Only just found this thread!
We had a trip to York on Saturday and planned to treat ourselves with a visit to Betty’s, for a cup of tea and a bun. In the morning, on the way, we’d popped into Langlands garden centre, at Shiptonthorpe, where the better half wanted to look at plants…. I left her looking and went off to the gift section where I picked up a book – ‘Heroes of Bomber Command – Yorkshire’. Whilst flicking through, I found a photograph of Betty’s and reference to the mirror, which I’d not heard of before. It mentioned that there are nearly 600 signatures on the mirror, from airmen who’d been stationed locally. My Uncle was stationed at Breighton during the war, so this was not to be missed.
Anyway, enough of the pre-amble! We ended the day in Betty’s (highly recommended, if a little pricey – but well worth it) and sought out the mirror, which is downstairs in the old oak paneled bar near the toilets. We spent quite a time reading the names and then spoke to one of the waitresses, and asked if anybody had done any research on the names. She didn’t know, but said that somebody had listed all the names and asked if I would like to have a look at the list. I was thinking this was probably a regular occurrence and hoped she’d give me a photocopy, but she came back with an A4 binder for me to peruse. The names are arranged alphabetically (didn’t find my Uncle) and are mainly just names, but occasionally the airmen also included their unit and nationality… *** Sqd., RCAF, RAAF etc.
Two of my Son’s University mates work at Betty’s, so there is a chance that I could obtain a copy. I will also contact Betty’s to see if they have any objection to me posting the list on here. I’ll keep you updated.
Dean.
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