8 Squadron Association Families Day

and

Hunter reunion

Picture gallery

31st May

Note: Names listed in the caption texts should be read from left to right.

Ray Deacon

Bailgate and the historic centre of Lincoln with its picturesque narrow streets, provided an ideal base for the weekend.

The River Witham flows gently through the lower part of the city centre.

Located within the Castle walls, the Court House remains in everyday use. Needless to say, we declined the offer of a lift in one of the prison vans parked on the other side.

Descending the appropriately named Steep Hill was easy; the ascent a different matter. Not all Lincolnshire is flat!

Lincoln Cathedral, one of the finest Gothic buildings in Europe and seat of the Bishop of Lincoln. The nearby Lincoln Hotel provided the base for a number of 8 Squadron Hunter members attending the event .....

..... including, Mal Grosse, John Grogan, Peter Sturt, Mike Flynn and David Baron, seen making the most of the warm weather on the lawn outside of the hotel.

Evening festivities at the Hare & Hounds, Fulbeck, with Barry Shaw, Des Meek, Ivor Radford, Tom Banks, Andrew Bell and Jenny Drummond-Harris, Sheila and Chris Cureton, Vic Cozens, Ben Bennett and William Ormiston (Ronnie Hush)

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table we find Jenny Drummond-Harris and Geoff Farley, Bill Ormiston, Sandy Burns, Rose and Ray Deacon, and Barry Shaw (Ronnie Hush)

Not to be left out, the smile on the face of Mike Halpin portrays a most enjoyable evening (Ronnie Hush)

Any more photographs from the evening events on the 31st would be much appreciated.

1st June

Families Day

Program

Hunter unveiling

Ray Deacon

OC 8 Squadron Jim Beldon (on the right) waits until everyone has arrived on the apron before starting the unveiling ceremony.

Former airmen Ron Hush and Mike Halpin relax on their front row seats as pilots John Grogan, Mike Flynn, Chris Cureton, Peter Sturt, Graham Williams, Nick Adamson, Kip Kemball, family members and friends renew old stories.

Ron Hush and Mike Halpin are joined by Des Meek, Vic Cozens and Ben Bennett, as Barry Shaw, Tom Banks and Mo Hawkins look on from behind.

John Grogan and Mike Flynn continue their conversation as fellow pilots Ken Simpson, Paul Constable, Chris Cureton and Sandy Burns mill around in the background.

Tom Banks, Ken Simpson, Sandy Burns and Ben Bennett and AWACs crews can be seen in this selection.

Moving round, Geoff Farley and Jenny Drummond-Harris (on the right) await the start of proceedings alongside other guests.

OC 8 Squadron, Wg Cdr Jim Beldon, Association Chairman, Gp Capt Tim Almond and former OC 8 Squadron, Sqn Ldr Tam Syme, lead the ceremony to mark the unveiling of the unit's new Hunter guardian.

Former OC 8 Squadron, Sqn Ldr Tam Syme contemplates as the current OC, Wg Cdr Jim Beldon, makes his opening remarks and introductions.

Paul Constable, Chris Cureton, Peter Taylor, Mike Flynn, John Grogan, Peter Sturt and Graham Williams listen to the speeches.

Tam Syme making his speech before .....

..... presenting Ben Bennett with an award to recognise the many hours he worked on the restoration of XE620.

Still recovering from the surprise, Ben proudly displays his well deserved award.

Jim, Tam and Tim unveil the new squadron guardian, Hunter XE620, in front of an appreciative audience.

Resplendent in her new colours, Hawker Hunter FGA.9 XE620-B is a permanent reminder of the squadron's service in the deserts of Aden.

Ben returns the compliment by refreshing Tam on the contents of the instrument panels which he had lovingly restored.

Relaxing in the office, Tam reacquaints himself with the cockpit of the Hunter which .....

..... bears his name and insignia on the port side below the cockpit.

The nosewheel door is adorned with the markings carried by XE620 during Tam's tenure as OC the squadron at Khormaksar.

Overall view of the 8 Squadron Memorial Garden with XE620 in the background. A memorial wall containing the names of former squadron Hunter pilots and groundcrew is to be built around the aircraft.

