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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Greyhound on Saturday 08 October 05 05:09 BST (UK)
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I am looking for any information on RAF Haydock near St.Helen's ( now demolished), i do know this was a signals base with no runway. Any photo's would be very much appreciated
regards
Greyhound.
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Found this!!
http://www.lowergornal.freeserve.co.uk/Haydock.html
Kev. ;D
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Sorry for the late reply. Thanks very much for the site, I am finding it very hard finding any info on RAF Haydock a camp full of secracy I believe, In the two bottom photo's the houses behind still stand, in fact its the only bit of the camp still standing. I do know the camp held a rememberance day every year outside the Haydock Library until its closer in 1971 and have you heard of the Spiders wed club which was on site?
Regards
Greyhound 8)
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Hiya,
The website address you were given is mine. Someone contacted me regarding this station but when I tried to reply, the E-mail address came back as invalid.
I was stationed at R.A.F. Haydock twice. 1964-65 and 1968-69. It was also known as North West Communications Centre. I had the "priviledge" of supervising the last ever night shift there.
The photos were taken in the back garden of a house in Avery Square, and the AOC's parade was on the road with the Medical Centre on one side, and the building containing the Sgt's Mess/ Airmen's Mess and Spiders Web Club on the other.
I'm curious as to why you would think of it as a camp full of secrecy? I remember it as a camp full of happiness and humour, especially my first stint there 64-65.
If I can help please ask, but first please advise me as to why you want the information.
Kind regards,
Jimbo737
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Jimbo,
thanks you very much for your reply, It was much appreciated. The reason I want the info is, I live in Haydock not very far away from were RAF Haydock was situated.I am doing some research into the history of Haydock and info on the camp seems to be hard to come by and this is why I think the camp was full of secrecy ( cannot find much info ).
I do have a friend who lives in Avery road but this is all that is left of the camp, new development has been built all over the site. I do have two black and white cutting titled The wartime camp of Mystery ( with photo) and Secret role of Hush Hush air base if you are interested I will forward these to you.
I would be more than grateful for any info or memories of RAF Haydock you have or photo's if this is not to much to ask for my research, this info is only for my own interest
and will go no further.
Best regards
Greyhound
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Greyhound,
RAF Haydock was my first "home" posting. I joined the R.A.F. in 1962 and was sent to Aden straight after trade training, arriving at Haydock in September 1964.
It was indeed a Signals Centre, being also known as NORTH WEST COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE. By its very nature it would have to be 'hush hush' but no more so than any other station I suppose.
www.servicepals.com has 5 photos of Haydock, three of people in the Officer's Mess, my AOC's photo and another of a parade. I think you can log on as a guest, then just do a search on "Haydock".
I lived in private accommodation in Grosvenor Road, St Helens for a few months in 1964 and was amazed at the attitude of the locals when I took the bus in to St Helens, and then another one on to Haydock. They all seemed to think we lived rent and tax free on the camp. Boy were they wrong and they seemed utterly amazed when I told them so.
We held a dance on a Thursday evening which was open to civilians and was extremely popular. It was held in the NAAFI (Spiders Web club), which was, by its very nature, a popular meeting place after work.
I'm not sure if there is much more I can tell you, if you ask specific questions I will endevour to answer them.
Haydock holds many happy memories for me, and some sad also. A young lad came on to my shift straight out of the Boy Entrants so I took him under my wing and showed him the ropes. He later went to Aden and was shot dead.
A friend from my Haydock days in 1964/65 had a surprise 60th birthday party last year in Yorkshire and a table was organised for him and his ex-RAF buddies and their wifes. Most of us were from his Haydock days and we had a lovely time reminicing about the old days.
Happy days which seem like a lifetime ago now!
Jimbo
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Jimbo,
once again thanks for the reply it was very interesting. I will give the web site you sent a go, two photo's I am really after are, the guard room which as a young boy I can just remember on the right as you walked up Haydock lane and the closing down ceremony. I am fascinated to know how the NAFFI Spiders Web came by its name? I came across this building when the camp was being demolished and remember a plane ( maybe a Spitfire) painted on one of the walls. Back in my childhood days I never dreamed I would be researching this area of Haydock no pix or nothing.
If I am correct , would the title AOC stand for Air Force Commanding? and if possible could you put any names to the photo of the AOC Parade?
Best regards
Greyhound
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Not sure if there are any photos of the guard room, it was part of the Restricted Area, we entered the communications centre via the guard room, so I would have thought photos were a nono, but you never know.
One photo on the ServicePals website is in that direction but you can't actually see the guard room.
Don't remember anything but plain walls in the NAAFI when I was there. I do remember an amusing story though. One Sunday evening just before closing there were around six of us at the bar talking to the bar girl who came from Liverpool.
She said "Last night when I closed up I went through to my room, got ready for bed, then I pulled the clothes back and jumped in to bed, and all of a sudden I felt this big black hairy thing between my legs." (it was the cat!)
Well, as soon as she said it every one of us erupted, and she couldn't think why we were laughing. We virtually had to draw her a picture before she saw the funny side of what she had just said.
You are close, but AOC actually stands for Air Officer Commanding.
Sorry but I can't remember any names it's been too long now.
The NAAFI on every signals camp was called the Spiders Web club. I think it comes from the sparks badge we wore on our arm to identify us as signallers. I seem to rememeber it was supposed to look similar to a spiders web.
Regards,
Jimbo
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Jimbo,
you have been a great help,the photo's on the servicepals web site are the only one's I have managed to Obtain apart from one newspaper cutting which I will send to you from my other e mail account. I just loved the story about the bar girl and the cat, good stuff.
The other info about the Spiders web now makes sense its been a puzzle for some time. Jimbo, would it be possible to give me some idea of how many personnel were on the camp during your stay? I have been told the woman out numbered the men :D
I know I am a bother but anything that comes to mind would be a great help.
Regards
Greyhound
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Hi Greyhound,
Couldn't even hazard a guess as to how many personnel were stationed there during my time there. It isn't information that you can easily come by and I don't ever remember it being discussed.
Don't know about the female members of staff either. Although they were there when I arrived in September 1964. By that time the tape relay system had been replaced by a system which was very similar to the Telex system of the day. That meant that fewer bodies were required and a few months after my arrival all WRAF personnel left the camp. We were never told why, but I suspect it was the beginning of the end for the camp. Shame really as I loved my time there.
I can confirm the story regarding the roller skates though, as that was discussed on a number of occasions.
In the Tape Relay days I would suspect that there was around 20 to 30 on each of four shifts, could be out on those figures as its mere speculation on my part, whereas in my day there was a Warrant Officer, Corporal and two airmen on each shift.
The net was replaced by a wall on three sides which had earth banked up against it and was then turfed, so that, from the road, you couldn't see anything. The other side was shielded by the slag heap which frequently burst in to flame and had to be damped down by the fire brigade.
Have you heard of the ghost in the working area? Apparently he walked down the corridor regularly. Think he was a miner who was killed in the pit.
I was on night shift when the phone rang in the early hours. It was the two girls in the telephone exchange at the end of the corridor from us. They were in blind panic....."Theres a ghost waking down the corridor!" they kept screaming at me.
I told them to stay on the line and I went to look down the corridor. Of course I didn't see a thing and went back to the phone, by which time the girls had calmed down and said that it had gone.
I never did see the ghost during my two stints there, but I will never forget the panic and absolute terror in the voices of those two girls.
Jimbo.
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Jimbo,
thanks again for the info, speaking of the ghost, sorry not heard about this. I do know the slag heaps on the side of the camp had a pit there, The Princess Pit and no doubt miners were killed working here. and you know how ghost stories go. :oThe slag heaps were still smoking when I was a kid and smelled awful, :'( wonder what was tipped on them.?
The camp closed in 1971 so somewhere there must be a photo of the closing ceremony.
regards
greyhound(Steve)
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I have just posted a message on SP asking if anyone know of any photos from the closing ceremony, will keep you posted.
Jimbo
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Jimbo,
thanks a bundle, your a pal. ;) Info on this camp is hard to come by.
regards
Greyhound
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No response as yet. Asked an old pal from our Haydock days yesterday if he had any info, but he knows, or remembers, less than me.
Have you tried the local newspaper? I would have thought the closure would have been big news in the Haydock area.
Jimbo ;D
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Jimbo,
thanks again, I have made a little headway, there is a bloke lives not far away from me who served his national service at the camp. I have to look him up as he has passed word on he would only be to pleased to share any info he has ( maybe a photo or two) 8)
regards
Greyhound
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Tried every conceivable search I could think of on the net for RAF Haydock last night but drew a complete blank.
Hope the chap who served his NS there proves fruitful.
Good luck,
Jimbo
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I wonder if the Closing ceremonies are on film!
this site has hundreds of old films!! I didn't look for Haydock but it might be worth a try!
http://www.artifact.ac.uk/nwfastart.php?q=film-makers
Annie :)
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Annie,
thanks for the info much appreciated. I have just had time for a quick look at the web site but it only came up with one item for Haydock, ( no luck with RAF Haydock). :( but thanks again.
Regards
Greyhound
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Jimbo,
I have also searched the web and come up with nothing, hope you can see why I said " it was an hush hush base" cannot find anything.
regards
greyhound
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Greyhound,
I've sent an email to the RAF News asking if they know of any info or photos from the closing ceremony. If I receive a reply I will forward it to you.
Jimbo
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Jimbo,
thanks a lot, you are working hard for me. I never gave it a thought about the RAF news, I still havn,t spoken to the fellow who did his NS at the camp, work is in the way at the moment. :(
regards
Greyhound.
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Have accidentally come across this site just browsing. Haydock was my 1st posting after trade training in 1961.
I worked in the Headquarters in the General Office and it holds many fond memories for me.
It was, as you say a Signals Unit, certainly no more secretive than any other.
There wasn't a lot of personnel there, certainly no more than 300.
At the bottom of Haydock Lane (as we called it) was the British Legion Club and many a pint of Double Diamond was drunk there.
One interesting anecdote was that the famous rugby league player Alex Murphy was stationed there, he also belonged to and played for St Helens.
Alex was a great guy and I often stood in for him as the duty Fire Picket when he had to play for his Club, mind you, I was always well paid for doing so !!!
He was demobbed either in 62 or 63, I specifically remenber this because he was pictured by the local press sitting at my desk with his discharge papers in hand.
I hope this helps "put more meat on the bones". I will keep a look out on the site and perhaps come up with some more info.
Regards
JAMIEKLUTE
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Hi Jamie,
That was interesting re Alex Murphy. Don't remember any mention of him while I was there. It wasn't my first posting after training, that was to Aden, but it was my first UK posting and I loved every second of it.
What you called Haydock Lane I thought we called it Slag Lane. I remember the British Legion, a few of the guys went there on a Sunday lunchtime for the "entertainment" if you know what I mean.
Did you ever visit the Greasy Spoon Transport Cafe on the other side of the East Lancs Road? When we were on camp on a weekend it was an absolute must. Bacon and egg butties like doorstgops and a massive mug of tea, absolutely delicious.
Something else that comes to mind now, probably in 1966 after I left, was that a body was dumped at the top of the sports field, just off the East Lancs Road. My mate from those days, who I am still in touch with, wrote and told me, but I seem to remember it was also in the national papers.
I was in private accommodation with my wife in Grosvenor Road, St Helens when I first moved to Haydock, right opposite the Pilkington Glass factory, and just round the corner from the Saints ground. The people whose house we rented the top floor from were big Saints fans, and even now I'm still a bit of a fan.
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I have also heard about Alex Murphy being at the camp, as for the British Legion, I used to go there every Saturday night with the lads,around 1970s it was a great meeting place but sadly it no longer exists( gone forever) :(
Slag lane was just off Haydock lane, it is the road which leads to what was the officers accommodation, still a few of the original houses still standing, but nothing else of the camp.
Jimbo I am still waiting to hear from the bloke who did his NS if I get anything from him, I will pass it on.
Greyhound.
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Thanks for that. Remember now Slag Lane - What a stink came from the slag heaps.
Remember the cafe too, good food compared to dried egg!
Also recall Gerry Marsden's (The Pacemakers) then girlfriend being typist in the HQ.
Many good nights had in and around St Helens ' Remember going to a small club in Newton lee Willows when the "Beetles" were playing, One of them (George Harrison, I think) asked one of our WRAFs home. When she said no, he asked "Do you know who we are?" " Yes", she said, " one of the Coakraches". "no" he said, "the Beetles".
"I knew it was something that crawled " was her put down line, he wasn't too impressed at all !
Remember also the camp was in two halfs? with the lane in the middle.
Anybody remember a guy called Gerry Scotland from Bolton who served there same time? .
I left when posted to HQ BAOR (Rheindahlen) in 1966.
I liked St Helens very much and would love to see how it's changed. Is Carr Mill still there?
Good to talk and if you want to persue this further, I would suggest you contact "Air Clues" which is a periodic magazine issued by the RAFA. I will get address if you are interested.
Regards
JAMIEKLUTE
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JAMIEKLUTE
We must have been at Haydock at about the same time. I arrived there in September 1964 and left in December 1965, just one week before Christmas, for HQ2ATAF, which was thought to be Rheindahlen, but I ended up in Belgium.
You were lucky, you were on the side of the camp away from the slag heap, we worked right next to it. The scary part was when it caught fire and the fire brigade had to come out to douse it. Happened too often for my liking. Hope they did some serious clearing up if they built houses on it.
Have a look at this link to my website, there are a couple of photos of people you may or may not recognise.
http://www.lowergornal.freeserve.co.uk/RAF_PHOTOS__index.html
All I remember of the WRAF contingent is that one or two caused a bit of trouble amongst the lads, but they all moved out shortly after I arrived there.
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Jimbo,
I left Haydock to go to Germany in Nov 63, so missed your arrival.
Did 3 years at Rheindahlen ant hen went to HQ Strike Command and was based at Stanmore Park.
After a couple of years there, I was posted to Episkopi, where I worked with a lot of Telegraphists within Joint Intelligence.
Eventually I went to RAF Scampton where I was invalided out after being knocked off my motorbike and suffering bust eardrums.
All told, I did 15 years and never regretted a minute of it, maybe apart from some days at Bridgenorth !!.
Your pics very interesting, didn't recognise anyone though.
As I recall, our R&I camp was at a place called Halfpenny green, which was in the Wolverhampton area.
I also come from Scotland, here in the Orkney Isles there are plenty of Andersons and Williamsons. No relatives here?
Anyway, good to talk again, and thsnks for the memories.
Cheers
Jamieklute
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Jamieklute
Sorry, thought you said you left in 1966.
Same here, although I only did 9 years, but loved every second of it, biggest mistake in life was ever leaving the RAF, I even enjoyed Bridgnorth, although I had been in the Army Cadets for 5 years before I enlisted so I was used to being shouted at.
I live about 3 miles from Halfpenny Green airport now. Our R&I camp was at Sleap Aerodrome, near Shrewsbury. A fellow Scot called Charlie Carruthers played the bagpipes, so he had to walk up and down the lines of tents playing reveille. He should have been paid danger money for the number of boots that were thrown at him.
He ended up as one of my room mates for my last few months in Aden. He came out three weeks after me and 12 months down the line he was still as white as the day he arrived. Never did anything or went anywhere, just went to work and came back and lay on his bed, so we dragged him everywhere with us and when I left he was a lot happier young lad and had a good tan as well.
My Anderson line is from Glasgow from what little we know of it at the moment, but my father was from Wick, Caithness. He was one of 14 children so who knows where they all ended up. Havent heard of any from the Orkney Isles though.
Take care,
Jimbo
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Jimbo,
Have just received my copy of "Air Mail", The official RAF Association magazine. This may be of interest to you in your research of Haydock.
If you wish, I will post you this copy gratis as I am also interested in anything to do with the camp around that period.
If you don't want to leave your address with me, the conact nos for "Air Mail are:
Tel: 01892600192
Fax:01892665375
Website www.rafatrad.co.uk
Good hunting.
Jamieklute
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Jamieklute
That's very kind of you. I would be delighted to take up your offer. If you contact me on jwilliamson@lowergornal.freeserve.co.uk I will send you my details.
Many thanks again.
Jimbo.
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Hi !
I wonder if you gentlemen would like to take a look at the RAF and WW2 questions on here ? - I'm sure you all know more about airplanes than most of us do - and we would appreciate your help!!
Annie :)
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Hi Annie,
Hmmmm, might bew interested! Where do I start?
Jimbo.
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Hi Jimbo!
You're on the Armed Forces board - with all different questions about all wars - Army Navy and Airforce! scroll and see what you can see - but be careful this board can be addictive!! ::) ::) ::)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,300.0.html
Annie ;)
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Hi Greyhound - It's several months since you asked for background to the Camp so don't know whether you've completed your research. I was stationed there between 1955 and 1956. Have a few pics but only of the people. It was my first posting after training and I travelled to the camp with another airman who lived in the lane outside the camp. On my first evening I was introduced to the rest of his family. His uncle I think was a wrestler called Dominic Pye. The Transport cafe just outside the camp was so popular that it was placed 'Out of Bounds' by the Commanding Officer because everyone was going there for their breakfast instead of the Mess. I returned to St. Helens about 8 years ago for a look round. But got completely confused with the geography and couldn't find anything. Regards RAFlad
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Hi Raflad,
thanks for the info, regarding my research its still ongoing but very slow ( hitting the wall all the time) finding out anything regarding RAF Haydock seems to be hard work.
I am researching/gathering any info about Haydock itself, so any photos at all will be of help.
Anyway back to RAF Haydock, the lane outside the camp was called Haydock lane and as you know the camp itself was split in half by this road. the camp has now been completely demolished apart from one small area were the officers used to live, this is named Avery Close. The whole of the camp has been built on ( new houses etc).
I would appreciate anything at all which come to mind regarding RAF Haydock as already mentioned its hard going.
Regards
Steve.
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Hi raflad, jimbo and Liverpool Annie I was at Haydock from Nov 1956 to May 1958. While there the roller skates were introduced about the end of 1957. the Waafs outnumbered us by about 5 to 4. CO was Sdn Ldr Brickhill.& my watch Sgt was McIntryre. I was on C watch in Seco 2
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Hi everyone
Just discovered this site. I was in the WRAF at RAF Haydock from 1954 until1956, when I left to go to Germany. I remember the camp very well - could even draw a map of it. I was a Teleprinter Op. I have some photos of the WRAF block, both inside and out, also other photos of us on parade for Remembrance Day I think. We worked shifts. After night duty we went to the Transport Cafe for breakfast - I think I also have a photo of some of the girls taken outside the cafe. I made many good friends at Haydock and a couple of years back about 8 of us met , in York, to celebrate the 50th anniversery of our first meeting, we have all kept in touch in spite of now living so far apart. My watch WO was WO Roberts and he formed a "choir" -and we used to go round Haydock inflicting ourselves on poor unsuspecting people in hospital and such like. One Winter there was a flu epidemic and as sick quarters only had two beds, the girls who were sick all got moved into one of the bigger rooms in the WRAF block and we all suffered together - then got two weeks sick leave. The Wraf Officer there had a nice little scotty type dog - got a picture of him as well.
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RAF Haydock is now a housing estate. It was not a large station but a Radio Station, the big station was RAF/USAF Airbase at Burtonwood.
The main runway for Burtonwood is now the part of the M62 which goes past the Trading Estate at Warrington.
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Jimbo there was a greasy spoon cafe (Transport Cafe) on the East Lancashire Road just up the road from Haydock (Burkhills) opposite Carr Mill Dam.
Alex Murphy and a lot of other Rugby League players , from Warrington, Wigan, Leigh, etc., who were sent to RAF Haydock to do their National Service. Easy for them to get home for the matches.
It was amazing how many of them joined the RAF and ended up at Haydock.
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I'm not sure if this is a widely known fact but RAF Haydock was known as RAF Blackbrook during the second world war, as measure of secracy.
The staff of the North Western Signals Centre (NWCC), or atleast some of them, were billeted at Winstanley Hall near Wigan. The hall today is in a very poor state as can be seen here (http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=18086) and information regarding the RAF use of the hall here (http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=253512&postcount=14), that information was found from a publication called Past Forward produced by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust here (http://www.wlct.org/Culture/Heritage/pf33.pdf) pages 37 to 39. The hall was used as the Officers mess, whilst the non-commissioned ranks were billeted in Nissen huts in the grounds.
I hope this helps, I came across this forum and thread whilst searching for information on RAF Haydock myself.
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I have lived not far from there all my life even during WW2 and have never ever heard it called anything but RAF Haydock. certainly not RAF Blackbrook with was a mile or two down the road from it.
The only mention of RAF Blackbrook was the Amatuer Rugby League Team that played with the local team at Blackbrook.
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All I can say is read the .pdf file I linked too. That and information about RAF Haydock turns up on Google when you search for RAF Blackbrook... ;)
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Well you cannot believe everything you read on Google, its only information put there by another human being not necessarily correct or even checked out.
I never ever use Google as a search engine.
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Well you cannot believe everything you read on Google, its only information put there by another human being not necessarily correct or even checked out.
I never ever use Google as a search engine.
Which search engine do you use?
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The transport cafe was to the right of the camp diagonally across the road from the Comcen - Carr Mill was considerably further away. Alex Muphy was on the same watch as I was.
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Shiralee,
If Alex Murphy was on the same watch as you than we must have been there at the same time. Do you remember anybody who worked in the Station Hq ?., namely Gwen Nicholas or Jim Monkman ?.
