2007

David Thomas · 2007

Hi All, I see Ernie Callaghan has booked the date of the 2007 reunion for the first weekend in June. Not having been before can anyone advise suitable accommodation? Unlike certain long distance father Christmas’s who must remain nameless, but are obviously very flush, us poor pensioners who are forced to stack shelves in order to eek out a living, I can only afford the simplest 5 star hotel. I hope to attend along with my first wife, probably arriving in Germany on Thursday 30th May then wending our way towards Langeleben for the weekend. At the recommendation of the Viper we’ll hopefully spend a few days looking around the old Eastern area before zooming back to bonny Bristol. Any tips on places worth seeing will be gratefully received.
All the best. Dave.

shorep

That has made all the difference,I was orf that weekend and had planned to go,but Konigsplutter is such a small town I'm bound to bump into the Hanham higwayman.Ernie and the gang arrange 'digs' at good prices,me and her indoors stayed in Wolfenbuttel a few year ago in B&B and it was reasonable for a long weekend.We travelled on the train,and had a ride to Braunsweig from Berlin on the ICE train,you can get a euro rover ticket.Is the misery from Fulford turning up?That picture is the spitting image of him as I remember,have you seen his passport photo.?

jr

Most people stay at the Königshof, which does a package for our members, and is the location for the Saturday evening jamboree. Ernie will be sending a booking form out around Christmas, containing prices etc. (You can, of course stay in one of the local doss-houses if the Königshof is too posh).
Lots of things to do and see in the region, to suit all tastes. And of course Berlin is nowadays within easy reach (one hour on the train)and is always worth a visit.

ken vipond

Hi David,i think you will find that almost everyone stops at the Konigshof,its a nice hotel and the prices are not too bad,one place that i would certainly reccomend to visit is the Auto stadt (V.W.factory)at Wolfsberg,its an all day job but only 30 minutes drive from base,a bunch of us went in 2005 and it was a fantastic day out,its not all cars but a lot more,to me its a tourist asset that is not well advertised for people visiting the area,there is also the windmill museum which is also not to far to travel,so yes there is plenty to do in between the odd beer or two(mandatory)and can you please explain what you mean by my first wife,you have people thinking you must have harem or something,
regards from ken Confused

David Thomas

Hi Guys, thanks for your suggestions, I especially like the idea of the Volkswagen factory, I do recall hearing of it while I was over there, but I’m not sure that it will be very far up wife number 1’s wish list. Ken asked what the story was on wife number 1. I was well on the way of establishing wife number 2, and had opened the book on wife number 3, then wife number 1 caught the merest whiff of a possible opening in the market. The black eyes have gone, and both the arm and the leg are recovering, there are however other vital parts where the swelling has yet to subside. Shorep mentions his love of dressing up in bulled boots and looking forward to meeting old friends, that’s all very well, but what do the rest of us do who have no friends?
All the best, Dave.

ken vipond

All say ah for Dave who states he has no friends,its no the wonder he has no friends with all of this drivel he is putting out(only joking Dave) but all joking aside Dave the V.W.factory has numerous international eating places and the lakes and gardens are a delight,you must try and encourage your wife to make the effort to visit,you won,t be dissapointed,plus i will get my bonus from V.W.for the promotion.

Regards from Ken

jr

Yes, the Autostadt is certainly worth a visit. Take a good stout pair of shoes, though.

Here is the Homepage for the Autostadt for those interested (in English):

http://www.autostadt.de/info/cda/main/0,3606,2~1,00.html

Merv

Ken's mention of the Wolkswagon factory takes me back to the latter end of 1963 when on a longish exercise up on the border with 225. A trip was arranged for us to visit the factory in Wolfsburg. I was amazed even then to learn that the "waste" energy from the factory was used to supply the local houses. I also remember seeing huge machines pressing out Wolkswagon body parts, and seeing completed cars coming of the assembly line every few minutes. Thanks for the trip down memory lane Ken.

derek fowler

Anybody remember Revs Southgate? Didnt he marry a girl from Wolfsburg and end up working at the factory?? I'm sure there was also
someone else who did something similar, but can't remember his name
(not unusual these days!!).

