NOTICEBOARD Archive - USAF 2006 - Woodbridge, Suffolk

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Friday 29th of December 2006
Makayla (email: makaylap--at--hotmail.com)
Woodbridge Connection: Bentwaters RAF
Message: Looking for friends of my mom, Shirley DesJardins, who was at Benwaters from 1963-1965. She was married to Larry DesJardins and lived in Ipswich. Would like to hear from any of her friends from that time.

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Friday 22nd of December 2006
Felix E. Massaia (email: femassaia--at--comcast.net)
Woodbridge Connection: I was part of the 116th Fighter Squadron, USAF at Shepherds Grove (RAF Station, Stanton 1951-52. My family lived on station and in our free time we drove over much of the southeast UK in a 1952 Stdebaker. We have fond memobies of out stay there.
I retired from the the USAF during the Vietnam war, and went onto retire as A Foensic Clinical Psychologist after 20 years with the Waghington State Department of Corrections.
F. E. "Skip" Massaia
Now located: Olympia, Washington, USA

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Subject: Turn Cottage, Turn Lane
From: sheila--at--thehardmans.com
Name: Sheila
Message:
I live in Woodbridge for a happy year back in 1974 in Turn Cottage on Turn Lane. Sadly the few photographs I took were lost. I would dearly love it if someone somehow could provide some pictures of Turn Lane and that cottage. I'd love both current pictures and any dating from the mid-1970s. If I have submitted this request to the wrong forum, my apologies. Thank you!

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Subject: Friendship Baptist Church
From: hudsonpn--at--cox.net
Name: Phyllis Hudson
Message:
My husband was was stationed at RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge,he is Maj. Gerald R. Hudson, Ret., otherwise known as Jerry Hudson. He was in the Communication Squadron, stationed at the twin bases until they closed.
During the three years we were there, we were members of the almost totally American, Friendship Baptist Church, located behind the mental hospital in Melton. When we all moved away, the church closed. So, for all the former members, can you show pictures of what the church and surrounding area look like today. Also, I would like to know what is planned for the church and Sunday School Building.
Thanks, Phyllis Hudson

[I'm working on it - Linn Barringer]

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Tuesday 26th of September 2006
Yvonne Hernandez (email: gingerbreadfam@comcast.net)

Woodbridge Connection: I used to live in the big red house across the street from the Green Man Pub in Tunstall in 1991.

Now located: I now live in Sanger, California, USA

Message: I would like to see some more pictures of the big red house across the street from the Green Man Pub in Tunstall. I know the house has a lot of history to it. I now have three sons and they are interested in seeing the house I used to live in.

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Friday 22nd of September 2006
Ronald Schmeling (email: rrschmeling-at-lycos.com)

Woodbridge Connection: First AF assignment 81st Supply SQ EMO at RAF Bentwaters Aug 75 thru Aug 77 and bartended at Phantom Club.

Now located: Pewaukee Wisconsin

Message: Great first assignment - loved USAFE football, never missed a game - Mexican Club made the best burritos at the games. Played darts every Friday afternoon in the shop after waxing floors with shop - Sgt Flannigan, Gerald N. Clancy III, SSgt Joe Morgan.

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Friday 22nd of September 2006
Ronald Schmeling (email: rrschmeling-at-lycos.com)

Woodbridge Connection: First AF assignment 81st Supply SQ EMO at RAF Bentwaters Aug 75 thru Aug 77 and bartended at Phantom Club.

Now located: Pewaukee Wisconsin

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Saturday 16th of September 2006
John Dowd (email: John_D8<at>verizon.net)
Woodbridge Connection: 7519th Communications Squadron - Comm Ops
Now located: Location Tampa, Fl
Message:
Was at Woodbridge and Bentwaters 1959 thru 1963. Looking for John Montgomery/Teletype Maintenance - Was also station at RAF Chicksands 1973-1976.

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Friday, September 15, 2006
Subject: Was once Stationed at Bentwaters/WB
From: mainecraig2004<at>msn.com
Name: Craig Brewster
Message:
Like to hear from locals who might like to write, who might have been around in 1970s. Also retired USAF local Brits.

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Tuesday 18th of April 2006
Allan Davidson (email: USAFMSC<at>att.net)
[email failing when last checked, February 2008 - Website Admin]
Woodbridge Connection: Served at RAF Woodbridge from August 1954 to June 1956 as a Control Tower Operator, now called Air Traffic Controllers. Since my records showed that I knew how to "type" (no computers in those days) I was also assigned as a Clerk Typist, believe it or not. In those days commanders and first sergeants could pretty much get away with anything!!
Now located: Rockledge, FL
Message:
This was my first and only overseas assignment on my first enlistment. I have only good memories of my tour and met many wonderful people both on and off base. I was asssigned to the 1264-1 AACS Detachment. Our squadron was at RAF Bentwaters. Even though things were pretty much "bare base" compared to what the troops have today I really did have a good tour. I kept in touch with a few people when I came back to the states but have been out of touch with anyone for years. I would like to hear from anyone who has served there.

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Friday 14th of April 2006
John Dowd jdowd8<at>tampabay.rr.com 1959 thru 1963
Now Florida
Message:
Was stationed at Woodbridge and bentwaters from1959 thru 1963. very happily married to an Ipswich Lady for the past 43 years was with the 705th comm gp, 603rd comm gp, 7519thcomm gp

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Friday 14th of April 2006
Bob Snyder bobsnyder<at>cfl.rr.com 81st SPS
Now Kissimmee, Florida
Message:
Loved living in Woodbrige,Felixstowe and even Ipswich. Looking for friends from the 70's who where stationed with me.

