas cards this year, as a gesture to the Andorran Post Offices who manage to deliver most of ours after the 25^th, but to continue to keep in touch with absent friends here is a brief revue of our 2003

In April we went to Hong Kong, thinking that the SARS epidemic, with, at that time, only 80 deaths from the disease, made the chances of catching it in a population of 7.5 million, about the same as winning the Mark 6 Lottery, but failing to appreciate the quarantine possibilities imposed by other nations receiving travelers from infected areas. We arrived in Hong Kong seemingly at a doctor’s convention with everybody running about wearing surgical masks, and with reports of restrictions being imposed at Bangkok Airport we hastily caught the last flight that was unrestricted. We intended to catch a ship from Laem Chabang to return to Europe but were denied boarding due to our earlier passage through Hong Kong. As we were unceremoniously turned away at the dock and during the 5-hour delay in arranging transport and hotels and retrieving baggage, which had been vigorously plundered during our separation. I complained to the Purser that it was a poor way to spend my birthday on April 8th We did have to wait for ten days in Bangkok mostly at the ship’s expense until we could demonstrate the absence of infection and were later flown to Kuala Lumpur to catch the Regal Princess, and found that we were in a suite near the bridge with a bunch of flowers from the Purser. As we had thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in Bangkok, which is a revitalized city after my memories of staying there on aircrew night-stops with Cathay Pacific, it was a win-win situation.

Avoiding Viet Nam and Singapore due to SARS, and Oman, Jordan and Turkey due to Moslem threats altered the sailing schedule, but they dropped us off in Barcelona instead of Rome, which avoided the complication of getting a huge assortment of baggage onto an aircraft.

In the spring I temporarily jumped the generation gap and had my ears pierced. I considered a small nautical ring (hello sailor) or perhaps a larger version that sometimes resembles a small chandelier as worn by some of the musical fraternity, but decided, as the penetrations were very asymmetric, they were done by the parrot when he was angry, that I would let them heal shut

In 2003 shopping for other than comestibles became impossible as our house became completely full, mostly of objects d’art. I’ve just counted 18 real and 14 candle-like lamps in the living room, giving a display to rival St Peter’s, and perhaps causing the neighbours to suspect that we have opened a local coven. Veronika regards an empty niche on a shelf in the same way as nature abhors a vacuum, and there no longer remained any space anywhere, to put even the smallest knick-knack, and in June, Mother-in-law’s inherited living room furniture was carried down from Switzerland to our house in Andorra. It stood in the garage while we debated what to do with it and during my absence in the UK, it was inserted it into our living room, which with its eclectic mix of furniture styles and seating now for 33 people begins to resemble a Pakistani doctors waiting room. Should the investment climate decline even further I do own a stethoscope and might hang my shingle. Doctoring seems well paid and not too hard, and for anyone wishing to join my panel, take two aspirins and call me again on Monday

Noticing the increasing rapidity of the passage of the years, I tried to research my ancestors as I grow ever closer to joining them. I found my Great Grandfather’s address in Horbury, Yorkshire, from the 1881 census on the Internet and on a whim wrote to the postmaster of that town and asked if the building still existed. “Yes it did,” said Mrs Cudworth, a knowledgeable local historian who finally received my letter, and also included a lot of the family history of the18^th & 19^th C when they were all making lots of money as worsted spinners. I later went there and visited ancestral relics and for those who have questioned my legitimacy in the past I can now demonstrate 8 legal generations and the only recorded bastard, generations earlier, is not directly in the bloodline, (although his father is)

In August we arrived at the hotel in New York two days before the blackout struck, and the power failed over much of North East America. My first reaction was that Veronika had plugged her 220-volt hairdryer into the 110-volt socket and permanently welded the Plaza Hotel to the North American National Grid, but later investigation showed that it was not her fault. I was impressed with the New York municipal  psyche, when, with total gridlock at 5^th Ave and 57 St, and amateur traffic controllers doing their best, nobody was blowing any car horns. I think I detected a bit of the blitz spirit that I remembered from my childhood in the UK. Anyone not in their room when the power failed, could not re-enter, due to failed electronic door-locks, until 02:30 the next morning

