RAF Hemswell Association: Newsflash

RAF Hemswell - Noticeboard
If you have any information that you think should be shared with other members, contact Brian Smith (Editor) by email at b.smith534@btinternet.com or by post to Brian Smith, 38 Kings Drive, Birstall, West Yorkshire WK17 9JH. Tel: 01924 440177. Membership matters should continue to be addressed to: Hon. Sec. Jeff Goodwin at the Association address, Email: jeffgdwn@aol.com or telephone 020 7937 8757. Regretably the forum is unavailable. (Due to a huge amount of spam)
RAF Hemswell Association Annual Reunion. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 20th – 22nd Sept 2011 Accommodation for the nights of Tuesday and Wednesday will be at the Branston Hall Hotel. The following are samples of some of our previous entries SAD NEWS: Since publication of the winter 2007 Ermine Link we have received news of: - Brian Jones, a long-time prominent member of the Reunion Sub-Committee, died in hospital on 14th of December 2007; he had not really been well ever since Pat died early in 2006. Information on funeral arrangements is not known yet. Brian was particularly well-known to all those members who attend the Association reunion and the spring National Service reunion. Eric Jarvis recruited him as a fundamental part of the reunion organising team soon after taking on the organising role himself in 1996. Brian will be sorely missed by us all and our thoughts go out to his family. Karol Szymanski VM KW,a long-time member and also one of our two Polish Air Force Liaison committee members, died on 30th of November 2007 at the grand age of 91. Karol died in hospital in Poland, near Warsaw and a full Military Funeral was held in Warsaw on 13th of December. A Requiem Mass is to be held at 11.30am on Monday 7th of January 2008 at St Matthew’s RC Church, 32 Hallowell Road, Northwood, Middlesex. Karol was a great character and attended every reunion until a couple of years ago and will be remembered for some memorable after-dinner speeches. Bob Jacobs,another long-time member, finally lost his long battle with Cancer and died in November 2007. Bob was born within the sound of Bow Bells and was also a Freeman of the City of London and because of his London civic connections, a few years ago he organised the placing of the RAF Hemswell crest in the floor of the RAF Church of St Clement Danes. Our thoughts are with Irene at this sad time. December 2007 For details of the 2008 Reunion and an account of the 2007 event, see Members Page. Year to September 2007 The names of all members who died during the year were read out at the Annual Dinner during the Toast to Absent Friends and can be seen by clicking to Members’ Page and click again to read a full account of RAF Hemswell Day 2007 extracted from the winter 2007 edition of ‘The Ermine Link’ EDWARD WINPENNY It is our sad task to report the death of well-known member extraordinaire Edward, who died on Saturday 20th of January 2007. It is less than six months since Edward was first diagnosed as suffering from an asbestos-related illness that is believed to have been caused by living as a child very close to a Turner & Newall’s asbestos factory. The funeral will take place at 12 noon on 29th of January at Otley Parish Church. As members who attend the annual reunions will know, Edward was not just an ordinary member; he was our well-known magnificently moustachioed photographer, who with seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm took photographs of us all. He was also heavily involved in our website and the large body of his Hemswell work can be seen on the website “gallery”, in addition almost all of the colour photographs appearing in the Ermine Link Journal are examples of his professional expertise with a camera. The children at Hemswell School, who he always managed to coax into appearing in such charming pictures, will miss him and so will we all. We will not be the only ones to miss him; he led a busy, busy active life ranging from pot-holing to mountain rescue and more recently, membership of a mobile specialist emergency medical team. Our thoughts are with Hazel and the family at this sad time. January 2007 For details of the 2007 Reunion and an account of the 2006 event, see Members Page. Photographs taken by Edward Winpenny at the 2006 Reunion are available for viewing in the Gallery Section January 2007 For details of the 2007 Reunion and an account of the 2006 event, see Members Page. Photographs taken by Edward Winpenny at the 2006 Reunion are available for viewing in the Gallery Section January 2007 For details of the 2007 Reunion and an account of the 2006 event, see Members Page. Photographs taken by Edward Winpenny at the 2006 Reunion are available for viewing in the Gallery Section Year to September 2006 The names of all members who died during the year were read out at the Annual Dinner during the Toast to Absent Friends and can be seen by clicking to Members’ Page and click again to read a full account of RAF Hemswell Day 2006 extracted from the winter 2006 edition of ‘The Ermine Link’ Found On HEMSWELL DAY September 2006. A LADIES EX-SERVICE BADGE WITH A "CROSS" WAS FOUND ON THE PARADE GROUND AFTER THE HEMSWELL DAY SERVICE. THIS WOULD HAVE SENTIMENTAL VALUE. PLEASE CONTACT HELEN SPENDLOVE AT THE CRAFT CENTRE WITH A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE ITEM IF YOU ARE THE OWNER, ON 01427 667066 OR spendlove9@hotmail.com Pat Jones Members of The RAF Hemswell Association, will be saddened to hear that Pat Jones, wife of Brian, and one of our organisors of our reunions, died suddenly after suffering a brain haemorrage on Saturday 1st April whilst