If my memory serves me right, the transport cafe was exactly where you say.
British Legion Club was at the bottom of the lane.
Jamieklute
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Alex was only a token member of RAF Haydock so that he could continue to play Rugby League at St Helens.
There were quite a few of the other "Saints players" there under the same rules as well.
Here are the comments from my friends from Haydock (Yickers)
1.
ask sir alex murphy were it was, he did most of his time there, with occasional week-end leave to play for saints, it was raf haydock, there has never been an raf blackbrook, allthough it was raf haydock it was only a radio station not an operational station for planes to take off and land,
2. The RAF Camp isn't 'in' Haydock. It's actually in Seneley Green/Garswood. The head lease to the land it stands on belongs to the Gerrard family (bancrupt title) whereas Haydock's head lease belongs to the Legh family (Lord Newton). The boundary between the two 'manors' is Clipsley Brook. If you go along the new 'Blackbrook by-pass' (A58) and turn down towards Haydock, you'll notice a 'Welcome to Haydock' sign, at the point where Clipsley Brook runs under the road. The by-pass side of the brook isn't Blackbrook, it's Seneley Green/Garswood.
Springfield Park is built on the the section of the camp where the offices and the naafi were. The radio centre and associated offices were on the opposite side of Haydock Lane going towards the East Lancs.
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Hi Jamieklute - thanks for confirming the situation of the Transport Cafe, (the reason I went from 9 stone to 13 stone whilst at Haydock) I did not really know anyone from HQ I am afraid.
Dancingmaster - RAF Haydock was not a radio station but North West Signals Centre and it was just tape relay and teleprinters.
Found the geographical/historical info very interesting.
Alex was not the only rugby player on my watch, there was another one who once lifted me up and put me in the waste paper sack - he must have been a big lad (see above)
Soon lost the extra weight when no longer tempted by giant breakfasts and huge mugs of tea !!
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The cafe was Burkhills. was there till the East Lancs got an overdose of Little Chef's and those short of cafes.
Then the lorry drivers were not as numerous as they had been.
Spent many many happy times at Carr Mill.
I have a present day photograph of the road junction at Carr Mill and where Burkhills greasy spoon used to be.
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:I always remember coming off night bind & tottering over there at about 0830. Seems to be an awful shotage of folk there when I was even though we had A B C E & night watch. There nov 56 to May 1958
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it was a family run business and they also had a cafe (Edinburgh Cafe) in Church Street, St Helens, and they bought out Mortons Bakery in North Road, St Helens.
So early in the mornings they would be baking bread and the most wonderful cakes for the shop and the cafe as well, They were not the sort of things that would sell in a "greasy spoon"
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Information on this RAF location is available in official records should anyone wish to explore further. RAF Blackbrook and RAF Haydock are one and the same place. The site plans for both are held at the RAF Museum, Hendon and are identical. The Operations Records Books for both RAF Blackbrook and RAF Haydock are held at the National Archives, Kew under AIR 28 and AIR 29. I accept that this information was just put there by another human being but it seems it's the best we've got if anyone is serious about taking this further. I was careful not to use Google.
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Information on this RAF location is available in official records should anyone wish to explore further. RAF Blackbrook and RAF Haydock are one and the same place. The site plans for both are held at the RAF Museum, Hendon and are identical. The Operations Records Books for both RAF Blackbrook and RAF Haydock are held at the National Archives, Kew under AIR 28 and AIR 29. I accept that this information was just put there by another human being but it seems it's the best we've got if anyone is serious about taking this further. I was careful not to use Google.
Thank you.
Using Google isn't an issue, aslong as you can interpret the sources it provides.
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There were several pit disasters in Haydock in the late 1800's.
http://www.healeyhero.co.uk/rescue/com/ian/page_3.htm
There are several books written by *** Winstanley about all the disasters in Haydock area.
One is called Weep Mothers Weep.
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I was stationed at RAF Haydock from 1959-1961. The head count at that time was approximately 200. More than half were women. During my time at Haydock there were two St helens rugby players doing national service. The first was Alex Murphy, who later became a commentator for the BBC. The second was Austin Rhodes and as far as I know both lived in St Helens. When they were playing on saturdays but were expected to do duties, such as fire picket, I would stand in for them for the grand sum of ten shillings that is fifty pence in new money.
The living quarters for all single men and women were in two blocks opposite the entrance to the business part of the camp. The station commander had the rank of Squadron Leader and lived in a house further down Haydock lane.
There was a British Legion club down the bottom of Haydock Lane where the local bookies runner plied his trade, betting shops were illegal at this time.
I my minds eye I can still see the layout of the station. However, I dont have any photo's.
Hope you find this of interest
Cocker
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Cocker,
Where did you work in the camp ?.
I was stationed there from April 61 and worked in the General Office.
I also stood in for Alex Murphy on fire picket duty. Good money in them days !.
Please reply.
Cheers
Jimbo
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jimbo,
nice to hear from you.
I worked in the SWO's office as best I can remember his name was mc garvey and he was from liverpool. I was posted to Akrotiri cyprus in february 1961 therefore we would not have met. The only person I can remember who was probably still there when you arrived was a Cpl barnes in the fire section who was married to a girl from cyprus.
I went back to haydock about ten years ago to see what the place looked like now and even the slag heap had gone.
Regards cocker
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Cocker,
Thanks for rapid reply.
I was across the square from the SWOs office. Alex M used to work there when he wasn't playing rugby !.
Do you remember the big Sgt policeman (can't remember his name), well he died shortly after getting demobbed.
I had many a pint in the Legion down the lane.
I went to Rheindahlen after Haydock, but I did get to Episkopi in 1971.
Have been back to Cyprus on hols many times and am seriously thinking of retiring there, mind you, it has changed a lot, hundreds of ex pats living there and there's even a British Legion club in Limassol.
I am in the Orkney Islands, what about yourself ?.
Any, good to, talk, look forward to hearing from you again.
Cheers
Jimbo
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hi jimbo,
Sorry I have no recollection of the sergeant mp. However, I do recall that in the time I was at haydock they started recruiting WAF'S from the local population
who were allowed to live at home and as far as I know would not be posted anywhere else.
Were you aware of this ? and do you know if the practice continued.
There was a corporal in the stores who's first name was Danny and he was Scottish, you might remember him.
After haydock I spent two and a half years at akrotiri. On return I was posted to 16 M.U Stafford for six months before demob in 1964.
I retired from the civil service in 2006 and frequently holiday in Cyprus.
If you know anything about the live at home WAF'S do let me know.
regards cocker
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Cocker,
Thanks for another rapid reply.
Do you remember a W.O. Nash ?. (I think that was his name). He was in charge of the stores. I can't remember any guy called Danny there.
You may remember a Cpl who worked in the SWOs office. He was a fairly small and thin guy, a very good snooker player as I recall, even though he was colour blind !.
About the local lasses who lived locally. Yes I remember them well. I actually courted one for a while. Her surname was Liptrop and she came from Ashton under Lyne?. A very pretty girl she was as well.
A few names you may remember: Gwen Nicholas (worked in General Office).
Gerry Scotland (worked with the SWO)
I actually did 15 years in the RAF in total. I was knocked off a motorbike in Germany, got 2 perforated eardrums and eventually was invalided out in 1976. Not too bad though, I got a half decent pension.
I have been back home in Orkney for 29 years now and manage a Shipping company. Am due for retirement next year and am looking forward to it.
Where are living in retirement now ?.
I'll close now but it's great talking with you, pleaselet me know if you remember any of the people mentioned.
Cheers
Jimbo
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Once again Hi,
Can't say that any of the names ring a bell. However, the Cpl in the SWO'S
office was a short skinny chap with a very distinctive mustache I think his surname was Smidgey and he lived in Newton-le-willows.
I have lived in Swansea for the past thirty five years.
cocker
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Cocker,
Yes, that's the guy I recall. I used to play snooker with him a lot, he was a fairly good guy for somebody working with the SWO !.
A pity you don't remember any of the names I gave you, mind you after 47 years, it's little wonder !.
I eventually married one of the WRAFs I met at Haydock, unfortunately our marriage broke down 15 years later and I'm now married to a local girl for the past 25 years. I probably should never have married an English girl in the 1st place !.
We were last in Cyprus last year. We stayed in Limassol, but that town is getting more commercialised by the day. I see that the Turks are beginning to open up the north end of the island a fair bit. I think that they realise that, without the tourists, ther isn't much economic future for them.
The Paralimni area and Protoras area seem to be attracting a good few Brits these days. Paphos is very expensive, probably down to the tourists !.
I certainly intend to spend a few months each year somewhere in Cyprus when I retire. I will then be in a better position to decide whether or not we'd like to move over permanently. The weather certainly seems to have hotted up a lot since I was there with the RAF.
Any Cocker, once again it's great to talk with you, feel free to reply anytime.
Regards
Jimbo
F4269386 (never forget your nuber !)
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Hi Greyhound!
Just found this site and since I was a WRAF at RAF Haydock from Feb 64- August 65 thought I might be able to answer some of your questions.
Yes, there were local WRAFs at RAF Haydock. In my time, I believe there were only 2 and both working in HQ in the Accounting Office with me. One was from the Manchester area and the other from Liverpool. At the time, there were additional MQ's in Fazakerley, on the outskirts of Liverpool and the Liverpool "local" WRAF caught the RAF bus at Fazakerley MQ's with the married personnel. She later went on to Cranwell and became an officer.
RAF Haydock was (what we called) de-WRAFfed in summer 1965 in preparation, we believed for the ultimate closing of the camp.
For anyone who was at RAF Haydock during the time I was there, do you remember:
Cpl Ken Dodds - Accounting
Flt Lt Symondson - Accounting
SACW Jacqui Hurley - Accounting
SACW Janet O'Dell - General Office
SACW Roisin Mullen - General Office
SACW Pam Smith - Telephonist
Cpl Andy (forget his last name) - Police
Sqn Ldr Pollock - our C.O.
and of course, last but not least Spud Murphy, our camp comedian.
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This is for Jimbo!
Hey Jimbo, I was at RAF Haydock the same time you were and have checked out the pictures you have on your website. On the parade ground one, who was the Corporal fourth from the right, can you remeber his name? I recognise that face. Also can you put names to any of the other faces? Some of them look somewhat familiar ... but that Corporal definitely.
Also, I don't remember the WRAF's causing any trouble at all at Haydock and neither does another WRAF who was there with me. Any chance you got Haydock mixed up with another of your camps?
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This for alexisian1.
I was in the General Office/Families office until I was posted to Rheidahlen in Nov 63. My wife also worked in the office and was quite paly with Pam Smith, I also remember the Mullen girl, but I left shortly after she arrived. I do recall Flt Lt Symondson (tall fellow) and also the CO. Do you recall a guy called Gerry Scotlan, he came from Bolton and was a telegraphist ?.
Anyway, nice to talk, let me know if any other names spring to mind. There was WO Nash in charge of the stores across the square and Flt Lt Fleet ?, the families Officer.
Please keep in touch.
Rgds
Jamieklute
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This is for JamieKlute
Hi Jamie!
Yes, Flt Lt Symondson was tall and thin. I don't remember the Stores WO but do remember the ex-WW2 pilot who worked there who died suddenly. (He was given a terrific military burial). You were saying your wife worked in General Office and was pally with Pam Smith. Pam was my room-mate along with Jan O'Dell. What was your wife's name. Jan worked in General Office while Pam was at Haydock so your wife's name might be familiar to her. There was also an awfully nice black chap working in General Office at that time, too and neither one of us can remember his name. Maybe your wife remembers?
You were asking if I remembered any more names. As a matter of fact, I was just talking to Jan today and we were trying to remember some of the other people at Haydock when we were. We remembered Cpl(W) Jill Witt (WRAF Admin), Brian Williams (Accounting) but we couldn't, for the life of us, remember the name of the WO i/c the Mess who was so good to Jan and I. Can you remember his name? Not overy tall, portly and made smashing grub! Oh and for the person who said the Guard Room was just as you went into CommCen - no it wasn't. The Guard Room was across the square from HQ.
Jan has a picture of a parade for Remembrance Day from RAF Haydock she'd like to post but neither one of us seem to be able to find out how to post it. If anyone can help, would appreciate it. Behind Jan, in the picture are some of the officers from Haydock. She also has pictures of her with Pam Smith (CommCen) outside the Spider's Web.
I take it you weren't there the night the WRAFs raided the mens block then? What a riot. We didn't get caught .... but the men did making a return raid and they were all up on charge the next day.
Cheers!
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For Alexisian,
Thanks for rapid reply. Unfortunately, my wife and I are no longer an item but her maiden name was Gwen Nicholas. She left Haydock and was posted to Freckelton. She also worked in the General Office with myself. Time has certainly dimmed my memory 'cos I can't recall many people from the camp at all. If that photo is posted it may help me to recognise somebody. It wouls also be good if the photo of Pam Smith were also posted. I would forward it to my ex wife whom I'm sure will appreciate it.
I do recall a WRAF Fg Off in the HQ. She was scottish I think.
I also remember a WRAF called Liptrot who was a local girl and went home every night.
Do you recall the girl in the Spiders Web club called Sylvia ?. She came from North Wales ?.
I can't recall the raid on the mens accommodation, but there was many a good time had in the female block as well !.
Anyway, it's good to talk with you, please keep in touch.
Cheers
Jamieklute
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This message is for JamieKlute
Hi Jamie!
Jan says the first name of the Liptrot girl was Maureen though I don't believe that was the surname of either girl who worked with me in Accounting.
When was your (ex) wife posted to Freckleton? Her name sounds familiar for some reason.
The only WRAF Flying Officer I remember was Margaret Eagles but she definitely wasn't Scottish. She was the only WRAF officer for a time, then they brought in another female officer for companionship for her but that person worked off base somewhere. Can't remember her name but she was short, dark and a little on the plump side.
I'm afraid I don't remember the names of anyone who worked in the Spider's Web but that may be because we were nearly always in the front room (with the fireplace, remember?) dancing to the juke box.
If you remember good times INSIDE the WRAF Block then you were definitely there before I was as, at no time while I was there, was a male permitted any further than the front entrance. The men didn't even make it inside the WRAF block when they did their return raid. They were caught when the first one was straddling the window sill in the Duty WRAF office. <grin>
I will look for the CD with the picture of Jan and Pam on it and post it ASAP - or should I say WEF EPD?
Nice talking to you, too.
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Alexesian,
Many thanks for reply. Was any of the girls you mentioned working in the General Office Irish ?, I think I can recall an Irish girl there. Was Ken Dodds fair haired guy with glasses ?, maybe even a wee bit pompous ?. Yes , I do recall that Maureen Liptrot was a local girl, she came from Ashton under Lyne I think. I don't think she worked in the HQ, I think it was in the Comcen.
I do recall that there was 2 WRAF officers in the HQ, maybe the ones I remember had gone before you got there.
My ex wife left for Freckleton shortly before I was posted to Rheindahlen in Nov 63. We weren't married then, but did get married in 1964. Are you in contact with Pam Smith?, 'cos I'm sure she'd remember her. She came from Preston.
Anyway, thanks for the info, please keep in touch, Haydock was one of my favourite camps and I saw a few in the 15 years I was in the RAF.
Cheers
Jamieklute
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This message is for JamieKlute
Hi Jamie!
Yes, Roisin Mullen, who worked in General Office was Irish and Ken Dodds did have blonde hair and wore glasses. As for Pam Smith, I didn't keep in touch with her when she was posted from Haydock but Jan O'Dell did. As far as I understand from Jan, Pam married an American and is/was living somewhere in California. I must find that picture of Jan and Pam outside the Spider's Web and put it on this site for you.
By the way, how long were you in Rheindahlen? I was posted to Wildenrath after a stint at RAPO in November '65 and was married at St Thomas More church in Rheindahlen in Nov '66.
Also, if you go look at the pictures Jimbo gave the lilnks to, you'll see one of the AOC's parade at Haydock. Take a look at the fourth chap from the right on parade. Both Jan and I recognise him, know he worked in CommCen and can't remember his name. Perhaps you know him?
Alexisian1
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This message is for JamieKlute!
Hi Jamie!
Sorry, got fouled up. The reply to your email is on Page 1.
Alexisian1
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This message is for JamieKlute
Hi Jamie!
Found a couple of pictures of Pam Smith and Jan O'Dell outside the Spider's Web. They were doing some work outside the Club at the time as they had girders up. I think these were taken in Spring, '65.
I have one more of Jan O'Dell when she marched with the band in a Remembrance Day parade. You may recognize some of the men behind her as they were all from Haydock. Will post that later.
Alexisian1
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Message for JamieKlute
Hi Jamie
I see my mate Jac has put a couple of pictures on site for you. Jac and I were very friendly with Pam, she was in the same room as us. I last heard from her a good few years ago. She sent me a photo of her and her husband and little girl, then we lost touch. I have been on Forces Reunited to see if I could find her, but no luck.
When you were there was there a Cpl in the Police called Andy Richards? When he left the RAF he was in th Police stationed near Warrington I just can't recall the name. He got married and live in Clock Face near St Helens.
Do you remember Sgt Carthy in General Office, he was a little love, I could wrap him round my little finger LOL. Also in the General Office was a Boy Entrant named Alan, don't remember his surname. When I worked in the General Office I was on the overseas posting, making sure everyone got there jabs and what not.
Also do you remember the PTI who was at Haydock. He used to train me in Athletics, when I could be bothered to turn up LO, and another guy called John Long.
Hope you will keep in touch
Red Setter
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This message is for JamieKlute:
Hi Jamie!
I see Jan has finally got online and talked to you about Pam and the people in General Office. Anyway, as promised, here's a picture of her when she marched with the band for the Remembrance Day parade - must have been '64 as the WRAF's were all gone from Haydock by November '65. Do you recognize any of the faces?
Keep in touch!
Alexisian!
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For Alexesian & Red Setter,
Girls, it was great hearing from you both so soon and thanks a lot for the photos. I certainly recognise Pam Smith, she was there the same time as myself and, like I said was friendly with my ex wife. The Mullen girl I also remember, I think I may have worked in the Families Office at this time, but I think I left shortly after she arrived. Thanks also for jogging my memory about Sgt Carthy, Mick was his christian name and he was Irish. He was a lovely man and very considerate, if not a bit of a softy with the girls !.
I think I heard that he had died suddenly of a heart attack. If we know these folks, you must recall a shy wee scotsman who was difficult to understand because of his accent ?, that was me, I come from the Orkney Isles and was a lot quieter than than I am now !. I don't recognise anyone from the photos, but I'll forward them to the ex to see if she knows any of the faces. I also remember aguy from Todmorden called Neil (?), can't remember his surname, but he wore glasses and dare I say, a bit scruffy !.
Once again girls, thanks for the chat, I feel as if I know you both now.
Keep talking please.
Best regards
Jamieklute
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This message is for JamieKlute
Hi Jamie!
So you recognized the picture of Pam Smith, eh? Good. Since you seem to know a few people in G.O, are you sure you don't remember Jan? That's where she worked and at the same time as Roisin Mullen. As for Sgt McCarthy, what a shame. He was a nice man - and Jan can vouch for the fact that he was a softie when it came to the girls. <grin>
Wasn't the families office to the left as you walked in the front door of HQ, down towards the C.O's office? I have a vague recollection of an SAC that worked down that way but Jan would probably remember more clearly. Wasn't there a lady who worked in the Families Office too?
Do you remember Andy Richards from the Guard Room? How about Spud Murphy? The one thing Jan and I would really like to recall is the name of the WO i/c the Mess. Lovely person! Can you remember his name?
All for now. Let Jan and I know if you recall any more names.
Alexisian1
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For Alexesian,
Thanks again for replying so rapidly. I've tried to recall the names you gave, but without any luck. I was only a young lad then and probably Cpls was away above my station !. I do recall a Cpl medic who was i/c the Medical Centre, I think his christian name was Dennis, can you recall this guy.
Yes, the Families Office was down the corridor from the general office, but I did a stint in the general office as well and Sgt Carthy was my boss. I was the leave clerk and also overseas movements. Do you remember a civilian girl who was a typist in the HQ, I think she may have had some connection with Gerry Marsden from the Pacemakers ?.
I can't remember Jan, again I'll ask my ex, she may remember her. When did both of you arrive/leave Haydock ?.
All for now, keep talking.
Cheers
Jamieklute
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Message for Jamieklute
Hi Jamie
You must have already left when I joined Haydock as I use to do the overseas postings. My desk was the first one on the right hand side as you walked in. Do you remember the dark Cpl who worked in the GO he was a lovely guy, I can remember his face but just cannot think of his name, I couldn't wrap him round my little finger. Sgt Carthy was also my boss I'm so sorry he died he was also a great guy. I was there from late 1963 until it was de-wrafed in 1965, I think I was there about six months before Jac came. Was there a Commanding Officer called Sq Leader Urkhart, his name seems to stick in my mind, I'm sure he was there when I first arrived.
I can remember the name Dennis in the MO's office but just cannot remember his face. I should do really as I was in there enough times with tonsillitis LOL.
I don't remember your wife working in the GO. When I was there there was only me, Roisin Mullen, Alan, Sgt Carthy and the Cpl whose name I can't remember. Mine and Alan's desk faced inwards and across the window, Sgt Carthy's desk was at the back, then the Cpl's desk in front of him and then Roisin in front of the the Cpl. So you you walked in the first person you saw was Roisin Mullen.
Did you go on the ski trip, well we were just practicing, can't remember where we went but Jac will know. Had a great day, came back to camp soaking wet.
