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For ex and serving RAF PTIs, PJIs, ATIs & ERIs.

RAF PTI Association motto

Amicitia et Respectum –“Friendship and Respect”

Editorial:

Hello everyone, my sincere apologies for taking so long in producing the 7th newsletter, computer and

email problems has caused chaos for me and the several jobs I do as voluntary work. So I am now catching

up and hope you enjoy this issue. Just some brief comments on another very successful reunion. A full

report will follow in the next newsletter.

Phil Moyse

Articles in this edition:

A brief report on The Reunion 2014

“The other School of PT” - John Weedon

PTI Nicknames – John (Skeets) Gallagher

Hip replacements - A request from Clive Hillman

Ex Cambrian Eagle 2013 FDTC – WO Tony Martin

The Visit

6th Scottish PTI Golf Competition and reunion

Is this the last Repatriation?

An open invite to an Olympic Challenge – Gary Corkish

Bob Wiltshier

Golf Challenge

A 2nd World War hero

Harry Watts the Busy Bee Keeper

Bob Garrett PTI/PJI/Physio

Dating in the 60’s – Remember those days? – Charles Pucill

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The Reunion 2014 What a reunion this year, in the 20 years of the Association I have never seen so many at a RAF PTI

Association AGM. As a part of the team who set up the Association all those years ago it did my heart

good to see the response it is getting now. Many thanks to Denise for all her hard work in organising such

a successful event.

The AGM produced the usual banter as well as getting all the official work completed. All those attending

the AGM were given a PTI pin badge to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Association being founded in

February 1994.

Geoff Diggle our mainstay of the Associations Welfare system is standing down as the Welfare Officer

after 5 years of loyal service. We thank you Geoff for the fantastic job you have done for the Association.

Dave Percy has volunteered to step into Geoff’s shoes and take over as the role of Welfare Officer, so if

you know of any PTIs that need help, are sick or have passed away please contact him.

Chairman’s Award 2014

The Chairmans’s Award was

presented to Roy Rigg for his

endeavours as the RAF PTI

Association Standard Bearer.

Roy has attended repatriations

and PTI funerals throughout the

last year carrying the standard

with pride, ably supported by

Maureen his wife.

Also Maureen Rigg became an

honorary member of the

Association. Members

unanimously voted her in for all

the superb work she does in

supporting Roy.

Maureen and Roy pictured above with their dog Purdey. Congratulations and well done to you both.

Roy will continue as Standard Bearer for a further year, but will be standing down in April 2015.

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Golf Competition – organized by Dave Percy - Once again the Golf was a resounding success. Dave’s

report follows :

This was the 12th annual golf competition of the Association and it must be said that it was the best turn

out yet. 29 players teed off in smashing weather, it’s a shame it can’t be said of the course. With the

amount of rain throughout the past month the greens and bunkers left a lot to be desired. That’s my

excuse and I’m sticking to it. However, a good time was had by all.

I must thank Technogym for their sponsorship of the competition along with, yet again Denis Wreford

and Garry Corkish for the prizes.

Next year the competition will be split with a maximum handicap of 18 for the Memorial Trophy with a

second trophy (kindly donated by Chris Beadel) for those with higher handicaps. This will give everybody

who enters a chance to win a trophy.

The Results Ladies

Men

Nearest pin - Paul Graddon Longest Drive – Phil Cook

Most Golf with 16 points Gary Scott

3rd place with 31 points on count back. Phil Cook

2nd place with 33 points Graham Hughes

1st place with 44 points Nick Hitchman

Nick is not a member of the Association and therefore the winner for the 5th

time is Chris Beadel on 37 points

Nearest to the pin Shirley Archibald Longest Drive – Yvonne Corkish

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Some photos of the reunion 2014

Thank you to our Patron Chris Cornish for sending these photographs through, see if you can identify

some of these characters.

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“The other School of PT” by John Weedon

In 1965, as a Cpl PTI, I was detached to Earls Court for the Royal Tournament, to act as a “Pool Keeper”

(Scorer) for the Inter Services Fencing. In those far and distant days, “Fencing” was part of the PTI course

and you were taught the fencing scoring system (anybody out there remember this period?) There I was

engrossed in my duties, when I received a telephone call from PMC offering me a posting to Kenya (that

happened in those days). After a minutes consideration I accepted. I later found out that it was a

“Secondment to the Kenya Air Force (KAF)”.