ken vipond

Hi Derek,i think many of the lads that married the local girls ended up working for V.W. the guy who arranged our trip round the factory was ex Langeleben,infact i was best man at his wedding ,the guy,s name is Vince Regan and i believe he was employed for some 30 years by V.W.as an electrician,we could,nt have had a better guide he speaks fluent german and knows the plant like the back of his hand and some of the staff in the different departments,i would certainly go back for another visit.

regards from Ken.

derek fowler

thanks for that, Ken, but he was obviously before my time. The lads I'm thinking of were from 226 (the holiday posting), and it sounds like the VW factory was staffed with half the Brit Army that retired up there!!

ken vipond

Hi Derek,yes im sure you are right about a lot of british being employed on the V.W.site,infact i think German was the second spoken language on the factory floor,regards from Ken.

David Thomas

Hi Guys, Just a quick note to say that by booking flights now I have got Bristol to Berlin return on EasyJet for £115 for the two of us. I’ve booked 31st May and 6th June, see you there. All the Best, Dave.

shorep

Will your car manage the journey up the hill to Dudry and beyond?
Remember it is a big hill that A38,of courde a man of your means will have made 'arrangements for transportation'

David Thomas

Hi Shorep, No problems, my Skodal will make it Lulsgate, if not, as you say, I can simply detail off one of the men to take me, after all its only a few miles out of their way, and they may not be doing anything anyway. All the best. Dave.

paul croxson

can I be boring yet again?
When I was at Langeleben early '55 we had an orgaonised trip to VW Wolfsburg. As a point of comparison I had been to Dagenham some 3/4 years earlier. There was no comparison!, he main office corridor must have been as straight run for 1/4 mile or evn more. The place was spotless and the workers immaculate. Dagenham was filthy and the workers seemingly revelled in looking scruffy. Ther noise was horrendous and having just seen 'Metropolis' the future seemed bleak. In VW There was this German woman on the line who just sat there dropping cylinder block studs in the holes ready for screwing in, the picture stayed with me for yonks.
In 1945 (not another bloody history lesson, Croxson!) I believe that all the British car manufacturers were offered the plant under the reparations scheme but ALL turned it down as a 'failure with no future' Spot on as always. The ''interesting'' part was that the factory was got going by a British Army serving officer to bring back work to the area, I think that he got it going and they produced something like 250 cars in the first year. In my day he was hel in very high regard in the factory but details are very hazy. Has anyone got the full story.
Told my Wife about the possibility of a visit - she can hardly contain her excitement.
Do you recall that in every car showroom there was ALWAYS a tray under the sump, even for new cars. The Japanese, whilst being shown round before setting up dealerships here in the UK asked what are they for? When told that they were for catching the drips from leaking sumps they were utterly bewildered. The concept of a leaky sump had never dawned on them which is why their cars have never caught on!
This is all from the man who bought a Rover 2 weeks before they curled up their toes. Talking about Rovers, one of my jobs in the past was to buy Rovers and Triumphs to export to Taiwan. There was a labour problem at the factory and 'Management' agreed with the unions that all recruitment had to be from within by promotion (how to get a wage increase). In the export dept the lowest job was printing out the invoices on the Banda machine. The highly skilled operative left and the unions would not allow any one new to be recruited. Youve got there. Yes! No invoices could be printed and no cars could be shipped and the place ground to a cashless halt. I promise you this is absolutely true (and boring)

paul croxson

Oh wonderful internet.
I find that most of what I said was almost true.
The officer was a Major Ivan Hirst (at last a useful officer) and surprise! Wolfsberg was originally called KdF Stadt. Living in Strength through Joy Ville could ALMOST compare with living in Milton Keynes.

Tom Neal

Just out of interest who is going to Königslutter this year.
I am and so is Helen my wife.

David Thomas

I am, as is the first Mrs Thomas. All the Best. Dave T.

derek fowler

Visited VW Wolfsburg in early 70's and was impressed by the cleanliness of the place, and the efficiency of the assembly lines - no doubt due to the number of ex-225 & 226 squaddies who worked there!!
In my naivety had assumed that all car plants were similar, obviously hadn't considered the effects of a 'Red Robbo', and the professionalism of the British car maker.