All for now
Red Setter.
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For Red Setter,
Hi again, if you are Janet O'dell and was in the Gen Off at Haydock in 1961 - 1963, then we must have kniown/worked with each other. When did you arrive / leave Haydock ?.
I certainly remember the dark fellow, he was the Cpl in the Gen Off during my time there and before I was transferred to the Families Office. I can't think of his name, but you must have some memory to recall different places and people after all this time. This guy, as I recall had some sort of skin complaint on his face as he always seemed to have the makings of a beard, can you remember this ?.
I also remember that, sometimes he was pleasant enough, but also could be a proper tyrant if stepped out of line.
I remember that, because I was in the HQ building, I was very often delegated as an escort for anybody up on a charge, was the CO's office down the corridor on the left ?.
I have forwarde the photos of yourself/ Pam on to my ex, will let youknow what she can remember.
Got to go now, look after yourself and keep them memories alive !.
Cheers
Jamieklute
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Hi Jamie
Just a quick note, I am not always on this computer you know, I think it might seem like that to you, I do have things to do LOL.
Yes is certainly is me. I was at Haydock late 63 to 65 and left when it was dewrafed.
Yes I can remember that Cpl having some sort of skin complaint and he was a holy terror if you got on the wrong side of him, but Sgt Carthy was always on my side. LOL
The CO's Office was down the corridor on the right hand side. When we raided the RAF Block both Jac and I had to go and see him, we thought we would both be on a charge, but he just told us the next time we did it to take some string with us, tie all the doors together then bang on them all and run like hell back to our block LOL. We had some good time there I was so sad when we all had to leave.
Speak soon.
Red Setter
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Red Setter,
The Mullen girl must have arrived shortly before you did, 'cos I certainly remember her. I left for Rheindahlen in Nov 63. I easily remember this because, I was in my billet in Germany and writing to my wife to be when the news came on the radio that J F K had been shot.
How long were you in thje WRAFs?, and where are you living now ?.
Talk again.
Jamieklute
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Jimbo737
Dad was based at Haydock prior to being posted RAF Sculthorpe in 1969.
He was Sgt. Ken McDonnell (4 kids, 1 wife poor man).
Happy memories of Haydock include: Spiders Web Sat/Sundays, Film shows incl. 633 Squadron, the Dambusters, It snowing on Christmas day 1968 or 1969? and 5 aside on the footie pitches, etc.
Dad now lives in Manchester but was an Arsenal supporter!
He's not too hot on technology but if he's familiar let me know, he'd love to hear.
My sister had her wedding and reception at Newton le Willows last year and went to see the place. SAD, it's all changed TOO MUCH.
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Just found this site - and what memories it brought back of RAF Haydock (NWCC). I arrived, as an LAC Tel, in Aug 1960 from Boy Entrant training. It was a tape relay centre then and I recall (but could be wrong) my watch was about 40 - 50 strong. At mid day the 'boost' watch came on and there were probably 60-odd people working in the Comcen during the afternoon. And yes - I well remember people on roller skates distributing message tapes all over the place. It was a mad house at times - but it worked!
The watch boss was Warrant Officer Roberts and the only others I can remember were Cpl Ken Green and my mate from Cosfod, Pete Flattery, who married a WRAF called Joan (Hynes, I think).
Around 1960/1961 NWCC became a TASS Relay centre and watch sizes dropped to around half a dozen. This co-incided with the end of National Service (and I do remember Alex Murphy).
And the 'ghost'..? I certainly remember the girls in the PBX being scared on the night watch. There were usually two of them, on their own, at the end of a long cold corridor. There were all sorts of noises outside the door and I do remember having to go up there now and then to calm them down.
Haydock was a really happy camp, as I recall. I liked it because I came from Manchester and could get home easily. However many who were there were not 'local' but had specially asled to be posted there.
I left, in 1961 to go to Nigeria for 9 months - but that's another tale...
Was also at Commcen Episkopi from 1964 - 1968 (for four years, lucky chap!).
Did 22 years in the RAF and can honestly say I enjoyed 99% of it (well, duty NCO on a sunny Saturday afternoon was a pain!).
All the best to everyone!
RoyBoy
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Hi folks, another ex RAF just discovered this site. Was stationed @ RAF Haydock from 1962 - 64, do remember the Spiders Web Club, was based on the SU on the far side Of the sports field, please contact for more info.
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Hi Steve
You must remember me and my friend Jaq, because we were there at that time, she has posted some photos of when we were there, outside the Spiders Web Club. We both use to take the money when the dances were held on a Thursday night. Do you remember Andy Richards (police) and Spud Murphy. Boy what a time we had there, let me know of any of your memories while you were there.
Best wishes
Red Setter
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Hi Red Setter
What's your friends ID on here so I can access pics as names don't reg but pics might. Yes Thursday night dances, we used to be on the door as well. Remember the PTI Alan and lad in GO Alan Lewis. Memories of Haydock many how long you got
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OK Folks what was on the juke box ???
http://open.spotify.com/track/1E1iUNpqcbXK96AXHbV9oP
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Hi Steve
You must remember Jaq (Alexesian1), Janet (Red Setter) Pam Smith. Jaq worked in Accounts, me GO and Pam in PBX, we were great friends. If you worked in GO then you will know Sgt Carthy and I remember Alan, small guy with blonde hair. Do you remember the Cpl that worked in GO I can't remember his name. You will also know Rosin Mullen. Can you remember the WO that was in the Mess, he was a lovely guy, he made my 21st cake and we had the party in the spiders Web.
Let me know who you remember.
Red Setter
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Hi Red Setter and all others reading this !!!!
Seems to be a bit of a mix up so let's put things straight. Didn't work in GO or the main site at all. OK so now I'll start over ( Are you sitting Comfortable ? Then I'll begin)
Me I'm Steve Beddoe and was stationed at RAF Haydock from Sept 1962? 'till Oct 1964. It was my first posting after basic training ( RAF Bridgnorth ) and trade training ( RAF Comptom Bassett ) I was posted to RAF Haydock to join the Bomber Command radar unit, situated the far side of the camp sports field next to the East Lancs road ( just across the road from "That Cafe")
I did know Alan Lewis from Go and another tall dark haired guy whose name escapes me, Alan the PTI, the policeman yes ( Well I would having been marched to the guardroom under close arrest [ That's another story ] )
Someone mention the Naffi girl ? I'm fairly sure one of the guys from the admin was attending to her needs.
As I said we were Bomber Command guys and you lot were Sig's and there was a little, shall we say rivalry at times.
Don't remember a WRAF raid on RAF block ( Don't doubt it for one moment ) I can confirm that there many raids on the WRAF block ( Far end fire doors and rest room )
Tieing doors together, that did happen, ended up in blood being spilt one night in the RAF block 9 some was mine )
Spiders Web Club yes and the NAFFI before it.
Ended up engaged to a local girl I met at a camp dance before I got posted to Malaya in'64 ( got a "Dear John" a few months later )
I do vaguely remember some of you guys and the photos ring a bell, but we did spend a lot ot time off camp, as some of the guys with us were localish, Liverpool/Manchester.
OK name check time, all these guys were Bomber Command :-
Flt Ltn Ford' Sgt Harry Buckland, Cpl Hank Watson, Mick Abson, Mick Doe, Malc Healey, Jonny Guy, Ted Hyslop, Dave ? Askew, Jock Burnette,
I did meet one of the Haydock WRAF's years later at a dance at RAF Patrington, but's that's another story.
Take care all the best Steve xx
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RAF Haydock
Image removed as it breaks copyright rules
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Hi Steve
Was that photo taken coming off camp onto Clipsey Lane? The other photo you have can you make that larger, as it won't let me enlarge it for some reason. Alan the PTI use to train me in the high jump and 100 meters, the playing field were just behind the WRAF block.
Red Setter
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Hi Red Setter
The photo where ? I got it off servicepals.com. I don't think it was Clipsey Lane, but, Haydock Lane, I do however think it's the Sig's(On the left) and Admin block(On the right) Don't know when it was taken, but with not a WRAF in sight, it must be after you girls left ??? If you type in Avery Road ( As mentioned here as where someone lived ) on multimap.com you get a good view of the area as it now is ( Select aerial shot )
So Alan trained you, so do you ever remember going to RAF Sealand for a sports day, I went along for the ride and ended up guesting for you Sig's guys and running in the mile ( Came second in borrowed footwear if memory serves me right)
Yes I remember the Playing field well, used to play football and cricket for the station.
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Hi all,
I worked in the GO/Families Office from mid 61 until posted to Rheindahlen in Nov 63. I was the dark haired guy and it was me who was courting ? the NAAFI girl called Sylvia. My name was Jim Monkman and I came from Scotland. I was in the GO at the same time as Sgt Carthy and also the dark Cpl. There was also a chap called Neil ?,he wore glasses and came from Todmorden. Anybody remember ?. A WRAF called Gwen Nicholas also worked in the GO. She was also a good pal of Pam Smiths.
Many years ago and loads of memories, sadly fading with the years, nevertheless, it's good to talk with you all.
Cheers
Jamieklute
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Hello all,
I know it's a little late in the day to be commenting about RAF Haydock, so anything I say might well have been said before.
The RAF camp known as RAF Haydock is often referred to as RAF Blackbrook.
This must come from the 'North West Signals Centre' being codenamed 'RAF Blackbrook' during WW2.
I don't know the exact reason for the use of 'Blackbrook' but, due to the nature of the work undertaken there, it was probably for security and after the war this did not matter so much and it was changed to Haydock, no doubt so personnel could find it more easily.
In actual fact, RAF Haydock (the admin. block and the accompanying accommodation at least) was not in Haydock at all. It was in Ashton in Makerfield, the brook called 'Clipsley Brook', being the boundary between the two places, running between the Signals Station and the Camp.
(should anyone deny this, I live on the site and pay parish tax to Seneley Green Parish Council anually. Seneley Green is part of Ashton in Makerfield township)
The name of the road running between the two sites is Haydock Lane, a smaller road named Slag Lane runs between the Camp (Admin. / Naafi / Spiders Web etc.), and the accommodation sector (Avery Road, Square, Crescent).
The camp has now been developed and, as said previously, the 'Avery' houses remain. Others have been built alongside them and the 'official' side of the camp is now called 'Springfield Park'.
Jemmy.
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Hi Folks,
I was posted to "North West C.C" in 1952. We were billeted at RAF Fazackerley, and driven up and down the East Lancs, by garry, to and from RAF Blackbrook (or RAF Haydock) The camp was being rebuilt with the communications centre down below ground level. There were no married quarters on site at that time, and the new accommodation blocks were yet to be completed. As I was a regular "Janker Walla" I spent quite a lot of time (after my stint on the switch board) cleaning up the new sections, and accommodation blocks,(as the builders completed them, and handed them over) My fellow WRAF "Janker Walla's and I, use to have a radio, and listen to all the latest hits, as we swabbed our way around the buildings. If there was no one around, we would have a jive or two. and really enjoy ourselves. We eventually moved into the Haydock blocks with four girls to a room. Two of the WRAF'S I remember were --- Sheila Campbell and Jean Simpson. From Haydock I was posted to RAF Abu Suier, Egypt. As I had volunteered for overseas duty, I had to have an interview with the WRAF Officer i.c. She said" by rights, I should turn your application down, as all your charge sheets are full -- and thats on both sides of pages!!!!! but reading them, every one is trivial, and just about all the girls are doing the same moves, but getting away with it. Why is this ? To which, I replied " Don't ever get on the wrong side of a Snowdrop". It got that bad on the Unit, the SP's ended up, charging each other, and eventually the C.O. interceded, and demanded an end to the episode. The WRAF Officer informed me that under the circumstances she was granting my application, and within a few weeks, I was East bound on an Avro York
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Hi again,
After I posted my message last night, another Wraf came to mind, who was at "RAF Faz" and Haydock whilst I was serving there, her name was Law Cormack (a Scot) I remember she claimed her younger brother to join her on the Unit. She married a corporal, and later was blessed with twins. At "Faz" there was a Cockney girl ( I think her name was Rose) and when I came off the late watch on the switchboard, and walked down the old style billet ( 20ish in a room) Rose was laying on her bunk. I started talking away to her, and got a bit miffed when she seemed to ignore me, then I found out --- she always slept with her eyes wide open !!!
I mentioned yesterday that I was a regular on "Jankers" at North West, this was due to a Corporal SP known as "Jock Mc ****" who kept asking me for a date, and I use to "knock him back" as I was not keen on him. So he started hitting me with the form 252. They were for dirty buttons, unpolished shoes, incorrectly dressed, plus a host of other misdemeanors. I spent over 30 days on extra duties in total. I'd be "awarded" say five days, I would complete these, and the day I was free, and before nightfall, he would charge me again, and so it went on, and on.
To "prove a point" --- the girls in the billet all got stuck in, my buttons and cap badge were "brassoed" till they shone, my shoes were bulled up so you could see your face in them, The uniform was cleaned and pressed with razor sharp creases, I had always sent my shirt and collars to the Chinese laundry, the collars always came back starched (they would cut your throat if you turned your head too quickly) but it was all in vain --- I received my customary 252 the following morning. but it was all finally sorted out when the CO became involved
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Hello Folks,
I'm Jim Haig and I was stationed at RAF Haydock,NWCC (North West Comms. Centre)
from December 1962 until the beginning of 1964, an LAC Tel II, working in the TASS
Commcen under the slagheap.
I met my wife at Haydock, she was, then, Margaret Lamb, an SACW Telephone Supervisor, working in the PMBX, down the corridor from the Commcen.
My route to NWCC was via RAF Cosford, and as an ex-Brat, Haydock was my first real
posting.
Margaret came via Spitalgate and Compton Basset and was at Haydock from the end of 1961 until the beginning of 1964.
We both have very happy memories of Haydock as it was a very friendly camp.
Top of the pile was a Warrant Officer Tulloch, who was a Watch DSO and used to
visit the WRAFs on Nightshift to make sure they were OK. It was certainly spooky
down that long dark corridor past the Commcen and down to the PABX!
A Warrant Officer Roberts also has a claim to fame, a bit stricter than Mr. Tulloch,
but as time proved, a man of sterling character.
I used to stand Watch with 'Spud' Murphy, the brother of eminent Rugby player Alec
Murphy. Both Spud and Alec were National Servicemen.
On the same watch there was a NS SAC Teleg Called 'Joe' who used to play the clarinet.
He used to stand in the PMBX corridor on nightshift and play 'Stranger on the Shore.'
Very Evocative !
During 1963 I evapourated to Brunei/Sarawak on an 'Emergency Standby Draft' but
came back to Haydock in time to be captured by the 'Y' scheme and exiled to RAF
Digby in early 1964.
Incidentally, the Spider Club name came about because Haydock was a member of Signals Command and as such, the Commcen could win an award from Command HQ called a 'SPIDER'. This was awarded if a Commcen sent a certain amount of Tape Relay/TASS messages without a single error. This was a highly sought after award amongst RAF Commcens !
Among the people we jointly remember from Haydock were:-
SACW Pam Smith - Should have been our Bridesmaid - but didn't show up!
SACW 'Tuppence' - a wee Welsh Lassie
SACW 'Wendy' - slightly larger Welsh Lassie !
SACW 'Elf' Leslie - from Fort William - was engaged to a lad at Haydock.
The Cleaning Lady in the WRAF Block who used to get the Lassies Fags On Tick!
F/O Woodcock (WRAF)
W/O Rice (WRAF) - o/i/c - the Mess - Great Poached Eggs on Toast!
Sgt Atherton - MOD Policeman
WO Tulloch - Commcen DSO
WO Roberts - Commcen DSO
Cpl 'Spud' Murphy - Commcen DSM
SAC 'Joe' - Commcen Nightshift Clarinet Player Extraordinare !
One final memory. In early (January '63?) I was detailed to take part in a Military Funeral
of a Sgt who had been stationed at Haydock. I guess this was because I was still Smart and Shiny from Boys Service and knew a bit of Ceremonial Drill!
If we have jointly jogged to memory of anyone out there who could flesh out our
memories of Haydock we would be pleased to hear from you.
Thanks
J+M
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Do you remember Janet O'Dell, General Office, Jac Hurley, Accounts we both were friendly with Pam Smith, who was in the same room as us, she married an American and went to live in the States. Do you also remember Andy Richards who was in the Police. Can you tell me the name of the WO who was in charge of the mess. Jac and I have been racking our brains but cannot think of his name.
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Hi,
Thanks for that contact.
The only WO i/c the Mess was Maam Rice, we cannot remember anyone else.
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I have recently discovered Roots Chat. As I was stationed at Haydock 1957 to 1965 I have some answers to questions regarding personel. Would like to hear from anyone interested.
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To Swo.man
I would like to hear from you regarding any personnel that was at RAF Haydock the same time as me 1962 - 1964. Do you know any of the people that have already been mentioned.
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To Red Setter
I recognise some names mentioned. The Civilian girl typist in HQ was Jean Cowap. Although spelling not quite correct I was Cpl. Smidgey with distinctive mustache.
Other people at that time were
Sqnd-Ldr's Fishwick, Pike WO's England, Breeze SWO's WO Bryce
F/Sgt's Ginn A/C Craig
Sgt Makin Police Sgt Surgison Bandsman
Cplw's Madaburg PTI, Mc Kenzie admin
Cpl's Stead Stanford Police
plus many more to mention at this stage
Swo.man
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Hi, I just found this site and as I was stationed at RAF Haydock when I left brats training in 1965, I thought i would answer one of the questions about the name of the Mess Warrant Officer. He was a really nice bloke, and he was known as "Pop" Ward.
I was posted to the mountain Rescue Team at Akrotiri in 1966 and Pops son was a team member out there with me.
Haydock was a really friendly station and I enjoyed my time there. One interesting snippet was the time we were sent off in a 30cwt truck to mount guard on a Chipmunk belonging to Liverpool University Air Squadron (Woodvale) which crashed on Winter Hill during the winter of 65/66. The crew left the aircraft in the mist and walked down to Horwich police station to report the accident (Neither were hurt and had'nt realised they were close to the ground until they ran into it!).....They could'nt remember were they had left the aircraft and we could'nt find it so we went back to Haydock and headed for the NAAFI.
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Has anyone got information and/or photos of NWCC RAF Haydock
Swo.man
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RAF Haydock was my last station in the RAF. I was stationed there from March 1968 till March 1969 when I parted company with the RAF after 15 years. I was DSM of one of the watches in the commcen, I forget which one. It was closing down gradually when I left, all the teleprinter circuits were being transferred elsewhere. All the WRAF were local service WRAF i.e. they were recruited locally and lived out at home. They could not be posted anywhere else, but many of them transferred to the regular WRAF. I was married so I lived in the Airmens married quarters, they were very good houses. I remeber the British Legion club but how many remember the Cricket and Bowling club at the bottom of Haydock lane. that was a very good drinking den very popular with the lads. I got to know it as just before I left the RAF my wife and children went to where we were going to live to get our house sorted out. It is nice to hear about the old place it was a very good station where everybody knew everyone else, it had a real family atmosphere. PS I was a telegraphist ex boy entrant 23rd entry.
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To Jimbo737 I was at Haydock CCNW from 1968 to 1969 I was a cpl in the commcen. I was posted there from Bahrein JCC HMS Jufair. it was my last posting in the RAF, I was discharged from there on March 1969. I lived in the Airmens married quarters I think it was Avery road. Would love to hear from you My e mail address is (removed by mod!) from jayeff
Mod edit...Email addy removed to prevent spamming! Pse use PM system to disseminate email addresses!!
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Hello Folks,
I'm Jim Haig and I was stationed at RAF Haydock,NWCC (North West Comms. Centre)
from December 1962 until the beginning of 1964, an LAC Tel II, working in the TASS
Commcen under the slagheap.
I met my wife at Haydock, she was, then, Margaret Lamb, an SACW Telephone Supervisor, working in the PMBX, down the corridor from the Commcen.
My route to NWCC was via RAF Cosford, and as an ex-Brat, Haydock was my first real
posting.
Margaret came via Spitalgate and Compton Basset and was at Haydock from the end of 1961 until the beginning of 1964.
We both have very happy memories of Haydock as it was a very friendly camp.
Top of the pile was a Warrant Officer Tulloch, who was a Watch DSO and used to
visit the WRAFs on Nightshift to make sure they were OK. It was certainly spooky
down that long dark corridor past the Commcen and down to the PABX!
A Warrant Officer Roberts also has a claim to fame, a bit stricter than Mr. Tulloch,
but as time proved, a man of sterling character.
I used to stand Watch with 'Spud' Murphy, the brother of eminent Rugby player Alec
Murphy. Both Spud and Alec were National Servicemen.
On the same watch there was a NS SAC Teleg Called 'Joe' who used to play the clarinet.
He used to stand in the PMBX corridor on nightshift and play 'Stranger on the Shore.'
Very Evocative !
During 1963 I evapourated to Brunei/Sarawak on an 'Emergency Standby Draft' but
came back to Haydock in time to be captured by the 'Y' scheme and exiled to RAF
Digby in early 1964.
Incidentally, the Spider Club name came about because Haydock was a member of Signals Command and as such, the Commcen could win an award from Command HQ called a 'SPIDER'. This was awarded if a Commcen sent a certain amount of Tape Relay/TASS messages without a single error. This was a highly sought after award amongst RAF Commcens !
Among the people we jointly remember from Haydock were:-
SACW Pam Smith - Should have been our Bridesmaid - but didn't show up!
