Nigel Dale
Heard of this site from a friend in Virgin, and found it as a link to the Dan Air Site! I worked in Ramp Services, Passenger Handling and Cargo for both BUA/BCAL/BA from 1966 to 1990. Very glad to see this site as a tribute to BCAL THE AIRLINE as far as I am concerned. I have great memories of Gatwick and see the names of a number of colleagues on this site. Look forward to renewing old friendships and well done for getting this going
Tony Dando
Great to see a site about BCAL. Was with BCAL Helicopters (BCHL) from its inception in 1979, became Chief Pilot in 1984 and was there at the very end in Aberdeen in November 1987 when we were sold off prior to the BA takeover. Now retired, but my happiest career memories span those 9 years - a great bunch of people to work with! Greetings to Nigel Elliott!!
Peter Daniels
Joined BCal from the RAF in 1978 ending up on the DC10 for ten years such wonderful memories of the best colleagues in aviation. Retired from BA in 98 and joined GB airways retired to a farm in Norfolk 2003.Married to Hazel nee Bonnar who was a BCAL No1. Thank you Sir Adam and all my friends for such a brilliant life'.
Sandra Darlow Nee Beeson
I really miss BCAL and would love to attend a reunion sometime. I worked for Ray Dobson, Personnel & Industrial Relations Director from 1971 until he died in and then worked for the Chairman and MD until 1989. Loved every hectic minute and didn't want BA to make me redundant!! would like to hear from anyone who remembers me".
Caroline Davenport (morrice)
Good to stumble on your website. I was an ops officer for BCAL helicopters in ABZ in the early 1980s but am now a primary teacher in Leicestershire (quite a change!)
Paula Davies Joined BCAL in 1970 flew for a time then worked on ground at Edi a/p. Would love to hear from old friends.
Bob Davis
Aviation enthusiast, referred by good friend, retired Capt, BAC 111, VC10, Viscount, DC3, etc, etc, etc
Sharon Davis (Now Rowe)
I was in Passenger Services LGW from 78 until I moved to Dubai in 1983. Then continued with BCAL in Dubai until the merger. Love to hear from anyone I might know.
Richard A Dawson
Great site. I was a part of 'the team' from the early days as Caledonian, thru to the BA "merger" and well beyond. BCAL was without a doubt the most family company I have worked for.
Brian Day
I joined BUA in 1969 as a Sales Rep., went on to become Cargo Sales Manager, South America and then Cargo Sales Manager, North America, before taking early retirement in 1982 after my job was made redundant in the North American sales shake-up. I have remained in the industry in a number of roles and locations, and during the course of my travels around the world have met a surprising number of people who remember BCal as the best airline they ever flew with. We certainly seem to have known how to take care of our customers (I am allowed to say that, having spent most of my time in cargo!). I am currently helping to set-up a new national airline in the Caribbean, not a very bright thing to be doing at a time of record fuel prices and economic gloom, but when was the time ever right? If anyone in North/South America feels motivated to clamber out of their recliner and lend a hand, please get in touch. We may not be able to create another BCal, but we can have a lot of fun trying and the weather's usually better than at Gatwick!
Simon Day
Please add me to your crew list I flew as a steward and No1 from 1984 to 1989 marrying another BCAL girl Judith silversides and would love to hear from any ex crew Please keep and develop this web site BCAL was definitely in a league of its own. Regards Simon Day.
Vanessa de Bruin
I joined BCal in 1980 as cabin crew and they were definitely the best airline, I had such fun and met so many great colleagues. I was really proud of their image and very sad when they merged with BA. I left BA in 1991 to have a family. After a couple of years I wanted to get back to work, and tried to be sensible and worked in “normal” jobs (!) but the lure of the airline industry beckoned, so eventually I worked on the ground with Air France from Heathrow and then Aviance from Southampton.
I hadn’t got the bug for flying out of my system so then I joined GB Airways as cabin crew, plus did recruitment. I did not stay when EasyJet took them over, (here we go again!!) tried corporate executive flying but not mad about that so finally last year rejoined BA as cabin crew!! It’s great to see some of my dear BCal colleagues there and I would love to hear from anyone from the past.
Diane & Tony Dean The lion still roars in our hearts!
Caroline Demonchy
Flew with BCAL from February 1976 till the-bitter- end! Still with B.A-under duress-but not for much longer! One very English daughter, me living in France-Loire Valley, running Rentals and French Courses, married to Mad French Writer... Once a Frog... I guess! Many fond memories of BCAL -kept one great poster, lots of photos and all my uniforms, stayed in touch with several great friends, and of course happy to hear from anyone who remembers me!
Pam Derrick (now Watkns)
Cabin Crew from 1970-1974. Great memories from happy days. Now working for BA Passenger Services in Terminal 4 LHR - come and say hello if you're passing through! Also involved in recruitment of customer service agents for T1 & T4, so if anyone needs a job ...... !! Excellent website - look forward to the next reunion.
Rob Derr
Worked for BCAL from 82-88, then got merged with BA. Still there, just! I remember joining Schedules Planning in Jan '82, on a 6 month contract, Lakers went belly-up, Falklands war, survival plans, didn't think I'd be there long!! Funny how time flies. Sorry to hear about Sir Adam.
