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• 17/2/2012   Just heard from Mike Beresford that Bill Hutchins, one time accountant, had passed away.

•   Reunion 5/12/2011

• Not as many attended this year, nevertheless the day went well. A bit concerned why young Stockley failed to turn up especially as he had promised Joe Bradaley to meet him at the Sefton.

•             It  was good to see Major Finimore still making the effort to be with us. Let’s face it, the man is not getting any younger, yet he makes his way ‘across the water’, good on him!

•             Sadly, I was told of the death of Jack Salt, one time painter and fine jogger.  I shared an interest with Roman occupied Britain with him and we  enjoyable many lunchtimes  discussing the period.

•             Sorry to hear that Eric Armour had recently  suffered a bad stroke. It goes without saying that the Pals wish him well.

•             On the brighter side, young Andrew Ward made a welcome appearance. The dear boy has not been well for some time. We hope his troubles will disappear and we look forward to seeing him next year.

•             Funny  how you hear about blokes after they have died. As you will be aware, Eddie Simpson passed away this year. I was unable to attend the funeral as my mother was very ill at the time and she died two days after Eddie’s funeral. It appears, that while Eddie was doing his National Service in Al-Kabir in the early 50s, he was shot and wounded in the ankle. Throughout all the years I knew and worked with Eddie, he never once mentioned it, and as far as know, never claimed any compensation for the wound.

•             As always on these occasion, I was talking to the lads of our younger days and we came to realise how lucky we were to be in an environment for so many years of our working life. There may have been some strange lads, some quite barmy (sorry McCloud)  but most of the decent and a pleasure to be working with. Lets face it, it was all thanks to the encouragement and influence of Eric Armour, Jack Neaves and Jock Fletcher. Gentlemen all. 

•            4/6/1011

• Sad to report that Pete Williams has passed away.

• 20/6/2011

• Had a call today from John Taylor to say that Eddie Simpson passed away this morning.  He had lost his wife with cancer a few weeks ago, and sadly died himself after a stay at Woodlands Hospice in Fazakerly.  He had been diagnosed a couple of months ago with asbestosis,  Could you please put a notice on the website for the barracks boys to see..Don't know funeral arrangements yet but John will soon know.  His number is 228 9350 if you want to get in touch.

• 27/5/2010 

• Hi Col,
  Can you please put a note on the "Pals" site.
  There will be a "do" for Pan in aid of Cancer Research on 19th August at the RNA club Bowering Park Road, (near the Rocket) tickets are £10 each, we're hoping to get 250 people there, it starts at 7pm (tbc) and Mickey Finn, Phil Jones and our Norm will be performing.
  Hoping "pals" can turn up, and can they also advertise on there own E-mail addresses to Pals who may not use the site.
  Tickets available soon from me, phone no. will be announced in next E-mail, or see the Pals site as it's on there.
  Hoping you can help Col as this "do" is for Pan, my bro and Pal

•  

• 21/12/2009 

• Hi All,

   I would just like to say that i had a great time at the recent reunion at the Sefton Arms.

   It was great to see so many old friends and catch up with everybody.

   I would also like to wish everyone a Great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

   Hope to see even more old friends at the next reunion.

   Best Wishes

   Eric Allen

• 10/12/2009 

• I finally managed to contact Major Finnamore (I had tried to get in touch with him on number occasions before our last re-union). He has been in hospital and underwent an operation to have a number of ‘small polyp type growths’ removed from his lower intestines.     He has lost a bit of weight as a result of the operation but is feeling fine. He told me he needed to lose a bit of weight and is now as fit as fiddle. His wife has also been in hospital as the result of a blood clot but again she is now feeling fine.

     He is very sorry he missed the re-union and has promised to make the next one.

 He sends Christmas and New Year wishes to all the crew and will catch up with us all at the next get together.

Mike Beresford

31/10/009 

The funeral is at Anfield Crem.Thursday 5th Nov.
10.30.If anyone has any questions feel free to phone me on 01512649522 or E-mail me  denton161@msn.com

Richie Denton

30/10/009 

It is with the deepest regret that I have  to report the death of  a brave and well loved PAL.. Pana Denton. I received this email this morning from Richie; Pan lost his fight with cancer at 8.30pm on Wed 29 10 09, could you please put a note on the "Pals" site and i'll let you know about the funeral when I know.