SACW 'Tuppence' - a wee Welsh Lassie
SACW 'Wendy' - slightly larger Welsh Lassie !
SACW 'Elf' Leslie - from Fort William - was engaged to a lad at Haydock.
The Cleaning Lady in the WRAF Block who used to get the Lassies Fags On Tick!
F/O Woodcock (WRAF)
W/O Rice (WRAF) - o/i/c - the Mess - Great Poached Eggs on Toast!
Sgt Atherton - MOD Policeman
WO Tulloch - Commcen DSO
WO Roberts - Commcen DSO
Cpl 'Spud' Murphy - Commcen DSM
SAC 'Joe' - Commcen Nightshift Clarinet Player Extraordinare !
One final memory. In early (January '63?) I was detailed to take part in a Military Funeral
of a Sgt who had been stationed at Haydock. I guess this was because I was still Smart and Shiny from Boys Service and knew a bit of Ceremonial Drill!
If we have jointly jogged to memory of anyone out there who could flesh out our
memories of Haydock we would be pleased to hear from you.
Thanks
J+M
Can remember Alex Murphy when stationed at Haydock June 61 to Nov 61, but dont recall his brother being there. Also remember taking Elf Lesley to the Savoy cinima St Helens.Madge Feeney,Barbara Branch,Pat Taylor,Jack Moorcroft,Jim Austen,Brian Twist there also just, to name a few.Bring back any memories.
Tony the lip
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i wascpl migy in the swos office at haydock 57 to65 would like to make contact furher regards swo. man
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hello again cpl ,
iwas at haydock for just 6 short months june 61 till nov 61 ,i do remember yourself and fire bucket barney as he was nicknamed (please no offence meant) having just spent 12 m0nths on gan it was one hell of a laugh,looking back for myself they were wonderful and happy memories .i only lived approx 3 miles down the road and never stayed on camp at night apart from once when you put me on fire picket ,ihave many times chuckled at the events at that time on camp too many for this short message .
i still live down the road am aged 72 was 38 when got married so had a good singles innings .
cheers for now
from ganman tony
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hi tony im swo man re ex cpl migy i live in orell just down the rd from you how about meeting some time and have a good chat we might meet at the bottom of road thatlead tothe camp regards swo man
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hello there ,
i live in winstanley ,not to clever on the computer im afraid .
would love to have a chat, will be shopping at aldi in the morning
for next door if anyone sees us we tell them we shop at marks and spencers
only kidding im on (*) to make arrangements
cheers for now from ganman tony
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Please use the Personal Message (PM) system for exchanging personal data.
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Sgt. ATHERTON, MoD Police. Would have been Sgt. ATHERTON, Air Ministry Constabulary in those days MoD Police never came about until about 1970. They do have a Museum at their training base at Wethersfield, Essex maybe a letter to them may help trace him.
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Interesting reading, we as a family moved to Haydock in 1956 and lived in 12, Avery Square, AMQ's. I understand that my father was a bit of a stickler on the discip side W/o Dolphin. Sadly he died in 2007, but he got a fair old whack from Auntie Betty pension wise! I left Haydock in 1960 and joined up as a 'Plumber'. My father was posted to RAF Changi in mid 1960, he retired in 1962. I can recall most of the names referred to in that period plus some others. I went to Haydock Sec Mod school down in the village. We used to play up on the Squarts Croft as the slag heap at the back of the camp was known. Interesting times...... There was the Rice family, Ranson's, Kerr's, McIntyre's, Bryce's. Cannot recall the CO's name but his son was stone deaf but a good laugh. My last memory of the camp was getting on the bus to go to RAF St Athans in May 1960. Thanks for the memories
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dear tony so soorry yo hear about your dad i remember him well i was at haydock from 19 57 to 19 65 and remember the list of names you men the place shut down in 19 71 iwalked of the messasge cen roof in 1963 and was in hos for some time then dis from thr raf in1965 on med grounds lived in spain 11 years we came back three years ago by the way iwas cpl migy and worked in swo s office nice to hear from you regards f. migy
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Thanks for the kind regards for Dad. I think the SWO livednext door to us a little ginger haired guy - bit firery if I recall :-)
Strange full circle I now live in Spain - one of my brothers old school pals lives in the new Avery Square. He also has a house in Spain not far from me.
What a small world.
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hi greyhound i may have the gen your looking for iwas at haydock from 1957 to 1965 and can remember a lot of names during my stay there some information i cant give you of course contact soon regards swo. man
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where are you red setter did you get my message hope to hear from you soon regards ex cpl migy
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Hi everyone, Have been reading the latest messages and one of the names lists, interesting.
SACW Tuppence, yes I remember her, well I should do, went out with her for a while. Actually got caught with her in the television room whilst on standby duty and was duly charged, happy days !!!
On a different subject, was there a station badge for Haydock, if so, does anyone know where it can be obtained.
Best of luck to everyone
Steve
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To Swo.man
I haven't received any messages from you. Could you reply your last message.
Red Setter
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hi red setter sent you note on19 nov i think on page 6 however like to hear from you if you have time regards frank migy ex swos office
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Hi swo man,
According to Service Pals, RAF Haydock, ( Blackbrook) and RAF Fazackerley were never bequeathed a Station Crest, I was surprised when I scrolled through all the known RAF Stations, some of them really large important camps that never had a station crest either --- It seems really strange to me.
Regards,
Flygirluc.
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To Swo.man
Hi Swo.man, I believe you live just down the road from me, been through there time and time again. There's a big Pub on the corner next to the traffic lights (can't remember the name, ah was it The Orrell Post pub) and there use to be a motorcycle shop next door.
If you were at Haydock the same time as me you will know all the people I know 63-65 (was posted to Nocton Hall when it was dewrafed) remember Cpl Andy Richards (Police), Sgt Carthy my boss in General Office. If you go to page five there is a photo of me and Pam Smith outside the Spiders Web Club acting the fools LOL
Speak soon Red Setter
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hello red setter the pub and motor shop are still there i live across the rd from mount hotel on the main rd in east mount the only bungolow there of course i know cpl richards did i hear sgt mc carthy has died oh dear ihave list of names ican remember sgt makin and i used to go to spain alot and then
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Hey Swo.man you didn't finish off what you were saying. I know where the Mount
Hotel is, I have been in there a few times. That pub near the traffic lights is it called The Stagg? Yes I believe Sgt Carthy died of a heart attack, he was a great bloke could twist him round my little finger LOL. You must remember my best mate at Haydock Jac Hurley, we were always together, she worked in the Accounts Office and I worked in General Office. Do you know the lady that worked in the mail Office, she was a civvy, she was OK too. Got to go will speak soon.
Red Setter
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hi red setter remember jac hurley of course office lady it wasnt may mercer was it didnt she work in the education office bab best local service worked in pay accounts she is my sister in law now long story that tell you some time if you have 4 hours to spare talk again later f. migy ps do you remember pat harley phew
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hi red setter are you ok not heard from you of late regards swo man
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hi coker you say thatyou worked in the swo qffice with wo mcgarvey never iwasinthat office in june 19576 to july 1965 and never saw you sitting next to me
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Just found this site thanks to swo man migy! hi Frank ;>) <grin>
I was one of those telephonists at North West Central who, more often than I liked, heard the footsteps and saw the shadows in that long corridor on night shift, don't remember being aided by the radio op's though! ;>)
I was stationed there end of 1958 until I left on Marriage March 1960
I have tried for years to contact my 2 bridesmaids Joyce Unsworth and Patricia Cross nee Dickinson.
Joyce came from Wigan and Pat Gt Yarmouth, anyone remember them please?
Others were Eileen McLaughlin, Cpl Peter Devlin he built a car from a kit between raf & wraf blocks
I also remember the Raf block getting struck by lightning, one of the lads had a radio on windowsil and it got hit in a storm.
Some of the chaps formed a skiffle group, and played quite a good Lonnie Donegan with a tea chest for a double bass - my favourite on NAFFI Juke Box was Russ Conway!
Any other telephonistd at the same time as me remember?
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hi telgirl nice to hear from you i played the tea chest in the spiders club and can remember cpl devlin car job im in contact with yvonne kirkpatric now cornish she lives down south now ex pmbx she might like to hear from you @ (*) thats her e mail address remember cpl barnes fire sec sgt makin police and my self cpl migy we were all good pals have some happy mems of haydock have been contact with red setter on page 9 on thehaydock page keep in touch regards frank migy
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Please use the Personal Message (PM) system for exchanging personal data.
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This email is for Jimbo and Swo-man, who both chatted with Red Setter. Swo-man you were asking how Red Setter (Jan O'Dell) was since you hadn't heard from her in a while. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but we lost Jan on May 1st following a 3 year battle with breast cancer. I will miss her sorely as we had been friends since 1964, when we were both at Haydock.
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hello sunshine girl what a sad day for me and all that knew dear jan iv looked at the photograph of you two on one of the pages larking about on the spiders web enterance door jan lived just down the road from me i wish id known before now but there you are god bless her speak again later if you feel like it regards frank migy swoman
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Hello SWO-man.
Thanks for replying to my posting about Jan. However, it wasn't Jan and I in the pictures at the Spider's Web. It was Pam, our other room-mate. How did you know Jan? Wher you at Haydock when we were there? If so, where d, on the pictures.
How did you know Jan? Were you at Haydock when we were and, if so, where did you work?
As for Jan, she was one terrific girl. Always laughing and getting up to mischief. We remained friends through the years, even though distance separated us and, even at the end, when she was really ill, she still laughed and made jokes. I'm coming home in September and plan to spend some time with her four boys and their families.
Again, thanks for replying. Jan was a "mate and a half" to me and I shall miss her terribly.
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hello sun shine i was cpl migy and worked in the swos office and was at haydock from 1957 to 1965 and saw manya staion warrant officer come and go i was gaurd comander on april 1 1963 and walked of the tech block roof in the dark and broke my back in two places in st helens hos for six months wouldnt move me to an raf hos becouse of further damage got better and demobb 1965 then went to live in spain for 11 years now back in the uk and live not to far from where jan lived you say you are coming home where are you now then talk again later re frank migy
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Hi Frank!
Then you were at Haydock when Jan and I were though I don't remember you. Where was the SWO's office - across from HQ, by the slag heap? The only person I remember from that side of the parade ground was Cpl Andy (can't remember his last name. He was Police). I worked in Accounting, across the hall from where Jan worked in General Office.
Sorry to hear about your breaking your back. What on earth were you doing on the roof?
Did you ever go to the Thursday night dances? Jan and I were on the committee and sat at the door, taking the money.
You don't, by any chance, remember the name of the WO in charge of the Mess in 64-65, do you? Jan and I adored that man (spoiled us rotten, he did) and his was the one name we couldn't remember. Put your thinking cap on anyway.
I live in Sarasota, Florida now - God's little heaven, boasting the second best beach in the world on Siesta Key. Sctually, it's not sand though, it's pure white quartz and the gulf waters there gets up to 89-90F - like bath water!
I'm coming home late August, probably for the last time, as I have a brother in Australia who's not getting any younger.
Anyway, if you can think of the Mess SWO's name, please let me know, won't you?
Jacqui
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hi sun shine or it nee pam smith what was i doing on the roof i was gaurd commander on the passive defence ex and checking the night duty gaurds we had spot lights directed on to the message centre and it blinded me and i stepped off the edge of the roof say no more did you know bab best in accounts office local service wraf cpl andy richards police my office was the first door on the left as you went in to shqs but later moved to the old education block now then ic mess wo rice waaf or wo ward raf i married the nurse who looked after me in hospital in 1966 who later became a nursing officer etc we are now retired of course oh well sign off now talk again regards to you all frank ps have abrother who lives in states bye
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Hi SWO-man!
Yes, it was Pam Smith in the pictures with Jan, not me. I was taking the pictures.
When did you do this passive defense exercise? I don't remember anything like that when we were there and I certainly would have remembered if someone had been hurt, as you were. What a thing to have happen, eh?
OK now - wasn't there a hatch where visitors had to sign in on the left hand side when you walked into HQ? If so, was that your office?
I don't remember the name Babs Best but we did have 2 local WRAFs in Accounting while I was there. One was from Norris Green in Liverpool - she went on to OTC - and the other was a blondish girl who left from somewhere local to Haydock and she left to get married.
Yes, Andy Richards is the person I was thinking of. He was a "lad and a half" he was. Chased anything in a skirt. LOL!
The WO i/c Mess while we were there was RAF. I don't remember any female WO there and I used to audit their books every quarter. The name Ward doesn't ring any bells though you could be right. Jan would have known if that was the right name, I'm sure but .... oh well.
I met and marrried one of the chaps working for the USAF MMG on our base at RAF Wildenrath in 1966 - and we're retired now, too.
Happy days looking back, eh? Talk later. My best to the missus.
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hello sun shine girl the blonde girl you men in accounts is the girl that married my wifes brother who sadly died some years ago heart attack she has remarried and we meet at times at our homes for a meal and chat sounds very nice where you are we had 11years in spain and enjoyed much the same type of weather and conditions as you but theres no place like home when you get older am i trying to convince myself talk again later regards to all at your end frank & irene
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Hi Frank!
So that young lady married your brother, eh? Well, I'm not sure she'll remember me but give her my regards next time you see her.
Hey, do you remember the thick nylon ski slope the CO used to have put up on the slag heap for ski practise and the night someone forgot to take it down and the thing got scorched? You could hear the CO's fury when he walked through the front door the next morning. (Well, his STAMMERED fury, put it that way. Remember how he stammered? Sqn Ldr Pollock was his name.) He was a nice man but that morning, everyone made themselves scarce as it'd taken months for him to con that nylon ski slope out of his CO.
I'm still trying to place you. Were you there when the girls raided the men's block and didn't get caught but the guys, trying to make a return raid got caught and were all put up on charge?
Jacqui - who still misses home, even if it is cold most of the time.
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no sun shine bab didnt marry my brother but my wifes brother i remember sl pollock allright hewas a great co i worked for the station warrant officer and was the discip nco on the station mind you i didnt do thejob i was to soft with the airmen and girls of course the raf police sgt makin was also ok we used to spend more time messing with cars on and off the station then we did with discip matters why make life difficult and iwas doing an andy richards too no names no pack drill wow what a time we all had at nwcc i bet you know a story or two as well al the best talk again later if you have time regards fran migy
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Hi Frank!
Yes, the "discipline" as you say was not high profile at Haydock. Mind you, there wasn't really much needed, was there? Couldn't help but smile over your saying you didn't do much police work while you were there. Janet didn't do much GO work and I didn't do much Acctg work either for the first year. We were too heavily involved in playing one sport or another and since our Flt Sgt was a PTI, she'd find sall sorts of places to take us so we could play. Jan and I both played netball for Signals Command and we went to tennis and badminton championships. We finally got tired of living out of suitcases and decided to do some work! <grin> .)
Those definitely were "the good old days" and ones I remember with much fondness. I loved RAF Hayock, couldn't stand my next posting (Innsworth) but had a ball in Germany, too.
Which postings did you get?
Jacqui
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what postings did i get well after haydock none i was out in to the cold of chivvy st after 21 years in RAF but getting 100% dis pen andthe RAF pen i didn't need to work to earn a living and didn't for time 12 months after leaving i met the nurse who looked after me in dock and the rest is history Irene is 17 years younger then i and she had her career in front of her so carried on i did start work and became the pears manager of an intern at co Bendix you may have heard of them but of course we have both retied now oh i could go on for ages but i was at biggin hill Kent padgate lances west Kirby deanship in Egypt cm London HQ Sig's cent warton bur tonwood and many more i wont bore you any longer all the best talk again later regards frank
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Ah well, there you go, you see. If you hadn't fallen off that roof at Haydock, you'd never have met your wife though that's a heck of a way to fall for a woman, Frank! <grin>
Haydock was my first posting and it's a toss up as to which I liked best, that or my last posting, Wildenrath. My husband and I are going back to Wildenrath this year. It's a test track for Seimens trains now but the Army are using the MQ's for their guys. All the buildings have been razed. We're just going to look around and relive old memories .... pretty much as Jan and I did when we went back to Haydock in '83 and they'd razed all the buildings there.
Jac
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hi jan thanks for reply i didnt know that the place had been razed hope you enjoy your trip to the uk if you have time you must come and visit us your welcome it would be great to see you both if you think you make it i can giv you all the gen location etc i had a tirp to haydock some time ago and found it rather sad no tip no nothing just new houses even the sports field built on of course you cant liv in the past time goes on and we have to except it i shall never forget the good times i had there and all the nice folk i met at haydock there were some sad happenings during my nine years there anyway hope to hat again soon regards to all frank irene
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Hi Frank!
Would be nice if Rick and I could get together while we're home. We'll be staying on the Wirral but coming across to see Jan's boys on Sunday August 29th. If you're free then, perhaps we could meet you and your wife for a drink somewhere. Also, we're taking up an awful lot of room on this site so, if you (or your wife) want to chat, my email addy is (*).
Jacqui
(*) Moderator Comment: e-mail removed in accordance with RootsChat policy,
to avoid spamming and other abuses.
Please use the Personal Message (PM) system for exchanging personal data.
New members must make at least three postings before being allowed to use the PM facility.
See Help-Page: http://www.rootschat.com/help/pms.php
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hi jacqui got your message but they cut out your email address for safety reasons the only way to make arrangments is to suggest meeting out side the mount hotel in orrell not far from where you are visiting the lads we live just yards away so its a date sunday aug 29 how will we know each other idont know will think of something and let you know regards frank irene
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Hi Frank!
I'll ask Jan's boys to tell me where the place is you mentioned. We'll be with the boys probably till late some time in the afternoon and will find our way to where you are when we leave them. How will you recognise us? A tall 60+ Yank with two old birds - one white haired with glasses and the other brown haired maybe with glasses. Aw heck, I hate posting my picture on anything but here we are. We're the couple standing!
Hope that helps!
Jacqui
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hello jacqui thanks for your reply and photo you all look great you wont have far to go to meet us i cant get photo of us two on the message sheet im not gened up at this stage to do so regards frank
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hi jacqui weather bad dont know if you are on line or not ut will look out for you late afternoon regards frank
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hi jaci sorry we missed you we came over sev times but no luck where im i now try frankmigy at hotmail dot co dot uk you may be able to get me on there have agood trip home re gards frank
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Jimbo.
Soory to bother you, I have only just found this website while also looking for into on RAF Haydock. It was my first posting from Boy Entrant. I was there in late 1963 when the TASS System was all the vogue. I can remember some of our Warrant officers and DSOs, WO Tommy Tomkinson, ChTech Phillips. As you said there were only three of four airmen/women on each shift. The slag heap used to catch fire regularly. In reply to another member who asked where the name of the NAAFI came from, the S.P.I.D.E.R. [Acronym for Superior Performance in Determined Error Reduction...what a mouthful. A SPIDER award was given to each commcen with no errors in their message tapes. If memory serves correct I believe that some stations actually cheated before sending in their message tapes by 'editing' them. Naughty. You mentioned a young airman who later was shot in Aden, was his name Shantilal Pankania? He was the only airman whom I recall being shot. Terrible times.
Best Regards
Jumbo [No relation]
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Hello All you ex Haydockers. Who said nostalgia is dead? Not here with all the names I have seen on this forum. The Cpl medic was Dennis Wells, his WRAF assistant was Kay Chance, an incredible blonde with big blue eyes. I think she was about six foot or thereabouts. The name Jaqui may have been Jacqui Clay. The clarinet player was Joe Watkins, and of course the caff over the East Lancs road was Evelyns, one huge bacon butty and a pint mug of tea for a shilling. Other names I remember were Cpl Alan Manson and Diane Bowie, and of course everyone knew Spud Murphy. One other name has just hit the button was WO Sergison, and I think his wife was behind the bar in the Spiders Web. It may have been WO Sergison in charge of the mess but I am not too sure of this. It is nice to know that there are still people out there who remember that wonderful little camp
Regards
Jumbo
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Hi Jumbo!
No, it wasn't WO Sergison in charge of the mess (though I've been trying for years to remember his name as he was so nice) and as far as I know, from Jan 64 through till all the WRAFs were posted elsewhere, I was the only Jacqui at Haydock. Maybe the Jacqui person you're talking about was there prior to that - ???
Jacqui (who worked in Accounting)
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Hello Sunshine Girl.
How about WO OVENS [Appropriate or what?] in the Mess? I plead a senior moment with your name, the other Jaqui was at RAF CHANGI later on.
Best Regards
Jumbo [aka Alan Marshall]
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hi jumbo 368 there was no wo sergison it was sgt sergison who was tape relay and he died of a heart attack in his sleep in his bunk at the sgts mess his wife worked in naafi at time or after his death nice womenshe was now then cos there was sqn ldr pollock; fishwick; pike; brickwood; pollock was there when i left in june 1965 some other names i recall are as follows sgt mc intyre sgt mansell pmbx sgt maken police sgt mc carthy gen off f/sgt ginn ex a/crew cpls stead police cpl stanford killed in manchester a/port car park cplw maddaberg pti acw pat harley waaf admin cplw jill witt waaf admin wo brice tape re cpl barnes fire dept sacw clare tiffen gen off acw lamb sigs wo nash stores flt lt fleet fam officer and dont lets forget mr glover who done all the gardens for us then of course my self cpl migy swos office 1957 to1965 yes youare correct one of the best stations i served on in 22 years one more name wo breese he was swo when i left a gentelman he was not many like him regards swo man f.migy
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Hi Jumbo!