Mike Desborough
As a self confessed STEWBUM of the seventies and dare I say frustrated pilot i'm glad I found the Caledonian site. many happy memories of Rio, Dakar and the DC10 and 1-11 never had the pleasure of the 747 but that's life .... cheers Des
Elaine Deverson (Now de Bairacli Levy)
Joined BCAL February 1972( Ab Initio 6 I think?), and left to get married in 1974. In those days it was frowned upon to be married and fly although I must admit I was tempted to do so. I really missed flying and it took a while to stop dreaming of flights, people and places. The training was second to none and has set a good standard for my career since (always well prepared). I can still remember being told to take my hair down as my hat didn’t fit very well on the top of my hairstyle. What happy times! Yes, it was hard work (sometimes) but as I was mostly on the South American routes, it’s difficult to remember those times and not dwell on times spent skiing in the mountains in Chile or swimming off the beach at Rio. Anyone remember the little quail eggs served at the Churrasceria Jardim before all that lovely spit roast meat or the island off Rio I think it was called Pakata. We used to go across on the ferry and as there was no motorised transport allowed on the island we used to hire a bike, have a very liquid lunch and then attempt to ride around the island. What about the Lungi Hilton (Freetown) ? Would love to hear from anyone
Jacqueline Dillmann ex meliani 16/01/11 Thank you very much for creating this site...a great idea
Mansel Dinnis
As a ‘renegade’ from British Airways (there were a few of us), I served as BCAL Sales Manager in Scotland from 1983 to 1988 working with the legendary Gordon Mason. Initially, my boss was UK Sales Manager, Chris Gilbert, followed by Rohan Alce after Chris joined American Airlines. I also had a ‘dotted line’ responsibility to Richard Havers who did such a marvellous job in improving the BCAL UK domestic operation. After the takeover by BA, we stayed on in Scotland and I worked on a freelance basis with United Airlines (David Coltman, Graham Atkinson and Simon Johnson) before taking over the administration of the Scotway independent travel group. Among other things, I now run my own training operation specialising in sales and presentation skills - does anyone remember ‘A Piece Of Sky’, the gold lame trousers and the roller skates? We moved back to Yorkshire in 2000 after 17 years in Scotland. There are so many names in your guest-book I remember with affection and I would be very pleased to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Paula Dockrill (nee Bonning)
I joined Caledonian in 1963 as one of only 12 stewardesses. Left in 1964 when I emigrated to the USA. During my time with the company I lived with two great girls, Kay McAllister and Katy Ross, and had many tours with Christine Bonner and Marjorie McEarchran. Can't remember all the girls names (its an age thing!) but would love to hear from anyone who was around at that time. Paula Dockrill (nee Bonning)
Jack Doherty
Sadly we lear that Jack Doherty, who was a chief steward with Caledonian Airways back in the 1960’s, has passed away. Jack lived in Furnace Green, Crawley. He went into catering and latterly he worked in the Virgin lounge at Gatwick. Jack passed away on 31/01/11 at the age of 77.
Susie Douglas-Smith (nee Fourneau)
I joined BCAL in August 1980 and stayed until the bitter end, when I continued working for BA out of Heathrow until 1998. I believe my friend, Jette Boysen, and I were about the only Danish girls working for BCAL at the time. I have many fond memories of my travels, especially the Christmas trips. One in particular stuck in my mind, as the baggage handlers managed to forget to load my friend’s suitcase, and we had to share my clothes all week. The hotel in the Seychelles had also made a cock up with the room reservations, which meant we had to share rooms. The hotel felt so bad, that all food and drinks was free for the whole week. The icing on the cake was the double allowances we got paid, as we had to ‘double up’. The year long adventure with Sabena to Atlanta was also great fun, and proved a source of amusement to passengers, who all wanted to sit on the side of the aircraft where the tartan clad cabin crew were working! Might make it to the reunion on the 12th this year, as I have the afternoon off and also the following day. Jette might come over from Denmark to join in the fun. Wish I had kept the long tartan we had to wear during the meal service in First Class.
Pam Dove
Very sadly Pam passed away on Wednesday 5th January 2011 after a recurrence of melonoma which had been halted after a minor skin operation some time ago, however it returned in July 2010. Pam worked in BUA Reception and is remembered as a delightfully unassuming person, and liked by all, recalls Jon Theobalds.
Penny Dudley (nee Hull) 19/08/11
I was with BCAL from 1974 until 1981 and have fond memories of my time there. It was like one big family. My first 4 years were spent in the payroll dept under ‘Tubby’ Butterworth and Eileen Dewar. The last for years were spent in Engineering as an assistant to Wally Hargreaves the Technical Writer. We set up the Microfilm Unit where all the engineering manuals used in the hangars were in microfilm and/or microfiche format. Regarded now as old fashioned I think. I also knew a Freddie (possibly called Hargreaves – but no relation to Wally) Then there was Brian Payne – the weights and measures man. Paul Hatcher, Bill Buss, Doug Empleton of the drawing office and Gerry Farnsworth. Eric (cannot remember his surname) replaced Wally and like him, was a good boss.
Chris Dunmore Pam Pettifer (formerly Dunmore)
Does anyone remember Chris Dunmore who sadly died of cancer in 1993? I have a signed copy of Adam Thompson's book in my drawer which he dedicated to Chris. Unfortunately Chris never saw it as another wonderful man Chris Whittle brought it to him in the Hospice the night before he died. Chris missed B.Cal. so much when it closed and got a job for a while with British Midland Airways, but it was never the same. I just wanted to mention him on the site and see if anyone remembered him.
Martin Dunn
Greetings. It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Sir Adam Thompson. Please pass on my condolences to his family. I am proud to have been one of the engineers who maintained the fleet. casualty shift, hangar three, Gatwick 1985 to 1988. I have yet to find an airline that comes anywhere close to the spirit of "BCAL".
Charles Durman
Met some "old" friends at LGW yesterday one of whom told me about this great site. Greetings to those who remember me. I worked in passenger service (Ticket Desk) 1972 - 78
Pat & Jane Durnan
I flew from the Cale days on Britt's, 707's and DC-10's as a Flight Engineer until BA takeover, and Jane, maiden name Meller, flew as a stewardess on Britt's, 1-11's and 707's until 1980. Many happy memories of Britts, 707's, 1-11's and DC-10's. Lovely to see so many familiar names. 1966 - 1987. Wonderful Days!
Dick Dyer Would be pleased to hear from anyone who knew me at BCAL.
Geoff Earlam
Employed from 1969 as a training Captain, on BAC 111 until the BA takeover. Spent the next few years with BA until my retirement in 1989. Loved every day with BCAL which was a highly efficient airline but with that wonderful comradery feeling which is rarely found in many companies. Everyone seemed content and happy and I will have fond memories of the company and the people for ever. Now living a fairly active life in Henfield West Sussex .playing lots of golf. Fond regards to all my ex colleagues.