Vic Cozens

8 Squadron Association Secretary, Nick Byatt, checks that everything is ready for the unveiling of the Hunter.

Frankie and Tam Syme pass behind Ron Hush as they make their way towards the Memorial Garden.

Bill Ormiston and son William discuss the finers points of the Hunter with the owner of the cockpit section from XE597.

Bill Ormiston checks the pilot's notes before clambering into the cockpit

Sandy Burns reads the inscriptions in the Memorial Garden.

A crowded patio outside 'The Farmer's Stump'

Probably the most important building on the station; 'The Farmer's Stump'.

Ivor Radford and Ben Bennett flick through the pages contained in the squadron archive.

Mike Halpin, Ron Hush and Des Meek discuss the finer points of Hunter operations in front of Mal Grosse's painting and historic slide show.

The building housing the Station Heritage collection.

Wreckage from a crashed World War II bomber from the station.

Wreckage from a crashed World War II bomber from the station.

Wreckage from a crashed World War II bomber from the station.

Happy snapping! Despite the champers being more valuable (and lighter) than the camera, Ray Deacon attempts a single-handed shot

Andy Ley

Jim Beldon, Tam Syme and Tim Almond unveil the Squadron's new guardian

Ben Bennett receiving his well-deserved gift from Tam Syme in recognition of his involvement with the restoration of XE620

A proud Tam Syme stands by XE620, his name and pennant clearly visible on the side of the aircraft's fuselage

Tam and Frankie with Andy Ley, an old friend from their days flying in Oman in the 1980s

Ronnie Hush

The 8 Squadron Memorial Garden with XE620 in the background

Close-up of the 8 Squadron Memorial stone

AWACs E3D, ZH104, parked outside the Squadron offices

Current OC 8 Squadron Wg Cdr Jim Beldon and former OC Sqn Ldr Tam Syme finally get to meet

Jim Beldon begins his opening address to an enthusiastic audience

A surprised Ben Bennett displays his well-deserved award for the enterprising way in which he helped to restore XE620

Another surprise awaited Ray Deacon in the shape of a plaque in recognition of his role in making the reunion happen. The inscription reads:

"with many thanks for all your unstinting efforts, leading to such a unique reunion. Your Squadron Friends"

Having climbed to the top step, Vic Cozens and Des Meek remained there for a sequence of photographs

Firmly rooted, Vic Cozens and Des Meek are joined by Ray Deacon and Ben Bennett for their gallery pose

Back in his office, Ben Bennett gives Tam Syme a guided tour of the instrument panels he so lovingly restored to display condition

A change of location catches Des and Vic in front of the Squadron colours

Des remains firmly fixed to the spot as he is joined by Ben and Ronnie Hush

The trio becomes a quartet for the final shot of the sequence with the addition of Mike Halpin

Station photographer

Vic Cozens (in cap) listens intently to the presentation being given by one of the AWACs crew

A selection of silver models depicting aircraft operated by the Squadron were on display inside the E3D

Members past and present and their guests gather for the unveiling of XE620

Ben Bennett shows off his splendid award under the watchful eye of Jim Beldon and Tam Syme

Ray Deacon enjoys a joke with Tam Syme as he receives a wall plaque in appreciation for his role in setting up the reunion

The proud moment when Jim Beldon, Tam Syme and Tim Almond unveil the Hunter

Current OC 8 Squadron Jim Beldon and OC from 50 years ago, Tam Syme, enjoy one of many pleasant exchanges

Hunter T.7 WV372 passes over the airfield during part of its display

The cockpit of Hunter F.6 XE597 occupies the foreground of this view looking towards the memorial garden

Ray Deacon

Tom Banks relaxes on the Memorial Garden wall.

Barry Shaw and Tom Banks catch up on the 50 years since they last met in Aden .....

..... and they obviously had a lot to talk about.

Craige Curry giving the first of two briefings covering operations carried out by the squadron since it converted to the E3D AWACs in 1991.

Frankie and Tam Syme enjoy a drink in 'The Farmers Stump'.

During the day, several trips were arranged for visitors to explore the Station's expanding Heritage Centre .....

..... Ron Hush, Vic Cozens, Nick Byatt, Barry Shaw and Ben Bennett listen intently to the Curator

Jack Langridge and his daughter Anne Hinchcliffe look through photographs from his time at Khormaksar.