No, the W/O i/c Mess wasn't Ovens (<grin>) but I have a feeling it's something like that - starts with an O or a letter near that. Anyway, if you ever do remember his name, let me know. As I said, he was so good to my friend, Jan and I, it bothers me I can't remember his name.
Have fun remembering the faces behind the names Frank mentioned!!
Sunshine Girl
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Hi SWO man,
I was at Haydock fro mid 61 to Nov 63. I worked in the Gen Off and also with Flt Lt Fleet in the Fam Off. My name was Jim Monkman, a young lad wet behind the ears from the Orkney Isles !. I remember you well and can recall a few of the names you mentioned. I often played snooker with you, and do I recall you being a bit colour blind ?. I also remember your accident, a very tough time you had after being in the RAF for so long.
Would be nice to talk again if you can remember me.
jamieklute
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hi jim well of course i remember you and the snooker games we had you left haydock in 1963 well it was april 1 the same year i walked off the com cen roof during a passive defence ex we wre having at the time i then left the raf in 1965 on med grounds and less then 12 months later married the nurse that looked after me in hospital and she has done a job looking after me ever since wow anyway enough of me tell how have you done since leaving haydock ithink iv read something about you on page 6 or 7 good to make contact keep in touch hope to hear from you again regards frank migy ex swos office
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Hi All,
My mum was at Haydock and I recognise her in the description of the girl from Liverpool in accounts who went to OTC! - Lynn McGowan as she was then! She would have arrived in around 1960 I think.
If it is of interest I can ask her for some photos and see if I can scan and post them.
Regards
Julie
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hi julie great to hear from you of course i remember lynn mc gowan i was in the swos office and remember her going to otc how did she do it would be nice to know how she went on lynn would most likely remember me though we were not close freinds give her my regards may be we could have a chat later on and yes i would love to have a photo of her do you know how to send one becouse i havent a clue how to regards frank migy
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Hello Frank and all,
My daughter found this site as she is into family history.
Where do I start?
I was stationed at Haydock from 1960 to 1963 as a Local Service WRAF. As someone recalled, I used to travel from Walton to RAF Fazackerley and catch the RAF bus with the marrieds.
I was the pay clerk. When I arrived, Flt Lt Jones was the SAO, Cpl Ken Dodds and Junior Tech Ginger. Barbara Best and Kathleen Lenahan were the other two Local Service WRAF. Flt Lt Symondson arrived later. There was a WO accounts who I remember vividly but can't recall his name.
A lot of the names I recognise and the posts brought back some lovely memories. There was a lovely Sgt who had recently lost his wife; he used to drive me home sometimes. Think he worked in comms.
I remember you very well Frank and have a couple of pictures of you from Haydock days. I have several photos and press cuttings and, if it is OK to post them I will have a go. If all else fails, I am sure Julie will provide the technical help! I can remember your accident too. It was lovely to hear that it had a happy ending with your meeting your wife.
When the Naafi was refurbished, there was a competition to name the new club. I won the competition with my suggestion of 'The Spiders Web Club' and got the prize of £5. Big money then. I was the first person to be (officially) allowed into the new club and have the photo taken on the occasion.
After Ken Dodds (have a photo of him too!) there was Cpl Brian Williams. He married one of the regular WRAF and some of us went to Withernsea for the wedding. A couple of years later, I was posted as an A/O to Singapore and there he was! I heard later that he had told everyone that he had known me as a SACW. Asked if I was any good, he responded that he had taught me everything that he knew. With typical RAF humour, the quick as a flash response was, 'Everything you know? She'll be rubbbish then!' LOL.
Lynn
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Hi Lynn!
Remember me? We were in Accounting together ('64 till you went to OTC). You lived down by the bridge at Broadway, I lived on Sonning Road and when I went home for the weekend, you and I would drive to Fazakerley in the bus with the men then take the 61 home ... then I'd call for you on Monday morning and we'd reverse the trip back to camp!
When I was in Accounting, we had Cpl Brian Williams (his wife had a baby boy while you were there), Ken Dodds and Flt Lt Symondson as well as the WO, whose name I can't remember either - which is pretty sad considering he and his wife had me over for dinner several times. There was also an SAC (dark, curly haired fellow) in Accounting whose name I can't remember.
How did you get on at OTC? I remember Plt Officer Margaret Eagles giving you her old notebooks to study.
Anyway, would love to hear from you and to know what happened to you after you left Haydock.
Jacqui Hurley
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Hello Jacqui,
Yes, I do remember you. Wasn't that bus a real boneshaker? LOL
I am just going to try to post a photo - back in a moment.
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Success!!!!
From the left:
Barbara Best, Flt Lt Jones SAO, me, Kathleen Lenahan, Sgt Sperandeo.
Probably taken around 1961 outside SHQ
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Hi again Jacqui and all,
Those were the days. The memories are flooding back - partly helped by the photos! LOL.
You may remember that I actually wanted to be an Air Loadmaster; instant promotion to Sgt, huge pay rise and flying and travel.!!!! Heaven. The CO and resident WRAF Officer (?) decided I was 'officer materiel' whatever that means.
Instead of living my dream, I ended up at OCTU squarebashing for six months. They didn't tell me that when they talked me out of applying to be a Loadmaster. Jan Woodcock trained on the Isle of Man and it sounded all deportment and flower arranging.
I think I was on one of the first courses where the women trained with the men so it was a lot of marching, camping, escape and evasion exercises and assault courses! I didn't arrange a single flower! Ha, ha.
Having said that, it was great fun and lifelong friendships were forged. I then went on the accounts course which was so easy after years in the job.
How about you?
Lynn
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hi lynn thanks for the write up and the photo have you any more? i sent a message to barbara to look up page 11 she only lives up the road from us in fact i married her husbands sister sadly he died some time ago but she is now remarried and she is the same girl you knew long ago iwonder what ever happend to all the rest of the gang oh well nice to hear from you hope to chat again later some time re gards to all and hello sunshine girl in the states iv not forgotten you will send you a seperate e mail later bye frank migy
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I seem to remember that my late mother Olga Robertson, a WAAF was at Haydock in the war.
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hi astral 14 thank you for your message ref olga i hope someone will reply who knew your mother my stay at haydock was 1957 to 1965 only regards frank migy
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A pleasure - she spoke highly of her time there but I think they saw quite a bit of action. I think she was also near Banbury in Oxford. (Upper Heyford?) I may have this confused but she recalled seeing the burns guinea pigs (as called then - sorry) re early plastic surgery. WAAFs were taken to visit the recovering service men who had been disfigured. I think Canadian air force men were stationed at one of these places too.
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hi astral funny you told of the urns unit early on in my raf time i was a photograper and at cme london kilvin house w.1. and mr mc indoe the plastic surg did all his clinics there and i had to do before and after shots on the air crew lads what an awfull mess them chaps where in ill never forget it from there i went to burtonwood lancs on mass radiography duties nice to talk to you regards frank migy
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Hi Lynn!
Recognised you instantly in the picture. Think that must have been taken before my time though as I don't recognize anyone else in the picture. I didn't arrive at Haydock till February '64. It was my first posting and I was sooo upset because it was close to home and I'd expected to be posted to RAPO along with the other girls from Trade Training.
I did eventually end up at RAPO when they de-WRAFed Haydock and boy, was I glad I hadn't been sent there at first. Had a wonderful time at Haydock and RAPO was just awful. We all felt like ants in a factory, such was the environment there. Luckily, I was only there a few months then got sent to RAF Wildenrath in Germany and that was a wonderful posting, too. Met my husband, a member of the American MMG at Wildenrath and have been living in the States since '67.
I don't know if you remember Jan O'Dell from General Office but she and I have stayed in touch through the years. I was her maid of honour when she married and am Godmother to her oldest son. Sadly, Jan passed away in May this year, complications of breast cancer. I also met up with Ken Dodds, quite by accident, when we were home in Liverpool back in '71. I was in M&S and heard my name called. Ken and his wife and two children. They'd just gotten into Liverpool from Singapore and were biding time until they went to visit Spud Murphy - remember him?
Do you have any more pictures to share? Loved the one you sent.
Jacqui
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Hi Frank,
I do have a few more photos which I will post. Unless my memory is letting me down, you are in this photo.
I can't recall the Sqn Ldr's name but from the left is Ken Dodds and then me. Isn't that you on the right?
The photo was taken at the local orphanage. A group of us raised funds to give the kids a Christmas treat. It would have been 1961 or 1962.
Can anybody name anyone else?
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Hi Lynn!
No, still too early, I'm afraid. I didn't get there till February '64. Nice picture of you and Ken though. Did you know he also went to OTC after Haydock?
Jacqui
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hi astral funny you told of the urns unit early on in my raf time i was a photograper and at cme london kilvin house w.1. and mr mc indoe the plastic surg did all his clinics there and i had to do before and after shots on the air crew lads what an awfull mess them chaps where in ill never forget it from there i went to burtonwood lancs on mass radiography duties nice to talk to you regards frank migy
Yes - she mentioned MrMcIndoe - I had forgotten the name and was trying to remember what she had said. Those airmen would have been the ones that she and other WAAf girls visited - the memory stuck with her, as it would, I suppose.
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Lynn, I just took a second look at the picture. Isn't that Sqn Ldr Pollock? (The CO with the stutter!)
Jacqui
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Hi Jacqui,
Can't remember!! Could be. Here is another photo with him 'face on' which might help you to get a better look.
It is Frank in the pictures isn't it?
I had no idea that Ken Dodds went on to OCT. That is terrific. I never came across him again. Wonder where he was in Singapore? I was at Seleter, husband at Tengah. We left late in 1969 so we must have missed each other.
I was trying to recall what I remembered about you . . .
Wasn't it your ambition to have a Longines watch? Did you ever get one?
I do remember Janet O'Dell and am sorry to hear that she died quite recently. You must miss her.
I will keep dredging up old memories and will post some more photos. If they are cluttering up the site, I am sure a moderator can remove them when others have had a chance to see them.
I have some press cuttings but would have to do them in pieces and Greyhound would have to do a sellotape job if they are of interest to him. I am having to resize the photos because of the size restriction.
Regards,
Lynn
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Hi Lynn!
Did I want a Longines watch? Not that I remember but that doesn't mean I didn't say it. I just don't remember saying it and no, I never did get one. <grin>
Yes, from what scuttlebutt I heard, Ken had been an officer in the past . I don't know what happened that he was sent down to the ranks but he was a darned good man and did go back to OTC in the end. I don't know where in Singapore he was but if he was only just back in 71, then he probably was posted out there as you were leaving, right?
Loved the last picture you sent. Recognised Ken, you, Sqn Ldr Pollock, Cpl Jill Witt (?), the little Cpl (though I can't remember his name or where he worked) - and lordy, lordy, isn't that the infamous Roisin Mullen from General Office on the end? LOL! Who is the Cpl next to her? I seem to recall her face but not her name. Was she the other WRAF Admin Cpl? Which one is Frank Migy?
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We will get there with the names!
Frank is, I believe, the Cpl in the centre of the picture. He worked in the SWO's Office. I remember him well. I keep hoping that he will log on and recognise himself!!
Come on Frank! LOL.
I think you are right about the girl on the end being Rosin and the Cpl in the middle being Jill Witt. Wish I had put names on the back of the photo!! Do you mean the SACW next to Roisin who looks as though she is wearing Frank's stripes? Can't remember her name.
I think Ken had tried for a commission before I met him but was unsuccessful. Had there been any scandal, he would never have been accepted again. As he was, the rumour must have been just that! Good for him that he tried again and was successful. He was always charming to me and there was never any sign of resentment when he knew I was going off to OCT. I agree with you, a good man and hope he did well.
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Hi Lynn!
Yes, who is the SACW next to Roisin? I think I know her face but can't remember her name. Also the little Cpl in front, I know that face but not the name - and Frank, hurry up and let us know which one, if any, on the picture is you! LOL!
You may be right about Ken's trying to get into OTC before. Scuttlebutt is often wrong, isn't it? We both thought he was a really decent chap and somehow the idea of his doing anything that might have caused him to be sent down never did sit right with me. I'm glad he made it on the second try, too. <grin> From what I heard, he was the officer I/C accounting in Wildenrath after I left. Would have loved to have been there to surprise him on his first day. LOL! Do you remember Andy Richards, Ken's best friend at Haydock?
Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures handy of me at Haydock but think I can find one somewhere of me at Wildenrath for you. Always helps to see a face to be sure you remember someone, doesn't it?
Where are you living now, Lynn and how many children do you have?
Jacqui
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Hi Jacqui,
Yes, please post a photo of you at Wildenwrath. I am enjoying this wander down memory lane! I am on leave at the moment, Usually I am overloaded with work.
I now live alone in Surrey (widow) and my only 'child' is Julie who found this site. She won't like the child bit!! LOL. She has one child too and lives in the same village with her husband and little girl. It is lovely having them so close.
How about you?
Lynn
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Hi Lynn!
I will find that picture and get it scanned and on the site ASAP - or should I say WEF EPD? LOL!
I'm so sorry to hear your husband has passed away but awfully glad your daughter and her family live close by. <smile> do you live in the suburbs or in an urban area? You mentioned work. What do you do?
As for this end, Rick and I retired from Ohio to Sarasota, Florida and have 2 children. Ian is now 42 and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife and two daughters, 12 and 10 - and Alexis is 37 and lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and small son. We don't get to see our family too often, as you can imagine, but enjoy ourselves limmensely when we do. Besides which, having a house near beaches acts as a magnet for them at least once a year. LOL!
OK, off to find that picture now.
Jacqui
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Hi Lynn!
Found one photograph of me at Wildenrath - and one of a bunch of us playing netball behind the WRAF Block at Haydock. See if you can recognise anybody.
Jacqui
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Lynn:
The one behind the WRAF block at Haydock was taken in '64 and the one at Wildenrath in '66.
Jacqui
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How glamorous are you? Stunner.
Looking at the recent photo you posted, you haven't changed much!! Must be all that sea air!
Not sure I ever actually went into the WRAF block. LOL. I did stay, briefly, in the Officers' Mess in 1966 though. Talk about weird!
I don't recognise anybody in the netball crowd - can you name them all? I played a lot of netball all through my ten years service but don't think I am in that picture.
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Hi Lynn!
Thanks for the compliment but that picture's very old, remember. LOL!
I can't name all the people on the netball picture. The girl with the coat on is our WRAF Cpl, the girl who is facing the camera was Jan O'Dell, my friend and I'm next to her on the left but you can hardly see me. The dark haired girl shown in profile was Carolyn something or other, roomed next to Jan and I - and the older lady was our WRAF Flt Sgt PTI. She was a riot. Looking at the picture, you can tell how windy it was that day and I never did like the cold but Jan, being sports mad had dragged as many of us out to practise with her as she could because she was going to Signals Command netball tryouts with Flt. As it happens, I went with them too - and both Jan and I made the team. Happy memories.
Jacqui
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hi lynn , and all that have been on line lynn your a star you have sent me photos of my self and and friends that i had forgotten about as a matter of ihad no photos at all becouse all the stuff i had was of the past ie some fifty years was burnt in a fire years ago and yes thatr me in the middle of the photo all five foot six ins and they say you havent changed ?? not much?? sorry lynn to hear of your terrible loss and thank that girl of yours for finding the haydock history page lets hope we can all keep in touch from time to time and keep sending the photos i will make an effort to send some my self but will be of later times like 1980 and 90 good to hear from you all regards frank
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Hi Frank,
I am so sorry to hear about the fire and so pleased that I was able to post the photos of you.
I do have some more photos which I will post but I don't want to dominate the site!! Not sure if they are any use to Greyhound but the press cuttings may be if I can get them to scan well.
Can you name any of the others in the photos? Jacqui (Sunshine Girl) thinks the officer is Sqn Ldr Pollock and the girl on the end is Roisin Mullen.
I remember the guard commander duties at Haydock. They were all to do with threatened IRA attacks on the signals unit. We (in accounts) were working late one evening when the guard commander came in looking for tea (might have been you Frank).
Haydock was a favourite posting for the Irish lads doing national Service and the guard commander had just taken roll call. Most of the names were Irish and the he commented glumly that he had no idea which side they would be on if there was a raid! LOL.
Lynn
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hi lynn thankyou for the photos ken dodds came to see me on sunday last after all these years it was great to see him again we chatted for hours yes the photo you refer to it is s leader pollock and rose mullen on the end wasnt she irish?? its been good hearing about old friends and the photos well thats something else i would like to obtain more will keep you informed about things as i hear and contact you again regards frank
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Hi Frank,
I am delighted to hear that you are still in touch with Ken Dodds.
Did you tell him about this site? It would be lovely if he said hello to all his friends here. I will post another photo of him.
From the right:
Kathleen Lenahan, Ken Dodds, Brian Williams, me in blue lace (can't believe I ever wore blue lace!) Brian's wife, I think. Now, isn't that the curly head lad from accounts? Anyone recognise the girl in the flowered dress?
Frank, please remember me to Ken and ask him to say hi to us all.
There was another accounts corporal, Geoff Balding. Anyone remember him?
Lynn
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Hi Lynn!
The chap standing to your right WAS from Accounting. I can't remember his name but he was there when I arrived. I believe he was Irish.
Jacqui
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Hi Jacqui,
You are right!!! He was definitely Irish. Wish I could remember his name and the name of the girl in the floral dress.
I will rack my brains!
Wonderful to hear from Frank that Ken Dodds has been in touch with him. Let's hope that Ken looks at this site. It would be good to hear from him.
Lynn
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Hi Lynn!
Frank sent me a copy of a picture Ken gave him of Haydock. It was of the Spiders Web Club Dance Committee and must have been taken in 1964. The only people I recognize on it are myself and Jan (sitting) then Frank, Ken and to the far right, Andy Richards (Police - remember him?) Could you help us with any other names?
Jacqui
PS Like you, I don't know how to resize the picture so hope the Webmaster can do something about that.
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hi jacqui have just seen your message to lynn im sending you kens email address is as follows ; HOBOOLSEN@HOTMAIL.CO.UK hehas asked me to send it to you i will send it to lynn as well he has given me all the gen on his family it would take me a long time to repeat it to you he will get you up to date bye frank
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Hi Frank!
Thanks for Ken's email address. Have just emailed him. Darn, I wish it were NEXT year I was coming home now instead of just having come back from there. You, me, Ken and perhaps Lynn could have gotten together and gone over old times, eh? Never mind.
Jacqui
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hi jacqui now that is a good idea how do you think of them?? but with four lives and commitments to consider it might not be to easy to arrange but you never know??? let me know how ken responds i like ken his nice chap and a busy one i suspect all for now regards to all frank and irene
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hi jacqui ken tells me he has not rec your e mail is in smallprint and as follows hoboolsen@hotmail.co.uk or kathdodds@hotmail.com try again better luck this time are you all well ? talk again later had an email from lynn she is ok regards frank.
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Thanks, Frank!
I did write to Ken with the email address you gave me. Unfortunately I capitalized the address, just as you did so that's probably why he didn't get it. Have corrected that now and sent him another email. Thanks again!
Jacqui
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:D At long last I have managed to get onto RootsChat; I am Geordielad and my photo is already on the site. Can anyone of 62-67 Haydock vintage guess who I am?
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hi geordielad i can only think of one chap but im saying nowt at the moment i think you know who i am let the others have a go at this one regards to geordie and all ex haydock types swo man
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Well, I never knew you were a Geordie but yes, I think I know who you are. <grin>
Jacqui
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hi jacqui had a mess from ken and he has rec your e mail good now we can all keep in contact it was kaths email that done the job and of course we all know who geordielad is dont we ?? me im a london type pre war of course well im off now talk again later regards to all frank and irene
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Thanks for the info, Frank - and enjoy yourself in London!
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Yes the clan is getting bigger! Not yet heard from Cerura - guess she must be out Xmas shopping!
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Hi everyone.
You have me guessing Geordielad. I need to look back at all the photos for inspiration.
I have been away at a conference so haven't been looking at this site.
Working from home today as I am snowed in. It looks so beautiful out there but the roads are treacherous so I am staying put!!!
Send some sunshine please Jacqui.
Lynn
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Can anyone identify the two on the right?
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No, sorry Lynn. Don't recognise either one of them. Maybe Ken could?
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Lynn,
You only think you DON'T recognise Geordielad but you do, really. You've put enough pictures on here with him on them. <grin>
As for the weather, I'd love to send you some of our sunshine but it's only 64 today - very cold for us.
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I seem to recognise the lady on the right! Oh! Yes now I know her.. it's my wife! - come to think of it she has been for the last 45 years!
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Re- Picture of Spiders Web Committee; the guy on the left was from 53 SU, The Chairman next to him I can't recall. Next to Ken is Cpl Tony Campbell(PBX) and the guy at the front is Cpl Reg Bamford of 53SU
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Oh my goodness! That's .... oops, nearly slipped and said her name. Can't do that until Lynn recognizes you, can we, Geordielad? Oh Lynn, you're going to kick yourself when you realise! <grin>
As for the other people in the Dance Committee picture - I know the faces and the names but I'd never have put the two together, Geordielad!
By the way, for those others who couldn't remember the name of the Mess WO, Geordielad cleared that up too (clever clogs!). His name was Warrant Officer Ward.
Any more pictures, anyone?
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It must be Ken!
No idea you were a Geordie Ken. Good to hear from you. Did you already have copies of the photos I posted?
I will see what other photos I have.