So the story begins…after a flight in a VC10 with a fellow PTI Cpl Andy McClay and a number of other

trades, we arrived at Nairobi. From there we were bussed to the Air Force base at Eastleigh. We were met

by Cpl PTI Mel Haycock – RAF, who took us to the P Ed Flt where we were introduced to Sgt PTI Bob

McClellan – KAF and the PEdO Flt Lt Wynne Roberts RAF. The base was in a transition period with half the

personnel RAF and the remainder KAF; we even wore a different hat badge. The role of the European KAF

personnel was to train the Kenyan Air Force personnel to be able to undertake the duties of all the trades

for their Air Force. Over a gradual period the RAF personnel were replaced by KAF either European or

Kenyan. The P Ed Flt was reduced to a Sgt and two Cpls and we were tasked with training PTIs for the KAF.

The PEd Flt:

Back Row left to

right Cpl John

Weedon, Cpl

Gideon Mutoro,

Cpl Andy McClay.

Front Row left to

right Cpl Arthur

Kiriuki, Sgt Bob

McClellan, Cpl

Stephen Waweru.

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PTI Nicknames by John (Skeets) Gallagher

I suddenly had a trip down memory lane on the subject of nick names over the years. All the nicknames

that I can remember are from my experience at the Parachute Training School, but we all started as PTIs

didn't we, so it is relevant.

I have not included the obvious ones such as the Paddy, Jock, and Taffy. The Wikipedia notes that

nicknames are a form of amusement or affection so the readers can form their own conclusions as to

which they come under.

Here goes, starting with JC : Kilkenny, Jock Fox, Big Rab, Smokey Furness, Bluey Lambert,

Lofty Humphries, Podger Eccles, The Muff Kid, Daisy Dukes, Hetty Hallet, Pop Weavil, Butch Casey,Timber

Woods, Maudy Mason, Knickers Uden, Snowy Robertson, Geordie Charlton, Dally Duncan, Dinger Bell,

Busty Alderman, Bobby Bruin, Go Go Collins, Punchy Rowe, Bunny Rigold and Geordie Platts. I suppose I

should include myself Skeets. I apologise for those I can't remember.

I am sure there are lots more nicknames out there so let me know.

John (Skeets) Gallagher.

Hip replacements - A request from Clive Hillman

Dear Colleagues

I am currently in my third year of study for a degree with the Open University and am at present doing a

module entitled ‘Innovation: designing for a sustainable future’. As part of this module I am required to

complete a small design project in an area where I have an interest. I have chosen to design a light, easily

carried booster/comfort cushion which will provide a comfortable seating experience for people with hip

replacements when out and about. As a former patient with a double hip-replacement, I am fully mobile

and reasonably fit for my age (?) and take adequate light exercise. I am conscious of the stated

requirements for suitable seating post-surgery and experience no discomfort when using for example the

office chair in my study or my car. However, I find when out and about that sitting on many common-use

chairs such as in airports, stadiums, waiting rooms, restaurants etc, they are extremely uncomfortable. I

have researched the internet for cushions of this type and found many existing products which are not

suitable for my proposal, being designed for use either with lounge chairs or specifically for lower back

discomfort.

As part of my research I am obtaining input from other similar people about their experiences in this area. I

am aware that you probably have many other things to do but would be most appreciative of any time you

could spare and any assistance you can provide by completing a short survey as linked below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M227MMX

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Ex Cambrian Eagle 2013 FDTC

Crickhowell held Ex Cambrian Eagle 2013 between 11-15 Nov 13, hosting the arrival of 7 keen stations

containing 42 participants (RAF Marham 1 & 2, RAF Cranwell/Cosford, RAF Cranwell/Coningsby, RAF Digby,

RAF Benson and MOD Boscombe Down) to accept the challenges ahead and compete for the trophy.

The key focus was to contribute to robustness

training by developing the physical and mental

resilience of personnel, coherent with core values

and standards of the Royal Air Force, meeting the

needs of the GETR and forever promoting the

Peoples Campaign Plan. Crickhowell staff were

supplemented by 3 FDTC Fairbourne ATI’s to supply 3

arduous action packed challenges.