I'm hoping to travel Hull - Rotterdam on Wed 30th May (travelling early as I intend to stop over in Effeld and play a round of golf at Birgelen Golf Club.) Anyone else travelling on that date?? Perhaps we could meet up on the ferry and share the odd cup of coffee?

ken vipond

Hi Derek,seems like we will be travelling together on the ferry from Hull on the 30th,myself,Stuart McLoud and Ian Johnston,so look forward to meeting up with you,regards from ken.

derek fowler

Sounds good to me, Ken. I'll contact you nearer the date to select which bar to meet up in. (I feel that game of golf might be done on the way back!!)

jr

I talked to Bob Allum at the reunion last year regarding the possibility of affecionados playing at our local Wolfenbüttel GC.
If enough are interested, then I could negotiate a reduced green fee. Very Happy

Those interested, drop me a PM.

Here's the course:
http://www.golfclub-hedwigsburg.de/golfclub/index.php?id=48

paul croxson

As instructed, I 'klickened' on the picture of the golf course and had a thorouhly enjoyable round. To be honest though it wasn't very difficult to play, I still prefer snakes and ladders. Did I do something wrong?
Funny how 'clicking' seems so much more aggressive in German! But then - they did invent curried bangers with stewed apples. That takes real imagination. I'm looking forward to trying it for the first time Friday p.m, I've already bought the Rennies. (Who mentioned roast pork and apple sauce and Gammon and pineapple?)

kerby

Hi All, Sorry I am unable to make the trip, most disappointing. Hope you all have a grand time. Have one on me, will pay next year. Pete and Paul from my year of 55, do not let the side down. Good luck to all, Keith Kerby

paul croxson

Thank you Keith. Perhaps we will meet at the loughborough get-together.
had a VERY long and extremely enjoyable chat to Don (Nobby) Clarke today. Amazing what we can dredge from our memories with a bit of jogging!
He is getting his photos together and will put them on the site which will be interesting