W Earle Just seeing that rampant lion brought a tear to my eye I was with BCal from 1964 to 1983 and loved every moment of it [Big. E.]
Gail Ebling. (Now Williams)
Love the BCAL site....I was with BCAL / BA from Jun 1979-Oct2001 when I took the early retirement offered by BA. I worked as a ticket agent at IAH, a sales rep in Houston , A sales rep in NY, a lead agent at JFK, and finally a Supervisor in ATL . My years with BCAL (especially IAH and JFK) were some of the best of my life. and the friends I met were the greatest....I'm married now and my Husband and I live between Atlanta and Lake Lure N.C. ....... Miss you all and would love to hear from my old friends......Gail
Eric Anthony Edwards
My Father's name was Eric Anthony Edwards, he worked for British Caledonian at Gatwick as an Aircraft Fitter, often on the "Ghost Shift" sometime around late 70's early 80's. He was fond of Mini's and had quite a sense of humor. If anyone remembers him and would like to send me a story or two I would be very greatful. He has since passed away, I grew up listening to his stories about working at BCal and would love to hear more. A message from Michael Edwards, Eric's son.
Tina Edwards
I joined Cal/BUA in June 1971 and stayed until the end of June 1986. They were the best 15 yrs of my life and I will never forget the BCAL "family". I worked in Reservations from 1971 to 1980 and CRC from 1981 to 1986. After leaving BCal I went to Air Seychelles as their Reservations Manager and then on to my last posting at BAA at Gatwick. Now retired and still living in Horsham. If anyone remembers me please e-mail.
Nigel Elliot
Very sad to hear about Sir Adam. I worked for BCAL in Gatwick from 1971 till 1980, then BCAL Helicopters in Aberdeen until 1986. Glad to see the memories are all still there to so many!
Jancis Elphick (nee Carr) Peggy
G'Day to any old colleagues from the BCAL Ticket Desk/Passenger Services in the good ole 80's.What great fun it was eh!! Best Airline ever! Really miss those days and all my wonderful friends. Believe it or not I'm still in Oz and would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. Talk to you real soon.
Hazel English 09/12/10
I joined B-Cal in January 1985 as cabin crew- still flying, though now at Heathrow with BA. Great website - lovely to see some familiar names. Undeniably - I'm a B-Cal girl at heart.
Derek and Cherry Epps
Just shows that Caledonian and BUA merged in more ways than one when Cherry and I got married. Real trip down memory lane reading contributions. Derek now with DHL having taken the money and got out of BA just in time, Cherry at Epsom Hospital (God help you if you fall ill!!!) Regards to all
Jim Erickson 11/2008 I worked for Phil Bowell at JFK. Thanks for bringing back fond memories.
Sylvia Esparza
It was wonderful to see the site -- brought fond memories, it was nice to see familiar names on the list. I started with BCAL in 1980 / IAH - now with BA . For those who remember me, I would love to hear from you.
Amélia Etherington (Now Lourenço)
It was great to see this site started. Although many years have passed and many a turn life has taken, I will never forget those days with BCAL. The pride, the companionship, the joy of working with such an airline. I joined the airline in 83 and for the last two years of BCAL's life worked in the Lounge at LGW, continuing with BA until 88, when I left. I now live in Portugal and became a Solicitor. If there is anyone out there who remembers me I would love to hear from you. Please, get in touch.
Keith Evans (on behalf of Geoff) 28/12/11 Updated Email
I am writing this on behalf of my father, Geoff Evans (sadly now passed away) - who worked in Crew Planning for Caledonian/BCAL from 1966 until his retirement in 1985. I know he was very proud of his days at Caledonian, and would love to be remembered on this site. Please email me if you knew my father.
Michael Evans Joined BUA in 1969 and was an Engineer with BCAL until BA took over.
Tim Evans BCAL, 1985-88 the best job I ever had!
Lisa Ewing (Now Pegler)
I worked for Caledonian Airways from 1968, stayed with them through the changes to British Caledonian Airways until the end of May 1980. In June of that year I married an Australian and have spent the rest of my time in Australia, outside Sydney, still involved in the Tourism Industry. My name was Lisa Ewing throughout my flying days. I started as a Junior Hostess going through the ranks to Super Chief. I still keep in touch with Roy Shaw who is now retired from flying. He does not have an email address.
Ric Fagg
Joined BCAL in 1973, left in 1988 after 'merger'. Worked in Revenue Accounting, MIS, Planning and Marketing. Currently working with Continental and Menzies Aviation as consultant. I am still in touch with Mike Cusack, Peter Smith and Malcolm Bromham (and a few others) at Menzies; and Mike Carter at CO. Great to see so many familiar names and remember, for better or worse, what the airlines used to be like.
John Fairclough
Delighted to add my name to so many wonderful colleagues of the past and muse about my life with such a stunning employer- BCAL. Was lucky enough to be sponsored by BUA in '65 and sent to Blackpool to fly Dakotas and Heralds. Then the real fun started and went to LGW IN '68. Flew 1-11's , B707's, DC-10's and classic B747's and finally B747-400's. Retired in Aug 2000 and don't regret a thing! Many fond memories brought back to life through your pages but, on a more sombre note, I'm sure many of you will be saddened to learn of the death of my ex wife, Elaine, nee Woodburn, who passed away in April 2007 after along struggle. Anyone who wishes to contact me thru the web, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
Bill Familton Great to see some of the old names from the past. Certainly brings back some memories from my Load Control days.
Chris Farbridge
Joined BCAL in 1974,many fond memories of working for the best airline. Joined B.A Security on the merger in 1988. In 1991 B.A sold off their security at LGW to Aviation Defence, and I re-joined B.A in 1994 in World cargo at LGW. Currently Operations Manager British Airways World cargo LGW.
Steve Farrer
Joining BCAL in the early 80s as a staff bus driver and working my way up to ops I would love to hear from any of the old team. Remember if you wanted to know anything MT boys always had the latest news. ps if you are out there walnut brain give us a call
John Faulkner
My name is Leonie Chapman (nee Faulkner). I am writing this on behalf of my father John Faulkner.