she was going about her charity work in Leeds. Pat never regained consciouness and as a result of her wishes, several of her organs were donated for transplanting. The funeral service took place on Wednesday 12th April 2006 at Lawnswood Cemetary Leeds. Brian, in a letter states "As for our Reunions, Pat would have have wanted me to go to Woodhall Spa later this month and I shall. If I appear to be a "bit out of sorts, I trust that you will understand". From our chairman, Bill Collard I have just learned of the sudden death of Pat Jones, the wife of Brian and a loyal and hard working supporter of the Hemswell Association for many years. We shall sorely miss her tireless work at the word processor, with our raffle and in her total support for all that Brian does – and her ready smile, infectious humour and often irreverent banter. We send our most sincere condolences to Brian and their family. December 2005. For details of the 2006 Reunion and an account of the 2005 event, see Members Page. Photographs taken by Edward Winpenny at the 2005 Reunion are available for viewing in the Gallery Section. Year to December 2005 The names of all members who died during the year were read out at the Annual Dinner during the Toast to Absent Friends and can be seen by clicking to Members' Page and click again to read a full account of RAF Hemswell Day 2005 extracted from the winter 2005 edition of ‘The Ermine Link'. Since publication of the journal we have received the sad news that two of our most distinguished members have died, they are: - Group Captain Roy Boast CBE DFC AE died on Sunday 11th of December 2005. A memorial service is planned to be held at St Peter's Church, Sheringham at 12.30pm on Saturday 21st of January 2006. Roy and Maureen have been enthusiastic supporters of the Association since it's inception and always attended the reunions until Roy 's recent decline in health. Roy had a very active flying career, including Middle East service during WW2, but his fame as far as the Association is concerned, was his job as Station Commander during Hemswell's role as a lead Thor Missile base. By coincidence, the winter 2005 edition of the Ermine Link contains an item headed ‘Tribute to Thor 1958-1963' and includes a very interesting letter and document from Roy . The complete item is reproduced here to serve as the Association's own tribute to the passing of a well-loved and well-known member. Click here to access Tribute. Wing Commander Peter Rippon DFC died on 10th of November 2005 two days after his 90th birthday. Peter's long WW2 RAF flying career culminated in being given command of 150 Squadron at Hemswell towards the end of the war and although ill health prevented Peter from attending reunions, he has been a generous supporter of the RAF Hemswell Association from its inception. He was greatly respected by all of his crews including many who are current members of the Association and they will be saddened to hear of his passing. The death of Wing Commander Noel Archer OBE earlier in the year was reported in the summer 2005 edition of the Ermine Link where it was pointed out that he was Hemswell's last Station Commander who finally switched off the lights and closed the gates in 1967 ending thirty years of RAF history. Although it was known that Noel had a TSR2 background and that his intended role at Hemswell was to take the TSR2 project into the final development stage; sadly the political decision to cancel the project was taken before his arrival and his final role was as Station Commander of a Recruits Training Centre. Recently more has become known of Hemswell's actual involvement in the development of the new revolutionary aircraft and an article published in the winter edition of Ermine Link explains how Hemswell's last 40 years might have been very different. Click here to access TSR2 article. 1st July 2005. Jeff has received an e-mail from Peter C. Ramm, the contents are noted below. ----- Original Message ----- From: Peter C Ramm To: Jeff Goodwin Sent: Friday, July 01, 2005 10:39 PM Subject: R. Ramm Jeff It is sad for me to inform you that my father passed away peacefully on Tuesday June 21st 2005. His funeral took place yesterday, June 30th, with a guard of honour and standard bearer in attendance from the local branch of RAFA. A fitting tribute to him for his support to anything connected with the remembrance of air history. I would be grateful if you pass this sad news to his friends in the association. Many thanks and my kind regards. Peter C Ramm. December 2004. Honorary Member Frank Priestley, who had been ill for some time, died on 1st of December in Lincoln County Hospital at the age of 85. A service to celebrate his life was held on 10th of December at St Martin’s Church, Blyton and the Hon Chaplain of the RAF Hemswell Association, The Reverend Mary Dawson, conducted the service. Frank and his late wife Irene were among those who decided many years ago to hold annual reunions of Hemswell’s WW2 veterans in Gainsborough. These gatherings were the catalyst for the decision to erect a Station Memorial on Hemswell’s parade square in 1995, which led to the formation of the present more inclusive RAF Hemswell Association. On formation, Frank and Irene were appointed honorary members in recognition of the debt owed to all the pioneers who had the foresight to begin something that has now become a truly successful inclusive Station Association. December 2004. For details of the 2005 Reunion see Members Page. Photographs taken by Edward at the September 2004 Reunion are now available for viewing in our Gallery section. 