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Editorial and Photographs contributed by Greg PECK 53A Kingston Because
family naturally get first bite of the cherry-beret. Former Para Roy 'Dusty'
Ashman of Arborfield’s 42C intake had to be wined and dined in celebration of
his Barfday on the 20th May, two days prior to the actual event. A
special gathering of FEOFA was undertaken to ensure that his elevation to the
rarefied heights of octogenarianism was accorded the full ceremonial rites
due to a Brat of such vintage. A
good old fashioned beano at a very good restaurant had been on the cards but
alas and alack, the swines sold out to some mug punter that wanted to hire
the whole shebang for a wedding reception. Jipped, by the Cringe! Of the suggested venues that were offered
in lieu, Dusty and his good wife Kay decided that they would prefer a repast
laid on here in Yetaboon Barracks. So Maggie and I set about organising a
German feast, with kartoffelsalat and all the trimmings. George
Millie and wife Marion have company from overseas and are up-country at the
moment so they were excused boots. Reg Harper made it by the generous self
sacrifice of his good lady and his daughter, who elected to do the jobs
scheduled for his carpet cleaning business between them. Thus leaving him
free to front up, greater love hath no man than he wot see's his missus pick
up a shovel, so he can pi$$ it up with his mates. Phil Hutchinson and his missus drove down
from Cooroy and overnighted with us at chez Yetaboon.
The
group thus assembled saw Dusty presented with a superb gift of crystal
goblets, four in number and each graced with a badge that was relevant to
Dusty's time in a ginger suit. Namely AAS, original REME badge, Kings Crown
REME Badge and the Parachute Regiments badge. As
a bonus, Peter Jones. (Oz Pete from Townsville, another Para and devoted fan of
Dusty, laid on a beer cooler that carries instructions on how to leave a
perfectly serviceable aircraft and use a parachute.) Dusty said he could do
that standing on his head and (bless him) I rather think he might
have.... It
was through Peter's wife Dai that we purchased the We
had a very pleasant afternoon of it and it all went off as smooth as
clockwork, thanks to Maggie's excellent organisational skill with anything
culinary. Great day, great company and a good man in whose shadow it is a
privilege to walk.
Published: 1st June 2007 |