My Dad worked at Gatwick from 1953-1988 as an Aircraft Engineer, he is looking for his best mate Bryan John who also worked for BUA, BCal, and then went to Dubai, to work on private jets for the Royals, We last had contact 5yrs ago, but have not heard of anything since. My dad will soon be 70, it wood make his day if we could find him. We moved from Horley to North Yorkshire after he retired, now my father potters around doing up farm and lawn Machinery. If anyone remembers my dad and wants to get in touch, please e-mail and i will pass it on
Karen Faulkner (now McEwan)
I have just found the website, joined BCAL May '77 Ab 9. Brings tears to my eyes, what a lovely time we had. I still keep in touch with quite a few BCAL girls, will tell them about the site. Wonderful, just wonderful! The TV advert still makes me giggle, oh and very proud to have been part of such a great airline.
Freddy Fenton
I worked @ LGW from 1965-1968 and YYZ 1968-1978 ending up as YYZ Station Manger. In the 70's YYZ was one of the busiest stations in the world sometimes with 5 or 6 B707's a day in the summer. I "grew up "in the CA/BCAL family and many people used to come and stay @ the 'FENTON INN" having some great parties both their and the old Skyline Hotel I am still in Canada and would love to hear from anyone that remembers "young Freddy". Hope to hear from my many many old friends
Karen Fernando (nee Turnbull) Nov 2008
I joined B-Cal a couple of years before the merger with BA. Long haul Gatwick, then Short haul Heathrow. Then transferred to tickets and reservations. Completed 13 years service in all. Said goodbye to airline life 11 years ago and have been a make up artist since. Really miss it, have to make do with trips to Brooklands Museum with my plane mad 4 year old son to see the ex-B-Cal VC10 that now lives there!! Maybe he will be a pilot for BA, who knows!
Susana Ferrario (From Brian Russell) Susana Remembered
Susana Ferrario joined BCal as a Rio based Air Hostess circa 1976. In 1977 she moved back to Buenos Aires when BCAL opened their crew base. She married Brian Russell from Passenger Services in 1978 and became part of the Cabin Crew Briefing unit until March 2000 (as Susana Russell) when she left the company to accompany Brian to postings in Tripoli, Caracas and then Houston.
If anyone remembers Susana and has a story or just wants to acknowledge a memory of her; Brian is putting together photos from that era for their son Andrew and he would be happy to include any. Please send Brian an email at csrci@earthlink.net please include Susana in the subject line so that it can bypass Brian's email firewall
Update: Sadly we learn that Susana passed away on 30th July, she was very poorly with advanced Alzheimer’s. But Brian would still appreciate any memories or recollections to still be sent through.
Jane Field
Have just stumbled on this site. It's great to see so many old names and how fondly everyone remembers their time at Cale. I started in 76 with Mike Adams and Bob Simmonds in IR in Hangar 1,then went on to work for Bob Coleman in Operations and finally worked for Nic Boize, who I see is mentioned quite a bit, on the 3rd Floor in Caledonian House and finally left in 83 to run a pub. Well done for keeping the memories alive - best wishes to all my old colleagues.
Ken Fielding
Well done, what a terrific site. I was an ex British Eagle man who joined the 'original' Caledonian in February 1969. Along with Roy Marshall, Jim Spalding, Tim Gibson (and many others) we set up Caledonian's Passenger Handling Unit at Gatwick, using our old Eagle Traffic manuals. After some time in Ops (with Roger Wood) and Crewing on the 7th floor at Sussex House, I found myself 'running' Manchester during the summer charters and working 'overseas' during the winter. I became Airport Superintendent for the start of New York services in '73 and stayed for another 14 years (I guess I must have like it!) until I moved across to Calair in 1987 as Manchester Base Manager. I'm still living in Manchester. After 15 years with Emirates I decided to retire in 2005. I haven't had time to be bored and I'm currently putting all my aircraft photo's onto my website, over 6,000 photo's online now and I'm only up to 1999! Wherever you go, you always meet someone who worked for BCAL. They were good and happy days.
Elizabeth Feijó de Figueiredo
I joined Caledonian in 1975.Prior,I was air-hostess with Varig.I left BCal in 1977 in order to go to Deutsche Lufthansa A.G. I was based in Rio de Janeiro, but I was the only Brazilian on my training course in Gatwick. I would love to meet some colleagues, as Sylvia Beats, Carole Sinclair, Peter Oliveira,but maybe they married and I have no idea of their surnames now. Both girls were at my training. Sylvia Beats old address was Station Rd, Redhill and Carole Sinclair old address: Lonesome Lane, Woodhatch-Reigate. I would love to hear from them, if anyone knows them, please drop me a line.
Ron Fink
Great site!! I worked for BCAL from 1982 to 1988 at DFW airport. It was a sad day when BA took BCAL away from us all. Our friend is gone but not forgotten.
Pete Finlay 18/01/12 Updated entry
I joined BCal from the RAF in 1980 as a Flight Engineer on Boeing 707s, then onto the DC-10 for 4 years, before flying the Boeing 747 from 1987. Then, like many of us, I became a 'Prisoner of War' in April 1988 when British Airways took us over! I carried on with them on the Boeing 747 before ending up on Concorde.
I took early retirement in 2005 and I now spend my time in retirement giving lectures and talks on British Cruise ships, which is turning into a full time occupation!
We still plan on building our own house up in Scotland, probably in the next 2 or 3 years. I can honestly say that the years I spent with B Cal
were the best I ever spent in my 30 year flying career, and the people I worked *for* and worked *with* were some of the best in Civil Aviation. Shame BCal never ordered any Concorde! ex B Cal Flight Engineer 1980 - 1988
Barry Firmin
Group finance from 1974 to 1986. Lots of memories, mainly good. Learnt a lot, great apprenticeship in financing aeroplanes which paid dividends later. Now retired but in contact with several past colleagues. Anyone remember me ?