23rd September. Sad news about Grace Walker, Grace died on Monday 20th of September at the good age of 86 and son David was with her to the end. Members will recall that Grace was the widow of Len "Tich" Walker who died in February 2000 and they were both long-standing supporters of the original Hemswell Annual Reunion, the forerunner of our present Association. After Len's death, Grace continued to be a member and in addition to attending the Association Reunion every September, she was also a regular supporter at Eric's Spring N.S. Reunion. Both Len and Grace spent the whole of their working lives in the teaching profession. Grace will be sorely missed - may she rest in peace. 14th September 2004. The previous Forum had been a bit troublesome, a brand new version is now on line and awaiting your input. Feedback on how it is functioning would be appreciated, either via the forum itself or by e-mail to webmaster@rafhemswell.org.uk 8th August 2004. Our new "On Line Forum" is in it's testing stages, click Forum on navigation bar. 17th December 2003. For details of the 2004 Reunion see Members Page. 12th November 2003. The photographs, taken by Edward, at the September 2003 re-union are now available for viewing in our Gallery section. If you would like re-prints contact Edward, see "Galleries" for details. 7th August 2003. Jonathan Falconer, who is a published author and Senior Commissioning Editor - Aviation & Military Titles, is currently writing a book about the making of the Dam Busters film and as members will know, the film was made at RAF Hemswell. Jonathan wishes to make contact with anyone who was involved in this (both air and ground crews) with a view to interviewing or writing to them; he may be contacted on telephone number 01453 732424 or e-mail JonathanFalconer@sutton-publishing.co.uk 16th July 2003. Hemswell Cliff Parish Council have recently updated their website, it now includes features which will be of interest to our members. A link to it has been provided on our links page and Jeff Goodwin has kindly provided an overview which is available HERE 1st May 2003. A link has been added on our links page to the Royal Air Force Airfield Construction Branch Association for anyone who may be interested. 21st February 2003. The photographs, taken by Edward, at the September 2002 re-union are now available for viewing in our Gallery section. If you would like re-prints contact Edward, see "Galleries" for details. 20th February 2003. Good News! - The Home Office have announced that RAF Hemswell is no longer being considered for the siting of a Centre for Asylum Seekers. Many thanks to everyone who joined in the campaign to stop this unwelcome imposition. 20th February 2003. For details of the 2003 Reunion see Members Page. 4th May 2002. We have received news, by the web site, from his son Bill Bower Jnr, that his father Wing Commander A.W.Bower, OBE. DFC. who was W/Co Admin at RAF Hemswell from 1965 to 1966, died last November after a short illness. He was cremated in Benoni, South Africa and a memorial plaque, is in the Methodist Church in Benoni. Anyone wishing to contact his son, will find him at bilbo@aviation.denel.co.za 27th April 2002. We have received a request from Kevin Bending asking if anyone might have any information regarding the late Squadron Leader Kydd who served at Hemswell from the begining of the war until October 1940. If anyone is able to help with his enquiries please contact edward@rafhemswell.org.uk or Kevin direct on camel64uk@aol.com Click HERE to read Kevins mail 17th April 2002. Details of the 2002 Annual Reunion are now available in the "Members" area 15th March 2002. * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT * There has been an announcement by the Home Office regarding the conversion of part of the former RAF Station at Hemswell to a Centre for Asylum Seekers, this would affect the whole area that includes the Hemswell Memorial. May we urge all Members and Friends to read the information and if at all possible join our prostest by any means at your disposal. Please CLICK HERE to get the information 2nd November 2001. The pictures, taken by Edward, at the September 2001 reunion are now available for viewing on our website. 13th September 2001. The last of the photo albums from Easter 2000 is now in place 12th August 2001. We now have our own top level domain name www.rafhemswell.org.uk You may wish to bookmark the new URL but if not the old one will continue to work for some considerable time. Note Jeff's new e-mail address, likewise the old one will work for some time yet. 22nd June 2001. Appologies to those that have not been able to view the September reunion photos in album 3, this was caused by sheer carelessness by your webmaster. The problem is now resolved. If you spot any more mistakes please e-mail me at: webmaster@rafhemswell.org .uk 15th June 2001 Correction. The photo album mentioned below as being the 1999 reunion was in fact Easter 2000. This has been rectified and another album added. There are now two photo albums on line from Easter 2000 which brings the total to six photo albums. Remember if you need any copies of the photographs they can be obtained from Edward *** 10th June 2001. You should now be in receipt of the current newsletter, which has the password details that will enable you to access the members area of our website. Any unscheduled news or other information for members will be posted here. If you have any ideas or suggestions about features that you would like to see on the website, send them to Jeff at the address below. One of the Easter 2000 annual reunion photo albums has been added to the Galleries section, we have another two to post when time permits. ***