In his final email to me, Pana talked of the treatment he was receiving,. I found it an  emotional and I mustI confess, distressing message therefore I will not print the whole of it. However,  here is how the dear fellow ended his diary;....now on a happier not, the funereal, there is a party to look forward to here guys and i really do want to to celebrate the fun and laughter we've all had  I've been known for wearing my shorts etc so I am asking you all dress as for a wedding or a 21st, not in all black and dowdy, if we get the right venue then our Norman will get up and do a bit of a turn and we will also set up the disco and do some dj-ing with voice overs from me, strange you might think, but all my life i have like to have a good laff and ive been dji-ing since i was 15, so we're gonna have some fun even on my last day....BFN

13/10/009 

Pana Update... The diary of a brave man

Hi all

Well this may be the last time you get a diary from me so for more info please speak to Richie or Nikki, I am about to have another hit of chemo, but only one, my consultant told me on Friday that I may only have a few weeks left to live. I am in extreme pain on my right hand side and taking Tramadol 3 times a day and Oramorph by the hour, my liver has become a massive tumour and as you know, my spleen still has a lump on it that is 6.5cm. The pain is really bad and it even hurts me to breath. I am in ward 24 Fazakerly hospital but Richie or my Nikki will keep you up to date and I will try and send another diary when there is any change, thank you to everyone for the kind thought and prayers over the last 4 years

B.f.n.....Pana

5/10/009

Well I’m back in hospital, came in Friday for bloods but told them i had been in a lot of pain all week and they admitted me right away to organise pain management. as yet, they don’t know why I’m in so much pain so they have organised an ultra-sound scan for this week, and I am having a p.e.t scan on the 15th of october (you will have to look that one up).

  At the moment they have got me on morphine, tramadol, paracetamol and Codine, quite a cocktail and i am as high as a kite, but pain free. oh but i'm not daft, the drugs are only masking the pain, the important thing is to find out what is causing it, so lets hope I’ve got an infection of some kind rather than the tumour is growing again. the ultra-sound is going to look at my gaul bladder and my liver, well they already know there is a spot on my liver and last time they measured it was 2mm, lets hope it hasnt grown!, fingers crossed i've got a gallstone hey......bfn

 Pana

24/8/009

THE RADIOTHERAPY HASN'T WORKED AND THE SPLEEN STILL HAS A LUMP MEASURING 6.5cm THERE IS ALSO SOMETHING IN THE LIVER NOW, ALTHOUGH THIS IS TINY @ 2.5mm, THERE ARE NO PLANS BEING MADE BY THE DOCS TO GIVE ME ANOTHER TRANSPLANT SO THEY ARE PLANNING THERE NEXT MOVE, BUT IT APPEARS, FOR THE MOMENT, THAT THERE IS NOTHING MORE THEY CAN DO. PANA
18/7/009

BACK IN HOSPITAL AGAIN. .FINISHED RADIO-THERAPY NOW BUT I HAVE AN INFECTION ON THE HICKMAN LINE, LOOKS AS THO' THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE THE LINE OUT ON MONDAY, STILL DONT KNOW IF THE TRANSPLANT IS GOING TO GO AHEAD, BUT I SHOULD GET A SCAN IN 6 WEEKS ANS A DECISION WILL BE MADE THEN...BFN, PANA
20/5/009

2/4/009

Not a lot to report yet
Its 7.30am, and you you probably know hospitals start early. The 24 hour bag I started yesterday finishes around 2pm todayand they are collecting my wee so as to keep an eye on my kidney function.
Aunty Aud & Steve came visiting last night and we did have a good laugh, but thats what visiting is all about. lets not be morbid just yet, hey
my mouth has started to ulcerate this morning and its a little difficult so swallow but i have 2 different types of mouth-wash
(prescribed) so lets hope that will sort it out.
Anyway guys, as i say not much to report , but the day hasnt started yet so if anything occurs you will be the first to know
BFN   PANA
23/3/009

Day 2 from Pana

WELL ITS THE SECOND DAY OF CHEMO (R-ICE) AND TODAY I GET ETOPOSIDE MIXED WITH MESNA AND I HAVE ALSO STARTED ON A NEW TABLET ( THE NAME OF WHICH ESCAPES ME) THAT GOES ON FOR 7 DAYS AND IT IS TO PROTECT THE BRAIN FROM CHEMO DAMAGE, WHEN I KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS DRUG I WILL LET YOU KNOW. YOU MAY REMEMBER THAY LAST YEAR I HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY KIDNEY FUNCTION? WELL THIS HAS BEEN ANTICIPATED AND I HAVE HAD A BAG OF SALINE UP SINCE 7am.(BY THE WAY, MY HICKMAN LINE WAS FITTED LAST TUESDAY). I HAVE ALSO HAD SOME LITERATURE SENT TO ME FROM McMILLAN, ITS A NEW PAPER THAT HAS BEEN WRITTEN WITH REGARDS TO MY RELAPSE AND THE SURVIVAL STATISTICS OF THE REGIMEN OF TREATMENT. AND THE GRAFT V LYMPHOMA SUUCESS RATE. IT ALL LOOKS GOOD AND IT COMES OUT AROUND 50/50 TO CURE THE CANCER AND BE DISEASE FREE FOR TWO YEARS AND THE ODDS THEN SLIDE AS PEOPLE GAIN MORE YEARS. ONE THING IS CERTAIN THO,WITH THE R-ICE TREATMENT ALONE THE SURVIVAL BEYOND ONE YEAR WAS ZERO. RICHIE WAS HERE YESTERDAY (FOR BREKKY AT NIKKIS CAFE) SO I ESCAPED FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS OFF WE WENT, I MISSED THE DOCS ROUNDS THO, BUT NIKKI MAKES A LOVELY BREKKY SO IT WAS WORTH IT. THAN I ESCAPED AGAIN LAST NIGHT FOR A FEW HOURS AND WENT OUT WITH NIKKI ON THE KEYRINGS AND HAD SOMETHING TO EAT, BUT THATS IT NOW FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK.
SO CHECK OUT THE "CANCERBACKUP" WEB SITE AND LOOK AT THE LIST OF CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT AND FIND R-ICE, THAT WILL GIVE YOU ALL THE MEDICAL BITS OF INFORMATION AS TO WHERE I AM IN THE TREATMENT
 AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS, IM ON WARD 24, FAZAKERLY HOSPITAL AND VISITING IS FROM 1PM ONWARDS, DONT FORGET NIKKI TOO, GIVE HER A CALL OR A KNOCK ON THE DOOR AND SAY HELLO.
BFN,   PANA.