Meanwhile, here is one for Sunshine Girl - taken before the heavy snowfall which brought the UK to a grinding halt!!! I have had to crop it as it is deemed too big to post! Grrrr!
It is a complete white out here and freezing! What I wouldn't give for 64%F Jac
Lynn
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Yes it is me! Have you tried my e mail? if not send it to my wife's e mail. KathXXXXX@hotmail.com. We would love to learn how the years have been treating you. I will be seeing SWO Man soon and Sunshine Girls has my e mail OK and we are corresponding.
I spoke to our PTI friend of those dayonly last night and he hopes to join the party soon. He also married a locasl girl called Muriel; SWOman should ask his wife if she remembers doing her training with her all those years ago?
I do have some more photos which I will upload when I have mastered the system.
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Hi Ken,
It is wonderful to be in touch with colleagues I haven't heard of for 50 years. It all seems like yesterday as the memories keep flooding back.
I will catch up with you by email or PM soon - when work calms down.
All the best,
Lynn
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Hello Everyone.
I havent been on site much recently. Chatted with Sunshine Girl last time. The Irish airman was Tony Casey. I met up with him years later in Singapore when he was at the Changi Hotel on his way home ffrom Hong Kong. Nice to see some familiar faces that have appeared on this site.
Regards to everyone
Jumbo
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Hi Lynn!
You guessed it. Geordielad is our Ken! <grin> I didn't know he was a Geordie either. Fooled us both, didn't he?
What a beautiful picture you sent. Where was it taken? I wouldn't mind an afternoon in that, just to get into the Christmas spirit - but only an afternoon. <grin> As for you wishing for 64+ weather ... Lynn, you're welcome here anytime - truly. I've said the same to Ken and to Frank. Come stay with us and we'll show you around. It's in the mid 70's today.
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hi jacqui have seen your mail to lynn and co the invite us to see you in the states that would be wonderfull but we couldnt leave our two babies as we have in the past our dog is 15 years old and going blind we cant leave with anyone now and then there is our baby the cat daft isnt it but there you are you get soft in you old age thanks for your kind invite we liked the kilt roulette bit to have had meetings with ken and his wife and ope to meet up with alan gardner the ex pti do you remember him? he lives in southport will talk again later love to you all frank and irene
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Hi Frank!
I remember the name Alan Gardner but not his face, I'm afraid.
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Hi Everybody.
Looking at one of the pictures, the WAAF standing to the right of Roisin ...is that Ann Headland, the one everyone called "Heidi"?
There was a strange co-incidence at Haydock, the number of airmen with the initials AM...Alan Manson, Alan Meikeljohn, Alan Milne, Alan Miller, Alan Marshall. Another two names just popped out are Fred Tordoff and Chalky White. Does anyone know what happened to Roisin, the one Sunshine Girl called the Infamous Roisin?
May you all have a wonderful Christmas...including certain persons residing in America!!
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Thanks, Jumbo. <grin>
As to Roisin Mullen, she was posted along with Janet (Red Setter) the other G.O. WRAF to Wittington (?) I believe. What happened to her after that, I don't know.
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Hi Jacqui,
The photo is of Guildford High Street which is where I do my Christmas shopping. There has been a lot on snow here in Surrey and I was snowbound for three days. It has mostly cleared now but it is very cold.
Thank you so much for your invitation. I may take you up on it one day!!! You never know! I have been to the US a few times and think it is a great place with the friendliest people in the world.
Lynn
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Hi Jumbo,
I can't recall the WRAF Cpl in the photo. If only I had been organised enough to put names on the back!
Is Tony Casey the dark haired lad in the photo with me and others at a party? The name is familiar.
Lynn
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Hi Lynn!
You should remember Tony Casey. He worked in Acctg with us. He either sat against the wall to Ma'am Eagles office or you sat there and his desk was between yours and mine. He was a really nice chap. Quiet and relatively shy but could come out with a good one-liner every now and then.
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Oh how the memory dims!!! I am not sure we were together for long.
Most of my time there was with Barbara and Kathleen. I always sat in the corner (best place for me LOL) with the counter and door to my right. I have a picture somewhere . . .
Obviously the dark haired lad in the photo isn't him! Wonder who he was?
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Hi Lynn:
Well, if you sat in the corner with the counter and door to your right and I sat at the other end, facing the corridor wall, then Tony Casey must have had his desk between us. The two WRAFs you mentioned weren't there when I arrived in February '64. There was just you, Tony and I as Clerks. I seem to remember we got a local WRAF after you left but, if memory serves me right, Tony was still at Haydock when I left in late '65.
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Just wish I could put a face to him!!!
If you are out there Tony, please post a photo and put me out of my misery! LOL.
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Hi Lynn!
You already have put a face to Tony Casey. Look at the picture you put on the board on page 13. The chap you described as "the curly haired lad from Accounting" is Tony!
Jacqui
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Duh!!!!
That is who I thought it was but somehow, I got the wrong end of the stick.
Anyone recognise the girl next to him in the floral dress?
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I seem to recall it was just a lady friend of Tony Casey's. Not someone who is inprinted in my memory!
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Hi Lynn:
Well, if you sat in the corner with the counter and door to your right and I sat at the other end, facing the corridor wall, then Tony Casey must have had his desk between us. The two WRAFs you mentioned weren't there when I arrived in February '64. There was just you, Tony and I as Clerks. I seem to remember we got a local WRAF after you left but, if memory serves me right, Tony was still at Haydock when I left in late '65.
You r correct; I was the otherside of the wall. We did get another local service WRAF - lived down the East Lancs; came to work (always late) in heavy driving gloves and often brought her dog. Seem to remember she was as dishevelled as the dog!
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I am trying my hardest to upload another couple of photos from the 60's era!
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Hope you're getting those pics uploaded alright, Ken. <grin>
Hey, was that local WRAF you mentioned from somewhere near Ashton in Makersfield or another hyphenated name like that? I seem to remember the one that replaced Lynn had ash blondish hair and wasn't going to stay very long as she was getting married.
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You r right.. I now remember her name.. Celia-Grace Rowe!! What a female - one of a kind! Thank Goodness! I will send u the photos to put on this site; somehow I cannot get them to upload on here.
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Oh my gosh, your memory is unbelievable, Ken!! It WAS Celia wasn't it? I'd been trying to think of her name for ages - and you remembered her full name! How on earth did you remember all that? <grin>
OK, send your pictures to me and I'll download them to the site - though I have problems keeping them to a discreet size.
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Hi everyone,
I have been enjoying reading about your lives at RAF Haydock.
I worked with Lynne and Kathleen in the accounts, and became friendly with Swoman (he is now related) and have received e mails from Geordielad along with some photographs.
The photo you put on Lynne I cannot remember being taken and the people on the others are not recognisable. I put this down to my age or a convenient memory. It was lovely to see Flt Lft Jones and Sgt Sperandeo.
My name was Barbara Best, and I came out of the RAF in January 1964, and got married to Franks brother in law in June 1964, so we have always kept in touch with one another. I was widowed in 1978 and remarried in 1989.
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I can just remember Flt Lt Jones; he moved on as I arrived. I bumped into Fred Sperandeo later in life; By then I was a Flt Lt at MOD and Fred had made Sqn Ldr. He retrired from the RAF about the same time as me - in 1986 - He had re-married. He retired to Harrogate where I last met him around 87/88.
Merry Xmas to all.
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Happy New Year to everyone! Hope it is a good one for you all.
Great to hear from you Ken and from you Barbara. I remember you both so well.
Haydock was like no other station I ever served on. It seemed locked into a delightful time warp of its own. As others have said, a very special place, despite the slag heap!
I am glad that Sgt Sperandeo made it through OCTU. I know how disappointed he was to be turned down initially and it must have been galling for him to wave some chit of a girl off soon after. We did well from one section from one tiny station didn't we Ken? LOL!
Looking forward to the photos Ken.
Lynn
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hi lynn seen your message to ken how true about haydock iv been on a few stations some nearly as good as nwcc but it took some beating even the staff where some how different then most on other stations oh well its all been nice to look back on hasnt it ?? bab best was due to come to our place for a meal and chat last thursday but she has a chest infection so couldnt make it but will come later have you any more photos to send keep in touch regards frank ps did you have agood time in france ??
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Here's to another year Haydockites! Hope we survive many more! I also agree that there was no place like it throughout my 35 years in blue. Frank is right; the people were all a special breed and we were all so very happy. What about those dances in the Spiders Web? Did we not pack 'em in ??
At this time of year I know we all remember family/friends who have gone. On this site it must be Janet O'D; how close we were to saying "Hello" after all these years. In particular I recall Denis Wells; Around 1978 I walked into a pub in the centre of London and there he was! We met up every Friday for a pie and a pint( sorry we were officers - it was lunch and a wine!). By then Denis was a Sqn Ldr Med Sec at MOD just round the corner from Adastral House where I was at the time.
Sadly Denis passed away around 5 years ago; I used to get a card from his wife Barbara but not for the last couple of years. Jacqui says she will upload more photos I have sent her; I am in the process of fixing up a lunch with Frank/Irene - Kath/me and Alan/Mutriel Garner who live in Southport. Lynne; when you have time drop me an e mail? Cheers to all.
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Hi Ken!
Here, at last, are the start of the pictures you asked me to upload for you. Sorry for the delay - was with family for the holidays.
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First two pics from Ken. He can explain who, what and where
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Christmas Menu from the Airmen's Mess, 1963.
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Ken, you can explain!
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Last two pics from Ken
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Good try Jacqui; thanks anyway! The first picture is yours truly at a Wedding in Aden in 1962 with Pat McAlden and Judy Dudley (+AN Other). Both of them had just been posted to Steamer Point - from Haydock! Weeks later my posting came through - to Haydock!
The second picture is when I was best man at Alan Gardner's wedding (ex PTI) at Haydock around the mid 60's. Then there is Lynne and I with Sqn Ldr Pollock at the orphanage in Liverpool. I have kept some Menus from the Xmas Dinners of 62/63/64 and this is an example. Remember Dickie Ward the WO Catering? We always had good food.
Lastly there is a photo from the local paper of the trroops on parade for the AOC's in 1967. It's a pity the picture is not clearer as others - apart from the Sgt on the end in glasses - might be recognisable!
Full marks to Jacqui for effort!. Any more pictures of that era?
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Hi Ken!
Sorry about the size of the pictures but those wanting to really look at them can download them to their own PC's and enlarge them. Do you have the menu for the Christmas Dinner of 1964? I remember that Christmas very well and going to the Mess for dinner. Wasn't the dinner right after we had the Christmas party in HQ?
Also, a question - where did the PTI's hang out for work? Quite honestly, though I remember Alan's face, I don't remember anything more than that about him. The only PTI I remember was the Flt Sgt (W) who delighted in taking Jan and I to all the trials and try-outs.
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Bongaree
Hi I was stationed at RAF Haydock from 1958 to 1961 and indeed we delivered tapes on roller skates
we had 32 on each watch a W.O. corporal an d the team most of St Helens rugby players served their national service including alec Murphy, Jimmy Charlton Austin Rhodesand a few others. i had my wedding reception in the corporals club in 1961W.O. Craig was my watch chief and W.O. Gibbons was the wraf admin.S/ldr Nolan was the C.O. when I left.
Hope this is of some use
Bongaree
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Bongeree; yes I recall the long corridor from outside accounts office down past the tape room to PBX. The toilets were halfway down on the right; I remember because 2 certain chaps used to hide there when they had spent the evening with the girls on PBX. A code call from the guardroom warned us the OO was on his way; we then had to sprint down the corridor and hide in the toilets whilst the AM Constable kept the OO talking!!
I have fond memories of Xmas 62 when the girls in PBX had a tin bath full of liquor made into a great punch!
Perhaps Bongeree may recall Spud Murphy and John McShane from the tape room? Spud passed away many years ago and John McShane (married Ann Case from PBX) passed away last year.
I bumped into David Craig many years later; he became a labour councillor for Haydock and ventually became Mayor of St Helens in the mid 9o's..sadly he also passed away a couple of years after that.
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HI Ken
knew you would answer, just to let you know we are not near all the floods as we live
on a sand Island
Do you by any chance remember Marion Johnston she was one of my bridesmaids I believe she married and lived in Haydock sorry to hear about W.O. Craig I should pay more attention when I am
home for a visit
Regards to you and Kathy
Pat H
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Yes I just happen to know the story. Will E Mail u direct.
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Another story to test the memory of 2 certain local service WRAF members of the Accounts Section; Bongeree mentions Alex Murphy! Do you 2 remember?
I had just arrived in '62 - new to Haydock as the new addition to the staff - (1 xFS AND 3 WRAF). There was I stuck between them!! One day heard a commotion at the counter; it turned out to be Alex Murphy - with his arm in a sling - just returned from the Aussie tour. He was creating because he had no pay or credits to come and was giving the girls a hard time. I kicked his proverbial but and chased him away.
Much later in life when I had retired for the umpteenth time I took a part time job working for SAINTS in the accounts department. There I met up with Alex again; he held no grudges and recalled the incident quite well!!
Also who remembers going to Burtonwood bowling - AND which member of the team did not come back with us? !!!
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don't know about bowling at Burtonwood I went flying there on Wednesdays and played Badminton
you will have to revise my memory
PatH
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Hi Ken!
I remember Spud Murphy very well, as did Janet. He used to have the pair of us in stitches with some of the things he said. He was quite a comedian when he wanted to be - and tender hearted too, though he would never have admitted it.
I also remember the trips to Burtonwood for bowling. Picked up my first 7-10 split there, annoying the heck out of Flt Lt Symondson, who was on the team we were bowling against. I don't remember anyone staying behind though. Didn't we all go by RAF bus?
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I'm not sure the incident concerning the lost team member was before your time Sunshine Girl; the other 2 girls in the office may remember. The missing person did not surface for 48 hours..and we had to go and knock on the individuals door!!
Yes happy memories of Spud Murphy - he was so happy go lucky!! Remember how we all danced to the Bosonova around the juke box? Sorry Bongereee this was after your time!
I had a nice day last Friday with Frank; think I bored the pants off him!! I am trying to arrange a lunch date with Frank/Alan Gardner?Yours truly - plus wives - in the next couple of weeks.
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Yes, we did a lot of dancing round that juke box, didn't we? To this day, every time I hear Henry Mancini's "Moon River" it takes me back to Haydock and the Spider's Web. Anyone else got a song that will take them right back to their Haydock days?
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Sunshine girl - Remember "lets twist again" by Chubby Checker ?.
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I certainly do, Jamie. What others can you remember?
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Hows about "twist & shout "?.
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Yes, we had plenty of Beatle songs but there were some slow songs though and they're the one I'm trying to think of.
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Jim Reeves "Welcome to my world ?."
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Tunes in the Juke Box? Matt Monro - Walk Away. Tony Bennett - I left my Heart in San Francisco. The flip side was played a lot too - I want to be around to pick up the pieces when somebody breaks your heart!!
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One of the best - Gerry and the Pacemakers - "You'll never walk alone". Still legendary in Liverpool !.
Eyes are filling up just thinking about them all !.
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I remember that one, too, Jamie .... and it has special meaning to me, too, for a lot of reasons. It's not the one I'm trying to remember though. Keep going! <grin>
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Sunshine girl, You're obviously feeling sentimental re some of the "oldies" !. A couple or so more : Solomon King - "she wears my ring.". The righteous brothers - "unchained melody". PJ Proby - "Somewhere".
Give us some clues please.
Cheers.
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How about "Harbour Lights" and "Unchained Melody"?
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What about Herman's Hermits? _ " Something tells me I'm onto something good!!" Cilla Black - You're my world.. They were both on the box!
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Yep, both of those though I think the ones I'm trying to remember are more folk songs.
Talking of "You're My World" though, do you remember all the coulpes who used to dance to that song, staring into each other's eyes? I wonder how many of them are still looking at each other like that or went their separate ways?
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Hi everyone, I have been following this forum for a while now.
I am the daughter of Sgt James (Jim) Makin, who was stationed at Haydock about 1960.
Names I remember my mum and dad mentioning
Frank Midgie
June Farnon
Earnie Ray
Dad also went to Akrotiri and Raf Cosford.
I would love to hear from anyone who remembers him or my Mother Jean.
xx ;)
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I remember him well, he was the Sgt in charge of the guardroom. I was a mere 18 year old and thankfully never got into too much trouble to involve your dad. I know that Frank will see this and get in touch. I believe they were close friends.
Good Luck.
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Wow, thank you for such a quick response. Yes I saw Frank was 'blogging'
I look forward to hearing from him
x
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My brother David was also there at the same time - he was very young too probably about your age.
He went off to Aiden
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Hi Aromalady
I remember your father well I was at RAF Haydock at the same time as him my husband bought a motorbike from him I also remember him having an accident when his hand got caught in the fan of a car he was fixing
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Hi Bongaree, thanks for replying.
Yes my dad always had his head under the bonnet of a car, and subsequently damaging some part of his anatomy. By all accounts he was a bit of a lad!
I am in the process of trying to get hold of some photographs, this may take a while, but when I get them I'll upload them.
If you have any other stories of him I would love to hear them.
k
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I too remember Jim Makin (I arrived Haydock Aug '62). I know Frank will follow up. Frank has just had a cataract op last Friday( I had one in Dec) so he may be a bit slower than usual in replying!
Jim Makin had a sidekick - Cpl Andy Richards - who became a frend of mine in those days; lost touch with Andy over 20 years ago. Frank and I have talked about Jim, Frank was in the next office and they all got on well together. Frank speaks highly of Jim.
Best Wishes.
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Thanks Geordielad (funny that as Im in Durham and my older brother David is in Newcastle)!
I'll ask my mum about Andy Richards, I don't recall hearing his name mentioned.
My dad died in January 2009, he was 84. He and my mum had a very turbulent relationship and divorced in the late 80's.
Since his death I have been very interested in tracing some forces history, as I remember him speaking very fondly of his time in the RAF.
As mentioned earlier I am awaiting some old photos, when I get them I'll upload them, as Im sure you will be able to recognise most of the people in them.
Once again, thank you so much for replying.
K
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Yes I call myself a geordielad but I was born in Sunderland! Which makes me a " Barbary Coaster" in the eyes of "true geordies" !!
If you look back at pages 12/13 you will see various pictures; The "Committee" picture shows Sunshine Girl bottom left; I am the one with glasses in the back row; next to me is Tony Campbell who was the PBX Supervisor; and next to Tony Is Andy Richards. Ther is also a single picture of Sunshine Girl in uniform around there somewhere.
I spoke to Tony on the phone the other day; he is still working on the telephone exchange in a South London Hospital.
The picture of us all at a Xmas Party for the kids orphanage in Liverpool; I am next to the Co - then there is Cerura who also writes on Roots; tther is a WRAF Cpl caleed Gill Witt and in fron of her is Frank Migy. I know Frank will be very sorry to learn that your Dad has gone.
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here are some photos of my dad at Haydock
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And another, the lady on the left is my mothers cousin (now deceased) Doris Ramsdale. Dad 3rd from the left, next to my mother. I dont know any of the others but I think it was taken at Haydock
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Im not sure where the photo on the aircraft was taken, the other was in Haydock. Dad receiving a cup for either Javelin or shot put.
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I bet youre all sick of these now! ;D
Here is a group photo on the same day that dad received his cup (earlier photo). Can anyone recognise the others. (Dad is the tallest at the back)
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I think it's great if family or friends look for history of days gone by. This site is all about that and it is great to see old pictures and look for someone you knew.
From the early 60's there cannot be many of us around from those Haydock days; but we welcome new players to the game!
I recognise only 2 on the last picture; far right holding the cup is WO David Craig; who when he retired became a labour councillor for Haydock and later Mayor of St Helens. Sadly he passed away in the late 90's. I was at his funeral.
End left on the middle row is F/S John Sergison who lived at 6 Avery Square when I lived in No1 around 1965/66. Also sadly John died around this time at Haydock and his wife went back to Geordieland.
I wouls guess that the picture was taken in the late 50's. Frank may recognise more people.
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Hi the two ladies in the middle dark hair Sylvia Pengelly and the blonde Pip Mullins the young fellow sitting in the front row end with the cup in front of him was Jack not sure of his surname he was a cpl mp with your dad also wo craig as mentioned by ken
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Have just found this site on NWCC Haydock and hopefully i may be able to fill in some slots
I served there1957-1960 then posted to JATCC Singapore.
Lived 6 Avery Square with wife Moreen and family. C.O S/L Ron Brickwood an excellent C.O. D.S.O's Warrant Officers Gerry Chambers, Harry Dolphin, Thompson, Thomson I think the Adj was F/o or F/LT Sid Burns.
Well remember Roller Skates Ron Brickwood intr'd them, Anyone remember Cpl Tom Honeywell? with family
Harry Dolphin did his Tel1 with me at 3RS.
Sgt Makim remember him as well, also remember being Duty NCO patrolling site and putting the lights on and then turning them off
My Watch Boss Gerry Chambers
nice to know Haydock brings back happy days
Jim
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Welcome to jatcc2! You left long before I arrived in '62. Did you know John McShane and Spud Murphy from the tape room? Also Larry Saxton and Tommy Tomkinson? If I remember rightly No 6 Avery Square later was John Sergison. I did not move into No 1 till '65.
I have vivid memories of all the tape relay Xmas messages hung all around the tape room at Xmas in 62. I was in awe of the skill and the number of themes that were converted by message tape. Any pictures of those typ0e of things in yuour archives?
