Arborfield Old Boys' News

Belated sad news Patrick Naylor 42A

2015-06-23T16:33:00.001+02:00

Alec our registrar received the sad news that Patrick Naylor 42A passed away on the 31st August 2014.
We send our deepest sympathy and condolences to Patrick's wife Enid and his family.

Rest in peace, Patrick.

. Arborfield Old Boys' Association

John Goddard 55B sad news.

2015-06-23T16:09:00.000+02:00

I'm very sorry to inform you of the loss of John Goddard, 55B
John's wife Susan informed us that John lost his recent struggle to Pancreatic Cancer on the 6th June this year.

We send our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Susan and John's family, Rest in peace, John.

A very popular member of The AOBA forum, John kept us informed of his regular sparring with mother nature's tropical storms in the Philippines where he and his family lived.
You will be greatly missed mate.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Sad news: Michael J (Mick) Sharp, intake 55B, DOD 25 May 2015.

2015-06-09T17:52:00.001+02:00

From Roger Traves:

I have been informed of the death of Michael J (Mick) Sharp, intake 55B, DOD 25 May 2015.

Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with Judith & family at this very tragic time.

WO1 (Retd) Michael Sharp
It is with great sadness that I inform the wider Army Aviation family of the recent death of WO1 Michael Sharp.
WO1 MJ "Mick" Sharp served with the Army Air Corps, and was a most professional Army aviator. He was involved in various important exercises in Kenya, as well as taking part in the film "Who Dares Wins". He also took part in the Falklands War with 656 Squadron, and received a Mention in Dispatches for that campaign.
WO1 Sharp along with Brig Colin Sibun are well known for the ‘The Argentine Huey’ story where a serviceable Huey helicopter that had been abandoned at Port Stanley racecourse was recovered by themselves, even though they had never flown the Huey before. However after much flicking of switches and pressing of buttons it eventually burst into life, hampered only by a massive vertical bounce and with no radios compatible with their own they managed to keep all the needles in the green as they flew it home. Once safely landed they were faced with the problem of shutting it down which was overcome by simply switching off the fuel and waiting until everything stopped turning. The REME then worked their magic on the Huey and after translating the salient parts of a Spanish copy of pilot’s notes, the helicopter was used for mail and freight deliveries around the islands.
The funeral of WO1 Michael Sharp will take place on Wednesday 10th June at 12.30 at Basingstoke Crematorium, Manor Farm, North Waltham, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG25 2BA.
Should anyone wish to make a donation, please send to
St. Michaels Hospice, Basil de Ferranti House
Aldermaston Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG24 9NB
info@stmichaelshospice.org.uk
The family welcomes anyone to attend the funeral and the celebration of his life, which will take place afterwards at the Wheatsheaf pub, North Waltham, Basingstoke RG25 2BB.

Rest in peace, Michael.
My sincere apologies for the late posting due to holiday commitments. Herbie.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Farewell to Bordon Garrison 27th June 2015.

2015-05-18T15:17:00.002+02:00

Farewell to Bordon Garrison 27th June 2015.
Where many of us went for further training or artificer courses. Whitehill council are staging this event, See this link:

http://www.farewelltobordongarrison.org.uk/BordonGarrison/Home_17619.aspx

The AOBA has been allocated a space in the Military Equipment Display area, please go along if you can and give the lads your support. If you can spare some time to help out, you will be most welcome!

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Obituary - John F. Northam

2015-05-12T16:08:00.002+02:00

John F. Northam's obituary is available here:

http://www.arborfieldoldboys.co.uk/Obituaries.html

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Change of Association Title - vote by proxy!

2015-05-12T15:59:00.002+02:00

Please see here:

http://www.arborfieldoldboys.co.uk/index.html

Follow the link provided if you are unable to attend the AGM in person, and you are a member or inactive member.

Thanks.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Can you help? Lift required to the reunion.

