Clive's report on the evening
This years’ annual reunion was, as always, on the last Saturday in October. This was Saturday 28th and was held at the RAF Club in London. There was a good turnout and the list of these attending is shown below.
Ninety five invitations were sent and a record seventy replies received. Although one always hopes for a positive reply, the replies of those not attending and giving reasons for their absence, were very helpful. Several gave the reason for not attending, that an evening reunion means the added expense of an overnight stay in London, or being faced with a daunting journey home late at night. As a result we are considering a lunchtime reunion in October 2007, so that members can attend the reunion and return home on the same day should they so wish. Those who would prefer to stay overnight on the Saturday could do so and arrange to meet again in the evening.
This year we had the usual pay bar, and a light buffet in the President’s room. The buffet was enjoyable and served in generous quantities. Next year if we go ahead with a lunchtime reunion we could continue with the light buffet for £ 17. 00 or arrange for a set lunch. At the moment a 3 course set lunch costs about £ 30. 00. A voting form will be included in the invitation for the 2007 summer trip, which will be held on Sunday 3rd June at the Shuttleworth Air Display at Biggleswade. We were very well looked after last time we were there.
Unfortunately Brian West was unwell and unable to attend this years reunion as I wanted to thank him for all the hard work he puts into the 213 Website which is so invaluable.
It is thanks to the website that the Squadron was made a gift of a print of the 213 Sopwith Camel of Lt.- later Admiral - Ingalls U.S.N who served with 213 in 1918 and was the only U.S. navy pilot to destroy 5 German aircraft. Brian kindly arranged matters and passed the picture on to the Squadron. We decided to donate this to the RAF Club on behalf of
213. Air Marshal John Brownlow presented the picture to a trustee of the RAF Club on behalf of our Squadron and gave a very interesting talk having carried out considerable research into the picture and the career of Admiral Ingalls. We are very grateful for all the work that this has involved and very much appreciate the support that John gives to the Squadron.
Every one seemed to have a most enjoyable evening and the bar closed all too soon at 11pm. If next years arrangements are as satisfactory I am sure that every one will have a great time.
Well another reunion has passed and, like previous years, a wonderful time was had by all who attended. Sadly, this year I was not able to attend. Normally blessed with robust health I was inexplicably struck down by what can only be attributed to a suspect curry. I will say no more. Frank Leeson was attending his son's wedding in Bermuda and so the brunt of the organisation and the success of the evening fell entirely into Clive Compton's more than capable hands, ably assisted by his good lady wife, Lucy, who also doubled as official photographer..
Readers of the site may remember that the Squadron was given a wonderful gift from a gentlemen called John H Lesher, of a Limited Edition print showing a WW1 213 Squadron, Camel pilot, David Ingalls, in action. Signed by both David Ingalls and the artist. If you haven't read the story then click on the link below.
It was agreed that the print would be framed and presented to the RAF Club to hang alongside the other excellent paintings that adorn their walls. Clive had to make the necessary arrangements to make the presentation on the reunion evening, which went off smoothly.
My sincere thanks to John Lesher for the original gift to the Squadron. To Frank Leeson for making the initial approach to the RAF Club concerning the painting and to Air Marshal John Brownlow for making the presentation along with a very interesting history of David Ingalls career.
Finally, my special thanks to Clive and Lucy for a super evening and for providing the writeup and photographs for the website.
Photographs of the evening have been placed in the Reunion Album on the Members page.
Brian West ( Webmaster)
Attendes :-
Leslie Robins
1944 to 1945
Gordon Tripp
1948 to 1950
A.V.M. John Brownlow
1956 to 1957
John Hanson
1956 to 1957
Dave and Renatta Leavey
1958 to 1961
Dave Ashover
1959 to 1961
Fred Rivett
1959 to 1961
Clive and Lucy Compton
1960 to 1961
Alan and Margaret Jagger
1960 to 1962
GP. Capt. Stan Slater O. C.
1961 to 1964
GP. Capt. Eddie and Shirley Cox
1961 to 1964
Wg. Cdr. Roger Green
1961 to 1964
Vic and Shirley Wightman
1962 to 1965
Ernie Todd
1962 to 1964
Maurice Smith & Guest
1963 to 1966
GP. Capt. Dick and Jan Arscott O. C.
1964 to 1966
Terry Rogan and Son
1964 to 1967
Jim and Margaret Young
1964 to 1967
Tony Fitzpatrick & Guest
1964 to 1967
Bala and June Naidoo
1964 to 1967
Air Cdre. Tom and Margaret Benson O.C.
1966 to 1969
Guests
Dick and Pat Lawry
