Jever Steam Laundry

Calling Notice for 16Mar13

(Click to see potential Attendees)
(Click to see Pictures)

JEVER STEAM LAUNDRY

stationpic948.jpg, 15641 bytes JSL AGM 16th March 2013

RAF CLUB

128 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7PY.
(100 yards E of Hyde Park Corner tube or 600 yds W of Green Park- Both Piccadilly Line - see map below).

A note on the 2013 AGM in the RAF Club on the Saturday 16th March 2013, 'release brakes' at 1800, or before if short of fuel.

This year, as there is a very critical Six Nations rugby match between England and Wales from 1700 to 1850hrs, we have arranged for it to be displayed in our Millennium Suite on the large TV screen displays from 1700hrs onwards until it finishes.   So no excuse about missing the match! - you can get your drinks in the Running Horse and bring them over to our suite, our own bar opens at 1800 hrs.

     Last year we had an increase in numbers attending, reaching 39, which, we are delighted to report, included "Hammer" West's daughter and her husband.   We awarded the Golden Share to Bill Maish for regular attendance and rather appropriately he brought three generations of Maish's to the AGM!

     We only lost four to the big hanger in the sky since the AGM last year - and two of those were from WWII - Roy Flight from 118 Sqn (42-43) and Wg Cdre Bill Hoy (93 Sqn Oct40 to early 41), who was one of the Harrow pilots involved in Churchill's crazy aerial mine project.   This involved trailing 2,000 ft of piano wire behind the aircraft and draping it over the leading edge of the approaching aircraft, then releasing a mine which slid down the cable and blew up on striking the enemy.   Sadly most of them blew up the Harrows and no enemy was knowingly despatched!

    Sadly we also heard of the departure of Bill Sheppard (2 Sqn about 1960) from his final place of retirement in Tunisia.   Recently, 19Jan13, Group Captain Peter Gilpin, (OC 4 Sqn Aug53 to Dec55), died after a short illness at the age of 90.   This was a great blow as Peter nearly attended the AGM last year but had to cancel at the last minute.   The only up side is that it is some time since we have lost so few shareholders in a year.

     I am sure it is correct to say that the Jever Steam Laundry is probably one of two or, possibly three, reunions of our era, the golden years of jet fighter flying. Our reunion embraces for more than a decade all aspects of the life, and so memories, of the whole station, Jever, rather the more normal squadron, or other units, reunions.   I firmly believe that very existence of our JSL reunion is exemplary testimony to our good fortune in serving there.

     Hopefully, if you agree with my comments in the preceding paragraph, you and any relatives will make that extra effort to attend and in doing so make a positive contribution to an enjoyable evening.

     Let me just remind you, we welcome the relatives of those who have died, regardless of when.    If any relatives come, please do not feel shy, but do help us by introducing yourselves so that we can perhaps find someone who hopefully can chat with you about the days your loved one was at Jever.   Even if we can't find someone for you who knew your relative, we will introduce you to a 'regular'.

     I want in advance to once again thank most sincerely Mick, and Jo, for all the considerable effort they put in that makes the evening so very enjoyable.

     A word of caution for relatives: A 'leftover' ex officer from our days at Jever, while not at present a potential attendee this year, may try to gate crash the evening.   He is harmless but is without equal in his skill in cadging free drinks.   I would not wish to sully this Calling Letter by mentioning his name.   However, I have a duty of care in protecting relatives and also in reminding those who served with him at Jever, of his one, and only, skill: free loading.   However, if you wish to inform yourself further, go to the JSL website, click on Steam Laundry, and on the 'Disputes' window, and on the J.... vs King.   Window.   J..... is blue, in more ways than 1.

12. The Club is repeating its choice of one of the following four hot dishes:

     1. Steak Kidney and Mushroom Pie with Roast Potatoes & Vegetables - £16

     2. Chicken Curry with Rice - £16

     3. Fish & Chips - £16

     4. Grilled Minute Steak & Chips - £16

13. If you or anyone in your party wishes to eat then please would you pre-order using the form Mick has appended to this letter. Logistics could be a problem unless we know the exact numbers requiring food.

