Tameside Rotarians remember

TAMESIDE Rotary members attended Ashton Central Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday but, as advised, they avoided 11am when traditionally two minute’s silence is observed.

President Maria Bailey laid the wreath on behalf of all Tameside Rotary members.

There was a poignancy to the occasion as Rotarian Jeff Mellor was an ex-serviceman, an aircraft technician in the RAF between 1955-67.

Wreath laying, l-r, Rotarians Jeff Mellor, Valerie Eccleston, Angela Robbins, Maria Bailey, Peter Holden and Steve Knowles

Rotarian Peter Holden proudly wore grandfather Edward Holden’s medals. He served in the Cheshire Regiment while new member Steve Knowles is on the committee of the Old Comrades Association which is based at the Armoury which is also the Ashton branch of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Association.

Jeff recalled his military service during the Cold War years which included lengthy spells stationed overseas.

He served in Germany and then at home in V Bomber Command with 15 Squadron he toured the Middle East, Far East and Australia servicing aircraft used by the commander in chief of Bomber Command.

He was later posted to Aden and Oman before coming hone to serve in 35 Squadron which flew the latest Vulcans and had spells in America.

Jeff recalled being given a conducted tour of the British ambassador’s residence in Washington and being asked to sign the visitors’ book.

“Before my name was Mountbatten of Burma and Sir Malcolm Sargent. I was a corporal technician,” he reflected.

For more details see www.TamesideRotaryClub.com or Facebook Page Tameside Rotary Club.

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