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The Editor's Page

The Editor's Page

This page is for temporary comments, updates, small items etc. that don't require a separate page.

29.11.01 - Another 36 veteran surfaces! - I received the following email yesterday:

We have just discovered the angelfire website. My father served with 36 Squadron in India, N.Africa and Italy, ground crew. He has unearthed photos and his Mayfly club membership card. He is currently collating the photos together with info. Is this of any use to you? My father's name is Sam Gillibrand and he was originally from Stalybridge in Cheshire.
Mike Gillibrand

17.11.01 - I've just put a new link on the site. It's a really good site that covers a wealth of RAF organisational history. Try a visit to: "Air of Authority"

26.10.01 - The RAF has gone to war again. The service may have contracted much over the years, but nobody, especially the perpetrators of worldwide terror, should underestimate the determination of Britain's armed forces. 36 Squadron isn't flying over Afghanistan today, but the thoughts and the prayers of all of us must be with those who are.

08.04.01 - For those of you who read the Guest Book entries, you will see an announcement of a new ATC Squadron with the number 36. I am in touch with its CO, Flight Lieutenant Al Smith, RAFVR(T).

I asked Flt. Lt. Smith to give me a few more details about 36 Squadron, Air Training Corps and here is an (edited) email that I received from him today:

Dear Kevin
The Squadron number was chosen because of the local connection with 36 Sqn, RAF.
When 36 Squadron was formed in 1916, a flight was stationed at RAF North Hylton which later became RAF Usworth and is now the site of the Nissan Car Plant. Hetton's original number was 2000 but this was reallocated to a unit in the East Midlands some years ago. 36 (Hetton le Hole) is now the 4th Squadron within the City of Sunderland.

We had a poll amongst the staff and the number 36 was chosen - it was swayed by the fact that I flew from Khormaksar to Muharraq in a 36 Sqn Hercules at the end of November 1967 when we pulled out of Aden!

The Unit supports a staff consisting of myself, an Adult Warrant Officer and 6 civilian instructors and was originally a detached flight of No 607(Wearmouth) Squadron and formed on 1 Apr 97. Currently, we are parading 32 Cadets on Tuesday and Friday evenings. Myself and one of my Civilian Instructors will be taking 7 cadets to Easter Camp at RAF High Wycombe on 18 April. This will be a first camp for most of them.

I'm sure we wish our sister ATC Squadron all the very best. As an ex-cadet myself with one son and a daughter currently in the ranks of the Air Training Corps, I believe we should all support and encourage youngsters to take the challenge the Corps offers.

08.03.01 - I've had an email concerning a tune that's on my personal web site (and now on this page) from no less than "Auntie" herself. I think it may be of interest to some members who are as long (or longer) in the tooth than yours truly. Here it is in full - if you can help, please contact Nicky!
Hello
Whilst undertaking research for a new BBC Radio Four programme, I came across your Web Site and am hoping that this programme maybe something that members of your group maybe able to contribute to.

We are currently researching a new series of documentary programmes called 'Soul Music'. Each programme focuses on a different piece of music which has had particular staying power over the years, and provokes strong memories and feelings for it's listeners. One of our programmes will be dedicated to Glenn Miller's 'In The Mood', and whilst discussing the musical and social history of the piece we are really interested in including personal memories relating to the music.

We would love to hear from anyone within your organisation who has a story to tell related to 'In The Mood'. This may include anything from memories of playing the music, to experiences of hearing the music at special events. We will be recording interviews with contributors during April-June of this year but are keen to speak to people about their story from now onwards.

I would be really happy to discuss more details with you, or fax details for inclusion in your news letter or website if you think that would be appropriate. I can be contacted via e-mail or on 0121 432 8310 and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely

Nicky Humphries
Researcher
BBC Radio Four
ex 28585 (0121 432 8585)
nicola.humphries@bbc.co.uk
This e-mail, and any attachment, is confidential. If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system, do not use or disclose the information in any way, and notify me immediately. The contents of this message may contain personal views which are not the views of the BBC, unless specifically stated.

07.03.01 - Reunion 2001

By way of a reminder, the Annual Reunion for this year is planned to follow the one that was regretfully cancelled last year. Martyn has written thus:
Provisonal arrangements are as last year.
1. Will members write to me for a booking form. This is done so we can plan for the numbers attending. If members communicate with the hotel directly, the hotel staff sometimes don't tie the room reservation with the Squadron Reunion.
2. The menu is planned to be the same as last year, subject to any problems which may occur due to the current farming crisis.
Martyn can be contacted as follows:
Telephone: 01274 567956
Email: WMotordoc@aol.com
Mail: 70 Woodside View, Cottingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1RL