216 Parachute Signals Squadron Guestbook |
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216 Parachute Signal Squadron Old Comrades Association |
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| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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The one aspect of the 'P'coy selection which should be remembered is that some did the trainasium in studded boots. It was quite eerie especially if on a winter course. The monkey run and shuffle bars R.T.U'd quite a few lads back then but those that followed in D.M.S. would have done it just the same. No good singers Keith only me and I will be belting some Billy Fury and Ricky Nelson out at the weekend.
Monday 14 January2019 - Southport
Webmaster comments Ricky Nelson & Billy Fury - that dates you Noddy |
| Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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They did say Joe meant "joined on enlistment" (though that makes no sense as, presumably somebody could transfer from another arm) but maybe drifted over from America's GI Joe
Monday 14 January2019 - Pateley Bridge
Webmaster comments Thanks Alan - noted. Yes, it might be interesting to know what happens when someone transfers from another Infantry unit to Para Regt. |
| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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Watched part 1 and thought not a great change from my time on the P Coy staff I was quite pleased to see names being crossed off to retain the standard, well done so far. In answer to the name Joe, it's used for all recruits until they move to Battalion and get promoted to Tom.
Sunday 13 January2019 - Southport
Webmaster comments Thanks Noddy now we know. You must have some good stories about P Coy - did you ever have any good singers |
| Mick Dawson | michaelwdawson~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Watched the TV programme, did wonder when the name changed from "Tom" to "Joe". BTW Happy New Year to all, I don't get on much.
Saturday 12 January2019 - UK
Webmaster comments Good to hear from you Mick - thanks for your comments. Perhaps someone will enlighten us. |
| Keith Weller | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Please see below from Para Network Dear Airborne Warrior, ‘The Paras: Men of War’ -a new real life, 3-part programme is starting on Thursday 10 January at 9pm on ITV. This programme is being screened on ITV 1 in three parts, starting on Thursday 10 January Series overview “The moment I’m given that rifle and on that plane jumping out into a war-torn country… I’m not going to be able to call my mum and ask her to give me a hug. It’s about just growing a pair and getting the job done.” - Private Jack Kojo-Braima. This brand-new threepart landmark documentary series features unprecedented and unfiltered access to the elite Parachute Regiment, after its doors were opened to a UK network broadcaster’s cameras for the first time in a generation. Filmed over 12 months, the series goes into all aspects of this closed world which turns raw recruits into elite soldiers trained to kill. Young men, many still in their late teenage years, are pushed to the extremes of their endurance and learn vital skills on the brutal 28-week recruitment course aiming to gain their coveted maroon beret. Only a few of those who join up make it to the end. With access to the regiment for the first time since the early 1980s, The Paras: Men Of War offers a unique perspective and unflinching account of what it takes to make the grade, as well as providing an intimate insight into the characters of the young men and the officers charged with transforming them into battle ready paratroopers, who are the first in to any conflict. Throughout the series they talk openly about their experiences both in training and in combat - and reflect on the challenges they face, providing a view into the mindset of the soldiers and the reality of the unique culture of the Paras. The series also follows the recruits who make it into the regiment, filming them up close and personal on their first major assignments as they prepare for new military threats. How, I wonder, will this ‘square’ with the latest series of Army recruiting posters! Just one example: Saturday 5 January2019 - Worcestershire
Webmaster comments Edited to fit page but if anyone wants the full article let me know |
| Bernie McDonough | bbgonebiking~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Merry Christmas and a great New Year to all of the 216 OCA.
Tuesday 25 December2018 - Horsham West Sussex
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| Bob O'Hara | bobnmau~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all. Bob & Maureen
Monday 24 December2018 - lincoln
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| RON HART |
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merry christmas to all you old and bold and a happy new year
Sunday 23 December2018 - geordieland
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| Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Compliments of the season to all
Saturday 22 December2018 - Pateley Bridge
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| Dave Jackson | davejackson216~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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I would like to wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous new year. Stay safe and be happy. Dave (Jacko)
Friday 21 December2018 - Aldershot
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| Chris White | chris~DOT~debs~AT~hotmail~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Happy Christmas to All and a Good New Year. Chris
Thursday 20 December2018 - Llanelly Hill
Webmaster comments Good to hear from you Chris - Seasons Greetings |
| Tom Whiting | tomwhiting~AT~tiscali~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Wishing everyone the best of everything for Christmas and the New Year
Wednesday 19 December2018 - Croydon
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| Terry Brown | terryvivbrown~AT~virginmedia~DOT~com |
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Merry Xmas and a happy and healthy New Year to everyone.
