1

2015 Remembrance Day Service and TeaWe were honored to be in the presence of HRH The Duke of Gloucester

on November 1, as we paid respectful remembrance to those who died while

training at the No 1 BFTS, and ultimately to all fallen military. More than

200 guests joined us for the annual service and tea, including many from the

Order of St John, and several serving RAF currently stationed at Majors

Field, Greenville, TX. Museum President Joe Hood served as MC, Mayor

Hal Richards delivered the greeting and introduction, while the Reverends

Diana Freeman and Angus Gascoigne officiated with invocation and

benediction, respectively. Additional readings were made by Museum

volunteer Judy Hollis, Sqdn Ldr Craig O’Donnell, and Museum Secretary

Beverly Mardis.

The very wet and threatening day was brightened by the fellowship and

goodwill of all those present. We were proud to showcase the history of

Terrell and the spirit of cooperation celebrated at the No. 1 BFTS Museum.

The seas divide, but the skies unite.Photos provided by Gary E. Lindsley of the Terrell Tribune, and Mair Cawston.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester

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2015 Remembrance Day Service and Tea

Rev Diana Freeman gives the invocation.

Mayor Hal Richards gives introduction

Rev Diana Freeman and Rev Angus Gascoigne

Museum President Joe Hood

Guests

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HRH The Duke of Gloucester addresses the guests

Sqdn Ldr Craig O’Donnell reads the poem High Flight

In respectful remembrance

Bagpiper Mike EcklundRev Angus Gascoigne delivers the benediction

2015 Remembrance Day Service and Tea

4

2015 Remembrance Day Service and Tea

HRH The Duke of Gloucester with former 1 BFTS

cadet Eric Gill

HRH The Duke of Gloucester with Sqdn Ldr Craig

O’Donnell and Liz Oliphant.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester signs the engine panel

of the Museum’s PT-27 Stearman “Old 42”.

Active duty RAF airmen, currently based at Majors Field,

Greenville, TX speaking with the Duke’s Secretary

LCDR Phil Webb introduces HRH to the Museum’s

PT-27 Stearman “Old 42”.

5

In Remembrance

Goeffrey Ivatt

b. Mar 26, 1925 d. May 27, 2015

21 Course No. 1 BFTS

Thanks to his wife Beryl and step-son Peter for providing this letter of remembrance

So… to Geoffrey. Without any shadow of doubt Geoffrey Ivatt loved flying. Being part of No. 1 BFTS was a dream come true

for him. Whilst he had an eye for detail, and was somewhat pedantic, this was to stand him in good stead during his training

period. Like so many trainee pilots of that time, training was never destined to lead him into active service; however, he got the

bug and never quite got over it!

In his study at Stone Hall Road in Winchmore Hill in North London, was a fascinating range of books, videos and dvds

covering nearly all of the aircraft used during the second war by both sides as well as detailed accounts of the more famous air

battles. His appetite for world war memorabilia never really waned; he just had an unquenchable thirst for the subject.

As a young man he rather fancied himself on his motor bike and clearly the thrill of that was just a taster for the flying that was

to come.

After he was demobbed he got on with a hugely different kind of life in civvy street. He entered the fledgling pensions industry

and stayed in it until he retired at 60. This office based environment was all about fine detail which very much suited him. He

met Mother some time before he retired, and their common love of dancing brought them together. He was single, having

divorced his first wife Joan, my Mother was widowed, and as they say, one thing led to another.

It was on a visit to Dumfries in the mid nineteen-eighties that a little piece of magic occurred. Mum and Geoff were browsing

in a little antique shop in the centre of the town. They ended up buying of all things, a toasting fork! The proprietor started to

converse, asking all the usual questions that would be asked of visitors from the South of the country. Somehow the

conversation touched upon hobbies, interests, and led to a discussion about flying and… et voila those magical letters BFTS

appeared. The proprietor was a member and furnished Geoffrey with all of the necessary details to join, which he did shortly

after arriving home…

From that moment on, the process of returning to the fold, rekindling all those wonderful memories and experiences, of being

with like minded individual and often their partners was about to have a powerful effect on his and Mum’s life.

The wonderful reunions provided them with the opportunity to make long-lasting friendships and travel in their retirement

years. Regular visits were made to Texas and reciprocal visits to different parts of the UK. In his first year of membership

Geoffrey and Mum met the American crew and partners staying in the Picadilly hotel and from that very moment their BFTS

journey began in earnest. Shortly thereafter Geoffrey joined the UK Committee, helping to arrange the UK visits, which he

thoroughly enjoyed.

The museum in Terrell is a tribute to Henry Madgwick who they knew so well. Alan Bramson, and Ron and Lucille Miller were

also great friends as were so very many others. Sadly, as the years rolled by, the numbers began to dwindle and for the last few

years contact has been by letter and phone. Despite this, Geoffrey maintained his enthusiasm for the BFTS cause right to the

very end of his long life, often referring to his wonderful flying days.

Geoffrey passed away after a short illness on May 27th having entered is 90th year. He and Mum thoroughly enjoyed a

celebration lunch in early May with family and friends. He was in fine form, made a speech, and happily that is how he will be

remembered.

Mum sends her love to you all and remains grateful for all of those wonderful moments together as part of the BFTS

community. She has been particularly touched by the interest shown by everyone and treasures the memories of great times

past.

Yours, very sincerely, Peter Harrison

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No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, Inc.

2016 Calendar of Events

Hangar Dance and Dinner March 26 In Commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Lend-Lease Act

6:00 – 9:30pm, at the Madix Hangar adjacent to the Museum

Entertainment coordinated by Tracy Jordan

Mark Hardin Memorial 150 Air Race May 28 Annual Sport Air Racing League 150 Air Race, held at the Terrell Municipal Airport

Memorial Day May 30 In conjunction with the City of Terrell, the Museum will participate in a ceremony

honoring all fallen military personnel, at the Veterans Memorial Park, Terrell

Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride June 25 Motorcycle riders from 5 nations have organized a joint ride to take place on the same

day in remembrance of members of the Allied Forces, Past and Present, who have and

will pay the ultimate price in the pursuit of Freedom and Security. The riders will meet at

the museum, then ride down Moore Ave. to Oakland Cemetery for a memorial service.

Flights of Our Fathers * September 24, 25 Saturday – Fly In and Air Show

Static and Dynamic Displays of Military Aircraft, Warbirds, Vintage and New Aircraft

Kids Zone Guest Speakers and Book Signings Museum Tours

CAP Pancake Breakfast Nucor BBQ Cook-off Food Court

75th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday – Memorial service at Oakland Cemetery, 3:00pm

Veterans / Remembrance Day November 13 3:00 pm Memorial service at Oakland Cemetery, followed by tea at the Museum

Note change of date

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Terrell Aviation

Sponsors

No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum Inc.

Box 6 Silent Wings Blvd

Terrell, TX 75160

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