If you have any information that you think should be shared with other members, contact Brian Smith (Editor)
by email at b.smith534@btinternet.com or by post to
Brian Smith, 38 Kings Drive, Birstall, West Yorkshire WK17 9JH. Tel: 01924 440177.

Membership matters should continue to be addressed to: Hon. Sec. Jeff Goodwin at the Association address,
Email: jeffgdwn@aol.com or telephone 020 7937 8757.

Regretably the forum is unavailable. (Due to a huge amount of spam)

RAF Hemswell Association Annual Reunion. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 20th – 22nd Sept 2011

Accommodation for the nights of Tuesday and Wednesday will be at the Branston Hall Hotel.

The following are samples of some of our previous entries

SAD NEWS: Since publication of the winter 2007 Ermine Link we have received news of: -

Brian Jones, a long-time prominent member of the Reunion Sub-Committee, died in hospital on 14th of December 2007; he had not really been well ever since Pat died early in 2006. Information on funeral arrangements is not known yet. Brian was particularly well-known to all those members who attend the Association reunion and the spring National Service reunion. Eric Jarvis recruited him as a fundamental part of the reunion organising team soon after taking on the organising role himself in 1996. Brian will be sorely missed by us all and our thoughts go out to his family.

Karol Szymanski VM KW,a long-time member and also one of our two Polish Air Force Liaison committee members, died on 30th of November 2007 at the grand age of 91. Karol died in hospital in Poland, near Warsaw and a full Military Funeral was held in Warsaw on 13th of December. A Requiem Mass is to be held at 11.30am on Monday 7th of January 2008 at St Matthew’s RC Church, 32 Hallowell Road, Northwood, Middlesex. Karol was a great character and attended every reunion until a couple of years ago and will be remembered for some memorable after-dinner speeches.

Bob Jacobs,another long-time member, finally lost his long battle with Cancer and died in November 2007. Bob was born within the sound of Bow Bells and was also a Freeman of the City of London and because of his London civic connections, a few years ago he organised the placing of the RAF Hemswell crest in the floor of the RAF Church of St Clement Danes. Our thoughts are with Irene at this sad time.

