Had the privilege to be taught by Derek Way; Russell Robins and George Crump
2024 Reunion Bookings are available, see Reunion Booklet on BOBA/Membership.
It is advisable to arrange accommodation as soon as possible.
157 entries.
Alan Park, teacher at Beachley from early 1960's to 1990's died on Jan 10 this year. He often talked of his time there, playing bridge with John Roderick and Russell Robbins at lunch. Derek Way, George Crump, Gerry McNamara and many others, If you see this and know of any other of Alans contempories please pass on the news.
many thanks
many thanks
Re the Austin Champ - I have in my archives 2 pics of a Champ taken in 1963 when we were at camp in the Brecon Beacons. One is me trying to look Warry but the other smaller one shows the Champ with trailer and Reg No 16 BE 34 has two badges below the headlamps but hard to see due to scale, d/s white stripe at top, colour below - n/s union jack on top with crown below. Contact for scan. Ron Weeks I'm still around.
Hi there fellow members,
Such wonderful stories in here; it makes me think I only served 5mins
Such wonderful stories in here; it makes me think I only served 5mins
Hi to all you BOBs out there, met up with Steve Oliver yesterday we were both 66c, not seen Ollie since we left Chepstow 53 years ago. We had a lovely. Lunch and talked about the good times we had, sadly we only had 3 hrs he had to catch a train back to Leeds, Ollie has lived in America for many years, he and his family are all good, cheers Geoff Winter.
Alan Skidmores funeral is at 1400hrs, Monday 31st Oct at Ripon Cathedral.
I’m afraid I have some very sad news, Alan Skidmore who was CSM of C Company in the 70’s, and who retired as a Colonel, passed away in the early hours of this morning. Four of us from 73A and B went to see him earlier this year in Ripon where he lived and had a great evening with him, we had invited him to come to the reunion next year for our 50th anniversary year, he was honoured to be asked and was looking forward to it immensely. He was a great character and an absolute legend, and played a big part in shaping ours and many other lives, I hope we meet again in the Sapper Bar.
RIP
RIP
Gentlemen,
I write to advise those attending the Annual BOBA Reunion on 16/17/18 of September that having taken advice the event will take place as arranged. There will be minor changes and deference will be paid to the loss of HM Queen Elizabeth 11 and everything “The Boss” meant to us all.
I trust that you will all understand this decision and look forward to getting together again after three years.
I write to advise those attending the Annual BOBA Reunion on 16/17/18 of September that having taken advice the event will take place as arranged. There will be minor changes and deference will be paid to the loss of HM Queen Elizabeth 11 and everything “The Boss” meant to us all.
I trust that you will all understand this decision and look forward to getting together again after three years.
What sad news." The Queen is dead " a simple statement that means so much. There must have been Millions who lived and died with the one Monarch on the throne. It made me realise I had lived in the Reign of 5 Monarchs.
George V, Edward the Eighth, George the sixth, Elizabeth the Second, and now Charles the third.
I served Queen Elizabeth for 48 years ,25 in the Army, and twenty-three in the Civil Service. I remember in the latter one, undertaking to serve the Queen and her Ministers.
I only saw her once, that was during her visit to Sunderland. My only other other connections being my Army Warrant, and a congratulations Card when my wife and I celebrated our Diamond Wedding.
Being about the same age I grew up with her, at least the images that we were given in the papers, and after the Duke of York became King there was constant mention of the two Princesses and the life they led. I served at one time with an ATS Unit and one of the Sergeants claimed to have Served with the then Princess Elizabeth during the War.
Despite this lack of contact I still have memories of a Queen I have always respected for her ability to act as a Queen but be able to communicate with her subjects in a friendly and understanding way.
She will be sadly missed
John Eveleigh 42A
George V, Edward the Eighth, George the sixth, Elizabeth the Second, and now Charles the third.
I served Queen Elizabeth for 48 years ,25 in the Army, and twenty-three in the Civil Service. I remember in the latter one, undertaking to serve the Queen and her Ministers.
I only saw her once, that was during her visit to Sunderland. My only other other connections being my Army Warrant, and a congratulations Card when my wife and I celebrated our Diamond Wedding.
Being about the same age I grew up with her, at least the images that we were given in the papers, and after the Duke of York became King there was constant mention of the two Princesses and the life they led. I served at one time with an ATS Unit and one of the Sergeants claimed to have Served with the then Princess Elizabeth during the War.
Despite this lack of contact I still have memories of a Queen I have always respected for her ability to act as a Queen but be able to communicate with her subjects in a friendly and understanding way.
She will be sadly missed
John Eveleigh 42A
They trained RE driver/signallers there so there's a good chance
Rob, the champ could have been with 62b at Junior Tradesmans Regt at Troon in Ayreshire. Just a thought.
Dunno why it's typing in red, but I can't seem to change it.
(Changed by webmaster)
Dunno why it's typing in red, but I can't seem to change it.
(Changed by webmaster)
Hello All, I am in the process of buying an Austin Champ which served with Group 62b from 1954 up until 1966. I was told Ayrshire but I assume that should be Monmouthshire? Would anyone have any information about what insignia the Champ would have worn back in the day? I would like to restore the vehicle to how it would have been when it was last in service. Many thanks and best wishes, Rob.
For your information the Agenda for the AGM 2022 is available via the link on the Home Page.
HI Derek, your request for information about Jimmy Green has unfortunately produced no results. I have checked our enlistment records and all our Greens are from 50B to 58B but not one is called Jimmy or James. Was this a nickname or does he have another name or names?
Hi,
I am writing on behalf of Ray from the AOBA who is looking to find someone called Jimmy Green who would have likely been a Betchley Boy in an early fifties intake. I would appreciate if anyone who may know Jimmy could get in tocuh so that I can reunite these apprentices. Thanks in advance.
Geordie Wright-Rivers 07590848766
I am writing on behalf of Ray from the AOBA who is looking to find someone called Jimmy Green who would have likely been a Betchley Boy in an early fifties intake. I would appreciate if anyone who may know Jimmy could get in tocuh so that I can reunite these apprentices. Thanks in advance.
Geordie Wright-Rivers 07590848766
Hello, I am trying to trace anyone from 64A "C "Company. Can't see any ref. to that intake anywhere.
We did form part of the Guard when the Severn Bridge was opened which I suppose is a "claim to Fame "
Looking forward to hearing from anyone
Steve
We did form part of the Guard when the Severn Bridge was opened which I suppose is a "claim to Fame "
Looking forward to hearing from anyone
Steve
Hi Still wondering if any members of 72B C Company are attending this years Reunion. 2022 is our 50th Anniversary of Joining.
Are any members of 72b C Company attending this year's reunion. It will be 50years since we joined up.
Just popped in to see how the new site is working.Looks good from here!
We are pleased to announce that the Heritage Centre re-opened on the 1st of June.
Opening times are Wednesdays and Saturdays 11am until 3pm.
Opening times are Wednesdays and Saturdays 11am until 3pm.