Welcome to the club!
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Thankyou for the welcome sorry the names i do not recall have a few more tho'
Paul Fitzgerald Joe Turner Brian AsPinall all Cpls on watches. Jock O'Neil was a F/
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Sorry to continue O'Neil Scotsman was a F/SGT me him again in 2taf Rheindahlen.
Well remember the tape Xmas , sorry in the years that have passed and with all the travel etc no mementoes of NWCC in my archives
Nice to have memories. By the way anyone out remember a trip down the local coal mine?? if so I'm the guy that led it.
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Hi to everyone.
I am sorry I have been AWOL for a while. Work has been manic and no time for anything else. It is a bit quieter now but the backlog of other 'things' is high. Don't know where to start really so thought I would see how you are all getting on.
I will try to post some newspaper articles but not too sure how legible they will be.
I might have missed it but what happened to Greyhound? Is he/she lurking or given up on us all? LOL.
Off to find news cuttings!
Lynn
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Hope this is legible!
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Mmm. What happened to the picture?
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Sorry, despite removing the text, the system won't allow the cutting to be posted. It isn't very big so I don't understand why it has been rejected.
I could make it smaller but it would just be a blur. Sorry.
Lynn
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continuing on from my last entries Got the O'Neil name wrong he was at Rheindahlen. Anyone remember Jock Craig? he became a Warrant Officer and what about a Wraf Cpl by name Val Hamer? I know she married a fellow Cpl but his name escapes me . NWCC was a great and happy posting to many of us I remember being on evening shift when the Man u Team bought it in Germany,there that gives my age away.
Many a happy day at Haydock including a trip down the local coal mine.
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Yep! ??? Wondered what had happenned to you? My private e mail can be obtained from Frank; if you ever want to catch up on the missing 40 years! I notice this site is "hit" quite a lot - yet there only a handfull of us that blog! Must have been a lot more folk than we realised working under that slag heap!!
Thankifully in regular contact with Jacqui; I see Frank every couple of weeks now and I am in contact with Alan Gardner. sadly he has family problems at the moment so it is a softly softly approach.
Would like to know what happenned to Andy Richards and Brian Williams? I last saw Brian at PMan22 Gloucester around late 71. Andy Richards became a civilian copper and managed to get an ATC commission but he never kept in touch. Last saw him around 79/80.
Waiting to see more photos!
Ragards Ken
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For Jatcc2; not sure if the Jock Craig you mention is the one in one of the recent photo's. He is the one holding the cup. If you did mean him then you can backtrack my blogs where I mention his passing.
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??? What has happenned to everyone? Have we exhausted all the tales from the underworld? (slag heap)!!
Ken
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I think we are passing or getting slower you did not answer my last e-mail
Pat H
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come on you haydock types not heard from your lot except ken dodds and our girl sunshine in the states lets keep the chat going we aint getting any younger and hi lynn hope you are well ? any more photos or tales to tell regards to all from page one to page twenty come on now regards frank migy
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Hi everyone,
Sorry, work is manic with all the end of financial year stuff.
I was disappinted to find that the site won't accept the press cuttings I have as they are probably the most interesting to Greyhound.
As far as I can recall, this one is the opening of the Spider's Web Club.
Lynn
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Hi everyone do not know what happened to all who served at NWCC from 1958 to 1961 I must be the only one left tried in different ways to contact people I knew through Forces reunited to no avail
Ken Dodds [put me onto this site but i have not heard from too many from my era
hope you are all well
regards
PatH
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Well done Frank; let us keep it going! Thanks Lynne fot the photo - you have not changed a bit!! Also recognise Mrs Sergison - the other faces are familiar but names are not with me just yet! I am sure Sunshine girl will have something to add when she sees the photo!
Linda; You know the town I live in; look me up in the phone book! Frank & I get together on a regular basis as we only live a few miles apart; I am fixing up a lunch date with Alan Gradner/Frank and myself sometime soon. As Frank says - we are not getting any younger and we must continue to enjoy the past - as well as the present!
Keep it going! Ken
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thanks lynn for the photo great stuff iknow all the faces but not the names and as ken says we should all keep in touch as long as we dont bore each other but i suppose we might run out of things to say ?? buy the way im i cheeky asking all to send some recent photos ? i mean we must know how we look these days or im iasking to much?? sorry if i am regards to you lynn and anybody reading this frank migy
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Hi agen for attn PatH. ur entry refers , Nope u aint the last one by a long shot. from ur dates at NWCC u were there same time as me 1957 to 1960 then I went off to Singapore. My Boss man was W.O. Gerry Chambers were u Commcen or Pbx? Either way a happy unit to be at with fond memories.
Heres one for others of our era... Who rembers the big security exercise held with Haydock under attack, Think it lasted a couple of day/nights. I was a Gaurd Commander and had bod parked in the Slag Heaps etc to catch any infiltrators, and they tried. If memory serves me right we caught those that tried. Ah happy days and memories
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Hey Lin!
That photograph - unless they started serving sunglasses at the Spider's Web bar, I think you'll find that was the NAAFI shop the picture was taken in. I seem to remember the lady on the right worked there.
Glad to see you back online, anyway. When you find Ken's phone number and give him a call, ask him to give you my email address. I'd love to hear from you.
Jacqui
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I have made lots of attempts to uplaod photo's but to no avail! Will keep trying with a variety of pictures! ken
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Good try, Ken! Almost as good/bad as my attempts! ROFL!
Jacqui
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Where are all the Haydock men and women Happy Easter to all I need some feedback
I am sure we are all out there love to hear all the gos from anywhere
Pat H
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At least Im still about this Easter if u want to chat give me a call
Jatcc2
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Hi JACC not sure who you are but thankyou for your reply I was at Haydock 1958 1961 been talking to some of the inmates since then namely Ken Dodds nd Frank Migy I have such fond memories of Haydock I had my wedding there in the corporals club in 1961 50 years coming up in June through Ken Dodds I have heard of the demise of some of my dear friends so I do not know how many are left and there has been very postings on this site for a few weeks
if you are on line give me a reply
regardsPat H
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Hi Pat nice to get a quick reply. I am Jim Wright at Haydock 1957/1960 did my Tel 1 from there and then went to Singapore. My DSO was Jerry Chambers
Note you married there in the Club. Do u remember Val Hamer??
Have other means of Comms if u wish
Jim
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Hi everybody,
Happy easter to you all.
I've been on this site before, but only Ken D and Frank M seem to remember me.
I came to Haydock April 61 and left for Rheindahlen in November 63. I started my clerical carreer in the Gen Off and ended up with Flt Lt Fleet ? in the families office. I certainly can remember Ken popping in to the Gen Off now and then and many a game of snooker I had with Frank, probably lost most of them too !.
I was only 18 years old the and came to Haydock after my trade training at Kirton in Lindsay. I came from the Orkney Isles and I guess I was pretty niave and shy in those days.
I remember Sgt Carthy from the Gen Off, also a guy called Norman Bolton ?. Pam Smith was a good pal of my wife, Gwen Nicholas.
As I was only 18 when I arrived at Haydock and am now approaching 67, I assume that most contributing to this post may be slightly older ?
Hope everybody has a happy and sunny holiday.
Regards
Jim Monkman
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Hi Jatcc I am not sure if I remember you but I do remember Val Hamer I married in June 1961 and then lived out I left the WRAF in October that year at the end of my time my husband was a civilian at Haydock he was a steward in the Officers mess he worked with Bruce John and Shirley Sdr Leader Nolan was th oic when I left my maiden name was McCormack when I left I was in the typing pool as switched simplex was in signals and national service was finished and we had too much staff I also worked in the workshop with Flt Sgt Kerr
good to talk to people who shared a part of my life I now live on an Island off the east coast of Queensland Australia
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hi all you ex hayock pers good to hearfrom you all thats ;j monkman j wright pat h and all that thi message gets to im frank migy 1957 to 1965 so i know so many names and times at haydock some one men s.l nolan wellhears a few more cothat iremember sl brickwood sl fishwick sl pike sl pollock remember some of the swos wo mcgarvy wo england wo breese then f.sgt ginn ex air crew oh mems could go on for ages im in touch with jacqui whos in the states ken dodds who lives just up the road from me and imust not forget lynn who worked in the accs office we chat allso and iremember the snooker table very well cpl barnes fireman was a friend of mine to and ican remember all the civvies male and female that where with us to all a good bunch mrs clare else who worked in the cen regs has passed on and sev others i know of have also left us bless them all some one said he is now 65 wow i could do with being tht age im now 83 keep the news coming in we all want to hear how things are going happy easter to all regards f. migy
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Hi Frank good to hear you are out and about congratulations to you and Irene on your recent 45th wedding anniversary how time goes by Ken and Kathy must be coming up for their 46th me I reach my 50th in June we sure are getting old I was last in the UK 18 months ago visiting my sister in Surrey I was also visiting my sister-in-law in Ashton-in-Makerfield I did not know about Roots chat/Haydock then or I would have met up with you all
Hope you are engoying the lovely weather in the UK
we are going into winter but we do not get any frost or snow just cool winds and still plenty of sunshine
by for now
Pat H
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hi pat irene has asked me to mention that she went to central school in ashton and then to grammer school there did your husband know her brother he was jeff hosker sadly now passed away he became a welder by trade and irene was a nurse and later a nurseing officer let us know of any names or incidents you can remember if you ever come to uk again you must come and see us that would be great to see you after all this time be for we all peg out ? talk again pat love to all frank and irene
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Hi Frank and Irene yes my Eddie went to Ashton Grammar perhaps Irene's brother was in a different grade from him my husband will be 71 in May. Yes I would love to catch with all of you who knows, at present we have too many medical problems in the family for me to leave when I can I will make another trip home
regards to all
Pat H
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Good Day to all; any more memories of Haydock? what about nights down at the Legion? Who can remember the clubs in the local Darts league in which we played?
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hi millie wallace now lewis iv sent youan email but was returned incorrect address will you contact me again by phone many thanks frank migy
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Hello everyone.
Just popping in to see how you are all getting on. Hi Jim Monkman, I remember you.
Also remember Flr.Lt Fleet.
I found another photo. I am on the right, anyone remember the girl on the left?
Why I didn't put names on the reverse I don't know!
Lynn
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Hi everybody,
Greetings from the sunny Orkney Isles.
Thanks Lynn for your last photo. I do remember you, but my memory isn't as good as it was. I think the girl in your photo worked in the NAAFI and she was called Sylvia ?. I think she came from north Wales, jog any memories ?.
Hope everybody is getting old gracefully and in good health.
It would be nice to know where everybody eventually settled after their RAF days were over, let's hear from you all.
Talk soon I hope.
Best regards
Jim Monkman
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hi jim yes it would be great to know how and where all the old contacts are these days im in contact with one or two ken dodds and i see each other from timeto time he lives in st helens not far from where i live and of course im in contact lynn and jacquie in the usa and pat in aus we have lost one or two of course very sad in deed but we are all getting on a bit now thats life i would to hear from anybody who caresto make contact in the future keep in touch jim all the best frank migy 2304026 ps we want more photos from you all ???
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Good day to All; sorry I missed you Cerura; we were on a short break celebrating someone's special birthday and also 46 years wed! Please call again or E mail.
I agree with Jim; think that young lady in the photo was a NAAFI employeee - not in my memory catalogue of WRAF personnel. I am so pleased to have found Frank (and Irene), we are enjoying their company on a regular basis. Have not heard from Pat; I suspect she has her hands full - hope all is well with her. Phone message from Alan(Muriel) Gardner; they are away on hols.
My best wishes to everyone. Ken
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I wonder how many of you would recognise Slag Lane if you saw it now> !! ???There are traffic lights at the junction with the East Lancs; which is not as busy as it was in the old days because the M62 takes most of the heavy stuff directly in/out of Queen's Drive in the 'pool.
The slag heap is laid flat and there are new houses everywhere; including all over the domestic site.
Nothing remains but memories!! Clipsley Lane has not changed much; the High School is still near the bottom of Slag lane. There is also a by-pass from the Ashton traffic lights down behind the Huntsman to the Ship Inn at Blackbrrok. These 2 pubs have not changed at all!! Cheers Ken
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Hi everyone, especially Lynn,
Ken and Frank. I wish that I'd asked the wherabouts of you all a bit earlier. I've just returned from motoring down to visit my grandchildren in Preston and had I known you weren't too far away, could've possibly dropped by to say hello. Not to worry though, I normally motor down every year or so, so who knows - we may meet yet.
I see that Ken probably agrees with me about the girl in the photo with you Lynn, a shame you can't remember her surname, it may come to you yet though.
For Frank - another name which springs to mind is Duncan Ashcroft, he worked with you as a trade assistant. I remember him because he went on detachment to Germany, got into some bother and I was his escort when he went in front of the CO when he got back to Haydock, ring any bells ?.
I acted as an escort many times because I was in the families office down the corridor near to the COs office.
Look forward to hear from you guys, and if your ever up this far north you'd be made very welcome.
Best regards
Jim
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hi jim thanks for your email , duncan ashcroft? now who was he? and you say he worked for me cant remember him at all iremember a chap called diggle who was good at woodwork he done a few jobs with mr glover the gardner remember the greenhouse further down from sick qrts? iv looked back on some of the pages and it seams iv missed out on someof the talk back so if anyone would like to come to me again i would be pleased to hear from you and i know ken would be to keep in touch regards to all frank migy
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I remember Duncan Ashcroft - AC -plonk - but I recall he was a likeable lad who seemed to get caught for all sorts of jobs! So you have family in Preston Jim; after Haydock Preston was my other happiest time. I was the recruiting officer for Preston, Blackpool and Blackburn in the early 80's, my office was on Fishergate opposite that little church. It's all gone now - Debenham's I think. Come on you Haydockites - what was the name of the one and only hotel in town? how many remember?
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My old man was Sgt Policeman at RAF haydock in 1962 or there abouts. Jim Makin was his name. Ilived onthe camp for about 4 years until he and myu family were osted to Cyprus and I stayed behind. later I joined up and served in Aden along with my old man. Iwas only a teenager at the time but i still remember the place quite well. I have a few photo's of the old man around somewhere if anyo9ne wants them. He died in 2010 at lytham St annes.
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hi dave good to hear from you i served at haydock with your dad; in fact we were good mates jim went to spain to live and i spent some holdays with him many times; we sold up in the uk and and lived in spain 11 years jim for some reason went back to the uk and we kept in touch for a time but lost touch after a year maybe ?? then just month or so ago we heard from kay your sister and the sad news that jim had passed away in hospital at blackpool . keep in touch ihave photos i would like you to have of your dad (*)
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Where have you all gone? On a cushy posting and keeping it quiet?
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Hi I did not serve at Haydock, My old man did. I think the Hotel you are looking for was the Huntsman.
It is still there but I believe its just a pub now.
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Good Day Dave; I also knew your Dad, not as well as Frank, but he was there in my early days. I arrived in Aug '62. The Huntsman is still there; but that is up at Clipsley Lane; that busy corner is now by-passed as they have built a new road from the East Lancs x roads (A58) directly down to the Ship Inn at Blackbrook; the Hunstman seems a quiet spot now.
The hotel I meant was in the centre of St Helens; someone will remember! (I do!)
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You must be on about the Fleece. My mother still lives in St Helens as do two of my sisters, I go back now and again ( not as often as I should do ) I remember playing snooker in the airmens mess most nights, but I had nothing to do with the personnel. I remember frank Migy and one or two others, but I was only a 15 year oldat the time. I served in Aden with my old man before I was casevaced out in 1967,
. wish I hadn't written that I feel OLD now.
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hi dave iv had a bit of bother with my pc and not able to send you somephotos of your dad but i will very soon we have been in contact with your sister kay and that reminds me i must chat with her again and send her some photos as well i didnt know your mum lived in st helens give her my regards i know she thought i was pain becouse jim and i were always messing with cars but im sure she will forgive me ?? chat again later cheers dave
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where are all our ex haydock friends ??the pages have gone blank no word from anybody at all come on now lets have blogging going on and photos past and present i know you have other things to do it only takes a few mins to respond ? regards to all . ex airman
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I could not agree more!! Well done SWO man
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The above picture reflects the progression of age to the 3 stoogies; who met up agin in 2011: all of whom appear earlier in these pages as young Corporal's who served at RAF Haydock.
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Guess everyone has now gone abroad for a sunshine festive season!! nevertheless A merry Xmas to All our Readers!!
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Hi everyone I hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas I am in the begining of summer plenty of sunshine
and beach on this lovely Island of mine
hope you have all survived the awful weather hitting Scotland and Northern England
take care if any of you are on the road
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Hi Bongaree and all other "Haydockees"
Glad to hear you've got some sunshine down there.
Weather up here in the Orkney Isles is very bad at the moment. We had recorded wind speeds last night of 138 mph, loads of damage but thankfully I survived with only 1 willow tree blown over, mind you, it was the wife's pride and joy. Will have to replace it come the spring !.
Best wishes from Orkney and I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Best regards
Jim Monkman
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So there are live people out in the wild!!, Best wishes to you Pat and you Jim; did you recognise the 3 stoggies? Ken Dodds, Frank Migy and Alan Gardner, the three of us have gone over every week of every year from 62-66. Had lunch with Frank (and Irene) on Wednesday; they only live a few miles from me. Sorry about your weather Jim; Pat please send some sunshine..
Here's to a happy new year to us all.. Ken D
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Hi Geordielad
Thank you for telling me about rootschat.com. I have enjoyed surfing through the 34 pages on RAF Haydock.
As you will remember I arrived at NWCC RAF Haydock around 1964/1965 from RAF Innsworth where I was a Junior Technician Accounts Clerk working in the
'Glasshouse' at Longlevens Gloucester where teams of us kept the paper records of personnel accounts before 'computerisation'. I hated it! I remember being offered the chance to get away from RAF Innsworth and the dingy flat I was living in by accepting a posting to NWCC RAF Haydock. It was when all the WRAF staff were posted out.
My wife Doris (of 51 years) and I had a wonderful couple of years at RAF Haydock. We lived in a modernised AMQ at Fazakerley for a while and then after a bit 'pulling strings' moved into an AMQ on base immediately opposite the NAAFI. My next door neighbour was a certain Sgt Winterbottom who wsa a chef in the airmen's mess I think. played football for the station so I remember WO Craig.
I was also a member of a folk group one of whom was a telecoms/PABX cpl who had served in Africa (RAF Eastleigh) and enjoyed some success with a flok group called The Countrymen. Under his influence we called ourselves The New Countrymen. We had a great time trying our luck around the Workmens Clubs. Nearly all the blogs on these pages are before my time at RAF Haydock. Apart from you Ken the only familiar name to me is Tony Campbell. Fondest regards Colin
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Welcome to the site Colin; I hope it helps you to remember other friends from those days. Im sure you aagree with a lot of us on this site, that Haydock days were very special.
I am still in touch with Tony Campbell by phone; he normally phones me around this time of year.
(I am also known on this site as Vagabond - due to problems with my Geordielad registration - which was only a temp blip.
All the best Ken
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Hi everyone, back again under different name, couldn't get to log in under old name of Steve003
Many interesting new posts since my last visit and new members.
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Good Day to you Steve; I recall the blond head (and youthful looks) - the quiet one at 53 SU!! Reg Bamford was in the bunk next door to me - of 53 SU fame - he had many a tale to tell about his nights down at the Legion!
Have you seen the site since you left? both sides of Slag Lane are full of housing; they have traffic signals at the junction with the East Lancs at long last. Hope this finds you well - what stories can you recall from those days? Best Wishes Ken D
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Hi Vagabond,
Have passed the old site in the last few years, all gone like nearly everywhere else
I was posted. Is there not a gallery on here? thought there was.
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I served at RAF Haydock 53 MRBSU from 5th Oct 1962 --------- 14th Oct 1964 ::)
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i remember the 53 sigs unit didnt have much to do with your lot iwas at haydock 19 57 to 1965 im in touch with some of the ex bods and lasses would like to hear from any body of that time re gards to all ex haydock pers frank migy
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Have accidentally come across this site just browsing. Haydock was my 1st posting after trade training in 1961.
I worked in the Headquarters in the General Office and it holds many fond memories for me.
It was, as you say a Signals Unit, certainly no more secretive than any other.
There wasn't a lot of personnel there, certainly no more than 300.
At the bottom of Haydock Lane (as we called it) was the British Legion Club and many a pint of Double Diamond was drunk there.
One interesting anecdote was that the famous rugby league player Alex Murphy was stationed there, he also belonged to and played for St Helens.
Alex was a great guy and I often stood in for him as the duty Fire Picket when he had to play for his Club, mind you, I was always well paid for doing so !!!
He was demobbed either in 62 or 63, I specifically remenber this because he was pictured by the local press sitting at my desk with his discharge papers in hand.
I hope this helps "put more meat on the bones". I will keep a look out on the site and perhaps come up with some more info.