Frances Firmin (nee Lightfoot)
I joined BCAL in April 1970 and stayed until 1984 when I left after several years as a "Superchief" on the DC10. What wonderful times we had, such parties and such fun, totally outrageous so often. After flying I started to take life a tad more seriously and did a Law Degree and have now been working as a qualified solicitor and in house lawyer in the financial services industry for fifteen years. Its not as dull as it might sound! I met my husband in March 1992 and we were married in September that year. We live in Horsham but are looking forward to retiring shortly and moving to somewhere west of Bournemouth to a house with a view and space for me to have a tractor. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Michael (Mick) Fletcher 09/10
I joined BUA in July 1966 in the small Cargo department at Gatwick and moved to Heathrow in 1969 where I stayed until 1986 having helped to develop our BCAL Cargo and third party handling business. Made so many friends amongst our customers, other airlines and colleagues and still in contact with them today. Back to Gatwick in 1986 to work with David Brooksbank and continued with BA until 1991 managing and developing their Express business product, Speedbird Courier. Joined a private Distribution company, Crossflight, which was fantastic before taking up a Director position with the Swiss Post Office in 2003 where I stayed for five years. Thought about a rest in 2008 but in the summer was invited to the Board of Crossflight and am still there today enjoying it very much. Wherever I go and whoever I see in this industry there is always a very warm welcome and often great support for us BCAL people and whenever I meet BCAL people its just like we were working together yesterday! Truly unique, never to be repeated, the memories will live forever.
Graham Flowerdew
Joined BCAL in ’78 and left after the merger. Joined Caledonian Airways, then Monarch and finally US Airways in Boston. Returned to the UK following 9/11. I am still working but not in the aviation industry. It is great to see some familiar names from the past. Please feel free to contact me. Great website, keep up the good work.
Paul Fogg
I joined BCAL in May 1976 as a steward, working on BAC 1-11, 707's and then graduated to DC 10 when they arrived. Also had a great time on the leased 747 from BA - Paddy McZulu, to serve Houston. Did the ocassional horse freighter flight as well... They were, as everyone says, the very best days of my life. Whilst flying I was given the opportunity to have a go at sales - Alan Painter's 'Sales Blitz', using uniformed staff to try and get more business from companies throughout the UK. Even the tough nosed buyers would see a 'Caledonian Girl' without an appointment. Moved into Southern England Sales for a while, and then was tempted away into hotels. Still at Gatwick though. Have stayed in contact with David Williams since leaving BCAL, so get the gossip from him. Looking forward to the 40 year reunion.
Keith Forrest
1978-1983 LHR Import Cargo & LHR Cargo Sales. Probably the only person to have been hired by BCAL for the ability to pull on a set of football boots but you’d probably have to ask Mick Fletcher about that one. In case you missed it at the time, BCAL was the best airline football team at LHR and regularly walloped British Airways as well as anyone else who’d show up to take their licks. BCAL to me was not just a company and not just an airline; it was a family. Mr. Evans and Mr. Fletcher didn’t run the facility, Pat and Mick ran it. Great days! 12-hour shifts, 7 to 7 and didn’t want to go home. Tell me where else you’d say that.
Best wishes go out to all that had the misfortune to know me – and you know who you are. Pat, Mick, Phil Rawlings, Carol Spear, Roger Moore, the McCarthy brothers, Paul Kemp, Dennis Simpson, Graeme Smyth, Dave Redshaw, Martin Russell, Chris Hill (bon chance avec les gites, mon ami), Richard Wright…and the list goes on. Apologies to those not included. Worked in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orlando and now working in Cincinnati, Ohio (that’ll teach me).
Jim Francis
Sadly we learn that Jim passed away on 4th January 2011 at the age of 81 years. Jim was the Security Superintendent in British United Airways, British Caledonian Airways and, until his retirement, British Airways. Jim became ill in the Nursing Home that he had been living in for several years and died in hospital in the presence of his son Stewart. From a friend
Ron Francis First joined 1972 and retired in 1991. Happy Days
Robin Frazier
I was with BCal from '81-'86 in the Houston office. I am probably best remembered as the guy who always had a tool or cable in his hands despite my management position. I saw former friends Alan Ash,Shannon Reed and Bet Townley and would love to hear from them and anyone else of course. I stayed out of the business after the '86 layoffs. Houston was no place for airline jobs. Unfortunately it isn't any better these days. I am currently struggling to find work as many of my fellow citizens are. I spent several years in Texas Government agencies during my IT career (which I would like back). Please do not associate that tenure with any form of support for G. W. Bush. In fact quite the opposite for which I paid dearly.
Heard of this site from a friend in Virgin, and found it as a link to the Dan Air Site! I worked in Ramp Services, Passenger Handling and Cargo for both BUA/BCAL/BA from 1966 to 1990. Very glad to see this site as a tribute to BCAL THE AIRLINE as far as I am concerned. I have great memories of Gatwick and see the names of a number of colleagues on this site. Look forward to renewing old friendships and well done for getting this going
Tony Dando
Great to see a site about BCAL. Was with BCAL Helicopters (BCHL) from its inception in 1979, became Chief Pilot in 1984 and was there at the very end in Aberdeen in November 1987 when we were sold off prior to the BA takeover. Now retired, but my happiest career memories span those 9 years - a great bunch of people to work with! Greetings to Nigel Elliott!!
Peter Daniels
Joined BCal from the RAF in 1978 ending up on the DC10 for ten years such wonderful memories of the best colleagues in aviation. Retired from BA in 98 and joined GB airways retired to a farm in Norfolk 2003.Married to Hazel nee Bonnar who was a BCAL No1. Thank you Sir Adam and all my friends for such a brilliant life'.
Sandra Darlow Nee Beeson
I really miss BCAL and would love to attend a reunion sometime. I worked for Ray Dobson, Personnel & Industrial Relations Director from 1971 until he died in and then worked for the Chairman and MD until 1989. Loved every hectic minute and didn't want BA to make me redundant!! would like to hear from anyone who remembers me".
Caroline Davenport (morrice)
Good to stumble on your website. I was an ops officer for BCAL helicopters in ABZ in the early 1980s but am now a primary teacher in Leicestershire (quite a change!)
Paula Davies Joined BCAL in 1970 flew for a time then worked on ground at Edi a/p. Would love to hear from old friends.