December 2007 For details of the 2008 Reunion and an account of the 2007 event, see Members Page.

Year to September 2007 The names of all members who died during the year were read out at the Annual Dinner during the Toast to Absent Friends and can be seen by clicking to Members’ Page and click again to read a full account of RAF Hemswell Day 2007 extracted from the winter 2007 edition of ‘The Ermine Link’

EDWARD WINPENNY It is our sad task to report the death of well-known member extraordinaire Edward, who died on Saturday 20th of January 2007. It is less than six months since Edward was first diagnosed as suffering from an asbestos-related illness that is believed to have been caused by living as a child very close to a Turner & Newall’s asbestos factory. The funeral will take place at 12 noon on 29th of January at Otley Parish Church.

As members who attend the annual reunions will know, Edward was not just an ordinary member; he was our well-known magnificently moustachioed photographer, who with seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm took photographs of us all. He was also heavily involved in our website and the large body of his Hemswell work can be seen on the website “gallery”, in addition almost all of the colour photographs appearing in the Ermine Link Journal are examples of his professional expertise with a camera. The children at Hemswell School, who he always managed to coax into appearing in such charming pictures, will miss him and so will we all. We will not be the only ones to miss him; he led a busy, busy active life ranging from pot-holing to mountain rescue and more recently, membership of a mobile specialist emergency medical team. Our thoughts are with Hazel and the family at this sad time.

January 2007 For details of the 2007 Reunion and an account of the 2006 event, see Members Page. Photographs taken by Edward Winpenny at the 2006 Reunion are available for viewing in the Gallery Section January 2007 For details of the 2007 Reunion and an account of the 2006 event, see Members Page. Photographs taken by Edward Winpenny at the 2006 Reunion are available for viewing in the Gallery Section January 2007 For details of the 2007 Reunion and an account of the 2006 event, see Members Page. Photographs taken by Edward Winpenny at the 2006 Reunion are available for viewing in the Gallery Section

Year to September 2006 The names of all members who died during the year were read out at the Annual Dinner during the Toast to Absent Friends and can be seen by clicking to Members’ Page and click again to read a full account of RAF Hemswell Day 2006 extracted from the winter 2006 edition of ‘The Ermine Link’

Found On HEMSWELL DAY September 2006. A LADIES EX-SERVICE BADGE WITH A "CROSS" WAS FOUND ON THE PARADE GROUND AFTER THE HEMSWELL DAY SERVICE.

THIS WOULD HAVE SENTIMENTAL VALUE.

PLEASE CONTACT HELEN SPENDLOVE AT THE CRAFT CENTRE WITH A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE ITEM IF YOU ARE THE OWNER, ON 01427 667066 OR spendlove9@hotmail.com

Pat Jones Members of The RAF Hemswell Association, will be saddened to hear that Pat Jones, wife of Brian, and one of our organisors of our reunions, died suddenly after suffering a brain haemorrage on Saturday 1st April whilst she was going about her charity work in Leeds.

Pat never regained consciouness and as a result of her wishes, several of her organs were donated for transplanting.

The funeral service took place on Wednesday 12th April 2006 at Lawnswood Cemetary Leeds.

Brian, in a letter states "As for our Reunions, Pat would have have wanted me to go to Woodhall Spa later this month and I shall. If I appear to be a "bit out of sorts, I trust that you will understand".

From our chairman, Bill Collard

I have just learned of the sudden death of Pat Jones, the wife of Brian and a loyal and hard working supporter of the Hemswell Association for many years. We shall sorely miss her tireless work at the word processor, with our raffle and in her total support for all that Brian does – and her ready smile, infectious humour and often irreverent banter. We send our most sincere condolences to Brian and their family.

December 2005. For details of the 2006 Reunion and an account of the 2005 event, see Members Page. Photographs taken by Edward Winpenny at the 2005 Reunion are available for viewing in the Gallery Section.

