Our Branch President is Eric Sawyer. Eric served with 578Sqd. during the Second World War helping to keep aloft the Halifax bombers operated by the Squadron. These days Eric leads a less hectic life strolling around Northwich and taking a weekly 8km amble from his home at Rudheath to the church at Lower Peevor. But that is not Eric's only claim to fame. Over the last twenty five years Eric has raised over £50000 for the Associations Wings Appeal by walking the 36km from his home to RAF Sealand, near Chester and he shows no signs of giving up and is planning for his twenty sixth walk later on this year. Well done that man!
Chair of the Branch, Ray Hughes, is the one who keeps us all in order. Ray was called up for National Service in 1950 doing his basic square bashing at RAF Bridgenorth during which time the camp was awarded the honour of the Freedom of the Town, which allowed the erks the priveledge of marching through the town with flags flying, drums beating [typical squaddie night out?] and bayonets fixed!. After training as a wireless operator at Compton Basset, Ray was posted abroad, to Habbanya, in Iraq with 276 Signals Unit where he remained till his National service time was completed in 1952 [talk about a holiday with pay]. Ray is also Branch membership secretary so if anyone wishes to join or has any other queries contact Ray (01606) 41048.
Chief scribe [or Branch Secretary as he likes to be known] is Brian Connell, a Manxman, who has yet to win a three-legged race. Brian joined in 1953 and his first duty was to line the route used for the Coronation. Trained as a ground radio fitter at RAF Locking and Compton Basset before plying his trade at RAF Aldergrove [Belfast] and RAF Sundern [Germany] and specializing as a code expert [no wonder we can't decipher the minutes]. Not keen on Foster's or Castlemaine XXXX Brian declined an opportunity to go up in the world as part of the rocketeers of Woomera [Austrailia] so, in 1957 Brian said goodnight Flight and entered civvy street. Brian alo acts as the Branch Welfare Officer and can be reached via his phone number (01565)651724 or via email at manxman@ntlworld.com.
Keeper of the privy purse [that treasurer to all us Beano readers] is Reg Hardingham. Reg is ex army, REME to be precise, who while serving was responsible for guarding that far flung piece of Empire, the Isle of Wight. As for not being ex-RAF we don't hold that against him mainly because he is the only one who can count above ten without taking his shoes and socks off. Reg has not only been our treasurer these past eight years but also he has been a stalwart of the Northwich Branch of the British Legion these passed dozen years as their treasurer.
Steve Kryger has been the Branch Wings Appeal Officer for the past four years and, along with his wife Lynn, has been responsible for the Line Dancing evenings which has become an annual event for the Branch's Wings Appeal. Steve, along with Eric, are our liason between the Branch and the local ATC Squadrons in Northwich and Winsford and Steve is an active member of the civilian committee of 146 (Northwich) squadron. Steve is an electrical and electronic wizzkid, having a degree in the subject which allows him the privilege of turning the lights on and off at our committee meetings.
Peter Young has the honour of being the Branch Standard Bearer as well as being Branch Press Officer [only because as an ex local councillor he can tell a good tale]. Ex Jnr.Tech. Young served as a Ground Radar Fitter during the late 1960's, early 1970's in such exotic places as Norfolk and the Shetland Islands. Peter hails from Barrow-in-Furness and was a member of the Barrow Branch becoming its Branch Standard Bearer before being 'promoted' to Branch Chair. He moved to Northwich three years ago to be closer to his family and joined the Northwich Branch on whose committe he now serves. Peter can be contacted via email:- pcoldhabor@aol.com or phone (01606) 872097
Lynn Kryger is Steve' wife and is active in assisting Steve in his duties as Wings Appeal Officer [mainly because she can count and Steve can't] Lynn works for a well known bank in the town and in her spare time runs Line Dancing evenings all over the Northwich area, ably assisted by husband Steve. Lynn and Steve regularly set aside one of their Line Dance evenings to raise money for the Wings Appeal which is always well attended and a credit to their fund raising efforts.