2015-04-24T15:15:00.004+02:00

Do you live in the Finchampstead area and coming to the reunion? If so, could you give a lift to George Hodge 42B? George would like to attend this, his first reunion, but can no longer drive.
Contact the Secretary here:
http://www.arborfieldoldboys.co.uk/contactds.html

if you can help, thanks.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Important Notice AOBA AGM 2015

2015-04-22T16:42:00.003+02:00

A note to all members regarding the 2015 Arborfield Old Boys' Association AGM....
It will be held on Saturday 18th July 2015 at 1630hrs in the Hinckley Island Hotel..
Should any member wish to add an item to any other business please contact the Secretary using the contact page in the website .... http://www.arborfieldoldboys.co.uk/contactds.htmlat any time before 8th July 2015....

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Sad news: Richard de Barry Barnett 52B

2015-04-15T13:57:00.002+02:00

From Kaye Gilpin:

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Richard passed away on Friday 10th April 2015, at 1100 hrs.

He had not been well for some time, having suffered from heart problems.

His widow, Heather, has asked me to inform you all of the funeral arrangements, which are to be held at:

Taunton Beane Crematorium,
Wellington New Road,
Taunton,
Somerset.

Date: 22nd April, 2015 at 1400 hrs
All those who knew Richard will be most welcome to attend the service.

We offer our sincere condolences To Heather, and all Richard's family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace, Richard.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Instrument Techs this is for you!

2015-03-11T12:25:00.005+01:00

From Dave Knowles:

I am an ex Instrument Artificer, serving between 1977 and 1999, for the last 6 years I was an ASM.

I have taken it upon myself to try and trace and record all of the individuals who served in the Instrument Trade Group in REME, together with those who went on to become Artificers. I want to go back as far as I can - and record it all into an open source document. Attached is a draft, lots of work left to do. Although I have made good progress and identified many hundreds of instrument trade veterans to date.

I am interested in getting in touch with all Arborfield Old Boys who qualified as Instrument Technicians/Mechanics in REME. I would like to record which apprentice intake individuals were on, who was on their course. Same for artificer courses. Photo's will be a huge plus.

Within the document I am also planning to provide details of all Instructors at Arborfield, Carlisle and Bordon.

With the help of some colleagues, we are beginning to plan an Instrument Trade reunion, hopefully at Lyneham in the new Corps Mess. Someone has also offered to try and arrange a look around the old Instrument Section at SEME on the same date as the Garrison Farewell Parade at Bordon on 27th June 2015.

I was hoping you could post my words above into your forum, with a request for instrument trade veterans to contact me so I can pick their brains and further complete the jigsaw puzzle.

Please note, I am in Australia, so there will be some delay in replying to folks.

Regards, Dave

Please see Dave's draft pdf here:

http://www.arborfieldoldboys.co.uk/REMEInstrumentTech&MechTrade1954-2000.pdf

If you want to contribute corrections, information or photos please contact me (see below) article or use the comments box on the AOBA website article.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Belated sad news, Peter John England 42C

2015-03-10T16:17:00.004+01:00

Peter's daughter Angela wrote to Tich regarding the chairman's letter and informed us that Peter had passed away thus:

Thank you for your letter from the Aborfield Old Boys’ Association addressed to my father, Peter England – d of b 25.3.28.

My father passed away on 10 January 2015. He was a longstanding member of the Old Boys’ Association and very proud to be a member. He looked forward avidly to the publication sent to him and kept in touch with members he knew from his days in the Army. It would be lovely if you could mention him in your obituaries and send a copy of the publication to his address for me to keep.

We send our sincere condolences to Angela and all Peter's family and friends, and an obituary from Angela
is here:

http://www.arborfieldoldboys.co.uk/england.html

Rest in peace, Peter.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Dave Hicks 64A sad news.

2015-03-08T12:37:00.001+01:00

We have heard from Bob Hambly that Dave Hicks 64A has sadly passed away peacefully on Monday 3 March 2015, that is all we know for the moment.