12/3/2009

Well, here is the news
 I have just been told that the offer of the transplant is now on the table I don't yet have the statistics of failure and success, but when i do know we will be able to make an informed decision as to whether i go ahead with it. so to my brothers and sis, you need to be type tested, which we have talked about and and go from there... the doc wants to started right away but i have told them they must wait for my decision and also that i am going away on April the 4th to a wedding in Scotland and on April the 2nd I am going to see Lionel Ritchie in concert...so 4 more weeks wont make that much of a difference. so there you have it   the offer is now on the table... i value the input from all of you so as to help me make a decision. here are the choices
 1- do nothing, enjoy my time and have between 3 and 12 months
 2- agree to some kind of treatment that will slow it down, get patched up as i get sicker, but be in n out of hospital for the rest of the time i have left
 3- go the the transplant i will need a donor from outside (siblings first) but it does have its drawbacks,
A-it may not work and i relapse again, this puts me back to where i am now, but i have lost 12 months having treatment
 B- the treatment works and the cancer regresses but I don't respond to the graft (transplant) of the cells, my body rejects them and this will kill me quicker than the cancer would
 C- ITS A MIRACLE, the cancer is killed off, and the graft takes, i take 2 years to recover and have constant attention from clinic appoints but I will be alive and well
 I don't yet have the percentages of success and failure but I will get the soon and will also check the cancer website for info
 please let me know what you think but try not to make a selfish decision but one that is informed and practical...i thank you all for your prayers and kind wishes and also hope that you have all learnt to check yourself for lumps, tiredness and above all the night sweats, remember this is not a cancer that is inherited but one that strikes anyone at any time.
I also hope that my diaries over the past few years have given you a better understanding of how cancer treatment works... remember it affects 1 in three people so please do body checks and detect it early.. the one I have presents itself as lumps in the lymph nodes that appear in the neck, armpits, and the groin...so happy feeling and i will speak to you all very soon
 PANA

1/3/2009

Good news on the O'Callaghan front, He is well and may be seen at the Sefton Arms on Fridays.

17/1/2009

Just before the last reunion, Ken O'Callaghan underwent an operation for a hernia. Unfortunately, complications set in and had to suffer further surgery . To make matters worse, he then collapsed due to loosing  6 pints of blood!! However I am pleased to say that  Margaret has been in touch to say he is now doing well. As always, I can be confident that all Pals will pass on their well wishes and hope to see Ken at the next reunion. 

13/12/2008

Martin Mounsey just emailed to say that Ben Siswell had passed away.

12/12/2008

Thanks to Martin for all his hard work again organising the re-union, and Colin for the upkeep of the website. It was nice to see some new faces there such as Wingy and Bob Beardwood & lets all have a pint of whatever Jimmy Lyndsay was drinking, he looks so well considering he died 12 months ago. I had a great afternoon and it took my mind off my pending scan to assess whether or not the transplant has worked. On a personal note i am back on the road with my Disco and Karaoke roadshow. I did a couple of gigs earlier this year for Arthur Garnet (just before I got ill again) so he can tell you I run a very professional show, with a 2.5k sound rig & a night club lightshow, so if anybody has a bit of a do coming up (house parties included) then give us a shout, I could do with the work. Oh yes and brother Norman is still playing live music and has his own duo so if thats of any use to you then he is also available. E-Mail address is panapana39@hotmail.com or you can give us a call on 0151 280 3076
     So to everyone, have a merry Christmas and lets hope 2009 is a better year for us all, lets face it, 2008 wasnt so good, it brought me health problems and put me out of work. See you all at the next re-union.

Best wishes, Pana
18/10/2008

I met these two gentlemen at a Liverpool Scottish dinner recently. Question -who among you oldies can recognise them?