The 3 challenges The first was a combination of

Mountaineering and Caving requesting the teams to

navigate to Eglyws Faen cave and then complete a

limited light mapping challenge.

On the second day teams had to complete a Mountain

bike route at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre,

including a time trial ascent and tyre change against

the clock.

The final challenge comprised of completing a

Canoe trip at Ponsticil Reservoir to collect vital

rafting equipment and race around the course.

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Prior to the buffet and celebrations held in the local community it was announced that RAF

Cranwell/Coningsby claimed the title as the Winners of Cambrian Eagle 2013. Ex Cambrian Eagle 2014 is due

to be held 2-6 Jun 14, many teams look to return and compete in what is expected to be a bigger and

better scheme.

Regards

WO Tony Martin

The Visit

During the 1960’s many visits to the RAF Detachment 16 Para Brigade in Aldershot took place, one in

particular springs to mind as a perfect example of un-rehearsed humour.

On the day in question we were expecting a visit from a high ranking army officer who was scheduled to

arrive at 1400hrs. All was prepared in true military style, and every piece of apparatus in the Para Training

hangar had a Soldier hanging from it, with the regulation instructor in attendance.

All attending Officers were in No1 Dress uniforms. Coffee along with a delicate selection of morsels

chaperoned by an officers mess steward waited expectantly. The Commanding officer was standing by

with a pretty young WRAF MT Driver who was to perform the task of door opener for the occasion.

The stage was set; a fleet of staff cars were seen and a strategically placed look out, passed the word back

to the CO. Into the RAF Detachment swept the entourage, three staff cars and a police vehicle followed by

a land rover. Just as doors were opening, the CO noticed the Detachment Warrant Officer was absent, he

quickly turned around to the nearest instructor and said “Find out where Mr Peters is!” Off ran the

instructor and found the Warrant Officer who was waiting at the wrong entrance to the Hangar. On being

told that the visit was already in motion, he took the shortest route towards the visiting VIP’s who were

already half way across the hangar floor watching with interest a member of 1 Para going through his flight

drills. “Look up check your canopy”, sang the instructor in a relaxed but authoritive voice.

Just at that moment the whole party’s attention was drawn to the detachment warrant marching across

the ground training area, which was covered with coir mats. As he approached the Detachment

Commander who was escorting Field Marshal Viscount Slim with two generals and a Brigadier in tow,

followed by the Brigade Major and RSM. He saluted rather over enthusiastically, knocking off his hat in the

process and simultaneously tripping on the mat falling full length in front of the inspecting party.

With-out a second breath the Viscount stepped over the Warrant who was still in the saluting position and

turned around to the CO and said, “I take it this is your Detachment Warrant Officer, Squadron

Leader?”The CO’s lips were moving but nothing came out. The Viscount then added “First class parachute

roll Mr Peters”

The now totally prostrate Warrant Officer, rewriting the drill manual by the minute, by remaining in the

horizontal position still in the saluting mode, remarked.

“Thank you Sir!”

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6th Scottish PTI Golf Competition and Reunion

The competition this year is on Friday the 13th of June at Grantown-on-Spey. Dinner will follow at 7pm.

If you would like to attend, please contact George Whitecross who is our Scottish rep

george.and.yaz@talktalk.net

077651 73714.

Look for the Report and results in the next newsletter.

Is this the last Repatriation?

An observation by Roy Rigg - Wooton

Basset and Brize Norton are always

mentioned on TV but the John Ratcliffe

(Oxford), “Final Turn” is never mentioned.

21 Standards were on show and many people

in attendance, let’s hope this is the last

Repatriation.

Since the last PTI Association AGM the following members have passed away:

Jim Cooney, Jim Bulmer, Joe Kerry, Norman Salter, Ken Trotter (First President of the Association) and

Mitch Crawford.

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An open invite to an Olympic Charity Challenge! – Gary Corkish

I will be celebrating my 60th birthday in April 2016 in a different way !

Tom de la Hunty (Coach to the Canadian winter Olympic team) has

agreed to train us and has booked two runs over a long week end at

Innsbruck in Austria .