We send our sincere condolences to Dave's wife, family and friends, rest in peace, Dave.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

A sad loss from the '50 intake, Gordon McCoig-Lees 50B

2015-03-05T11:43:00.000+01:00

From Tich Schofield:

Sad to report I had a phone call this morning to inform us Gordon McCoig-Lees 50B passed away on 25th February after a long illness.

The funeral will be on the 23rd March at 1.30pm at the Chelmsford Crematorium for anyone who can make it.

We send our sincere condolences to Gordon's wife and family at this sad time.

Rest in peace, Gordon.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

The sadness continues: Raoul Charles Lloyd 43A

2015-03-01T19:51:00.001+01:00

Another sad loss has been notified via Roger Traves:

Raoul Charles Francois Lloyd, 43A notified by his son thus:

Dear Mr Traves,
I would like to notify you of the death of my father Raoul Charles
Francois Lloyd (43A intake) on 14 January 2015. He is survived by my
mother Elizabeth Jane Lloyd, his children Helen, Katherine, Simon and
Sarah, 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

I attach the eulogy that I gave at his funeral in which I mention
towards the end the contribution that my father felt his three years at
Arborfield had made to his subsequent life. He often spoke to me of it.

We have no need of a remembrance scroll, but it would be nice if his
passing could be recorded on the Old Boys website and his name read out
at the annual service this year.

Yours sincerely,

Simon Lloyd

We send our deepest sympathy and condolences at this sad time to Raoul's wife Elizabeth, to Simon and all the family.

Rest in peace, Raoul.

I have attached a very moving Eulogy from son Simon below:

Funeral of R.C.F.Lloyd at St James Church Grimsby 22 January 2015

Eulogy of Simon Lloyd, Son

My father told me several times that at his funeral he wanted everyone to have a good time and be happy. If I talk for ages, you won’t be happy, so I won’t speak for long – no more than an hour or so, as my father would have jokingly said. Sarah has talked about Rotary and some family stories and I know Bill Wood is going to say a few words about his later career, so I would like to talk about my father as a person and a family person and say a few words about his early career.

My mother has received an astonishing number of cards and there is a remarkable consistency in what they say – and it is what I want to say too. Fundamentally, my father was a kind, caring, warm person: even gentle – perhaps a true gentle man, in the original meaning of the word – gentle, courteous, considerate. A few year ago I was with some acquaintances talking about their fathers and they described cold, strict even frightening men. I was amazed because my father was the complete opposite: warm, not cold; he could be firm, yes, but not really strict; and as for frightening, well the most frightening I can remember is in the car in France when we were giggling on the back seat “If you children don’t stop giggling I will stop the car and you can walk home from here”. That was about as frightening as it got and none of us seriously believed that our loving father was going to leave us in the middle of France 1,000 miles from Grimsby so it was not really a very frightening threat.

Many of you in your cards also mentioned his humour. He had a lovely sense of humour: gentle teasing and making fun, often of himself and often to make light of difficulties. On Christmas Day I spoke with him on the phone or Facetime, I can’t remember which, and he said it was a beautiful day and he was considering running a couple of laps round the Park after lunch – this when he could hardly take a couple of paces across the kitchen.

But my father was also an achiever. I’d like to spend a minute or so on his early career. At the age of 15, still during the war, he went to the Army Technical School at Arborfield and graduated at the age of 18 as a qualified Instrument Mechanic in REME, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He then found that he could not get a commission as an officer in REME unless he had an Engineering Degree, which would take 4 years. So instead he transferred to RASC, the Royal Army Service Corp, and was soon commissioned as an officer: Lieutenant at age 24, Captain at age 28, Major at age 35. It seems he could have had a successful career in the Army, but in 1961 he decided to leave the Army and make his way in civilian life. He had 3 job offers, but decided to accept the one here in Grimsby with McVeighs, part of Ross Group. I think that initially his position was not one of great seniority or responsibility, but he said to me several times that he was grateful to the Ross Family for giving him the opportunity to prove himself in civilian life. And as I know there are quite a few members of the Ross Family here, I would like to thank you all for giving him that chance.

