Cranwell Electrical and Wireless School
Boy Entrants Association

Secretary-: Rev C M H Frere,
Telephone-: 01522 806326 e-mail-: cmh.frere(at)ntlworld.com, Web Site- www.rafcaa.org.uk/cewsbea/

NEWSLETTER - REUNION 2004

The attendance at the 2004 reunion and AGM consisted of 37 members and 14 guests (mostly wives). With the addition, at Dinner, of the Station Commander Group Captain M P Colley OBE MA RAF, and his wife, and Anna Robertson as Guests of honour. The presence of Anna Robertson was important to a great many of us; for it was largely the work of her late husband Robbie Robertson that enabled the Association to come into existence. I know that behind the scenes, Anna herself was involved in much of the work that took place over those early years. Thank you Anna!

As you will see from the minutes of the AGM, the Association has in effect folded. We will not longer be meeting at Cranwell, as an Association. That does not mean however that individuals; or groups of individuals, won't be able to visit Cranwell and maybe visit the memorial stone for a few minutes, remembering! I understand that the Candidates Mess could indeed host a group of people; and I gather that Johnny Johns would be prepared to help arrange such. In addition, I intend to keep the series of Newsletters going as long as I am able, and to keep the records of Cranwell Boys up to date; so that I will not only be able to communicate with you all, but will be able to make sure that I can put you in touch with each other as may be requested.

The Station Commander Group Captain M P Colley in his address to the members at Dinner, congratulated the Association on having the courage to go out on a high, and not just dribble away into oblivion. He also underlined the importance of this 70th Anniversary of the founding of the Boy Entrant Scheme, as being an important part of the History of Cranwell, and the Royal Air Force as a whole.

For the first time since our inception, the meeting was over two days instead of the usual one. A number of members have requested that I make sure that the work of Johnny Johns in arranging the occasion and the entertainment be mentioned. This I do gladly; and I can add that I have received a number of letters, phone calls, and e-mail's saying how much various people enjoyed the occasion.

The list of the departed since our last meeting is included in the Minutes of the meeting (attached); even so, since returning from the Cranwell I have received notification of a departed member, one many of us knew well. He is-:
550376 C H Balmer Died 3rd September 2004, reported by his daughter Diana Pearce.
May He Rest in Peace

We also have a new member, he is-:
551184 R K Rye (8B1E)
You are more than welcome.

In addition to our own celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the Boy Entrants Scheme, in 1934. The RAFBEA (mostly post war Boys) has caused a monolith to be erected in the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas Staffordshire; with a Boy's Wheel carved into the stone; as a permanent memorial of the RAF Boy Entrants 1934 - 1965. This was done during the weekend of their Annual Meeting at RAF Cosford, on the 11th/12th September. Gordon Minchin and myself were invited as guests of honour. There was a parade at the Memorial stone, where I was invited to take part in the dedication ceremony, along with their Chaplain Tony Parker.

During Dinner that evening, Gordon representing the Cranwell Boys, sat at the High Table, while I sat at a table reserved for 'Pre-war Boys'. Three of us from Cranwell; myself, Bill Smith, and Jim Pool, and two pre-war Armourers from Eastchurch. One was of 1938 vintage, the other from 1934 1st entry. He was 550006 Ian Blair. Looking at the Cranwell list of Boy Entrants, the first Nine numbers run: 000, 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 007, 008, 009. At long last we've found 006 Ian Blair, an Armourer. Three of those first five have died, while two we know nothing about, which makes Ian the oldest known Boy Entrant.

While I was at the National Memorial Site, I inquired about the position of the stand of trees we paid for some years ago. After much searching, they found the original paperwork, and admitted that due to change of people administering the work, our stand had been omitted. They promised to investigate. Since returning home I have had a letter from them promising to put the matter before the next meeting of the Trustees in early November for action. I will keep this matter alive and report back.

The RAFBEA have asked me to make it known that all 'Pre-war Boys' are regarded as 'Honorary Members' (no membership fees), and if any of you would like to keep in touch with 'things', or even attend functions and receive newsletters etc. they would be very welcome. As an Association we voted not to become part of the RAFBEA, for we regarded ourselves as 'unique' and wished to remain that way. But as individuals, there is no reason you should not become accepted as a pre-war honorary member of the other Association. Which you can do by getting in touch with their membership secretary Roy Gooden e-mail goodroy@ntlworld.com or by snail mail at - Roy Gooden, Membership Secretary RAFBEA, 39 Heath Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 5RZ
A number of our members are already members of the RAFBEA, and there is no reason why you shouldn't be; regardless of that, all present CEWSBEA will continue to get my newsletters.

That's it for the moment, there should be another letter before Christmas, and after that it will be 2005 Grief!
Blessings Michael
PS. Roy Gooden mentioned above, is known to some of you, he came to our AGM with Bill Smith as driver/minder.

A Few Words from the Treasurer

Thank you for the kind compliments you have sent to me for a successful, mostly, 70th Anniversary Reunion. It was a pleasure organising it and a joy that it turned out so well; with the Station Commander's overall blessing. I am most grateful for the help and co-operation of those who aided us so readily, Grp. Capt. A Ebdon, for his interesting talk, (so that's how Whittle did it!) F/O R A Hardiman for her helpful liaison including the visit to 55 R Sqdn; and the arrangement for transport to and from the Hangar. Finally, but so importantly, the Candidates Mess Manager, Ms Hazel Waby with Pat and Alison, who with their staff, housed us, fed us and generally treated us as Royalty. This is the Cranwell Hilton

The occasion was the CEWSBEA Swan Song, but, looking at the afore mentioned compliments that doesn't rule out a personal visit from some of us.

Proposal

In view of the above mentioned compliments, it is proposed that a two day 'get together' be held on the 10/11th September 2005 (date to avoid the problem of encountering the Burghley Horse Trials traffic, for those coming up the A1) An informal Dinner. (We could invite the Station Commander) (Why not omit the wine, this can be purchased from the bar) musical entertainment (Dancing and Joviality expected). Bed and Breakfast as usual.
Wives, Partners, Relatives, Old Friends by all means. Content/Numbers = cost per head
Normal visit to Memorial stone to acknowledge Old Friends.
I'd love to see you all again, so, Lets Hear From You!
Affectionately RBJ