Colin Langeveld 

Answer is ...... Dave Sellers and Harry Boyce

18/10/2008

Hi Colin 
 Say a big thank you to all the guys that sent e-mail either direct or thro Richie wishing me well. yes i did go thro hell during the transplant and Richie has described it very well at the moment I use a delta walking frame and also a wheel chair but i have to build up my strength in my muscles and then i can discard them. I am prone to catching infection as the immune system takes months to build up and it is for that reason i am back in the Royal on some heavy anti-biotics but all seems to be as the doctors expect it. Anyway I will be at the re-union, unless Peter Coyne gets to me first.

Regards, 

Pana
30/8/2008

Hello Colin
Junior McGill here. I was chuffed to hear that the fools idiots and freaks who attended the Deysbrook rest home for wastrels had
a website that they could spew out their rantings on. Even better that we have the occasional get together. Our Bob has been to
a couple , but I wasn't able to attend as my big brother didn't let me know until it was too late for me to get there ( the b*st*rd).
I will definitely get to the next session, it will be fantastic to see faces I have not seen in decades and hopefully they will remember me .
Although I only spent 6 and a bit years of my working life at 42 , the effect it had on me is still apparent today , people often comment
that " there is something wrong with you " , and I have Joe Bradley, Gerry Stockley , Pete Mannix, Brian Corkaran and our  Bob
but to name a few , to thank for this.
One thing that is amazing is that despite spending my apprenticeship in what seemed in some kind of surreal  adventure ,
I have managed to dupe various companies into employing me . I am currently employed by United Biscuits in High Wycombe . and get this,
my job is Engineering Services Manager. Mind you they let our Bob teach , so its not really that big a deal.
Anyway , please let me know when the next do is and I will be there.
Tom McGill
 9/8/2008

Hi Colin, just a few line line's, more bad news, Ben Siswell suffered a heart attack, was let home from hospital a week later only to be hit with a massive stroke, which has paralysed him and put him in permanent nursing care.  Hope you are ok.
Graham Wing.
 24/7/2008

 26/6/2008

I’ve been meaning to get back in touch after you told me about the web-site.  What a cracking site, brought back some memories – a few familiar faces on there – Mick Beresford, Alan Clegg, Jimmy Woods, Billy Stamper + more.  Would love to catch up at the next reunion. 

A couple of tales I can recall, may be worthy of your bulletin board:-

 I remember when some of the lads were having the usual lunch time kick-about on the pitch outside of the E+I Block – a mechanic (Jeff someone – his missus also worked there at one time) went up for a header & bumped heads with another chap – Jeff was concussed & when he was being led off the field totally oblivious (once he’d got back on his feet) he caught site of the other guy and asked “What happened to him?”

 Also seem to recall Russell Jones driving through the front barrier (in a Bedford I think), & when Hamish Crawford was going through a keep fit phase, Bob Tilly cut a piece of wire to fit snugly around Hamish’s waste – the ‘gut gauge’ was used as a marker to measure how many inches Hamish was shaving off his waste line – Hamish became frustrated when it appeared that his waste line was expanding – until he twigged that Bob had been sniping the odd inch of the wire.

 Take Care

 Catch up soon.

 John Purcell

 2/6/2008

Just received this message from Brian Mcleod:

Hello old chap Mcleod here hope you are feeling well.

Just read a letter on Friends Reunited that Brian Fitzmaurice had been in hospital and had to have a kidney removed.

I thought it might be an idea for it to be announced on the site so that the Pals could wish him a speedy recovery.

That's all for now old  friend

All the best to Yourself and Joan.

I'm sure that all Old Pals will indeed wish old Fitzi well and hope to se him at our next reunion. (Ed)

24/5/2008

14/4/2008

13/4/2008

Not long returned from the successful reunion at the Jolly Miller - 12/4/2008  (thanks once again to Mr. Mounsey) when Ken O'Callaghan telephoned to say that Bob Moffat had reported to say that Harry Foden  had passed away two days earlier. I'm sure that all old Pals would like to pass on their commiserations to  his family.

13/4/2008

Re the picture sent by Alan Clegg

From the left:

Les Vine

Ray Mors

Rodger Backhouse

Arthur Tyrer

Don’t know the rest………

Regards

Mike Beresford

5 April 2008

Alan Clegg recently sent me this image. Any of you Old Pals out there recall these young, fresh and slightly inebriated  faces?

29 March 2008

A slight change of plan. It was brought to my attention be a number of eagle eyed Deysbrookers that the Sefton Arms, our proposed venue for the forthcoming reunion, is actually closed and undergoing refurbishment. Langeveld did a rekky on Tuesday and informs me that the pub is completely gutted inside. Well done all those who spotted this deliberate mistake and you will all receive Blue Peter badges when we meet again.