We visited Greenland, which makes even Andorra seem overpopulated (55,000 v. 67,000), and tramped through arctic trouser-soaking bogs to see a glacier, to where we were later transported around the peninsula by the ship while dinner was served, and we dined drifting with engines off, surrounded by icebergs. The only ship that got any closer to icebergs must have been the Titanic. On leaving, we headed into a gale on the North Atlantic that made us turn off our course in order to meet the waves head on. This put us a day behind schedule and forced the cancellation of the later visit to Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. There were noticeable absentees at meal times, most probably enjoying what has been described in Australia as a technicolour yawn, and we met one wave that broke over the bridge, which was 8 decks above the waterline, and after denting the bulwarks and damaging part of the superstructure, it entered the theatre where a show was in progress and formed an attractive cascade down the stairs from the gallery. The water also entered the cabin of the ship’s chef, forward from our cabin, and caused his evacuation (I’m aware that there might be two interpretations of this sentence. Perhaps both apply)

In Reykjavik in September we toured the town surprised by its modernity, and astonished by the very agreeable Russian Consol, who issued us both with free coffee and an instant visa for a later visit to St Petersburg which allowed us to tour the city independently of the organised tours on offer. The Icelandic guide book recorded the Phalliological Museum, which claimed to be the worlds only collection of mammalian male reproductive furniture, lacking only a human specimen, which shortage was soon to be remedied “by a patriotic donor”, presumably after death. I debated the merits of subjecting myself to conjugal comparisons with whales and elephants, but after a cursory search we failed to find the museum and I consoled myself with the thought that while most of the Islanders spoke perfect English, perhaps the potential of language difficulties might prevent me from explaining that I was not the patriotic donor attempting to make a live delivery.

We took up golf some years ago in Hawaii, but after a few months while Veronika continued to play, I lost interest, finding out that it was more profitable to count the balls used in gaining the next hole rather than the strokes, so a hole-in-one meant for me anyway that I didn’t lose any ball en-route, as most go off sideways when I drive and sometimes when I putt. They recently opened a 9 hole, par 3, golf course in Andorra and I dusted off the clubs and found that my skills haven’t changed

We’ve never watched sporting events very much, indeed our TV viewing is normally divided into German language channels in one room and English in the other, but I became interested in the 6 nations rugby matches and followed Leicester, my birth place, in recent years when they started winning championships, and watched when the World Cup was being played. I suddenly found during these matches that I had a viewing companion. Sensing a new bond in our marital relationship I incautiously asked Veronika what was the new-found attraction, and she replied “I like it when they hit each other,” which explains why there is no Swiss team in the competition.

Andorra offers free ski passes to all legal residents over the age of seventy, for all the Principality’s extensive ski runs, good also in the very up-market resort of Gstaad in Switzerland, which enjoys reciprocal rights, and yesterday the first snow fell in Andorra. I reveled in the generosity of the Government until it occurred to me this morning that I am also an old-age pensioner in the Principality and while the amount drawn from the government coffers would not prevent me, on its own, from thirsting to death, perhaps they have balanced the shortfall of ski lift revenue against the cessation of further pension payments to, and National Health expenses for, Andorra’s geriatrics as they shoot off in all directions into the undiscovered hinterlands of the Pyrenees

Or am I being too cynical?

Thanks Dave, a highly hilarious article, I look forward to more. To the rest of you (some exceptions, of course) let it be a lesson to you. Get your writing talents dusted off. Preacher Graham.

Ros Fairfield (26th March '04)

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Ros, wife of Roland Fairfield passed away peacefully on the 25th March after a brave battle with cancer. There will be a family cremation on the 6th April, followed by a memorial service at their local church, St John's Church, Merrow, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4QX, also on Tuesday 6th April at 3:30 pm.