1. 3 trips on a skeleton for each person after training –

2. 3 trips in a 2 Man bob after training.

He has two good novice runs so less risk!!

Tom will do the costings, he can also provide all the equipment etc.

The guys will be asking for sponsors for Prostate Cancer as a charity.

With the ladies opting for Breast Cancer as their charity.

Obviously the more who attend the price will probably reduce.

We have nearly 40 on the list now but we are aiming for 50 as Tom is looking to book the whole hotel in

2016.

Charity is now formally H4H

I have a web page set up from H4H for Donations.

http://www.bmycharity.com/GarryCorkish

If you enjoy an adrenalin rush, please register your interest

With me:-

garrycorkish@igsgolf.com

Tom de la Hunty

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Bob Wiltshier

For those of you who may have been acquainted with Bob Wiltshier, Alan Johnson has been kind enough

to send the information below and the attached Service that refers to Bob Wiltshire.

“ I am forwarding the message I got from Bob Davidson informing me of Bob's tragic death. Bob Davidson

was the first CO of the RNZAF School. A pilot, he trained as a PJI at Abingdon in the early 60s where we

became good friends. I can't believe that was 50 odd years ago!”

Alan

Alan and Margaret,

Hope this finds you both well. You will have heard from Margaret Raby of Bob's accident and death. Very

unnecessary and sad. Ann and I attended the Service for Bob in Auckland yesterday and I have attached

the cover for your interest.

Both Bob's sons and their families managed to get to Bob's hospital bedside in time (from

Australia and UK) and there was a big turn out at the Service - family, friends and old colleagues – and the

current staff of the RNZAF para school in uniform (36 years after Bob retired from the unit) - which was

nice.

The tributes were wide ranging, some humorous, and some very moving - covering the many aspects of

Bob's quite incredible life. WW2 as a Coastal Command air gunner shot down twice, - seconded to MI6/SIS

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in the 1950's working on agent insertion/extraction (parachutes/balloons/inflatable aircraft/snatch

extraction by aircraft), - long service firstly with No 1 PTS and then in New Zealand, - world travel

and exploration with Barbara and latterly with Margaret.

A moving and good celebration of a life well lived!

For all here yesterday was the end of an era. You might like to pass on some of the above to mutual

colleagues/friends.

Golf Challenge

The Captain of The Oxfordshire Golf Club (Rob Daniels) will be holding a Charity Golf Day in support of

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People on Friday 11th July 2014. Many of you will know Rob and his wife Fiona, as

they are long standing Volunteers and huge supporters of the Charity.

The event is likely to raise a substantial amount for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and it would be fantastic

if you (or somebody you know) could support the day, in one of the following ways:

Enter a Team

The Oxfordshire is a fantastic course and a former European Tour venue. (Please see their

website: www.theoxfordshire.com). Would you – and/or your friends/family or contacts – like to enter a

team of 4?

The cost is £480 per team which includes: competitions; Titleist ball fitting, breakfast, catering at the

Halfway House, a 4 course lunch, a high quality Charity auction, and post lunch entertainment from BBC

News presenter (and golf fanatic) Naga Munchetty.

This is likely to be a very popular event (open to Members and Non-Members) so please secure your place

as soon as possible.

Sponsorship or Prize Donation

In order to raise as much money as possible for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, we are looking for

individuals, or companies, to sponsor prizes (£100 to £600). Full details are attached.

It is a great way to promote your business at such a high profile venue/event.

Alternatively, you could donate a quality item for the raffle/auction. If you have anything in mind, please

contact me as soon as possible. (If anyone has a weekend/week available in a holiday villa that they would

be prepared to donate, I would be extremely grateful!).

If you need any further information, please contact me (details below).

Kind regards

Lisa Bishop Community Fundraising Manager , Northern Home Counties 07769 901 305

www.hearingdogs.org.uk Follow me on Twitter: @LisaHearingDogs

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A 2nd World War Hero

Halton Trainees provide a proper send of for Hero Walter

A Second World War rear gunner, whose funeral was set to be a quiet affair with only a few mourners, has

now had a more fitting hero’s send-off, after his family contacted RAF Halton and a local Royal

British Legion. Walter Edwards died in early February this year, aged 92, and less than ten surviving

relatives were set to attend the funeral which took place this week.