I visited the Jolly Miller today and spoke with the manager and she informs me that they will be pleased to receive us at their hostelry and the place seems of a good size (very similar layout to the Sefton) and there is food on if anybody gets hungry.

So can I confirm the details, the Reunion will take place :-

SATURDAY 12 APRIL 2008 AT THE JOLLY MILLER PUB ON QUEENS DRIVE, MEETING FROM 1.00 PM.

The circulation list is as can be seen above which is 32. This is about 1/3 of the people who we collectively have contact with. So can those who are in touch by more traditional communications, smoke, flags, waving etc., please pass on this news to anybody they know. The reunion is only two weeks tomorrow.

Finally, so I can be aware of who might be coming could you please let me know if you are coming and anyone who might be on your circulation list.

Many thanks and looking forward to seeing you all again.

Martin.

20 January 2008

Hello lads,

    Bumped into Mick Berro the other day on the job and left my e'mail on his desk. Low and behold he got back to me and left the link to this site.

    Didn't know all you guys kept in touch and had a reunion now and again.

    Made up looking over the site, all the memories came flooding back, especially the wire bending.

    Nice to see the old names coming up and I even remembered a few of the oldies on the photo's, especially Steve Gwilliam ,( is that how you spell it), (Now, sadly deceased - Ed) who looked after me when I come out of the training wing as a spotty ginger know it all.

     Learnt my skills on the 43 section,(was it Stan Hunts section), could still overhaul one of those dinosaur 43's still, and did amaze some armour guys in Germany years ago by getting stuck in on one in Gladback.

     Still remember 'Big Al' throwing me in the static water tank with my hands tied (oh how I laughed, NOT), 'Pete Scouse' kissing me and playing with me marbles, 'Pana, with his blue beetle crushers (is he still a Ted) and the old fella from the welding section ,( Jimmy Cheetham I think), smashing a piece of work that had took me a week to finish, to bits saying "no good son" in his gruff ' Woolie accent.

    Good times and good memories will have to keep an eye on the site, it would be great seeing all the old faces again.

    Take care boys and hope to se you soon at a reunion.

John Pollard.  Vm 1978 - 1982.

5th December 2007

Hi Lads

Wasn't that bloody marvelous!!! It started before 1.00 in the afternoon and I left about 8.15 completely knackered and there were at least a dozen still going strong. Dave Waters tells me that he was one of the last to leave, so at the next do, the drinks are on him...........

Talking to some of the lads early on in this process we did not think we would have had such an excellent turn out. I did not know everyone who was present, as I left the Barracks in 1981 and the Barracks did not close until 1993.

I was able to pick up names and email addresses from Friedsreunited and Colin Langeveld’s web site http://www.palsof42command.50megs.com However, the majority of contacts came from Mike Beresford, Brian Mcleod and John Taylor as well as several others. Once the process started the news spread like wildfire and everyone has shown tremendous enthusiasm for the whole project.

WELL DONE: YOUV'E ALL DONE VERY WELL!!! Said young Mr Grace.

The role call in attendance was:-

Many apologies if I have left anyone out, but please let me know.

Also a big thank you for all of you who travelled long distances to come and see your old chums. Major John Finnamore came from the Midlands, Norman Denton from Shropshire, Arthur Tyrer from Leicester, Graham Wing from North Wales. My apologies if I have left you out.

I was able to receive email addresses from many of you but several of them have since bounced they are Graham Wing, John Dawson, Maurice Cunningham, Brian Fitzmaurice and Peter Alderson. I will keep trying variations on these addresses and hopefully I will eventually get through. If you are in touch with any of these lads, let them know and offer my email address mounsey@blueyonder.co.uk and maybe they will email me.

I have received many emails from you since Saturday and the overall view is that everyone had a great time. Many of you said you were amazed how some fellas had not changed at all. It was also particularly wonderful to see a good number of our senior colleagues were in attendance, in particular a big thanks for coming to - Eric Harmer, Jack Rawstorne, Jack Salt, Alan Clegg, Colin Langeveld, Ken Callaghan, Billy Ward, Major John Finnamore and M Brodie.

There are some old colleagues who I have been in touch with who did not turn up and I hope that there are no serious reasons for this, best wishes to you all and hopefully we will be able to see you all in the future. Also many of you are telling me that you are still in the process of contacting more old colleagues and good luck with this.

We have had a few 'offers' for the future. John Taylor and Bruce Reynolds are involved with the Royal Navy Club, based by the Rocket at the end of the M62 and have offered to organise a do there. Kenny Dunn is a DJ at the Vagabonds Club which is based in West Derby Village and he has offered to organise a do there. Also Norman Denton who is a professional 'turn', a singer I believe has offered to entertain us.

Overall there seems to be a high demand for more of these reunions. Clearly there are more old colleagues who we have not yet met up with and I am sure we would like to meet them. So what do you think? I think there are a number of possibilities:-

Firstly, I think it would be a good idea for an annual Christmas get together like last Saturday.