Regards
JAMIEKLUTE
Hi Jatcc I am not sure if I remember you but I do remember Val Hamer I married in June 1961 and then lived out I left the WRAF in October that year at the end of my time my husband was a civilian at Haydock he was a steward in the Officers mess he worked with Bruce John and Shirley Sdr Leader Nolan was th oic when I left my maiden name was McCormack when I left I was in the typing pool as switched simplex was in signals and national service was finished and we had too much staff I also worked in the workshop with Flt Sgt Kerr
good to talk to people who shared a part of my life I now live on an Island off the east coast of Queensland Australia
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I HAVE JUST JOINED AND FASCINATED TO READ ALL THE REPORTS OF RAF HAYDOCK, I WAS THERE FROM MARCH 1955 TO OCT 1956 WHEN WITH MARY BERRY AND BETTY JOLLY WAS POSTED TO FAR EAST. I DO REMEMBER VAL HAMER AND WE LEFT HER BEHIND WHEN WE WENT OFF. BETTY ANN GLENN AND I WENT BACK TO COMPTON IN EARLY 1956 TO DO TELEG 11 COURSE AND BETTY LATER DID A TELEG 1. USED TO PLAY HOCKEY AND TENNIS AND CRICKET LIVED IN WRAF BLOCK . ANYONE REMEMBER WRAF SGT MUMMERY, DIANA LITTLECHILD,CORKY WHOL WAS IN ADMIN, OUR CO WAS SQN LDR RANCOMBE LIVED IN SOUTHPORT . I ALSO REMEMBER THE TWO LADS WHO PLAYED RUGBY FOR ST HELENS AND ONE WAS GIVEN A HUMBER SUPER SNIPE BY HIS FATHER FOR HIS BIRTHDAY AND THE CO WOULD NOT ALLOW HIM TO HAVE IT ON CAMP AS HE DID NOT HAVE A CAR.
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hi there vent qween i remember sgt w mummery iwas at haydock 1957 to 1965 and remember so many but you where gone when i arrived im in contact with a few who where there such as our friend ken dodds and of course his wife kath its good to keep in touch talk again later frank migy
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Hello Swo Man, sorry I missed you at Haydock. Just today speaking to an ex Met Office friend who passed by Haydock recently and is has all be flattened and houses. Used to go across the road after nights to the Greasy Cafe for breakfast much to the annoyance of the lorry drivers as we all filled the place. Remember playing netball on the parade square and taking part in a Queens birthday parade. I also ran an entertainment evening in the NAFFI to raise funds for the Hungarian refugees during their uprising.
Did you know Val Hamer, I have a feeling she was God Mother to one of Betty Jolly's boys. I meet up with some of the girls at the RAF Changi reunion once a year and we have great laughs and memories. I only spent one night at Changi after arrival but Roy, my late husband had been there before Seletar. Did you know Ann Glenn or Glenny, a Scot and used to play the accordian in a local working mens club but the stopped her as she could only play Scottish tunes. Picked up stray dogs and brought them back to the WRAF block a real card.
Cheers for now Vol au vent queen
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reply to swo.man
I did serve in the SWO'S office working for you in1959-1960.I was AC John Keenan(paddy). I remember you well and I believe at that time you were
living in Newton-le-wilows. The SWO was ex aircrew with a slight drink problem
if my memory serves me well. There was also a cpl Barnes who worked in the fire section and was married to a girl from Cyprus. There was another airman working in your office who came from Leeds and was doing his national service.
I was only nineteen at the time and you were much older.
Nice to know you are still with us.
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hi john idid send you a reply but in not sure if in fact it got to you?? glad to hear things have gone well for you?and of course i do remember you very well. iwill write to you again later and give you some gen thanks for making contact regards frank migy. let me know if you got the last email??
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Reply to Cocker.. Hallo Paddy; I also recall you from those days; I was the Cpl in Pay Accounts with the 3 local service girls.. remember the MOD constables on the SHQ Door?
I live near Frank Migy and see him often. Hope this finds you well.
Best wishes Ken D
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Sorry Ken, I have no recollection of you or the girls in the accounts office. Moreover, there were no MOD guards during my time at Haydock. I was there from summer 1959 to January 1961 the MOD guards must have arrived later.
Nice to hear from you
Paddy
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For Paddy; guess this shows just what age can do to you!! Mixed up memories!!
I do recall WO Breeze; Cpl Barnes.. and I thought I knew a "Paddy Keegan" .. maybe I did somewher during my 35 years service.!!
In any event; sorry but welcome to this site..who ever started it deserves a mention?
Regards to all..
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Hello to all,
Just thought I would pop in to say hi and see what you have all been up to.
Anyone remember Muriel Greenhalgh? She was, I think, a telex operator.
Ken, you mentioned the person who started this and I have often wondered about Greyhound. He (she?) asked the question and then disappeared.
Hello Greyhound, where are you?
I also wondered ( I have been doing a lot of his lately!) if anyone was on Forces Reunited and could give this site a plug? It would be good to find some more Haydock veterans and hear their memories.
I keep meaning to go back to the first page and read through everything again. Perhaps in November when I am due to retire - again!
I have no idea what I will do with myself all day after working most of my life.
Hope you are all well and enjoying life.
Lynn
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hi lynn good to hear from you againmay be when you have retired we may hear from you a lot more you must read all the pages 1 to 36 now i think ? to bring you up you up to date with with us all and you get greyhound to re connect going out with hen and kath for lunch next week and a chat , im sure you come up in conversation .regards to all you and family frank and irene
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Lunch with Frank & Irene was two weeks ago.. as usual we spent some time testing our Haydock memories..thankfully we still can recall a lot of colleagues.
Anyone remember what happenned to Cpl Andy Richards? policeman.. 64/66?
Also would still like to hear from the person who started this site..
Come on then!! any other names or memories?>
Vagabond..
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Greetings.
I just stumbled across this site while doing a search for "RAF Haydock". I was stationed there, immediately on leaving Cosford in 1968 (prior to being posted to ELA in 1969). I used to work in the Comcen (TASS/TARE RBQP) and have fond memories of both the smell of the slag heap, steaming away on a winters morning, and the transport cafe across the other side of the East Lancs. (In fact, on a recent trip to the UK, I went off in search of that cafe, only to find it had disappeared - probably decades ago :-(.)
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Just come across this site . I was I/C the medical centre from June 1964 to March 1967. Trawling through the site names mentioned bring back memories. My name is Dave Jones and the other members of staff were Margo, Paddy Doyle and willy Wilson. Medico
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Hello Medico; welcome.. Did you take over from Denis Wells?; sadly he is no longer with us; we lost him around 6/7 years ago.
I was in a pub in central London circa 1979, and bumped into Denis at the bar; not having seen him since he left Haydock. We were both at MOD at the time..continued to meet for a weekly beer for a year or so after that. His wife gave me the sad news of his passing.
What are your memories of those days 64-67?
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Hi Vagabond
I did take over from Denis Wells although we never met again. After I frinished my overseas posting to Cyprus 1967 to 1970 I was stationed at RAF Hospital Uxbridge with many happy times in London. Sorry to hear about Denis. I have only met two others who were at Haydock the same time as myself. Ken Dodds briefly at RAF Upwood at a football match in 1973 and Alan who was in the general office at Haydock in 1970 can't remember his other name Medico
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So we did meet at Upwood;!! Did we not meet also in Cyprus? I was at Command Accounts NEAF from 68-71.. The guy in the general office.. would it be Alan Cain?? If so I am in touch with himtoo!! good to hear from you.. Email * Cheers!
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Hi All!
Just got back on the site and spent the last hour or so reading all the new and interesting information that has been posted since I was last here. Some names I can recall but not faces - and some faces I can recall but not names
Question for you, Ken .... the picture Lynn downloaded of her and other WRAF's in the Spider's Web/NAAFI shop, is that your Kathy on the left of the picture?
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Hi everyone.. I was just wondering if anyone who worked in the spiders web club knew a lady called Margaret sci-fi ? She was welsh and I'm assuming she worked there sometime between the 1945/1955?
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hi there
i am new to this game but i was at raf haydock from 1952 to 1954 . we travelled by bus from raf fazakerley to haydock ,and we were the first to live on the new camp when it was built .
i was friendly with a robbie robinson who came from the manchester area.
very enjoyable times dancing in st helens,and i recall a british legion hut at the top of the road into haydock also there was a hotel? which had a bowling green attached which i enjiyed very much
antone recall willie xxxxx from edinburgh who i still meet also a jimxxxxxxxfrom newcastle area
Bob sxxxxxx from leeds , i was at his wedding .that will do for now
cheers
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Gosh; another "old Haydockite" emerges.. before my time..the Jim Ashcroft you mention.. was he a soccer referee later in life in the RAF? Knew a guy by that name.. anyway .. welcome// Vagabond..
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sorry dont recall jim xxxxxbeing into football .i think he was a 2 year man. cheers
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Only just found this site and interesting reading, my dad was stationed at RAF Haydock, originally from Stockport he met my mum while stationed there, One of his jobs was the refitting or RAF Burtonwood when the Americans left. He always said it was left in a right state. His name was Bill xxxxxx and he was friends with Alecxxxxxxxxxx as a kid he would pop round to our house. I don't know exact dates of him being there but my mum and dad married in January 1963
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Interested to hear your father was at raf haydock,but by the date yu show they were married
it would appear I was long gone 1952-1954.was your mother in the WRAF or did she come from
Haydock, I used to enjoy dancing in ST Helens.cheers
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I have been looking at RAF Haydock on google images and would like to contact if possible Barbara xxxx and or KATH. I was at RAF Haydock the same time as Barbara and Kath, my name was Anita
xxx and I worked in the general office,would love to catch up.
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hi, I am new on here but I was at Haydock with Joan xxx, Jean xxxx, Madge xxxxI remember Elf, (Karenxxxx) tuppence, and Angie ? cant recall her other name.
If anyone has any info on Madge I would like to contact her. I am in touch with Joanxxxxxand have been for years. Jean passed a number of years ago. we were all to meet in Notts but she had been taken into hospital and later died.
I enjoyed life at Haydock.I now live in Ontario Canada.
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Hi Anita,
Not too sure that I remember you but I do remember Barbara xxxx and Kathleenxxxxxxxxas I was in Accounts from 1960 - 1964.
Such memorable days.
Lynn
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Hello there, I've only just found this site and it takes me back to the year 1963 approximately, when I was working in the NAAFI in Haydock for around 6 months. Can anyone remember what happened to Brenda, Mona and Mary? I also remember Steve and Alan . My name was Christine xxxxxxx and I worked in the bar and in the shop. Look forward to hearing from anyone who was there.
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Hi All,
Would like to see some pictures of how our house(s) used to look. Does anybody have any old photos of the R.A.F. camp officers houses....that they would like to share, i.e. of Avery Road, Avery Square, etc?
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Just wanted to say a welcome to some of new posters on this thread :)
Please note that if you send a private message to a new member who has made only 1 post they are unable to reply until they have made a couple of posts on RootsChat.
Regards
Sarah :)
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Hi Chris Axxxx, were you blond at the time? and was Alan in GO?
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Hi airforce809,
Remember Tuppence, Worked with Dave xxxxx presume married to Madge xxxxxx,
last seen in Cyprus 1969.
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Hi Steve53su, Yes that was me! I think you asked me out at one time. Hope you are keeping well and thank you for replying - it is good to hear from you. Speak again soon hopefully. Best wishes, Christine
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By the way Steve53su, not sure about Alan xxxxx. I went out with him for some time beforehe got posted to Singapore, or Christmas Island, can't remember which???
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The old NAFFI pre Spiders Web, memories indeed. Andy Capp murals on the wall,
Tomy Roe and Frank Ifield on the juke box. 6d a play 3 for a 1/- Watneys Red Barrel,
No6 ciggys.
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Hi Steve, thanks for your message. Yes I was a natural blonde at tne time and now I'm fair. Brenda, Mona and myself all had our own rooms in the NAAFI block and if I remember rightly, Mary lived down the road. I am 70 now and still feel 19 as I was then, working in the NAAFI. Time flies when you're having fun (so they say).
My hobbies are sunbathing (weather permitting), walking my dog and being out in the fresh air, especially in my garden. What do you do in your spare time Steve? Look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes Christine
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I have recently discovered Roots Chat. As I was stationed at Haydock 1957 to 1965 I have some answers to questions regarding personel. Would like to hear from anyone interested.
My grandad Sgt. Douglas Smith was stationed at Haydock in January 1959 when he was killed in a motorbike accident in the North East, between Darlington and Stockton.
I have the letter of condolence by his C.O. R(Ron). Brickwood.
Would love to know if you or any others remember him or the accident. He hadn't been at Haydock that long I dont think.
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hi ianidario, just seen your reply ref your grandad, i do remember about the accident but did not know him myself and of course iremember sq ldr ron brickwood he was a good co. it was a happy unit and we all got on well, of coursethe place is now closed down in 1971, and is now a estate. i have fond mems of haydock it was one of the best stations i served on in 22 years. it must have been a great loss to all . all the best, frank migy
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hi Frank,
Thanks for getting back and apologies for late reply, I just received all the info re my Grandad's service records so can work out where he was through his career. He was a Teleprinter Op/ Tele II.
Seems hard to imagine he signed up 14/09/1937 and at the time of his death his engagement was to serve until 1972 (his 55th birthday!) He would have seen some changes had he lived that long that's for sure!
Overall he served at:
1 Depot, Uxbridge
Catterick (where he met 'n married me nanna)
Leconfield and Driffield
West Africa
HQ (U) 44Gp, Gibraltar
AOC Gloucester
MEAST I would guess is Middle East Air something?) -Ramleh, Ismilia, El Hamra
HQ(U) B Cmd High Wycombe
Hednesford
Bad Eislen (pic is from here)
ATCU Preston
Compton Bassett
Innsworth
HQ (U)FEAF - Hong Kong, Changi, Kuala Lumpa, Singapore
Stanbridge and finally Haydock
Clearly the days when you really could get to see the world!
At least I can widen the scope
Cheers
Ian
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Hi, like so many others, I am new to this site. I was having a nosey at RAF Haydock, have found so many names that I know, I was stationed at Haydock May 1961 to March 1963 when I married and went to Malta. I have a few photos to add, should jog a few memories, I was Sac Veronica Nowell pbx. Look forward to may be hearing from some of you. Veronica
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Hello Veronica,
I was there from 1960 - 1963 so we must have come across each other. I was the pay clerk.
Who do you remember from that time? You will probably recognise some of the names others recall from the early sixties.
Lynn
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More memories of the early sixties . . . another couple of names came to me - members of the Accounts Office:
Sgt Balding and Cpl Cornelius. Anyone remember them?
Wish I could remember the name of O/C Accts - was it Flt LT Jones?
From the General Office, I recall a lovely black Cpl who used bring cake for us all. Think his first name was Martin.
Vagabond and SWO Man - do you remember them?
Lynn
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Hello Veronica,
I was there from 1960 - 1963 so we must have come across each other. I was the pay clerk.
Who do you remember from that time? You will probably recognise some of the names others recall from the early sixties.
Lynn
Hi lynn, how lovely to hear from you, names, W / O Breeze I used to stay with his wife, as she hated being on her own, they had a big alsatian dog, who let any one in, I even got breakfast in bed and not go to work before 10 am. Squadron leader Nolan C/O,one name I have tried to remember,she kept in touch after I left, she was from liverpool, in admin, wasnt you lynn was it? The memory is so bad these days, Sgt Mansell was in charge p b x we had various cpls Eastwood one. Pat Haynes and Husband Bob ( I think) they came in from Aden the first couple to be posted together, they went to thorny as he became an Interpreter, they lived in m/ qs. Jenny Booth, came from Sheffield, she was the smallest WRAF, met her in lincoln, my fault we didnt keep in touch. Ann price, she married Terry Allen, Elenor Lesley ( Elf) Jean Lilliecrap, only about 20 more to think of faces i can see, fellas Tony Liptrot, George Blackburn,in from Gan, Margaret mgackie , she married Fred ?so many faces, I will dig.out photos may jog our rusty memories, the one name from h q mccormick, she was I think local WRAF, Happy Days, Tuppence, and Maria medic I think Madge Fenny Dave Askew, these are some of the few photos I have, its so strange how we meet up again through others, least expected, I did love my time at Haydock, the people in the village as well, always had to allow time for a chat, so nice to keep in touch thank you hope to hear again Veronica
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Hi VOLAU VENT QUEEN - I've just come across your post mentioning Ann Glenn. I was 'Glennies' cousin and was stationed at Haydock from 1955 - 1956. Remember her stamping up and down the NAAFI lounge reciting the poem about Pete the Piddling pup. Had us all in stitches. We lost touch and I have often wondered what happened to her (think she emigrated to Australia while I was in Cyprus). I Had a fantastic time at Haydock and was on the same watch as Val Hamer. It was my first posting after training and a great introduction to life in the RAF. Got quite a few pics of my time there. A couple of names that come immediately to mind: Jacqui Cardno and Babs Hamilton. Regards
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Hi lynn, how lovely to hear from you, names, W / O Breeze I used to stay with his wife, as she hated being on her own, they had a big alsatian dog, who let any one in, I even got breakfast in bed and not go to work before 10 am. Squadron leader Nolan C/O,one name I have tried to remember,she kept in touch after I left, she was from liverpool, in admin, wasnt you lynn was it? The memory is so bad these days, Sgt Mansell was in charge p b x we had various cpls Eastwood one. Pat Haynes and Husband Bob ( I think) they came in from Aden the first couple to be posted together, they went to thorny as he became an Interpreter, they lived in m/ qs. Jenny Booth, came from Sheffield, she was the smallest WRAF, met her in lincoln, my fault we didnt keep in touch. Ann price, she married Terry Allen, Elenor Lesley ( Elf) Jean Lilliecrap, only about 20 more to think of faces i can see, fellas Tony Liptrot, George Blackburn,in from Gan, Margaret mgackie , she married Fred ?so many faces, I will dig.out photos may jog our rusty memories, the one name from h q mccormick, she was I think local WRAF, Happy Days, Tuppence, and Maria medic I think Madge Fenny Dave Askew, these are some of the few photos I have, its so strange how we meet up again through others, least expected, I did love my time at Haydock, the people in the village as well, always had to allow time for a chat, so nice to keep in touch thank you hope to hear again Veronica
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Hi Veronica,
What a memory you have! I certainly remember some of the names. W/O Breeze, Dave Askew, Sqn Ldr Nolan.
I came from Liverpool and was a Local Service WRAF at the time but ended up serving 10 years. 'Sunshine Girl' who now lives in the US also came from Liverpool; I think she was a regular and arrived at Haydock around 1963.
If you trawl the site there are photos of us both and also of Sqn.Ldr Nolan.
Do dig out your photos and post them. I think we all love the trip down memory lane.
What was it about Haydock that evokes such warm place in our hearts and a connection so many years later?
Lynn
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Just found this site. Great time at RAF Haydock, loved every minute. Remember all names mentioned above including my ex husband!
Would love to know if anyone has any info about Pam Smith, my bridesmaid in 1964. Also Betty Stott.
Hope to hear from some one who has info. Thanks
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Some records for Haydock, North West Communications and No. 53 SU (Signals Unit).
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r/2?_ep=Haydock&_cr=AVIA%7CAIR&_dss=range&_ro=any&_st=adv
Most AIR and other documents, including AIR 28 and AIR 29 etc., are always original documents, so you will need to take formal identifications to obtain a 'Readers Ticket' to access the Reading Room.
Mark
"In order to obtain or renew your reader’s ticket you must have two separate forms of identification with you: one to prove your name, the other to prove your address.
You cannot use the same document for both proof of identity and address."
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/researching-here/do-i-need-a-readers-ticket/
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Has anyone got information and/or photos of NWCC RAF Haydock
Swo.man
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Hi there,
I was wondering if you knew of a chap called Michael Roe/Rowe-not sure of the spelling-who worked in the higher trades group in 1962? He was freindly with my mother, Penny Hughes who worked there in a secretarial role. Any info would be welcome.
Regards, Ray.
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Hi Raflad,
thanks for the info, regarding my research its still ongoing but very slow ( hitting the wall all the time) finding out anything regarding RAF Haydock seems to be hard work.
I am researching/gathering any info about Haydock itself, so any photos at all will be of help.
Anyway back to RAF Haydock, the lane outside the camp was called Haydock lane and as you know the camp itself was split in half by this road. the camp has now been completely demolished apart from one small area were the officers used to live, this is named Avery Close. The whole of the camp has been built on ( new houses etc).
I would appreciate anything at all which come to mind regarding RAF Haydock as already mentioned its hard going.
Regards
Steve.photos of RAF Haydock, I have black and white photos of Haydock from 1967
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I am looking for a Polish family that moved to RAF Haydock in 1969. Their daughter Kasia was a very good friend of mine, and she went on to attend H.F.N. Convent, in Pitsford, Northants. Unfortunately we then lost touch. They lived at 12 Avery Road, RAF Haydock, and had moved from RAF Sealand. It's almost impossible to find anyone when you don't know their surname. I asked my Mum (94years old now, with a great memory), but she just said that it was Polish, and impossible to pronounce! I would be very grateful for any help.
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I have photos of RAF Haydock from 1967 when I was posted there. I put them on the site Haydock past and present if anyone is interested
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Hi Redarrow,
Welcome to RootsChat you can add images to your posts here by clicking on the attach button or by providing a link to where the images are.
Regards
Sarah
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I was having a trip down memory lane and decided to look again at this site in case anyone had posted since I last looked.
Sadly not.
It was once such a busy forum, full of facts and friendship.
I am still here, is there anyone else out there? It would be so lovely to hear from old friends.
Lynn
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Hi Lynn,
No, there have been no new replies on this particular topic but you will be notified by email when someone does.
Yes, it is still a busy forum you can see all the different topics on the front page and the times of the day that that they were posted. You have only posted the one topic you comments a bit harsh!
Yes, you can also see the members logged in at any particular time, their names are showing real time at the bottom of the page.
Hope that answers your post.
Sarah