It seems that he certainly took it, for 2 years later in 1963 he was running Fothergills, a Ford and Renault dealer in Cleethorpes; 1965 Managing Director of the Motor Division; 1968 moved to Cosalt to build up Abbey Caravans, a small and relatively new company; and 4 years later in 1972 the Queen’s Award to Industry for Exports. So in 11 years since leaving the Army, he had done, as he might have described it “not too bad really”.

So how did a kind and caring man also manage to have a successful business career? I think his Army training certainly helped: he was very organised and good at planning – our summer holidays were planned with military precision. He was also helped greatly by having a loyal, caring and strong wife – but I won’t say any more about that or I will upset my mother. So I will move on quickly to 2 other things that he himself mentioned.

Firstly he said that the Lloyd family in London were hard working people and he thought that he had inherited their stamina and strength – and I think that is right. He certainly didn’t give in easily. He could be stubborn, sometimes, but actually I really admired the way that he did not give in to things.

Secondly, he said that his 3 years at Arborfield from the ages of 15 to 18 had taught him many things, but one of the most important was to get on with people who did not necessarily have the same background or interests. And I think this was a huge asset; I found it amazing how my father seemed to be able to get on with anybody; it didn’t matter if they were the youngest, most junior person in the stores at the Factory or one of the most important people in the land; rich or poor; English, French, Austrian, Italian; it didn’t matter, he got on with them all. And I think it was because he was genuinely interested in other people.

Finally from a personal point of view, I remember that he always told me to “Do your Best”. I have found that a great source of comfort throughout my life – if you’ve worked hard and done your best, then that is all you can do.

So I am proud, and consider myself very fortunate, to have had such a wonderful person as my father.

Funeral arrangements: Alan Loftus

2015-03-01T19:47:00.001+01:00

The funeral will take place at Woodside Cemetery/Crematorium, 46, Broomlands Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland. PA1 2NP Tel: 0141 889 2260 on Thursday 05 March 2015 at 1500 hours. Family flowers only but donations for Cancer Research UK in the memory of Alan will be gratefully received.

Funeral Directors are: Graham Davy, Barclays Funeral Director, 2071 Paisley Road West, Cardonald. G52 3JH Tel: 0141 8828872

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Another sad loss from Senior Division - The Late 478513 Major Alan Thomas Loftus 42A

2015-02-23T10:34:00.002+01:00

Another sad loss from Senior Division

The Late 478513 Major Alan, Thomas Loftus 42A

It is with great regret and sadness that I have to inform you that Alan Loftus passed away after a short period of suffering with a chest infection on 21 Feb 15, aged 87.

Alan was an apprentice at the ATS (Boys) Arborfield in 1942 and later he was on the permanent staff of the AAS Arborfield between 1955-60.

Alan leaves his wife: Dorothy, daughter: Gillian, son: Ian and many grand & great grandchildren.

Our sincere condolences extend to Dorothy & family.
We will be informed of the funeral arrangements later.

Roger Traves.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Funeral Arrangements - Peter Smith

2015-02-23T10:32:00.000+01:00

The late WO2 (AQSM) Peter Smith 51B Mem No 1600

The funeral service is at St Mary’s Church, High Street, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, South Wales. SA70 8AP on Thursday 05 March 15 at 13:30 followed by a crematorium service at 14:30 at the Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, South Wales. SA67 8UD.

Funeral Directors: W & MJ Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, South Wales. SA70 8AB. Tel: 01834 843160

Donations if desired in the memory of Peter to the “Help for Heroes” or the “Dementia UK“ charities.

Roger Traves.
Rest in peace, Peter.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Sad news Peter Smith 51B

2015-02-22T14:20:00.005+01:00

From Roger Traves:

Hi to all (Fitters Troop, QRH Reg Assoc HQ & AOBA)

It has been a very bad period just lately for the Fitters Troop as we have lost Derek Cronshaw, Cyril Orchard & Ted (Busty) Worthington.