Wednesday 19 December2018 - Whitley Bay
Webmaster comments Thank you Terry |
| Norrie Clanachan | John~DOT~clanahan~AT~gmai~DOT~com |
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I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from myself and Chrissie.
Tuesday 18 December2018 - Coleraine N Irland
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| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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Terry you must be mistaken,I would be about 25 at the time I wouldn't need a baby sitter,I should have been big enough to look after myself. Yes I do remember Terry, Macadam square 1964 that baby is now 55 where does the time go? I also remember our sparring days in the Gym by the M.T.but you were to big for me.Great times mate, hope you and your family are all well, Have a good one Terry. Nod & Midge.
Monday 17 December2018 - Southport
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| Alex wilson | agw216~AT~hotmail~DOT~com |
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Keith, not 216 service, but Dave was a boy soldier at Denbury camp, I believe he was a J/SSM in Beaufighter troop so maybe if his daughter put a post on "Denbury Days" web site she may pick up some of his old mates and possibly some photos, hope this may be some help to her. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all.
Sunday 16 December2018 - Leicester
Webmaster comments Thanks Alex - much appreciated. Marry Xmas mate. |
| Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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As baby sitting has been mentioned, Jess Harper used to bring his own airborne mug as he said our cups were too small
Saturday 15 December2018 - Pateley Bridge
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| Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Yes happy for you to pass the information on Keith, I remember Dave as being just a thoroughly nice guy, he and Alan Sefton were well suited and made an excellent team of down to earth practical men.
Thursday 13 December2018 - Pateley Bridge
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| Terry Brown | terryvivbrown~AT~virginmedia~DOT~com |
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I remember baby sitting for Noddy, many years ago.
Wednesday 12 December2018 - Whitley Bay
Webmaster comments Wonder if Noddy remembers |
| Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Keith, I also recall another snippet re Dave. He and Jess spent a night at our place in Willems Park shortly after they both passed selection. Dave couldn't escape the restrictions of Royal Signals so he left the Army, re-enlisted in the Scots Guards and then rejoined 22. He left the squadron as a Signalman and was a Staff Sergeant when he died.
Tuesday 11 December2018 - Pateley Bridge
Webmaster comments Thanks Alan, I think these are things that is daughter would love to know. Are you happy for me to forward your comments. |
| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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For the benefit of our webmaster. The term 'in the pink' has been used in the English language for centuries, my grandad used it quite a lot. There are many examples of using the word 'pink but the one I refer to means 'healthy both emotionally and physically there are many examples on Google if interested. Hope this clears up any doubts as to my sexual preference Mr Weller? although I do like strutting about in Midges clobber now and then.
Monday 10 December2018 - Southport
Webmaster comments Thank you for those wise words Noddy, I never had any doubt as to your sexuality - not sure about the cross dressing though !!! |
| Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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I remember Dave Naden well, I was also the duty officer in Hereford when news of his death came through - Al Sefton rang through there and I was able to give him the bad news. I did some canoeing with Dave, he and Sef were the experts training the rest of us amateurs - on the Devizes to Westminster I recall going through Symands Yatt with Jackie Ferguson and finishing up with half a broken canoe each. Did the Royal Review with Dave on Long Valley, he was determined to get the rover up an impossible hill with the result that the C42 broke its mountings and flew out of the back of the rover just missing the guys behind. Always a pleasant and friendly guy,salt of the earth.