paul croxson

Preparing to leave for Konigslutter, I was reminded of the words of a famous ex-I. Corps playwright Alan Bennett. When asked "would you like to visit China" he replied "Yes, but will I do in the afternoon?" I had signed up with soime reluctance and was only persuaded by Pete Ellis relatively late in the day. Let's face it the only thing that we had in common was that we had served at the same Army Camp at some time between 1952 and 1992. Was this the basis for spending a few hundred quid for a few days in Germany? Not being exactly hard up (thank God) after having a few words with Mike Stubbins I signed up but only until the Sunday lunch-time.
Anyway ... despite delays with Flybe from Southampton and immense hold-ups on the autobahn not forgetting some minor map-reading lapses by the highly trained Stubbins who had been honed to perfection by the Paras as well as the Signals we staggered in to the hotel. Going down to the bar faces familiar and unfamiliar appeared. 'That must be Dave Thomas, he looks like his picture on the forum. That's the first beer solved'. Then Bob Wells came across, looking amazingly young. After all, there was a wodge of us all of whom were 71. We were the cream of Langeleben, the famed B Watch of 1954-6. Three of us had turned up and another three had sent their best wishes. Not bad out of the 11 who had served together. "Are you the Paul Croxson who writes all that rubbish on the forum?" I was asked frequently. I couldn't very well deny it could I?
Then dear old Pete Ellis came across and with Dave T buying the first of several beers the fun had begun!
Photographs appeared from pockets. "Do you remember him?". "What was that bugger's name?" only to find on occasion that 'bugger' was the grey old man sitting nearly next to you! Stories were swapped, often you would hear the same story several times over (and over; and over). After all it wasn't the most exciting of places up there in the woods. The usual joshing of the I. Corps continued just as in the 'old days'. All in good heart given and taken in great good humour. Had we not worked so closely and interdependently all those years ago?
Those of us who had served and lived in the tents era were justifiably superior, "swimming poll; cinema, what sort of joke army was that?" "Do you remember when we didn't get undressed for 6 weeks living with our pyjamas on under our BD's or denims". "Do you remember ... you know the chap ... dancing around in the Deutsches Haus with his pyjamas hanging below this trousers and not knowing?". Stories of derring-do and the various bars were legion as the beers beagn to flow. It is very much a blurr today but I do remember that I had a great evening - I think!
Saturday was the formal meeting of the re-union branch. This is a minor complaint but I somehow wish that the I. Corps could somehow be incorporated in the title. I know we we were few but without us, particularly later, there would have been no Langeleben.
Was I alone in being very moved when the names of those who have departed were read out. Far more than when I cursoralily read them on the website. Some I only recall in their 'gilded youth' others no longer will turn up at our re-unions. ("Will my name be read out next time?") That's how frail I suddenly felt!
Once again the closeness that we have to the communities of Langeleben, Konigslutter and Helmstedt were demonstrated. The trouble that they have taken to accommodate our desire for a memeorial to our time is, frankly, incredible - possibly unique.
I will not venture into the memorial discussion as Ernie will deal with that formally - these are just my impressions.
Stuubings and I went for a drive in the afternoon. How did we, callow youths that we were NOT appreciate the beauty of the buildings in Konigslutter and the surrounding countyside? We went to Helmstedt that place where the East suddenly became VERY real but dared not venture in as we would have been completely lost!
Driving from Konigslutter up to Langeleben we passed Luttersprings where Bob Wells and I the previous evening had recalled taking 2 young ladies for a walk, eager to have our evil way but getting nothing more than extremely painful 'privates' for our troubles. (Did those other blighters really get their end away that often?)
"We've gone the wrong way" was the cry as the kilometres wound past. We could never have walked this far just for a beer or the possibility of a crafty grope surely! But we must have done! All 6.4kms of it. And back if we had missed the truck and couldn't afford a taxi! How many times the evening before had we heard tales of the truck picking us up at the various drinking haunts and being followed by the wild boars? Dozens!!!
It seemed that we could find someone somewhere throughout the whole stay to share a beer with and exchange stories, even meet newcomers who had travelled several thousands of miles to be with us.
The formal evening buffet/dance was a masterpiece! The hotel had done us proud, beautifully laid out tables and a buffet fit for KIngs and twice as many. I am the wrong person to write about the evening as I slunk away very early indeed. One memory that I will carry with me is that of Jock ordering what seemed to be a constant stream of triple rums and cokes and their not having the SLIGHTEST effect on him seemingly. I got the idea from the number of thimes he threatened to leave home and marry the waitress that he rather fancied her. I believe he performed the cabaret too. What a man!!!
Sunday morning for us was a stroll around town quietly enjoying it and the Dom where there was a sort of Church Bazaar. Stubbings bought his Wife a toilet brush and a jar of honey. I kid you not. The lad was always noted for his generosity (particularly to the young ladies on the Aeroflot desk) and he was in the Paras so you can expect the odd bit of behaviour now and then! When you next see him ask him about the honey and stand clear - watch his temperature rise!
No hold-ups on the motorway and no delays on the flights and there she was, my Wife, waiting for me.
Well Mr Bennett I might not have found much to amuse me in China but I had a hell of a good time in Konigslutter, I promise you. And, Jock, you are right. I apologise. I think that the memorial will drag me back once again. Like our memories of the Camp, we only will recall the good times.
Thank you everyone for your company. Once again, it was marvellous and - what a Committee. Cheers!

jr

Yes, I'll second most of that. It's always nice to see the old crowd, and just that bit better to see those who made the Reunion for the first time, a special mention to our own, Jim "Thumbs" Hammond, from the land of Oz.
Hope everybody got home safely.

My only disappointment was missing out on the Friday evening thrash, this is usually one of the highlights, being able to have a chat and a beer with all and sundry, remember the good (and not so good) times and sound out views on the topics for the AGM. This year somebody spread a story that the Sportklause was closed for a private party, so the majority of members avoided it on that evening. (Admittedly, there were 2-3 tables reserved for asparagus eaters, but in the event they didn't stay long and we had the pub just about to ourselves after 10pm). Still, had a chat with Tom and Heather Neal, and Derek Fowler's party turned up as well. Didn't get the opportunity to put my views on the History Project to Mr. Croxson Crying or Very sad

Maybe next time we should just reserve the pub for us; I don't see any problems if Frau Schütte knows that enough people will be eating there.

