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Origins

The present North West Branch of the CAA Retired Staff Association was formed in November 1989 after an earlier attempt to set up one had failed. After a few years of treading water, a new committee was elected in 1995 and membership has gradually risen to over 350. Whilst we are officially named the North West Branch, a number of our members who used to work in this area now live in either North Wales, Yorkshire, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Shropshire and even as far away as Wiltshire.

We hold a number of social functions throughout the year. These have included canal trips, bowling both crown and indoor, theatre visits, backstage at the Bridgewater Hall, The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North and of course the popular Christmas Lunch. Husbands, wives and partners are always welcome to come along to these events. 

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The present committee comprises a cross section of former controllers, engineers, assistants and admin staff. The secretary Barry Pratt is also a member of the Central Committee.

	The Committee for 2011-12 is:
	Chairman - Brian Scott
	Secretary - Barry Pratt
	Treasurer - Gerry Hall

Committee Members-  Vince Gillibrand,    Brenda Condron, Tim Mackay,     Alan Walker

Picture to follow at as soon as available.

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SECRETARY’S REPORT 2011

The Branch now consists of around 480 members, this is the highest total I have known and I would like to welcome all the new members. The increase in the number is not always reflected in those attending our social functions and the committee would like to see more of you at these, you would be most welcome. Details of the 2011 programme are in Contrail and here, on the website.

There have inevitably been several deaths since my last report, amongst those no longer with us are Stan Dixon, Denis Cox and Tom Hughes, all of whom latterly worked in ATC at Manchester Airport.

CAA and NATS have continued their cost cutting exercises and the RSA now no longer receive grants from either of them. In order for the RSA to continue functioning, some method of obtaining income had to be found. At last year’s National AGM, our branch submitted a motion that each member should pay £1 a month subscription. This motion was carried and this amount will, for those who have agreed to pay, be deducted from members pensions as from 1st April 2011. So far around 60% of members have signed up and this should generate enough income for the Association to function in some form or another. Ideally we would like 100% to be willing.

Our Branch AGM will take place at the usual venue, The Waggon & Horses in Handforth on Wednesday, 23rd March at 1.30 p.m. (the Pub including The Function Room have been refurbished). Lunch will be available in the Pub prior to the meeting. If anyone has a motion for this year’s National AGM, which will be held in CAA House on 7th May, would they please let me have it either by post or e-mail kenpratt "at" tiscali "dot" co "dot" uk by the 16th March.

A Canal Trip and Lunch commencing from The Ring O’ Bells in Marple has been provisionally booked for Wednesday, 18th May at 11.00 a.m. A minimum number of 15 is required, so I am hoping that there will be a good response. Also on the 28th September, we are hoping to visit Jodrell Bank. Please contact me if you wish to go on either of these outings. In between these events, Alan Walker will be arranging the Bowling Day at Poynton on Wednesday, 13th July. Thanks to Alan and also Brian for the organising of the Christmas Lunch, which will again be at the Pinewood Hotel this year, on the 8th December.

Barry Pratt

Secretary

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Forthcoming Social Events

Further Social Events to be notified later

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The following pictures were taken at the Xmas Lunch on 8th December 2011

28th September 2011 , Visit to Jodrell Bank

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BRANCH AGM 2011

Click "Minutes" for Minutes of AGM held at The Waggon & Horses, Handforth

on Wednesday, 23^rd March 2011 at 1.30 pm

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Visit to BBC Studios in Manchester on 6th May 2009.

Click "Pictures" for a few of the pictures taken there. They were provided by Barry Pratt and have been reduced in size to fit the pages. When the page opens in Adobe, you will be able to zoom in to enlarge them.   If you want copies of the original sized images please contact either Barry Pratt or the RSA webmaster and they can be sent by e-mail attachment.

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Stretton/Antrobus Memories.

Many of the retired ATC staff who served in the North West will have fond memories of the radar unit based at Antrobus, in Cheshire (just south of Warrington down the A49!) The attached article has been provided by Donald C. MacGregor,  R.N.AS Stretton and is published with his consent.  Click nw_mcrnorthern_radar_antrobus.pdf.  

Sub-Centre opening memories.

Talking of memories, click nw_mcrmemories.pdf for Derek Henry’s recollections of the opening of the Sub Centre in 1975. 

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