96^th Entry Reunion 28/ 29^th  October 2006     Musings from Gordon Sherratt

We met again at that now familiar place the Holiday Inn at Aston Clinton. Numbers were down at this reunion due to the ex Dental apprentices not attending as they had a reunion of all Dental Entries last year. There were however some new ex apprentices and their wives present, namely Geoff Wood, Stan John, Ian Boyland, Pip Piper and Roger Garford. Those of us who stayed Friday night to put up the banners and set up the memorabilia on Saturday morning were interrupted by the fire alarm and had to evacuate. Luckily it was a false alarm.

Gerald(Johnny)Law set up his little furry ‘Bratgonks’ all 96 of them into 3 flights and a pipe band. I think they all found homes to go to.

From around midday people started arriving to enjoy a drink and the finger buffet and have a good chinwag.

Saturday evening saw everyone smartly dressed for dinner where just before 8pm the strains of the bagpipes could be heard in the bar as Stan John in full ceremonial garb piped us all into the Broughton Suite.

After dinner a talk on the lighter side of parades was made my Gerald Law before his quiz of 20 questions in 2 sections of 10.

Section A covered life at Halton 1960-1963 and section B  covered the less important events worldwide during the same period. I happened to be sitting at the table that knew the most answers, thanks to Geoff Wood and John Boswell and their wives.

Sunday morning was terrific weather as most of us made our way to Halton House where Min Larkin went through the history of how Halton became the No 1 School of Technical Training. This was followed by a short drive to St.Georges Church to have our own entry service a real bonus, especially as our entry has such a historical link to the church. Robbie Honnor told the story behind the window and Merv Kelly said the reading.

The lunch that followed at the Henderson Mess was most enjoyable though we recognised neither venue nor menu. Both have improved beyond belief in the last 43 years.

Finally a chance to review our history again in the Apprentice Museum was a great way to end the day.

I hope I will see some of you at the Halton Triennial Reunion on 22^nd September 2007. I am getting a 96^th Entry banner we can hold up as we all form up outside the workshops to march/walk up to Henderson square.

Cheers, Gordon

Below are a selection of photos taken over the weekend:

The Brat Gonk Parade                                                        The Piper

The Tribute                                                                      

Table groups

Table groups                                                                        

Table group                                                            Master of Ceremonies 'Cpl Tech' Gerald Law

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