Ben.

Maybe it’s a part of the British psyche? The way we react to adversity.

Or maybe it’s just because for those of us that knew him, this was Steve. I cannot remember ever meeting him without the hugest of grins on his face. “Hello mate, how you doing?” It wouldn’t be long then before, wherever we were, something would set him off and out would come the humour. It’s impossible not to remember him in this way. He was kind, he was considerate, he had a huge passion for the history of aviation, and he was funny.

I’m sorry you think it’s inappropriate. Like all who knew Steve, our lives are much the poorer for his passing. But I don’t want to remember him with sadness, I want to remember the man who brought true friendship to our lives, and to remember him as I personally knew him, a happy, funny guy who lived life to the full. I have, and will, shed tears for Steve. I’m pretty sure he’d like them to be tears of happiness, not sadness or regret.

Regards,

kev35

Bloke goes into a pub and there’s this black Labrador with a sign round his neck “For Sale….. £10.00 only.” The chap orders a pint and sits down and the Lab comes across and sits in front of him.

“Excuse me” says the Lab, “But would you mind awfully buying me a pint of bitter?”

Well, the chap nearly chokes on his pint but goes and buys the dog a drink. He returns to the table and gives the dog the pint.

“I can’t believe it, you can actually talk!”

“Oh yes” says the Lab, “That’s how I got into the Army. When they realised I could speak they sent me on operations in Ireland and then to work with MI5, MI6 and the CIA. I’ve met the Queen and was instrumental in saving President Clinton from an assassination attempt. Talking makes me thirsty, shall we have another pint?”

“Certainly” says the man. Two hours and several pints later the man has resolved to buy the Lab. After all, he had led such a fascinating life. The man was also impressed when the dog told him he limped because he was shot saving Prince William from a kidnap attempt.

So, the chap goes off to the bar and tells the landlord he’s interested in buying the dog. “Oh, aye” says the landlord, “that’d be grand.” “You do realise he can speak?” says the chap.

“Aye” says the landlord.

“Well why on earth are you selling him so cheap?” asks the man.

The landlord leans across the bar, and in a barely audible whisper, says…

“It’s because he’s such a bloody liar!”

I’ll get me coat, better take the lead too…..

Regards,

kev35

Andy.

One you might like is War Letters To A wife by Rowland Fielding.

Excellent read because being an Officer, his letters were uncensored.

Regards,

kev35

Comet.

I too can reccomend Angels and Demons. Thought it better than the Da Vinci Code. If you can, get hold of the illustrated hardback version. I think it’s only £20 unless you can still find it in a well known supermarket beginning with A where it was less than a tenner.

Regards,

kev35

There’s a photo in the British Press of the main fuel tank hitting a bird on launch which allegedly caused some damage. Apparently the crew were checking it out with cameras and sensors on the robotic arm.

Regards,

Kev35

Didn’t it hit a bird? You’d think the noise it generates on launch would keep any birds away.

Regards,

kev35

Peter, it’s ok.

I thought hard about deleting this thread. But I think Robbo is right, Steve would have had a damned good chuckle over this.

Regards,

kev35

Nice pictures.

It is a Scottish Aviation Bulldog. The logo on the tail is, I believe, that of the East Midlands University Air Squadron. I thought all the RAF’s Bulldogs had been retired by now, but this aircraft does not carry a civilian registration that I can see, so perhaps it is still in service.

Regards,

kev35