Year to December 2005 The names of all members who died during the year were read out at the Annual Dinner during the Toast to Absent Friends and can be seen by clicking to Members' Page and click again to read a full account of RAF Hemswell Day 2005 extracted from the winter 2005 edition of ‘The Ermine Link'. Since publication of the journal we have received the sad news that two of our most distinguished members have died, they are: -

Group Captain Roy Boast CBE DFC AE died on Sunday 11th of December 2005. A memorial service is planned to be held at St Peter's Church, Sheringham at 12.30pm on Saturday 21st of January 2006. Roy and Maureen have been enthusiastic supporters of the Association since it's inception and always attended the reunions until Roy 's recent decline in health. Roy had a very active flying career, including Middle East service during WW2, but his fame as far as the Association is concerned, was his job as Station Commander during Hemswell's role as a lead Thor Missile base. By coincidence, the winter 2005 edition of the Ermine Link contains an item headed ‘Tribute to Thor 1958-1963' and includes a very interesting letter and document from Roy . The complete item is reproduced here to serve as the Association's own tribute to the passing of a well-loved and well-known member.
Click here to access Tribute.

Wing Commander Peter Rippon DFC died on 10th of November 2005 two days after his 90th birthday. Peter's long WW2 RAF flying career culminated in being given command of 150 Squadron at Hemswell towards the end of the war and although ill health prevented Peter from attending reunions, he has been a generous supporter of the RAF Hemswell Association from its inception. He was greatly respected by all of his crews including many who are current members of the Association and they will be saddened to hear of his passing.

The death of Wing Commander Noel Archer OBE earlier in the year was reported in the summer 2005 edition of the Ermine Link where it was pointed out that he was Hemswell's last Station Commander who finally switched off the lights and closed the gates in 1967 ending thirty years of RAF history. Although it was known that Noel had a TSR2 background and that his intended role at Hemswell was to take the TSR2 project into the final development stage; sadly the political decision to cancel the project was taken before his arrival and his final role was as Station Commander of a Recruits Training Centre. Recently more has become known of Hemswell's actual involvement in the development of the new revolutionary aircraft and an article published in the winter edition of Ermine Link explains how Hemswell's last 40 years might have been very different.
Click here to access TSR2 article.

1st July 2005. Jeff has received an e-mail from Peter C. Ramm, the contents are noted below.

----- Original Message -----
From: Peter C Ramm
To: Jeff Goodwin
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2005 10:39 PM
Subject: R. Ramm

Jeff

It is sad for me to inform you that my father passed away peacefully on Tuesday June 21st 2005.
His funeral took place yesterday, June 30th, with a guard of honour and standard bearer in attendance from the local branch of RAFA.

A fitting tribute to him for his support to anything connected with the remembrance of air history.
I would be grateful if you pass this sad news to his friends in the association.

Many thanks and my kind regards.

Peter C Ramm.

December 2004. Honorary Member Frank Priestley, who had been ill for some time, died on 1st of December in Lincoln County Hospital at the age of 85. A service to celebrate his life was held on 10th of December at St Martin’s Church, Blyton and the Hon Chaplain of the RAF Hemswell Association, The Reverend Mary Dawson, conducted the service. Frank and his late wife Irene were among those who decided many years ago to hold annual reunions of Hemswell’s WW2 veterans in Gainsborough. These gatherings were the catalyst for the decision to erect a Station Memorial on Hemswell’s parade square in 1995, which led to the formation of the present more inclusive RAF Hemswell Association. On formation, Frank and Irene were appointed honorary members in recognition of the debt owed to all the pioneers who had the foresight to begin something that has now become a truly successful inclusive Station Association.

December 2004. For details of the 2005 Reunion see Members Page. Photographs taken by Edward at the September 2004 Reunion are now available for viewing in our Gallery section.

23rd September. Sad news about Grace Walker, Grace died on Monday 20th of September at the good age of 86 and son David was with her to the end. Members will recall that Grace was the widow of Len "Tich" Walker who died in February 2000 and they were both long-standing supporters of the original Hemswell Annual Reunion, the forerunner of our present Association. After Len's death, Grace continued to be a member and in addition to attending the Association Reunion every September, she was also a regular supporter at Eric's Spring N.S. Reunion. Both Len and Grace spent the whole of their working lives in the teaching profession. Grace will be sorely missed - may she rest in peace.