However, as we build up he email address database there is no reason why anyone cannot email everyone to say "I and so and so will be in this or that pub on a certain date (remember to give notice) and everyone is welcome".

Anyone having a special occasion such as a retirement do, or any other major celebration could invite any of the lads off the database.

However, there is certainly a strong feeling for another do in the not to distant future. Easter has been suggested and as the role call grows there could be lots more old faces to meet up with next year.

Let me know your thoughts. Would you like another do at Easter? Can you track down anymore old chums? Do you fancy the Navy Club or Vagabonds or somewhere else??

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Gentlemen, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. All the best to your families and all your endeavours and careers.

Regards

Martin Mounsey

22 September 2007

Hello Colin

I was sitting thinking about the good old days at Deysbrook and suddenly realised that it was 40 years this month that Eight young lads started their Apprenticeship at 42 Command WKSP REME as it was then named.

Two trainee Electricians and Six Vehicle fitters The starting

On this date 6 of the lads started followed by 2 more the following week.

The Roll call was:

Jimmy Ferguson

Steve Silvano

Frank Bolton

John Taylor

Graham Wing

Sid Higham

John Dawson

Brian Mcleod

Some of the lads have kept in touch with each other over the years but others seemed to disappear off the radar and I often wonder what happened to them.

I wondered if any of the Pals may be able to help with any information so maybe we could meet up to have a chinwag while theres still some of us around.

Not only this but contacting any of the old pals would be great. The Clock Is Ticking!

What say you old chum.

20 August 2007

Martin Mounsey wants to know if any 'Pals' would be interested in  having a reunion somewhere around the Christmas period. For those of you who do, contact Martin via the Friends Reunited site or contact me and I''ll pass on your message to him. 

5th June 2007

  I noticed a comment of Richy Denton's. He asked about Peter Mulhearne. I remember Peter leaving, he went to work on Wigan's Bus Service. Jokes at the time was that he was the mechanic for Wigan's only bus.

  I have just accepted an early retirement/redundancy package and at the young age of 54. I am looking forward to a long retirement.   Did John Taylor ever join the union????

Martin Mounsey

4th June 2007

OBITUARY  The Pals of 42 regrets to announce the death of Bill Sprosen who passed away in February. Bruce Reynolds brought me the news this

day, " He went far a game of bowls with his wife, came home and started to make a pot of tea........."

28th April 2007

Just a few words about the recent additions to the site, I remember Hughie Greenhough with fondness, he was my first Chargehand, he often got caught by us young apprentices changing his hat with his head buried in a locker so no-one would see that he was going bald, so funny, he was a good boss though and it was him that put me with Pete Mulhearne, anyone know what happend to Pete?

I keep checking the site approx once a week looking for old names and faces, but, it's seems to have slowed down lately, so come you guys, let's have some stories, or just say hello, I'm still hoping to hear from the lads that I joined with and if you can pass my addy to all that want it I won't mind.

Good to see/hear Neil Brookie is still out there, yes Neil I remember you, you helped me pick up a Lambretta scooter from Frank Boultons place in your 1000 Traveller, (bet you don't remember that), and John Dillon, hi John, how's your Phil? and how is Bunny these days? Suppose Paddy's not with us these days, my Mum (deceased) remembered him also, Brucie baby, how are you, last met at a reunion in the 12club, I bumped into Bob Beardwood in a pub in town some years ago, I was with my brothers and Father, in fact I bumped into a lot of people that night???

Well I'll close now Col, maybe you can edit this and put it on the site, hope so, kindest regards to you and Joan, Ken and Marg also please, and anyone else that remembers me or my brothers.
RICHIE DENTON.

8th February 2007 

Interesting new entries from Ken O' Callaghan , Neil Brooksbank and paul Wright at bottom of page plus photos in Rogue's Gallery from Neil and Paul

16th January 2007. Just heard from Bill Sprosen that Hughie Greenhough and Reg Burgess had died.

20th January - Big Al's funeral which took place at their parish church, St John's in Knotty Ash, was well attended. Among the 150 some mourners, were the following old 'Pals' and their ladies; Phil Preston; Brian & Margaret Mcleod; Chris Giblin; John Dawson; Joe & Ken O’Callaghen; Joe and Mrs Bradley, Gerry and Pam Stockley, Bob Beardwood, Pete Reynolds (fireman now), Bob Moffat, Martin Mounsey, Alan and Marrie Clegg, Bruce, Andrew and Margaret Reynolds: Colin and Joan Langeveld: John and Jenny Taylor and last but by no means least, Alan Barnes

(Little) Andy Atkinson (RAO
Debbie Poole(nee Donnelly) - MAB
Linda Kay (RAOC)
Paul Donnelly (MAB)
Kevin Byrne (Planning)
Collette McClean (MAB)
Lenny Howard -Personnel
All the above all worked at '42 Dist Workshop between the early 80's onto closure, and would like to let everyone know they are well and still reside in the: 'House by the River'(Mersey House) where they were all transferred to.
Lou Thomas -Personnel (retired 2001)
Jane Moran- RAOC (Copthorne Barracks-Shrewsbury)
Just thought I'd update you with some 'Legends of 42'
ANDY ATKINSON

Many thanks for your message, Andy. Glad to see the site has been noticed.