The family have asked that no flowers be sent, but, donations may be made, if you so desire, to Cancer Research UK,   c/o Pimms Funeral Services, Mary Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4QX, Tel: 01483 567394. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Roland and his family.

Roland's address is: Toad Hall, 2 Three Pears Road, Merrow, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2XU.

Rose Lipscombe, wife of Peter Lipscombe (10th March '04)

Once again, I have to be the bearer of some sad news. Rose Lipscombe, wife of Peter, has just passed away after an illness. Peter, who as you know, was a Flight Engineer with Cathay after being so with British Eagle, and Rose had been together for a remarkable fifty-two years. This period was not without grief as their daughter, Denise, who attended school in Hong Kong, passed away in her early thirties. This must be a terribly difficult period for Peter and I know that you would want me to extend our deepest sympathy to him. I have to add, that Peter himself is not in the best of health. Peter's email address is in the Contacts page.

For All You Flight Simulators (22ndFeb '04)

The two web sites mentioned are worth a look - G

It's a while since we've communicated but I've just discovered your new site format and bookmarked it; very nice, sir.  Looks good.  I hope you get some healthy support.  As volunteer webmaster for the Swire Mariners Association, I know that sometimes news can be slow in coming, but is always appreciated when it gets posted.  So I slog on, as you do!

This is just a note to advise that with the advent of a new, even more sophisticated flight simulator version in Microsoft's Flight Simulator 2004 (released late summer last year), flying Cathay Pacific in the virtual world has become even more exciting.  I have a new page up now for Cathay add-ons (mostly free) for this latest simulator, which I thought you might like to mention somewhere on your site.  The new address is:

http://www.swiremariners.com/cathayhk.html

Have a look anyway, and see what you think.  It may not be everyone's choice of fun, but given that the same fellows who design our instruments for simulation design the PFDs and NDs for Boeing, you can see that there's a reasonable level of realism these days!

A highlight for me has been to hear from, and to now be in regular correspondence with, Charles "Chic" Eather.  His name is, perhaps, well known to you!  He has his own website at www.chingchic.com; but more importantly, he is once again putting a considerable number of hours on his beloved "Betsy" using my flight simulation models!  You'll understand how happy that makes me.  He's one of several Douglas pilots who have been in touch and who now fly their old ships on home computers.

In any case, I wish you all good fortune with the new site and a great 2004,

Kind regards (and to all who know me)

Mark "Dark Moment" Beaumont

John Bewick (14th Feb '04)

I know that this unfortunate entry is very late, this being due to me returning to the UK only a day ago.

Many of you will already be aware, but for all others, it is with profound sadness that I have to report that John passed away on the the 9th January. A Memorial Service for John was held on Saturday 24th January at the Parish Church Of St Andrews at Evesbatch.

I'm sure you will all share in extending deepest sympathy to John's wife Jenni, who's address is:

Bauhinia, Evesbatch, Bishops Frome, Worcester, WR6 5BD.

First Contributor - Andy Coverdale (4th Jan '04)

Hi Graham,

Just a pix of a few young at heart lags meeting up for a beer or 2 on M\Y Mayayoni in Phuket...December 2003. (see Gallery page)

Paddy and Angela, Paul Jenner, Dave Rowe and Andy Coverdale.

We all send best wishes and Happy New Year to all the Cathay Classics.

Please add me to your mailing list...mayayoni@attglobal.net..

I am teaching part time in Korea in the B744 sim...different !!...Mike Rigg and Barry Bower originally started with FSB ,now Alteon ,a subsidiary of Boeing. but have moved on to pastures less tiring......if you Ingineers thought us pilots totally incompetent then try flying with Korean!!!!

Any old chums coming through Phuket to see the temples please email me and come for a beer on my bateau......I know that LBFMs are of no interest to anyone anymore but the little blue pill is available without prescription for elderly punters here ...

luv Andy