Bob Davis
Aviation enthusiast, referred by good friend, retired Capt, BAC 111, VC10, Viscount, DC3, etc, etc, etc
Sharon Davis (Now Rowe)
I was in Passenger Services LGW from 78 until I moved to Dubai in 1983. Then continued with BCAL in Dubai until the merger. Love to hear from anyone I might know.
Richard A Dawson
Great site. I was a part of 'the team' from the early days as Caledonian, thru to the BA "merger" and well beyond. BCAL was without a doubt the most family company I have worked for.
Brian Day
I joined BUA in 1969 as a Sales Rep., went on to become Cargo Sales Manager, South America and then Cargo Sales Manager, North America, before taking early retirement in 1982 after my job was made redundant in the North American sales shake-up. I have remained in the industry in a number of roles and locations, and during the course of my travels around the world have met a surprising number of people who remember BCal as the best airline they ever flew with. We certainly seem to have known how to take care of our customers (I am allowed to say that, having spent most of my time in cargo!). I am currently helping to set-up a new national airline in the Caribbean, not a very bright thing to be doing at a time of record fuel prices and economic gloom, but when was the time ever right? If anyone in North/South America feels motivated to clamber out of their recliner and lend a hand, please get in touch. We may not be able to create another BCal, but we can have a lot of fun trying and the weather's usually better than at Gatwick!
Simon Day
Please add me to your crew list I flew as a steward and No1 from 1984 to 1989 marrying another BCAL girl Judith silversides and would love to hear from any ex crew Please keep and develop this web site BCAL was definitely in a league of its own. Regards Simon Day.
Vanessa de Bruin
I joined BCal in 1980 as cabin crew and they were definitely the best airline, I had such fun and met so many great colleagues. I was really proud of their image and very sad when they merged with BA. I left BA in 1991 to have a family. After a couple of years I wanted to get back to work, and tried to be sensible and worked in “normal” jobs (!) but the lure of the airline industry beckoned, so eventually I worked on the ground with Air France from Heathrow and then Aviance from Southampton.
I hadn’t got the bug for flying out of my system so then I joined GB Airways as cabin crew, plus did recruitment. I did not stay when EasyJet took them over, (here we go again!!) tried corporate executive flying but not mad about that so finally last year rejoined BA as cabin crew!! It’s great to see some of my dear BCal colleagues there and I would love to hear from anyone from the past.
Diane & Tony Dean The lion still roars in our hearts!
Caroline Demonchy
Flew with BCAL from February 1976 till the-bitter- end! Still with B.A-under duress-but not for much longer! One very English daughter, me living in France-Loire Valley, running Rentals and French Courses, married to Mad French Writer... Once a Frog... I guess! Many fond memories of BCAL -kept one great poster, lots of photos and all my uniforms, stayed in touch with several great friends, and of course happy to hear from anyone who remembers me!
Pam Derrick (now Watkns)
Cabin Crew from 1970-1974. Great memories from happy days. Now working for BA Passenger Services in Terminal 4 LHR - come and say hello if you're passing through! Also involved in recruitment of customer service agents for T1 & T4, so if anyone needs a job ...... !! Excellent website - look forward to the next reunion.
Rob Derr
Worked for BCAL from 82-88, then got merged with BA. Still there, just! I remember joining Schedules Planning in Jan '82, on a 6 month contract, Lakers went belly-up, Falklands war, survival plans, didn't think I'd be there long!! Funny how time flies. Sorry to hear about Sir Adam.
Mike Desborough
As a self confessed STEWBUM of the seventies and dare I say frustrated pilot i'm glad I found the Caledonian site. many happy memories of Rio, Dakar and the DC10 and 1-11 never had the pleasure of the 747 but that's life .... cheers Des
Elaine Deverson (Now de Bairacli Levy)
Joined BCAL February 1972( Ab Initio 6 I think?), and left to get married in 1974. In those days it was frowned upon to be married and fly although I must admit I was tempted to do so. I really missed flying and it took a while to stop dreaming of flights, people and places. The training was second to none and has set a good standard for my career since (always well prepared). I can still remember being told to take my hair down as my hat didn’t fit very well on the top of my hairstyle. What happy times! Yes, it was hard work (sometimes) but as I was mostly on the South American routes, it’s difficult to remember those times and not dwell on times spent skiing in the mountains in Chile or swimming off the beach at Rio. Anyone remember the little quail eggs served at the Churrasceria Jardim before all that lovely spit roast meat or the island off Rio I think it was called Pakata. We used to go across on the ferry and as there was no motorised transport allowed on the island we used to hire a bike, have a very liquid lunch and then attempt to ride around the island. What about the Lungi Hilton (Freetown) ? Would love to hear from anyone
Jacqueline Dillmann ex meliani 16/01/11 Thank you very much for creating this site...a great idea
Mansel Dinnis
As a ‘renegade’ from British Airways (there were a few of us), I served as BCAL Sales Manager in Scotland from 1983 to 1988 working with the legendary Gordon Mason. Initially, my boss was UK Sales Manager, Chris Gilbert, followed by Rohan Alce after Chris joined American Airlines. I also had a ‘dotted line’ responsibility to Richard Havers who did such a marvellous job in improving the BCAL UK domestic operation. After the takeover by BA, we stayed on in Scotland and I worked on a freelance basis with United Airlines (David Coltman, Graham Atkinson and Simon Johnson) before taking over the administration of the Scotway independent travel group. Among other things, I now run my own training operation specialising in sales and presentation skills - does anyone remember ‘A Piece Of Sky’, the gold lame trousers and the roller skates? We moved back to Yorkshire in 2000 after 17 years in Scotland. There are so many names in your guest-book I remember with affection and I would be very pleased to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Paula Dockrill (nee Bonning)
I joined Caledonian in 1963 as one of only 12 stewardesses. Left in 1964 when I emigrated to the USA. During my time with the company I lived with two great girls, Kay McAllister and Katy Ross, and had many tours with Christine Bonner and Marjorie McEarchran. Can't remember all the girls names (its an age thing!) but would love to hear from anyone who was around at that time. Paula Dockrill (nee Bonning)
Jack Doherty
Sadly we lear that Jack Doherty, who was a chief steward with Caledonian Airways back in the 1960’s, has passed away. Jack lived in Furnace Green, Crawley. He went into catering and latterly he worked in the Virgin lounge at Gatwick. Jack passed away on 31/01/11 at the age of 77.