7th December 2005

Andy sends what was probably the last photo taken at the Barracks:

Colin you might want to show all........
   Not sure 'Where they are now' ....?????
   but I know one thing,  I certainly know where they where in
1990......(aren't the men at the back tall!)
   Cheers
   Andy Atkinson
Thanks Andy, much appreciated. Sad to think modern houses now occupy the
space that that photo was taken and that many of those folk no longer tread
this planet. Have you any objection to me adding this to the site?
Kindest regards,
Colin

1st August 2006

I recently heard on the grapevine that Alan Clegg recently bumped into Paul Herrage and was told of the death of  Jimmy Lindsey (heart attack).  I hope this is untrue, if so, my apologies to Jimmy.

17th October 2006

I have it on good authority  that Mr Lindsey's death has been grossly over-exaggerated .

20th October 2006

Hello Colin

I can remember joining 42 Command Workshops, or "The Barracks" as it was known back in September 1970, after passing the entrance exam, which was a written test and a practical test using a straight piece of wire and bending it into a pre drawn shape, after first finding the middle of the wire, by balance, then bending it into three shapes all together, first a square then a twist, followed by a diamond, another twist then a triangle and twist off at the end, all from one piece of wire, if you don't understand that then you didn't do it.

   The next hurdle was a medical, into town to a medical centre, but I can't remember where, quick listen to the chest, a cough whilst the Doc looked at the boys, and finished, sign this and that and wait.

   The letter came through eventually offering me a position as an apprentice and so it began, the people that were looking after us (6 joined i'll name them all later) were JACK NEAVES (now, unfortunately, deceased)  the boss, the late JOCK FLETCHER a pipe smoking Scotsman, and ERIC HARMER affectionately to be known as 'H'. Jock scared me, don't know why, but his pipe stunk and I couldn't understand a word he said, Eric was an all round nice guy, just as helpful as Jock but we could understand Eric when he spoke, and then Jack, our Dad, always with a good word, even when he was issuing a bollocking he was nice about it, helping to build up the person for the big bad world out there, teaching respect etc. Thanks fellers.

   Down to work, firstly making two sets of covers for the vice jaws, we seemed to use a file for everything but in reality we were all taught to use all the tools, hand tools first, then power tools, pillar drill, bench grinder etc, then we progressed to the machines, lathe, miller, scaper etc, we were also taught how to scrape metal, using engineers 'blue' to mark out the high spots then scrape them off, more 'blue' more scraping, on and on we filed and scraped, then the first year ended and we went to the big shop up the road.

   EDDY DAVIES, STEVE DOHERTY, STEVE LEE, PAUL JACKSON, JOHN O'CALLAGHAN (yes, Ken’s lad) and ME, I'm pretty sure that we all decided to become mechanics but we had to do our bit in all departments, i'll try and remember them, drawing office, shop floor, welders, tinsmiths, blacksmiths, inspectors, tyre bay (remember Charlie) and that office near the assessors where Mary and Margaret worked, Mary (second name anyone?) married Fred Flatley and Margaret eventually married Ken O'Callaghan if my memories right, there was also a little workshop inside the bigger one, holding the textiles amd machine shop and of course Phil Furnivals tea swindle, we also done a stint in the tool stores, (and I've still got some), electricians shop and comms shop.

   Great days, good lads who all knew their trades and taught it well, they also taught us apprentices how to teach the new up and coming boys, PETE MULHEARNE was my inspiration :"See that Land Rover Rich, that’s a bit of metal, glass,  plastic and rubber put together by man. Don’t ever be beaten by what man built!”.I've never forgotton that Pete, thanks mate, where are you now Pete?

Some names from those days are as follows.

PHIL CASSIDY, KENNY McAVOY, BRIAN McLEOD, JONNY CASS, DON AND DORIS McLEOD, LENNY BLACKHURST, GINGER, ALAN MAYALL, BIG AL, GRAHAM WING, JOHN DAWSON, JOHN TAYLOR, BRUCE REYNOLDS, MARTIN MOUNSEY, JOHN STRINGMAN, HUGHIE GREENHOUGH, TOM PRICE, BILL SPROSON, BILL JACKSON, ALBERT MONKS, loads of others whose names have faded, anyone else out there got similar stories or who can correct any errors here.

P.S. Who was the guy that played the accordian every Christmas before we knocked off for the holiday, was it Pete ??????? (Cormish)

Keep 'em coming, well done to Colin Langeveld for setting this site up, all the best to all who remember me.