His niece, Gill Saggers and her husband Colin contacted RAF Halton, and when trainees from Logistics and

Supply Training Squadron heard his story they quickly volunteered to provide a guard of honour, with

standard bearers from the Royal British Legion and a poem was read by Squadron Warrant Officer, Andy

Waters.

Flight Lieutenant Nathan Holmes, Flight Commander and Officer Commanding Training Flight on Logistics

and Supply Training Squadron, said:

“It is especially important at the start

of the centenary of World War 1 that

we recognise and remember all those

who have fought and served our

country. Consequently, I’m

exceptionally proud and honoured

that members of Logistic and Supply

Training Squadron were able to

provide a fitting and appropriate

tribute to one of our own, Flight

Lieutenant Walter “Ed” Edwards, who

represented the Royal Air Force with

such distinction under highly

challenging and arduous conditions.”

As a ‘tail end Charlie’ Walter bravely fired at enemy planes from a Perspex box attached to the back of a

Lancaster Bomber. He narrowly escaped numerous dog fights in the skies over England and was awarded

the Distinguished Flying Medal. After the war Walter married his wife, Gladys, and went to work as a

printer at Hazell Watson and Viney. The pair lived in Aylesbury for 65 years.

Roy Rigg Standard Bearer.

I had a late request from the Royal British Legion welfare rep, could I get an RAF standard and attend the

funeral of former Flt Lt Walter Edwards, air gunner tail end Charlie, Bomber Command. He had done 68

operations in Lancaster’s 434 Sqn mainly with Canadians.

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Walter had no children and few family members, he was in a rest home with his wife of 67 years, she was

ok but very distressed, understandably. I spoke to our area rep Ian Swindale about the request and like me

he was 100% for it. He met Maureen and me at Amersham Crematorium joining the guard of honour of 30

Airmen. The SWO Simon Fellows attended with his wife also some SNCOs from RAF Halton. The standards

were dipped for the last post . The wake was held at Weston Turville Golf Club where we were made more

than welcome by RAF members especially by the SWO, who now knows there is an active PTIs Association

and we could pay a unit visit if we would like to. The small family gathering and his widow, God Bless,

were very impressed and appreciated what we had done. A good send off for a real War Hero.

Yours on Parade Roy Rigg Standard Bearer.

Bob Garrett PTI/ PJI/ Physio

I am a 74 year old who qualified as an RAF PTI in 1958. I have

always been very grateful to the RAF School of PT Staff at

RAF St Athan for ingraining in me the huge benefits & self-

discipline involved in maintaining a high standard of Physical

Fitness which is sadly lacking in the computerised,

sedentary, fast food, gross obesity & associated life

threatening diseases we see today.

Retirees , who stop exercising & gradually lose the

motivation to do any physically demanding tasks with

consequent strength & balance loss are subjected to falls,

osteoporosis, joint degeneration & serious injuries .

I am especially indebted to the Staff for introducing me to

Circuit Training which, I believe is the finest form of

complete & total body fitness. If conducted correctly it works every major muscle group whilst

maintaining the cardio, respiratory & vascular endurance, joint mobility & flexibility. There are no

repetitious & boring movements & there are many variations & forms to keep the participant

motivated, along with motivational music. It is a total fitness programme conducted in the shortest

period of time with the participant moving from different body part stations so that no muscle group

is over worked, whilst maintaining the specified heart rate. All RAF PTI’s will be familiar with this type

of physical training.

At my age I have several osteo arthritic (OA), joint degenerative problems. Including ankylosis ( total

bony fusion & consequent loss of mobility) in both shoulder joints ( unable to salute or stand at ease ).

Probably due to lifting heavy weights above shoulder height for many years. The unstable & shallow

gleno-humeral joints are not designed for heavy shoulder presses & most regular participants will

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experience early degenerative changes & consequent mobility loss later on. I also have advanced OA

in both knees & a ruptured ACL. Advanced OA in my spine & a stress fracture (spondylolithesis grade

2) in my low lumbar spine - kept stable by trunk stabilisation exercises.