Susie Douglas-Smith (nee Fourneau)
I joined BCAL in August 1980 and stayed until the bitter end, when I continued working for BA out of Heathrow until 1998. I believe my friend, Jette Boysen, and I were about the only Danish girls working for BCAL at the time. I have many fond memories of my travels, especially the Christmas trips. One in particular stuck in my mind, as the baggage handlers managed to forget to load my friend’s suitcase, and we had to share my clothes all week. The hotel in the Seychelles had also made a cock up with the room reservations, which meant we had to share rooms. The hotel felt so bad, that all food and drinks was free for the whole week. The icing on the cake was the double allowances we got paid, as we had to ‘double up’. The year long adventure with Sabena to Atlanta was also great fun, and proved a source of amusement to passengers, who all wanted to sit on the side of the aircraft where the tartan clad cabin crew were working! Might make it to the reunion on the 12th this year, as I have the afternoon off and also the following day. Jette might come over from Denmark to join in the fun. Wish I had kept the long tartan we had to wear during the meal service in First Class.
Pam Dove
Very sadly Pam passed away on Wednesday 5th January 2011 after a recurrence of melonoma which had been halted after a minor skin operation some time ago, however it returned in July 2010. Pam worked in BUA Reception and is remembered as a delightfully unassuming person, and liked by all, recalls Jon Theobalds.
Penny Dudley (nee Hull) 19/08/11
I was with BCAL from 1974 until 1981 and have fond memories of my time there. It was like one big family. My first 4 years were spent in the payroll dept under ‘Tubby’ Butterworth and Eileen Dewar. The last for years were spent in Engineering as an assistant to Wally Hargreaves the Technical Writer. We set up the Microfilm Unit where all the engineering manuals used in the hangars were in microfilm and/or microfiche format. Regarded now as old fashioned I think. I also knew a Freddie (possibly called Hargreaves – but no relation to Wally) Then there was Brian Payne – the weights and measures man. Paul Hatcher, Bill Buss, Doug Empleton of the drawing office and Gerry Farnsworth. Eric (cannot remember his surname) replaced Wally and like him, was a good boss.
Chris Dunmore Pam Pettifer (formerly Dunmore)
Does anyone remember Chris Dunmore who sadly died of cancer in 1993? I have a signed copy of Adam Thompson's book in my drawer which he dedicated to Chris. Unfortunately Chris never saw it as another wonderful man Chris Whittle brought it to him in the Hospice the night before he died. Chris missed B.Cal. so much when it closed and got a job for a while with British Midland Airways, but it was never the same. I just wanted to mention him on the site and see if anyone remembered him.
Martin Dunn
Greetings. It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Sir Adam Thompson. Please pass on my condolences to his family. I am proud to have been one of the engineers who maintained the fleet. casualty shift, hangar three, Gatwick 1985 to 1988. I have yet to find an airline that comes anywhere close to the spirit of "BCAL".
Charles Durman
Met some "old" friends at LGW yesterday one of whom told me about this great site. Greetings to those who remember me. I worked in passenger service (Ticket Desk) 1972 - 78
Pat & Jane Durnan
I flew from the Cale days on Britt's, 707's and DC-10's as a Flight Engineer until BA takeover, and Jane, maiden name Meller, flew as a stewardess on Britt's, 1-11's and 707's until 1980. Many happy memories of Britts, 707's, 1-11's and DC-10's. Lovely to see so many familiar names. 1966 - 1987. Wonderful Days!
Dick Dyer Would be pleased to hear from anyone who knew me at BCAL.
Geoff Earlam
Employed from 1969 as a training Captain, on BAC 111 until the BA takeover. Spent the next few years with BA until my retirement in 1989. Loved every day with BCAL which was a highly efficient airline but with that wonderful comradery feeling which is rarely found in many companies. Everyone seemed content and happy and I will have fond memories of the company and the people for ever. Now living a fairly active life in Henfield West Sussex .playing lots of golf. Fond regards to all my ex colleagues.
W Earle Just seeing that rampant lion brought a tear to my eye I was with BCal from 1964 to 1983 and loved every moment of it [Big. E.]
Gail Ebling. (Now Williams)
Love the BCAL site....I was with BCAL / BA from Jun 1979-Oct2001 when I took the early retirement offered by BA. I worked as a ticket agent at IAH, a sales rep in Houston , A sales rep in NY, a lead agent at JFK, and finally a Supervisor in ATL . My years with BCAL (especially IAH and JFK) were some of the best of my life. and the friends I met were the greatest....I'm married now and my Husband and I live between Atlanta and Lake Lure N.C. ....... Miss you all and would love to hear from my old friends......Gail
Eric Anthony Edwards
My Father's name was Eric Anthony Edwards, he worked for British Caledonian at Gatwick as an Aircraft Fitter, often on the "Ghost Shift" sometime around late 70's early 80's. He was fond of Mini's and had quite a sense of humor. If anyone remembers him and would like to send me a story or two I would be very greatful. He has since passed away, I grew up listening to his stories about working at BCal and would love to hear more. A message from Michael Edwards, Eric's son.
Tina Edwards
I joined Cal/BUA in June 1971 and stayed until the end of June 1986. They were the best 15 yrs of my life and I will never forget the BCAL "family". I worked in Reservations from 1971 to 1980 and CRC from 1981 to 1986. After leaving BCal I went to Air Seychelles as their Reservations Manager and then on to my last posting at BAA at Gatwick. Now retired and still living in Horsham. If anyone remembers me please e-mail.
Nigel Elliot
Very sad to hear about Sir Adam. I worked for BCAL in Gatwick from 1971 till 1980, then BCAL Helicopters in Aberdeen until 1986. Glad to see the memories are all still there to so many!