Monday 10 December2018 - Pateley Bridge
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| Paddy Dillon | Jim~DOT~dillon3~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Keith I spent quite a bit of time with Dave in the FAC team, especially over here before the troubles. Monday 10 December2018 - Belfast
Webmaster comments Thanks young Paddy - we will contact you off line. |
| Dave. Parker | Watcot ~AT~ aim ~DOT~com |
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Just remember Dave and Al Sefton doing annual Devises/Westminster canoe race. Don't know how they fared. Hope you all have a good Xmas and happy new year
Sunday 9 December2018 - Halifax
Webmaster comments Thanks Dave, appreciated your comments - Seasons greetings |
| Keith | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Dave Naden - We have received a request from Dave Naden’s daughter for information about Dave’s life in 216 back in the 60/70’s. We know that Al Sefton and Dave were good mates but unfortunately Al is no longer with us so can anyone else add any info on Dave’s time in 216 or willing to speak with his daughter. Let me know on the usual link or drop a note on the website.
Sunday 9 December2018 - Worcestershire
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| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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Spoke to Ralph last night and he tells me Geoff Tidiman is fit and well,great news.Hope everyone is in the pink and keeping well.
Sunday 9 December2018 - Southport
Webmaster comments Always in the PINK Noddy |
| Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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As I am not one for Chritsmas cards (the wife did all that) I would like to wish all my friends I have on here a Very Merry and Happy Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2019
Wednesday 5 December2018 - Ryton. Tyne&Wear
Webmaster comments Greeting to you Brian |
| Wee Mac | Macdonald508~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Aye Wee Mac recalls it well, Noddies Dad (6 Abn Div) was a Sgt drill instructor and asked me to borrow my comb so that his wee boy could see the doc. I was worried in case the Nodwin had Lice !!!!! Great days Noddy. AAwwrrabest
Sunday 25 November2018 - Oz
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| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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Nostalgic week,it's over 60 years since I had the great pleasure of meeting Wee Mac. It was the winter of 1958 and we were both waiting to see the M.O. if my memory serves me well Mac was in 5 troop and I was in 4 troop. I never saw him again until late 59 when I arrived at Barossa Bks, he got there before me by a couple of months. Good memories and pleased to say I think we are both fit and well for 78 years old. Any more old memories out There?.
Saturday 24 November2018 - Southport
Webmaster comments I wonder if Wee Masc remembers the incident - he is getting on a bit !!! Who was the first guy you met in 216 |
| Tom Whiting | tomwhiting~AT~tiscali~DOT~co~DOT~uk |
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Hi All just catching up. in answer to Brian Earl's about Arnhem, I'm going with a party from Croydon PRA. i'm sorry I missed the date for the armistist commemoration name list and am surprised Sammy Rollings wasn't mentiond but would have included all the other given. One last thing has anylone heard of Barry Mills recently. Regards to All Tom Friday 16 November2018 - Croydon
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| Ray Duffy | Secretary~AT~216parasigs~DOT~org |
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I have had an enquiry regarding the well-being of Geoff Tidiman. Can anyone update me on his situation please?
Thursday 15 November2018 - York
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| Gus Emery | kenemery~AT~btopenworld~DOT~com |
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Jack Bagley the best TG Op ever.
Saturday 10 November2018 - Hampshire
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| Wee mac | Macdonald508~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Oops senior moment forgot Joe Doonan who could forget The Dukeman ??
Saturday 10 November2018 - Australia
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| Wee mac | Macdonald508~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Pete Thornton, Harry Madison, John Angus, Vic Zimmer oh! And Keith Weller
Friday 9 November2018 - Australia
Webmaster comments I hope you are having a good tip - thanks for the kind words!!! |
| Noddy Irwin | tonymidge~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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There are so many Keith but in addition to those mentioned already I would like to add Rod Cunningham and Ray Bohm.I will be in Dubai so I will wish all past and presant squadron lads a merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New year Billy & Midge
Thursday 8 November2018 - Southport
Webmaster comments Happy Christmas both - staying in the Pink I hope !!! |
| Terry Brown | terryvivbrown~AT~virginmedia~DOT~com |
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I would like to mention Clive Sullivan, Mick Andreou and Ron Tasker, RIP.