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From: jerry harrington - radar<at>metrocast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 12:56 AM
Subject: My association with Woodbridge
My association with Woodbridge in the 70's included such stalwart citizens as Dr Claude Imrie, Mr. Charles Doy ( I think he was the Postmaster), Carl Giles. The fine folks I met in my time there due to the good fortune of being a member of the American Air Force. There was electric commotion about in the 70's and the place to be was the Bell or the Bull... no TV, no music machines, just cerebral discourse to keep the patrons interested. At one time within the Bell and Steelyard I shared philosophies with members of the UDL, IRA, SAS and of course I was "the yank in the corner". I met and shared a pint with gentlemen that sent your Spits up against the German, one John Conley (sp) an English teacher and a chap that was named Charles that owned a moving company. My extreme fortune to have known these gentlemen allowed me to have a rich and enlightening visit over the 3 years in Woodbridge. Here is a picture of the cartoon given to me by Giles. I miss England. I will return.

Carton by Giles The Story of the “Giles” Cartoon
About mid January 1976, after work, I went to a pub in Woodbridge, Suffolk to meet some friends and chat. While the evening wore on a patron at the bar bumped into me and accidentally spilt a drink. He apologized, exchanged some pleasantries and offered to buy me a drink to replace the one he toppled. After refusing and brushing it off, a moment or two later a drink appeared in front of me and Rosemary Wood, the pub owner mentioned that it was from “Giles over there” and I should accept. I did and thank him again for the kindness. At this time I did not know who “Giles” was and we along with the other people I had met continued our talks. Some of our talks touched on Giles’ fondness of the Yanks for the kindness shown in the war years and some of our conversations touched on the present "Concorde" talks that were at a stall in the states. From time to time into the following days I would see him at the pub (The Bell & Steelyard) in Woodbridge and we would chat. He was a nice, friendly gentleman and our talks ranged from politics to infinity and covered many subjects. In March or April of 1976, as I entered the pub, the owner, Rosemary called me over to the side of the bar and showed me a package that arrived a few days before, addressed to me in care of the pub. I opened the package and saw the cartoon of the January 19, 1976 edition that appeared in the Express. It appeared to be the original said Rosemary, and it was signed at the bottom, “Best wishes, Giles”. Mrs. Woods (Rosemary) told me that he does not part with the originals lightly, and that I must be high on his list to get such an unsolicited gift out of the blue. I acknowledged the gift and our lives went on from there, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet him.
Jerry Harrington

Note: The cartoon caption reads "Anyone living in this bit of rural England will deeply sympathise with New Yorkers over Concorde."

Thursday 02/23/2006 4:29:29pm
Name: Carole Moseley
Email: carole.moseley<at>btinternet.com
Town:
Message: Would be interested in hearing from anyone who knows anything about my ancestors Anna Manthorp born 1859 and George Manthorp born 1832 innkeeper of the Queens Head, in Seckford Street.

Saturday 02/18/2006 2:41:03am
Name: Judy Soanes Simmons
Email: ging0317<at>wf.quik.com
Town: Wichita Falls, Texas, USA
Message: Born and raised in Norfolk/Suffolk moving to Ipswich in 1947; married 11/1958, emigrated to present location in 1960; have one sister living in Waldringfield, Nr. Woodbridge; another sister living in Ipswich, Suffolk; other family members in area.

Thursday 02/09/2006 11:21:35pm
Name: Victor Rouse
Email: bvrouse<at>shaw.ca
Town: Victoria, Canada
Message: My father was born in Ipswich in 1907. However, we have photos of his parents and older brother who apparently lived on Seckford Street in Woodbridge at the turn of the century.
My grandfather's name was Sidney Rouse and his father's name was Ebenezer.
My grandmother's maiden name was Vine (Ethel) and her, I believe, adopted parents ran a pub in this same area with a horse mentioned in the name of the pub.
We hope to go to this area sometime in the near future and follow up the above.
Thanks for your web site.
Vic Rouse

Thursday 02/09/2006 1:27:51am
Name: Barry Bertocki
Email: bgbert<at>verizon.net
Town: New Kensington, PA USA
Message: Born in Ipswich to GI father and Woodbridge mother. I was stationed at RAF Chicksands (Beds) in 70's. Visited Woodbridge in 1995. Had a wonderful time with my Aunt & Uncle, Max and Jean Creasey.

Monday 01/23/2006 5:12:39am
Name: Venetia Kathleen Harrington
Email: lonsdale1<at>dodo.com.au
Town: Terrigal 2260 New South Wales AUSTRALIA
Message: We spent 3 lovely days staying in Woodbridge, we had our evening meal at the Kings Head Pub. Woodbridge is just the way I expected an English village to be, just lovely with its winding streets & beautiful Flowers & the Tide Mill, which I have a very old painting of on my Bedroom wall, this belonged to my late Husband's Mother, & very friendly people.
I will be back, I hope, all being well.
Regards Venetia Harrington

Tuesday 01/03/2006 6:07:02am
Name: Valmay Lewis ( nee Tilling)
Email: valmay.lewis<at>dodo.net.au
Town: Ambarvale NSW Australia
Message: My father was born in Woodbridge and I'am very interested in its history my Grandparents lived in Melton Hill Woodbridge.

Tuesday 12/27/2005 8:58:52pm
Name: Scot Raymond Maxwell
Email: maxwell7<at>msn.com
Town: Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Message: You have quite the website!! Someday when I become rich... ha... I hope to see it for myself. I was born there in the 81st tactical hospital in May of 1963, somewhere in the area...? I have part of a copied birth certificate and would like to get a certified copy of the original but can't seem to find a way... If someone reads this and feels pity on me, and knows how to achieve this, please please please let me know. If by some greater miracle you knew a staff seargent Raymond Maxwell and his wife Wanda Sue, by all means, please let me know. Thank you and may God Bless you!