 RICHIE DENTON

21st October 2006

Nice to hear that Jimmy isn’t boring the angels to death yet. Grainger is not as barmy as he used to be I've met him now and again over the years, how time changes us.

   I'd heard a rumor about big Al a few years back I’m sorry to here it's true, I did not know that Bruce was ill, I must try and get in touch with him.

Have bumped into Dr Doom now and again over the years always a cheerful experience!

Have recently been in contact with Billy Silcock (the younger one) have directed him to the web site will get in touch with the Morph (Phil Preston)

and inform him, Also Ritchie Denton.

   Just Before last Christmas I bumped into Dave Skeeping (Now he really is BARMY) and ended up helping him and Paul Wright (son of the late Joe)

to put names to a large photo of the workshop staff.

With Regards to Photos will get onto that as soon as pos will have to scan a lot off the original prints Wont send to many in one go as you request.

Will be in touch again soon.

Hope Joan is keeping well please give her my regards.

Rodger and out for now.

 Brian McLeod

21st October 2006

Hi Colin 
I am alive and kicking and certainly remember you. How are you doing? I'm a big puddin now, always was!! Assistant Director in the NHS but looking to retire if poss.
  Remember we went to a wedding night in west derby and the car was broken into. Also remember your colleadue in the trim? shop Eddie remember Harry the Blag electrician and his painter oppo. Wonder how many are alive now. Visited the workshop some ten years ago just before it closed, disappointed to see how small it really was!!! remember Bill Jackson, faded from his past hearty self. Still living in the same place in Liverpool but with two grown up kids. 

   I had a chequered career after leaving the REME, two weeks at williams engineering and 2 weeks in a parts distribution co in Liverpool. Then I settled down properly and got a fitters job in the MPTE as it was then, a lot like the REME to be honest with a similar social setup as well, social club and grounds etc. After a couple of years got a foremans job, amazed to see how attitudes changed before I'd even started the job!! then in 1986 was nearly made redundant but took on H&S work, got some quallies and a masters degree (not bad for a scalliwag fitter) then they really did make me redundant in 1996. Went to work for NHS in Manchester childrens; again H&S then when they merged into a vast organisation at Manchester Royal Infirmary (8000 staff!) after ten years commuting to Manc. I moved to Warrington in said post working in Risk Management. Along the way stayed a good boy with the missus. Married 31 years Tomorrow with two kids, Ruth 28 and Paul 20 proud of them both!
Well there you go a potted history of a scrawny fitter from the REME Although I have moved on a lot I do still remember Deysbrook with affection, it was a major part of my formative years. isn't it funny how your memory is better then than now?
   Marvellous website Colin, congrats to you for setting it up. Don't know a lot of course but certainly remember some of them and the interior of the place

STEVE GRAINGER

Hi

Is this Colin From the Textiles Dept?.

Just like to say Hello and tell you what I am doing now, I still work for the MOD based out of fullwood barracks in Preston, along with Mal Elsdon and Kevin Morran who is in a different office to us, I have lots of photo's and will scan then and you can have a laugh.

I still meet lots of people who worked in 42 on my visits to TA units and will let you have a list if you want.

Phil Senior  

21st October 2006

Brian McLeod has been in touch and told me about your web site, had a look at those great Pics. I have got some pics I will dig them out and send them to you. I can't remember all the names of the people on your Picture gallery but they bring back some great memories.

   I went from the shop floor (Bill Sproson) to light repair ( Len Donnington)  to the inspections department.( Top Cat & John Dawson )

   Billy Silcock gets in touch with me from time to time through e-mail he now owns his own garage on the Wirral.after the barracks closed I went back on the spanners at a garage in Knowsley Village then onto St Helens Ford from there I went working for a motor vehicle leasing company call PHH based in Manchester until they decided to move to Birmingham so it was then that I decided to start up my own gardening business that was 3 years ago and its going from strength to strength the best thing I've done. 

I have lots and lots of great and fond memories of the barracks the best bunch of people ive ever work with.  I Live in St Helens married with a son David who is 19 and a daughter Katie who is 21.

 Met up with John Dawson, Wingy, & Mike Bearley at my 50th that was 3 years ago they all looked great and we had a great chin wag about our days at the barracks.  John Taylor told me( around 3 Years Ago) that Big Al was not very well not heard anything since.

hope the Jimmy Lindsay story is not true. (NOT true, thankfully)

 I think I see Paul Herradge, (He was the one who told Alan Clegg about Lindsey’s demise) at the football (Everton) I think he is a St Johns Ambulance Person, not sure if its him next time I see him I will stop  him and ask if he is the Paul from the barracks if not, nothing lost.

 Hope you are ok, its nice to see the pics and read some of the old lads stories lets hope you can fill it up.

 Cheers & Thanks

 Phil Preston.  

6th November 2006

12th December 2006

 19th January 2007