Thursday 8 November2018 - Whitley Bay
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| Dave Finer | davefiner216~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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Too many to mention sadly, Dave Naden, Al Sefton, Jess Harper, Kieth Harewood, Robbie Laing, Joe Baker, Eric Rose, Vic Zimmer, Dick Hamilton. RIP Bonny Lads!
Wednesday 7 November2018 - Hartlepool
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| Alan Hogg | alan~DOT~hogg2~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Would like to mention Harry Maddison Keith, he left us a good few years ago but I won't ever forget him, a thoroughly good egg as Tom Morrell would say
Wednesday 7 November2018 - Pateley Bridge
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| Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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I would like to mention Eric Rose and Ray Walton two people who I hold in great regard RIP my friends
Wednesday 7 November2018 - Ryton. Tyne&Wear
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| Larry Cardwell | Davidcardwell399~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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Too many to mention Keith, but could the great Matt McBirney be mentioned R.I.P. Matt. Thank you Keith.
Wednesday 7 November2018 - Longside
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| Keith Weller | keith~AT~keithweller~DOT~plus~DOT~com |
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Lest we forget our Comrades - If you would like to mention/remember someone who had an impact on your life in 216 please email their name to me and I will add them to the list on the website front page. Lets see how many we can get. All will be removed soon after Remembrance Sunday keithweller@216parasigs.org.uk Webpage https://www.216parasigs.org.uk/nav/indexx.htm Tuesday 6 November2018 - Worcestershire
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| Jimmy Campbell | jjc216~AT~talk21~DOT~com |
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Just a reminder for those attending Armistice at the NMA, that this year you need to book parking via their website. If you don't manage this you will need to use the park and ride system which may be very time consuming!!
Friday 26 October2018 - Burton on Trent
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| Brian Earl | earlbrian933~AT~gmail~DOT~com |
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Four of us are going to Arnhem next Sept.Myself,Chris White,Tom Moorhouse and Ricky Doherty are any of you old and bold going?
Wednesday 24 October2018
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| Noman Norrie HORTON | norman~DOT~horton3~AT~ntlworld~DOT~com |
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It was good to see a few familiar faces at Caythorpe this year, but sadly depleting every year. Thank you to Margaret and Stuart and all those who gave me a helping hand with my "chariot". Hope to see you next year if I can still struggle around
Friday 28 September2018 - Darlington
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| Jimmy Campbell | jjc216~AT~talk21~DOT~com |
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Hi All, Please let me know if you are planning to attend the NMA on Sunday 11th November and wish to be included in the Lunch afterwards. Probably be at Branston G&CC and cost no more than £20 per head. May also do something on Saturday night for those coming the day before. Regards, Jimmy Thursday 27 September2018 - Burton on Trent
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| Frank Kelly | fkelly3141~AT~aol~DOT~com |
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Don't get around much anymore,(don't know where I heard that!) But as Brian knows, I'm with you all in spirit (the amber liquid) lots of the time.RIP Taffy Boyles.My sincere condolences Colin. Thanks Noddy for your kind words !! My shirt hanging out? Never.My very best wishes to all of you.FRANK Thursday 20 September2018 - Hampshire
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| Gus | kenemery~AT~btopenworld~DOT~com |
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RIP. Taff. great friend from Barossa Bks. and a great help to Liz and I when we moved from Pegasus Village. Most likeable bloke for whom Rules were an enigma. The only Welshman I knew who could not sing. Wednesday 19 September2018 - Hampshire
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| Norman(Norrie) Horton | norman~DOT~horton3~AT~ntlworld~DOT~com |
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Very sad to hear of Taffs passing RIP Airborne warrior
Sunday 16 September2018 - Darlington
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| Jake Wade | robertwade16~AT~yahoo~DOT~com |
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RIP Taff.
Monday 10 September2018 - Walsall
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| Wee Mac | macdonald508~AT~btinternet~DOT~com |
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RIP Taff. Remember you in Barron’s Bks in 59/60. Bit wild but a character!
Wednesday 5 September2018 - Scotland
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