Good as the Königshof is, I still feel that we should try and attend the Schützenfest. For those who have never experienced this jamboree, I can only say it was the icing on the reunion cake for me (for the last few years this has been held the first week in September), and the opportunity to make direct contact with the citizens of Königslutter was always important for me, plus the opportunity to "show the flag" in the Fest procession. We don't need to organise an expensive Saturday night bash, as there is free entertainment in the Fest Marquee, plus you can eat what you want (if you like sausage and chips etc.) and I think they sell beer, as well. Wink

paul croxson

I too was sorry JR not to have chatted re the history project but I failed to recognise you without your hat.
I was one of those put off by being told it was a full house!
I am totally in favour of meeting up with the Schutzenfest and it might be an opportune time for an unveiling of the memorial should it get the go-ahead which surely it must!
I would willingly forego the beanfeast on the Saturday night, but that's just me. I don't eat those sorts of meals any more (I couldn't believe the amounts that some of them could put away!) and even worse - no-one asked me to dance.

Tom Neal

I have enjoyed reading the messages regarding our last reunion and fully endorse them. I enjoyed your company on the Friday night John but for the future remember the name of my wife is Helen who is also ex I Corps or she may have words.
I too enjoyed previous reunions when we could march with the Schutzendguilds and would like to do it again.
Tom

jr

Yes, of course I know your good lady's name, Tom, I can only offer the lame excuse that I was still suffering from the surfeit of alcohol taken over the weekend. Embarassed

Perhaps we should put more pressure on the powers to try and pariticipate in the Schützenfest. At least you would get a chance to wag your flag in public (they can't touch you for it!).

Dunno how flexible the members would be regarding dates, for me it's all the same, half an hour's drive over the hill.

Tom Neal

Hi John,
It has been mentioned before about changing the dates but the answer always comes back about school holidays and being more expensive in September etc.
Tom

ken vipond

Hi Tom and John,perhaps we should have a little vote of member,s wanting to change the date,i for one are not bothered regarding dates and can basicly go any time,regards from Ken.

David Thomas

Hi All, I’m still revelling in the afterglow of our weekend in Koningslutter. Thanks Tom for putting your photo’s on the site, just a small point; in our more intimate moments I usually refer to the first Mrs Thomas as Rose, but if you feel that she should be called Heather, then who am I to argue? For what it's worth, I'm easy about when we have the KS reunion, if people who have been to a Schuztenfest link up, think it makes a good event, then let's go for it. I can't imagen that the costs will be substantially more than at the moment, and a different date will not change things too much. All the best, Dave T.

Tom Neal

Sorry Dave, give my appologies to Rose.
I think the JR thing must be catching.
Tom

paul croxson

Since my Daughters have just celebrated their 39th birthday (twins) the question of school holidays is hardly relevent.I found that the week-end ran out of steam in many ways since I did not enjoy the Saturday evening particularly. Eating and noisy bands are not for me. The schtuzenfest would add an additional string and the parade can be fun!
Another idea. Would it be sensible to consider getting a coachload together starting say in Ashford with one overnight stop somewhere each way? I doubt if the cheap air fares will be around in a couple of years and several of us might not relish the long drive by then

David Thomas

Hi Paul, I think your suggestion of a 49 bus Ashford to Koningslutter is worth pursuing. I think I might sound out a charabanc or two and get some feeling for costs. Only then can we say whether it could be a go’er. A similar idea was mooted in a light hearted way by Bob Alum, about a year ago. If we went with it, it would change tenor of the weekend, can you imagine being cooped up with me for two whole days while being sober, you would really have to want to go to Langeleben to endure that. All the best. Dave.

jr

Hi All,
As you say, Dave, this idea has actually been touted a few times, but when push came to shove there were not many takers. I think the committee looked into the cost of a bus running from Glasgow via Newcastle, Leeds, Loughborough, London at the time. Some members come for a week, some just for the weekend, some want to visit Magdeburg, others the Autostadt, and having one's own car gives the flexibility desired. It might be an option in a few years when we've handed our driving licences in.

paul croxson

sadly, JR, there are a number of us who will by 2009 be seriously old and should be kept off the streets of Germany anyway! At 71 I am leading the pack!