14. When you reply to our Calling Notice please let Mick know if you want food and what your choices are. Please pay for it at the bar on the night. If you are staying at the Club give your room number and it will be charged to your account.

ACCOMMODATION

15. Mick has 8 rooms reserved again for anyone who wishes to stay at the RAF Club, (you do not have to be a member), just let Mick know what type of room you would like.

16. The costs at the RAF Club for 2013, which do not include breakfast, are as follows:

                                   Members    Non-members
     Single room                £58.00       £66.50

     Double room             £125.00       £141.00

     Double Superior room £140.00       £160.00

PLEASE WILL YOU FILL IN THE ATTACHED FORM AND SEND IT TO MICK

Come to the JSL while years last!

I have the honour to be

Your Almost Obedient Chairman

Pat King

JEVER STEAM LAUNDRY
AGM 2013 1800 Hrs

To Mick Ryan, Far End, Chipstead Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2RG
From:.........................................................................
Tel:...........................................................................

I will/will not be attending. Accompanied/unaccompanied

I do/do not require accommodation. If so, type?....................................

Please reply by e-mail if possible to: mick_ryan@dial.pipex.com
(Underscore, shifted hyphen, not a hyphen between mick and ryan.)

Please note that we use email letters to all those who have email addresses and ordinary mail to those who do not, so please keep us up to date. This year there were 63 posted and 126 E-mailed.

FOOD CHOICES ALL.

Please enter number of each required:

1. Steak, Kidney & Mushroom Pie - Roast Pots & Vegs £16.........

2. Chicken Curry with Rice £16.......

3. Fish & Chips £16.......

4. Grilled Minute Steak & Chips £16......

Updates (Especially email)

Address:
E-mail:
Telephone(s):
Information Comments or Polite (MN) Suggestions (including who should get the Golden Share?):

                                                     Alternative Accommodation

1.  I offer the following suggestions for those who may make a late decision to come and may not be able to gain a room in the Club.

2.  Where web sites exist, I leave those of you on the net to look up the details. I have included some basic information on the accommodation for those not on the net so you will be able to contact the organisation of your choice.

3.  Caledonian Club.   The RAF Club has reciprocal arrangements with other clubs both in UK and overseas for RAF Club members only.   The Caledonian Club is one of them and is within easy walking distance of the Club, being at 9 Halkin Street Belgravia.   [See map below}.   The telephone number is: 020 7235 51662 - however, do not deal direct with the Caledonian Club in the first instance.   I suggest you do that through Mick to avoid any booking cockups.   I have included the number so if you are accommodated there you can contact the Caledonian Club about your personal arrangements.

maponly.jpg, 86299 bytes

4.  Direct Hotels London - www.Hotels.com.   Modestly calls itself the most popular Hotels website for cheap hotels in London.   I suggest that if you are not on the net you ask a relative of friend who is, if you can call and see the website.   It would be easy for the person to book online for you.   There is a map showing where the hotels are. Prices vary according to the 'Star' rating.   If you make a sudden late decision to attend call on 0871-200-01718.

5.  Victory Services Club - www.vsc.co.uk.   The Victory Services Club is a Tri-Service, All Ranks Members' Club for currently serving and retired members of the Armed Forces, ideally located at Marble Arch in the heart of London's West End.   You will need to join (Single membership is £20 per annum through varying other categories to the most expensive Family [joint] £45 per annum).

6.  Even if you are not coming to the AGM, it is worth noting that parents or children of serving or ex-service personnel can join in their own right under one of the membership categories, even though they have not been in any of the armed services. So if you or one of you family take grandchildren (or in our family more accurately termed 'domestic terrorists') to London for treats just once a year you will more than likely break even.   Two visits and you are in the money.    Costs vary: a single room, including breakfast, is £39.50.and at the other end of the scale, a family room en suite with 2 adults plus 1 sprog is £144.50.   If you are not on the net, I suggest you do as I suggested above and ask a relative or friend who is to let you see the website.   You can then do a virtual tour.   It's a really good deal.   Telephone 020-7616-8302.

