13 ex Boy Entrants of the 49th Entry were reunited once again some 46 years after passing out from RAF Hereford. They were Dave Beaumont; Mike Stephens; Alan Gray; Alistair McCrindle; Rob Izatt; John Evans; Geoff Plaxton; Bill Masterton; Ian Wilson; Richard Wardrobe; Bob Cuss; Des Wilson; Tom Paterson; and Barry Brannigan. 

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On arriving at Hatherley Manor , Des Wilson and myself, Mike Stephens were met outside by Dave Beaumont and Tom Paterson, then on entering the hotel Bill Masterton, who had been the first to arrive came over and introduced himself. We then took up the best vantage point to await the arrival of everyone else.  It felt a little surreal sitting there watching everyone arrive and frantically jogging the memory trying to put a name to the face coming towards you. Then during the hand shake came the inevitable “It’s uh” then a pause, as each waited for the other to offer up a name ! The most memorable came from Des Wilson as his close friend from those Hereford days Richard Wardrobe entered the hotel, “Good grief Dick I thought you were dead” !!!

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Most of the initial conversations were about where we had all been posted, how long we served and what ranks had been achieved. It was very pleasing to hear how many of our entry had been commissioned or became SNCO’s. Then when it got around to everyone’s memories of Hereford the stories came thick and fast, it is hoped that they can be persuaded to retell their tales on the web site we are hoping to set up. 

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After settling in we all made our way to the Hare & Hounds, which had been recommended by Tom Paterson as an ideal venue to watch the British Lions v South Africa. It was also where we were to meet up with Barry Brannigan who like Tom also lived locally. The game itself was disappointing but the atmosphere, banter, drinks and food was superb. 

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Back at Hatherley we adjourned to the hotel grounds for a group photo and to scrutinise all the photographs everyone had brought with them. All of which we are hoping to upload onto the 49th Entry web site. Dave Beaumont also began taking the names and last known addresses that anyone had of other 49er’s and up to now he has managed to get in touch with over 50 of our entry. Before leaving everyone agreed that the occasion had been a great success but one day was not long enough and next year it should be a Friday & Saturday. 

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