I'm very sorry now to announce the death of Peter Smith who was our Tiffy Weapons who took over from Cyril Orchard whilst serving with the QRIH LAD.

Peter passed away on Tuesday 16 February 2015 aged 78.

Funeral arrangements to follow.

Roger

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Funeral Arrangements - John Northam 47A

2015-02-05T15:53:00.001+01:00

The funeral will take place at the Hawkinge Crematorium, Aerodrome Road, Hawkinge, Folkestone, Kent. CT18 7AG. Tel: 01303 892215 on Friday 20 February 2015 at 12:30hrs.

The Funeral Directors are: Hambrook & Johns, 1 Dymchurch Road, Hythe, Kent. CT21 5AX. Tel: 01303 266525

The family have requested no flowers, however donations for the Army Benevolent Fund in the memory of John would be gratefully received.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Edward Wakeham 52A

2015-02-03T16:34:00.002+01:00

Tich has been informed by Edward's wife that he passed away on December 29th. Our sincere condolences go to the dear Lady, and all their family and friends.

Rest in peace, Edward.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Reunion Fees - Payment by PayPal

2015-02-02T16:46:00.005+01:00

I have again this year set up the option to pay Reunion Fees by PayPal, handy if you live abroad, and depending on where, probably cheaper than paying bank transfer fees for the purpose.
You can find it on The Arborfield Old Boys website, here:

http://www.arborfieldoldboys.co.uk/paypal.html

Sorry about the surcharge (4%) but this is to cover merchant fees, so there.

Herbie.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Another sad loss from "Senior Company" John Northam 47A

2015-01-25T15:09:00.003+01:00

It is with great regret that I have to inform you that John Northam 47A passed away on 23 Jan 15 after a long period of suffering from acute emphysema (C.O.P.D.). John was an instructor at Arborfield college in the 1980/90s, and it was his brain child to start newsletters for the AOBA; this developed into OBAN making him the first editor for OBAN.

John leaves his wife June, daughter Suzane and son Christopher.

Our sincere condolences extend to June & family.

Funeral arrangements will be published as soon as we receive them.

Roger Traves.

Rest in peace, John.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

More sad tidings - John D.W. Shaw 46B

2015-01-20T18:10:00.001+01:00

From Roger Traves:

It is with deep regret that I have to announce the death of John, Donald, William Shaw Intake 46B, Mem No: 117

We were informed by John's son Stuart Shaw that John passed away peacefully in Southport general hospital on the 11 Jan 15. We believe that John during his career came back to the Arborfield Apprentice College to teach apprentices.

We send our sincere condolences to John's wife, Ann, Stuart , and all the family.

Funeral Directors: H. Hardman & Co; Elizabeth House, 57A Cottage Lane, ORMSKIRK, Lancs. L39 3NF Tel: 01695 581769

The funeral takes place on Tuesday 27 Jan 15 at 2:40 pm at
Southport Crematorium, Southport Road, SCARISBRICK, PR8 5JQ Tel: 01704 533443

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

2015-01-19T12:06:00.004+01:00

Please could the following subscribers to Electronic Oban please advise me of their new email addresses :

Gerry Beal, Eric Senior, Don Blake.

Many thanks. Can anybody in contact with these lads please advise them accordingly.

Herbie.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Tony Mullins 61C at peace now.,

2015-01-16T15:36:00.002+01:00

From Roger Traves:

Gents

I have just received a call from Wendy Mullins to register the death of her husband Tony Mullins 61C dod 31.12.14

Tony was diagnosed with kidney cancer approx 2 years ago and because his health deteriorated he needed care in a hospice and nursing home for the last year of his life.

Our sympathy and condolences go out to Wendy and their 2 daughters.

The funeral takes place at the Bracknell Crematorium on Wednesday 28 January 2015 at 1200hrs.

Anyone who would like to attend the funeral please contact Wendy on:

8, Joseph Court, Warfield, Bracknell, Berks. RG42 3SY. Tel: 10344 459681

Roger

Rest in peace, Tony.

Arborfield Old Boys' Association