7.  I hope this information was useful.

LIST OF POTENTIAL ATTENDEES AT THE JSL AGM 2013 - 1800 hrs SAT 16 MARCH 13

RAF Club Room Booking Ref

Pat King - President - 2. Chicken CurryOwn booking
Audrey King - 2. Chicken CurryOwn booking
Dickie Barraclough - 2. Chicken CurryOwn booking
Fred Butcher - 1. Steak Kidney PieNot required
Ted Bywater - 1. Steak Kidney PieNot required
Henry Chambers - 1. Steak Kidney PieNot required
Vic Dabin - 1. Steak Kidney PieOwn booking
Barry Dale - 2. Chicken CurryNot required
Ron Gray - 1 Steak Kidney PieOwn booking
Del Gray - 1 Steak Kidney PieOwn booking
Gil Gray - 2. Chicken CurryNot required
Dick Haynes - No foodNot required
Pete Hunwick - No foodNot required
Pete Jennings - 2. Chicken CurryNot required
Peter Jones - 1. Steak Kidney Pie3503087
Colin Lamont - 2. Chicken Curry3503092
Ann Lamont - 3. Fish & Chips3503092
Danny Lavender - 1. Steak Kidney PieNot required
Johnny Macknish - 4. Steak and ChipsNot required
Ian Madelin - No foodNot required
Eric Pigdon - 1. Steak Kidney Pie3503086
Nigel Pigdon - 2. Chicken Curry3503090
Miles Pigdon - 4. Steak and Chips3503090
Al Pollock - 2. Chicken CurryNot required
Trish Pollock - 3. Fish & ChipsNot required
Bernie Revnell - 4. Steak & ChipsNot required
Pat Revnell - 3. Fish & ChipsNot required
Mick Ryan, Web Master - 3. Fish & Chips3503094
Jo Ryan - 3. Fish & Chips3503094
Eric Sharp - 1. Steak Kidney PieOwn booking
Clare Sharp - 1. Steak Kidney PieOwn booking
Philip Westwell - 2. Chicken CurryOwn Booking

25 + 7 ladies = 32 total

Total Meal choices:

1. Steak Kidney and Mushroom Pie - 11
2. Chicken Curry with Rice - 10
3. Fish & Chips. - 5
4. Steak & Chips - 3
No food - 3
Total - 32

Apologies for Absence:

George Beaton
Tinkle Bell
Bugs Bendell
Pete Bouch
Des Browne
Michael Collins
Roy and Muriel Cope-Lewis
Bill Croydon
Danny Daniels
Dr Helen Doe - Daughter of Bob Doe
Peter Drummond-Hay
Don Exley - Hip replaced
Charles Gibbs - tel from NZ, over 90, well and may come over later this year!
Nobby Hall
Bob Holliday
Pete Jarvis - Ill in hospital
Gunter Kipp
David Lockspeiser
Robbie Lynn
Bill Maish - Taken ill at last minute
Timothy Maish
Amaryl McCullagh
Tim McElhaw
Eric McFee
Paddy Minnis
Roy Mitchell - operation
Barrie Palmer
Veronica Palmer
AVM John Price
Pete Raeburn
Margaret Rose
Ken Senar
Mamie Sharman
Eileen Shepherd (nee Bradley)
Chris and Toni Stone
Air Marshal Sir John Sutton- Grandson's wedding in Oz!
Andrew Thomas
Brian Thornton
Ann Thornton
Air Marshal Sir John "Whisky" Walker
Timber Wood
Mike Wraight

Pictures of AGM 2013 at the RAF Club, on 16th March 2013
(Thanks to Nigel and Eric Pigdon and Ted Bywater for them all.)