The second Icelandic volcano, the Doomsday prediction, which apparently didn’t happen, coupled with a weekend of total sport (Champions League final, Nations Cup, League Play offs, Test Match, Monaco Grand Prix and Tennis) could not detract from the 40^th Anniversary of that day in 1971 when strangers piled off the MT onto the parade square, yes 223s first day at RAF Halton. Held at the Oxford Spires Hotel over the late May Bank Holiday weekend, 22 members and partners converged from all parts of the Britain thanks to the hard work of our webmaster Bob Rodham and his good lady Yvonne. Sadly there were some late call offs and one couple who managed to find the sister hotel in Abingdon where there was “no room at the inn”.

A small entry at the start 223 was even smaller after the passing of two years but due to Bobs’ tenacity, we welcomed two new attendees Pete Lewis and Stu Thomson with their partners, who for one reason or another left us prior to our pass out. Once 223, always 223.

The start of the first evenings celebrations rudely interrupted the gathering in the bar, however this was quickly forgotten with the customary group photo and listening to Ian Hoveys’ account of 223 during which many names and incidents were recalled to roars of laughter.

A marvellous meal was consumed, followed by a raffle which paid for our entry paver proudly on display in Halton Grove at the National Memorial Arboretum. The many raffle prizes included a glass painting of an Avro York “York Flight being our first home”, RAF Halton memorabilia and a tail rotor blade from a Sea King!! Don’t ask. Thanks to all who contributed prizes. The profit of £121 from the raffle was unanimously voted to go to the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at Cancer Research UK, as the usual scribe, of these reports, Taff Wilson was sadly unable to attend this year.

Later old photographs displayed around the room were viewed with the usual identity disagreements. However it was noted that there were now a few more pairs of glasses required to view them.  We are still 17 year olds in these ageing bodies and acting like 17 yr. olds a lesson learnt was not to leave your camera unattended as a number of inappropriate photos were taken, so that’s what Wing Commanders got up to in the officers mess, Tanner!

A free day on Sunday saw the majority of members take the short walk along the river into Oxford, others took the bus and some even taxis!! A small group returned to RAF Halton for the first time since leaving, this included a visit to the museum which was opened especially for them and St Georges to view our stained glass window; sadly they were late on parade, apologises to the museum curator. Second lesson to learn, don’t trust the satnav.