Maintaining the self-discipline of intensive circuit training & by eliminating exacerbating movements &

postures have kept me away from medication & expensive surgical joint replacements. I perform 3-4

high Intensity circuits a week & walk on rest days. I have the complete inexpensive equipment set-up

in my large garage & it incorporates punching bags, floor to ceiling balls, incline treadmill, rowing

machine, cycle, X-Trainer, stepper, dumbells, mini trampoline, abdominal & spinal strength/endurance

benches & more. I perform 3 or more circuits interspersed with 100 m jog/ limp around the house. The

warm-up, Circuit & cool-down & stretches takes one hour. I will willing prove this to any skeptics, but

you will have to come to sunny Queensland to witness my work-out.

Maintaining my health & fitness taught to me all those year’s ago by the RAF PT School has kept me

very fit & active, self-disciplined & away from medicine, surgery , premature aging & has increased my

testosterone level. I even have a lady friend who is 20 years younger………..!

Kind Regards

Dating in The 60s…..Remember those days? - Charles Pucill

It was a hot Saturday evening in the summer of 1963, and James had a date with Annabella. He arrived at

her house and rang the bell. "Oh, come on in" Annabella's mother said as she welcomed James. "Have a

seat in the sitting room. Would you like something to drink? Lemonade? Tea?" "Tea, please", James said.

Mum brought the tea.

"So, what are you and Annabella planning to do tonight? "' she asked interestedly. "Oh, probably go to the

flicks and then maybe grab a bite to eat at the coffee bar, perhaps have a walk on the beach afterwards"

"Annabella likes to screw, you know ", Mum informed him. "Really? " James gasped, surprised to say the

least. "Oh yes", mother continued, "When she goes out with her friends, that's all they do!" "Is that so?"

asked James, incredulously. "Oh yes", she said. "As a matter of fact, she'd screw all night if we let

her!" "Phew! Well, thanks for the tip!" James said, as he began thinking about alternative plans for the

evening.

A moment later, Annabella came down the stairs looking pretty as a picture, wearing a pink blouse and a

hoop skirt and with her hair tied back in a bouncy ponytail.

She greeted James. "Have fun, kids!" mother said as they left. Half an hour later, a completely dishevelled

Annabella burst into the house and slammed the front door behind her. "The Twist, Mum!" she yelled

angrily to her mother in the kitchen………."The bloody dance is called the Twist!"

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Harry Watts the Busy Bee keeper

Harry Watts would like to advertise his charity in The Badge www.givebeesachance.org.uk

Harry says as all PTI’s we have in our lifetimes sought to live our lives as

healthy as possible, that is why I started this fully registered charity to

attempt as best I can to protect the biodiversity and pollinators. I am

going to buy a 120 acre farm through the charity to produce not only

organic food, but literally millions of bees. We are setting an example

here in Oxfordshire employing young school leavers in land skills and

Bee keeping.

“Will it Bee Well Received……?”

The Associations Area Reps are as listed below:

Scotland

GeorgeWhitecross George.Whitecross@moray.gov.uk

Wales:

Geoff Diggle diggle43@googlemail.com

London & SE

Ian Swindale ianswindale@ntlworld.com

North West

John Gallagher gallagher227@gmail.com

North East

John Doran jpdrn@hotmail.com

West Midlands

John Weedon jweedonsnr@aol.com

East Midlands

VACANT

South West

Martin Burnell burnelli@sky.com

East Anglia

Terry Hagan terence.hagan@talktalk.net

Overseas Sue Zwart-Woodward suezw@hotmail.com

Gary Swann Brown is standing down as the East Midlands rep and we thank him for his many years of loyal

service. If anyone is interested in taking up the mantle, contact Denise - dmbsquash@hotmail.com

Please contact your area reps if you want to organise anything or have some news that may be of interest

to our members.

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Trade mottos

PTI Motto - Viribus Audax – “Bold in Strength”

PJI Motto– Scientia discutit timent – “Knowledge dispels fear”

ATI Motto – Semper Resurgens – “Always Rising”

ERI - Per Mutua – “Through mutual service”

RAF PTI Association

Amicitia et Respectum –“Friendship and Respect”

Please send any newsworthy items for the next edition of The Badge to me at

thebadge.newsletter@gmail.com

Phil Moyse Editor