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Normal Topic Bawdsey Radar Reunion Association Lunch 12 Sep 2015 - Report (Read 2,213 times)
Dave Lowry
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Bawdsey Radar Reunion Association Lunch 12 Sep 2015 - Report
22.09.2015 at 16:00:07
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As our Association’s Museum Liaison Member and a Friend of Bawdsey Radar Trust I attended the Reunion Lunch on Saturday 12 September. It was a beautiful day and the old Manor and grounds looked spectacular in the sunshine. It always did. We gathered in the Green Room for a pre-lunch drink. The weather was so warm many of us chatted on the terrace over looking the playing field. It brought back happy memories of the 1970s when I lived in the Manor as a student at the SofFC.

At about 1300 we moved into the Dining Room to take our places at table. It hasn’t changed since the RAF days. It has the original paneling and the Minstrels’ Gallery. All is still in excellent condition and not changed over the years. The meal was produced and served by the catering staff of the Language School who now occupy the building. It was excellent.

After the meal we had an address by Sqn Ldr Derek Rothery (Retd). He was the last Station Commander. Sadly, he announced the death of Eileen Drew. It was only a few weeks earlier. Eileen had been the Secretary for many years and a key figure in the evolution of the Museum housed in the old Transmitter Block. Mary Wain, the Chairman of Bawdsey Radar Trust, gave a few words and brought us up to date. She had to step in to take over on the sad loss of Eileen and finalise the organization of the lunch.  She had done a great job and the lunch was enjoyed by all.  The only slight slip was in the name badges. She had myself, and my lady friend Judith King, married. I ask myself, is this legally binding ??

After lunch we had the option of walking up to the Transmitter Block to view the Museum which many of us did. They have done a great job and it houses much of interest. It tells the story of the importance of radar’s contribution to the outcome of WW2 very well. The Trust is in the process of resubmitting a bid to the HLF for further funding and I sincerely hope they are successful. In essence, it played a key role in a historical battle that equates in importance, in my view, with the Armada, Trafalgar and Waterloo.

On completion, we returned to the Manor for tea and cakes. Although still full from the lunch, I couldn’t resist the cake.

What did I learn from my attendance? The Language school hasn’t spoiled the Manor. There have been a few alterations but none have spoiled the character and the grounds are well tended. It is in very good repair and I think we should be very grateful as a Specialisation that they have respected it. The old T80 Radar aerial has gone but the site of the ‘Hole’ is clearly identifiable. Is there any better radar for pin point control? Also, the old CH Tower has long gone.

There are two sister organizations involved in the annual lunch, The Bawdsey Reunion Association and the Bawdsey Radar Trust. They both work in close cooperation. As an Association we should maintain links with both. There is much knowledge within the members of the two organization of the past history of the Specialisation.

For those who are interested, the website is:

www.bawdseyradar.org.uk


The following is an extract from an e-mail from Liz Brooking. She looks after the merchandising of the Museum:

Bawdsey Radar Trust organise the annual reunion lunch for the Bawdsey Reunion Association.  The association is just the luncheon event and we have a mailing list of interested people. It is mentioned on our website so people can apply using details on our site.  There are no other meetings and we don't manage a list of ex Bawdsey service people or anything like that.  As you know the Trust is going through very exciting times at the moment; the HLF submission goes in next week for a decision in November. If we are successful we will have the money to conserve the Block and have an interpretation centre within it to tell the story of such an internationally important site.

I strongly recommend a visit to any members who may be in the area during Museum opening times.


Dave Lowry
  
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Richard Jenner
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Re: Bawdsey Radar Reunion Association Lunch 12 Sep 2015 - Report
Reply #1 - 22.09.2015 at 19:52:50
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Dave,

Thank you for this report - very interesting and I must try to visit when I'm down south.

Richard
  
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