Former Hunter FR.10 pilot Ken Simpson talks to a couple of guests outside 'The Farmers Stump'.

Former pilots Martin Johnson, Mike Flynn, Mal Grosse and Sandy Burns relive their days flying low-level over the bondu.

Martin Johnson and Peter Sturt indulge in the output from an excellent BBQ as 'Bense' Powell and Barry Shaw, behind, are engrossed in conversation.

Mike Flynn, Sheila and Chris Cureton enjoy a chat in 'The Farmers Stump'.

Nick Adamson, Graham Williams, Tam and Frankie Syme make their way back to the squadron after reviewing the AWACs in the background.

Nick and Hilary Adamson enjoy a story with Kip Kemball, Andrew Bell and Jenny Drummond-Harris outside 'The Farmers Stump'.

Peter Sturt and Martin Johnson in deep conversation.

The four Musketeers! Ron Hush, Des Meek, Vic Cozens and Ben Bennett pose beside XE620.

Clear to start Sir! Sandy Burns enjoys every minute of being at the controls while sitting on the bang-seat of XE597.

"We flew in like this", Mike Flynn seems to be saying to Mal Grosse as Sandy Burns and Martin Johnson continue their own discussion.

Tom Banks and Mike Halpin outside one of the marquees the services of which were, fortunately, not required.

Mal Grosse's superb painting of FGA.9s XF421 and XE620 flying low over the Aden hinterland, was sold at auction during the event. The proceeds, plus a percentage from the sales of prints, were generously donated to the Squadron Memorial Fund.

Having made the highest bid, father and son Bill and Willam Ormiston display their newly gained possession.

Battle of Britain Meorial Flight's Dakota ZA847 makes the first of two low passes for the benefit of attendees.

Perhaps the surprise of the afternoon was a display by Hunter T.7 WV372-R

Des Meek says hello to an old friend!

A fine body of airmen! Tom Banks, Vic Cozens, Ron Hush, Mike Halpin, Des Meek and Ben Bennett.

E3D ZH104-04, one of 8 Squadron's fleet of Airborne Early Warning Aircraft on the squadron pan at RAF Waddington.

Ivor Radford, Des Meek (seated) and guests listen to the presentation given by one of the crew inside E3D ZH104

"It's got a bit more space than the Hunter" says Des Meek as Cyril Gibbon and Vic Cozens move along to the next presentation.

"If we sit here quietly do you reckon we'd get on the next trip undetect?", says Ron Hush to Des Meek as they relax in the comfort of the AWACs.

Sitting by the Memorial Garden, Ray Deacon absorbs the atmosphere one more time before departing.

Ladies Guest Night

Assembly Rooms, Lincoln

Ray Deacon

OC 8 Squadron Jim Beldon gives his address.

Association Chairman Tim Almond, Jim Beldon and Rose Deacon.

Rose Deacon, 'Bense' Powell and Dave Smathers

Phil Burton (ex-OC 8 Sqn), Jo Powell and Al Gilmour

?????, Liz Brassington, ??????

?????, Danny Mellor, Karen Sadler, Chris Jobling

William and Bill Ormiston at the head of a table of guests

Geoff Farley, Jenny Drummond-Harris, Vic Cozens, Ron Hush, Des Meek, Mike Halpin and Ben Bennett.

Vic Cozens, Ron Hush, Des Meek, Mike Halpin and Ben Bennett.

The top table with Tim Almond, Jim Beldon, Rose and Ray Deacon, 'Bense' Powell and one of the Flight Commanders (Ronnie Hush)

Martin Hunter, ?????, Jo Powell(?), Anne Hunter, Al Gilmour

?????, Dave Smathers

Ros Pearson, Tim Almond, Steph Mellor

Jim Beldon and guests. Mike Barton is in the background.

Doreen Cooper and Avis Byatt

Sue Moore, Ken Moore and John Cairns

Nick Byatt, Phil Burton and Doreen Cooper

Nick Byatt, 'Bense' Powell and Ben Bennett; in background Martin Kidson and Tim Almond.

Ken Moore, Sue Moore and Steph Mellor.

If anyone can let me have the missing names, I will be pleased to add them. Please indicate the image being referred to by row and image number (e.g. R4-I2 is the photograph of Tim Almond, Mike Barton and guests).