14th September 2004. The previous Forum had been a bit troublesome, a brand new version is now on line and awaiting your input. Feedback on how it is functioning would be appreciated, either via the forum itself or by e-mail to webmaster@rafhemswell.org.uk

8th August 2004. Our new "On Line Forum" is in it's testing stages, click Forum on navigation bar.

17th December 2003. For details of the 2004 Reunion see Members Page.

12th November 2003. The photographs, taken by Edward, at the September 2003 re-union are now available for viewing in our Gallery section. If you would like re-prints contact Edward, see "Galleries" for details.

7th August 2003. Jonathan Falconer, who is a published author and Senior Commissioning Editor - Aviation & Military Titles, is currently writing a book about the making of the Dam Busters film and as members will know, the film was made at RAF Hemswell. Jonathan wishes to make contact with anyone who was involved in this (both air and ground crews) with a view to interviewing or writing to them; he may be contacted on telephone number 01453 732424 or e-mail JonathanFalconer@sutton-publishing.co.uk

16th July 2003. Hemswell Cliff Parish Council have recently updated their website, it now includes features which will be of interest to our members. A link to it has been provided on our links page and Jeff Goodwin has kindly provided an overview which is available HERE

1st May 2003. A link has been added on our links page to the Royal Air Force Airfield Construction Branch Association for anyone who may be interested.

21st February 2003. The photographs, taken by Edward, at the September 2002 re-union are now available for viewing in our Gallery section. If you would like re-prints contact Edward, see "Galleries" for details.

20th February 2003. Good News! - The Home Office have announced that RAF Hemswell is no longer being considered for the siting of a Centre for Asylum Seekers. Many thanks to everyone who joined in the campaign to stop this unwelcome imposition.

20th February 2003. For details of the 2003 Reunion see Members Page.

4th May 2002. We have received news, by the web site, from his son Bill Bower Jnr, that his father Wing Commander A.W.Bower, OBE. DFC. who was W/Co Admin at RAF Hemswell from 1965 to 1966, died last November after a short illness.
He was cremated in Benoni, South Africa and a memorial plaque, is in the Methodist Church in Benoni.
Anyone wishing to contact his son, will find him at bilbo@aviation.denel.co.za

27th April 2002. We have received a request from Kevin Bending asking if anyone might have any information regarding the late Squadron Leader Kydd who served at Hemswell from the begining of the war until October 1940. If anyone is able to help with his enquiries please contact edward@rafhemswell.org.uk or Kevin direct on camel64uk@aol.com
Click HERE to read Kevins mail

17th April 2002. Details of the 2002 Annual Reunion are now available in the "Members" area

15th March 2002. * URGENT * URGENT * URGENT *
There has been an announcement by the Home Office regarding the conversion of part of the former RAF Station at Hemswell to a Centre for Asylum Seekers, this would affect the whole area that includes the Hemswell Memorial.
May we urge all Members and Friends to read the information and if at all possible join our prostest by any means at your disposal. Please CLICK HERE to get the information

2nd November 2001. The pictures, taken by Edward, at the September 2001 reunion are now available for viewing on our website.

13th September 2001. The last of the photo albums from Easter 2000 is now in place

12th August 2001. We now have our own top level domain name www.rafhemswell.org.uk You may wish to bookmark the new URL but if not the old one will continue to work for some considerable time. Note Jeff's new e-mail address, likewise the old one will work for some time yet.

22nd June 2001. Appologies to those that have not been able to view the September reunion photos in album 3, this was caused by sheer carelessness by your webmaster. The problem is now resolved. If you spot any more mistakes please e-mail me at: webmaster@rafhemswell.org .uk

15th June 2001 Correction. The photo album mentioned below as being the 1999 reunion was in fact Easter 2000. This has been rectified and another album added. There are now two photo albums on line from Easter 2000 which brings the total to six photo albums. Remember if you need any copies of the photographs they can be obtained from Edward

*****

10th June 2001. You should now be in receipt of the current newsletter, which has the password details that will enable you to access the members area of our website. Any unscheduled news or other information for members will be posted here.

If you have any ideas or suggestions about features that you would like to see on the website, send them to Jeff at the address below.

One of the Easter 2000 annual reunion photo albums has been added to the Galleries section, we have another two to post when time permits.

*****