Knowing that I did not have a Airshow I could go to July and August, I am out of money for one thing and audiences have been so small in numbers, even though the organizers would like me there, I feel I cant do a good job, with a free air miles ticket to England from my mates son and since 1990 I have missed the retires reunion of my Old Company in England The Automobile Association, I rang the organizer, he almost blew a gasket, it is the Hundredth Year of the company, and was so pleased.

The reunion is held in the city of Brighton and Hove. The organizer asked me to keep a Low profile so that it would be the maximum surprise, which curtailed a lot of visiting I could have done. For the first week or so I used the train service, which went off well, then borrowed my brothers car. Gas was an English pound pre litre (Dollar seventy-five cents, which would take me seven miles. The car was a small Rover.

September First was reunion day and I was told to report to a golf course car park on the chalk white cliffs, next to the very posh school for girls Roedean. The east side of Brighton, Roedean hold’s memories for me, during world war two, it was requisitioned to be a Navel hospital, as an electrical mechanical   apprentice I help to installed equipment. I would have sooner been there whilst the girls were there” Oh Jolly Hockey sticks “ saved a lot of time looking for a bucket of steam or the golden Rivet. (Ask a Navy man)?

 At twelve O’clock into the car park pulled a Hundred Year Old Renault Landau 23/28 HP open car. The Chauffeur, a retired Inspector from my working years. Dennis Bass and his Wife.  The Welfare Officer and husband were also waiting, giving me the choice of seats ( I sat by the driver thought I might learn something). We drove of to the appointed Hotel some eight miles away all along the seafront, people waving thinking who the heck is that VIP, if only they knew? Waiting for us outside the Hotel were hundred and twenty people, who had never seen the company car. Imagine the surprise at both the car and an old friend who had not been able to turn up for the reunion since I started Airshows in 1990. My Boss and several staff I worked with, plus many AA Patrolman all were eager to find out what the old fellow has been doing all these years. All too soon well fed and watered we had to break it up. With another long drive along the seafront to pick up our cars. And being going home time the ride was very interesting and exciting.  It was the Highlight of many trips across the pond, and cant wait to go again.