74th Entry Church Parade and Re-dedication of Our Window.
[Photograph: Stained glass Apprentice Entry Window at St Georges Church at RAF Halton.]
50th Anniversary Service in St Georges Church at RAF Halton.
Although not a regular church goer I was deeply moved by the 50th Anniversary service in St Georges Church at RAF Halton during our visit there on Sunday 27th March 2006.
The Church Service commenced at 12.00hrs and was conducted by the Rev Peter Townsend, 74 th Entry. After the main service we all gathered at the rear of the church near the 74th Entry window. During the rededication we said the Apprentices' Prayer together:
The Apprenticeship of the Wheel.
"Teach us good Lord, to be thankful for the good times, which we have had, the skills, which we have learned, the friendships, which we have shared, and the companionship, which we have enjoyed. May all who have shared the Apprenticeship of the Wheel be mindful of the needs of others. Through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen."
[Photograph: The 74th entry Window at RAF Halton Church.
The Coronation Entry 1953 to 1956.]
A Celebration of a Wonderful Comradeship.
This made me realise that for me the Reunion wasn't a recognition of service in the Air Force but a celebration of the wonderful comradeship we had built in those early years and had survived the passage of time. Some had served many years in the Air Force whilst others, like myself, had left the RAF early, to take up successful careers in civilian life.
But the spirit of the 74th lives on.
They Shall Not Grow Old.
The Roll of Honour was read out by Peter Townsend with the familiar remembrance quotation: "They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old; age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them."
Hardly a dry eye in the place I suspect.
NOTE: [The photographs in this section were taken by Slim, with one or two of my own and some by willing lady volunteers. Sorry but I've forgotten which is which and whose is what. If you would like some of your own photographs of the Weekend added to this section or make a comment - something I've missed perhaps, please let me know.]