Jancis Elphick (nee Carr) Peggy
G'Day to any old colleagues from the BCAL Ticket Desk/Passenger Services in the good ole 80's.What great fun it was eh!! Best Airline ever! Really miss those days and all my wonderful friends. Believe it or not I'm still in Oz and would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. Talk to you real soon.
Hazel English 09/12/10
I joined B-Cal in January 1985 as cabin crew- still flying, though now at Heathrow with BA. Great website - lovely to see some familiar names. Undeniably - I'm a B-Cal girl at heart.
Derek and Cherry Epps
Just shows that Caledonian and BUA merged in more ways than one when Cherry and I got married. Real trip down memory lane reading contributions. Derek now with DHL having taken the money and got out of BA just in time, Cherry at Epsom Hospital (God help you if you fall ill!!!) Regards to all
Jim Erickson 11/2008 I worked for Phil Bowell at JFK. Thanks for bringing back fond memories.
Sylvia Esparza
It was wonderful to see the site -- brought fond memories, it was nice to see familiar names on the list. I started with BCAL in 1980 / IAH - now with BA . For those who remember me, I would love to hear from you.
Amélia Etherington (Now Lourenço)
It was great to see this site started. Although many years have passed and many a turn life has taken, I will never forget those days with BCAL. The pride, the companionship, the joy of working with such an airline. I joined the airline in 83 and for the last two years of BCAL's life worked in the Lounge at LGW, continuing with BA until 88, when I left. I now live in Portugal and became a Solicitor. If there is anyone out there who remembers me I would love to hear from you. Please, get in touch.
Keith Evans (on behalf of Geoff) 28/12/11 Updated Email
I am writing this on behalf of my father, Geoff Evans (sadly now passed away) - who worked in Crew Planning for Caledonian/BCAL from 1966 until his retirement in 1985. I know he was very proud of his days at Caledonian, and would love to be remembered on this site. Please email me if you knew my father.
Michael Evans Joined BUA in 1969 and was an Engineer with BCAL until BA took over.
Tim Evans BCAL, 1985-88 the best job I ever had!
Lisa Ewing (Now Pegler)
I worked for Caledonian Airways from 1968, stayed with them through the changes to British Caledonian Airways until the end of May 1980. In June of that year I married an Australian and have spent the rest of my time in Australia, outside Sydney, still involved in the Tourism Industry. My name was Lisa Ewing throughout my flying days. I started as a Junior Hostess going through the ranks to Super Chief. I still keep in touch with Roy Shaw who is now retired from flying. He does not have an email address.
Ric Fagg
Joined BCAL in 1973, left in 1988 after 'merger'. Worked in Revenue Accounting, MIS, Planning and Marketing. Currently working with Continental and Menzies Aviation as consultant. I am still in touch with Mike Cusack, Peter Smith and Malcolm Bromham (and a few others) at Menzies; and Mike Carter at CO. Great to see so many familiar names and remember, for better or worse, what the airlines used to be like.
John Fairclough
Delighted to add my name to so many wonderful colleagues of the past and muse about my life with such a stunning employer- BCAL. Was lucky enough to be sponsored by BUA in '65 and sent to Blackpool to fly Dakotas and Heralds. Then the real fun started and went to LGW IN '68. Flew 1-11's , B707's, DC-10's and classic B747's and finally B747-400's. Retired in Aug 2000 and don't regret a thing! Many fond memories brought back to life through your pages but, on a more sombre note, I'm sure many of you will be saddened to learn of the death of my ex wife, Elaine, nee Woodburn, who passed away in April 2007 after along struggle. Anyone who wishes to contact me thru the web, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
Bill Familton Great to see some of the old names from the past. Certainly brings back some memories from my Load Control days.
Chris Farbridge
Joined BCAL in 1974,many fond memories of working for the best airline. Joined B.A Security on the merger in 1988. In 1991 B.A sold off their security at LGW to Aviation Defence, and I re-joined B.A in 1994 in World cargo at LGW. Currently Operations Manager British Airways World cargo LGW.
Steve Farrer
Joining BCAL in the early 80s as a staff bus driver and working my way up to ops I would love to hear from any of the old team. Remember if you wanted to know anything MT boys always had the latest news. ps if you are out there walnut brain give us a call
John Faulkner
My name is Leonie Chapman (nee Faulkner). I am writing this on behalf of my father John Faulkner.
My Dad worked at Gatwick from 1953-1988 as an Aircraft Engineer, he is looking for his best mate Bryan John who also worked for BUA, BCal, and then went to Dubai, to work on private jets for the Royals, We last had contact 5yrs ago, but have not heard of anything since. My dad will soon be 70, it wood make his day if we could find him. We moved from Horley to North Yorkshire after he retired, now my father potters around doing up farm and lawn Machinery. If anyone remembers my dad and wants to get in touch, please e-mail and i will pass it on
Karen Faulkner (now McEwan)
I have just found the website, joined BCAL May '77 Ab 9. Brings tears to my eyes, what a lovely time we had. I still keep in touch with quite a few BCAL girls, will tell them about the site. Wonderful, just wonderful! The TV advert still makes me giggle, oh and very proud to have been part of such a great airline.
Freddy Fenton
I worked @ LGW from 1965-1968 and YYZ 1968-1978 ending up as YYZ Station Manger. In the 70's YYZ was one of the busiest stations in the world sometimes with 5 or 6 B707's a day in the summer. I "grew up "in the CA/BCAL family and many people used to come and stay @ the 'FENTON INN" having some great parties both their and the old Skyline Hotel I am still in Canada and would love to hear from anyone that remembers "young Freddy". Hope to hear from my many many old friends
Karen Fernando (nee Turnbull) Nov 2008
I joined B-Cal a couple of years before the merger with BA. Long haul Gatwick, then Short haul Heathrow. Then transferred to tickets and reservations. Completed 13 years service in all. Said goodbye to airline life 11 years ago and have been a make up artist since. Really miss it, have to make do with trips to Brooklands Museum with my plane mad 4 year old son to see the ex-B-Cal VC10 that now lives there!! Maybe he will be a pilot for BA, who knows!
Susana Ferrario (From Brian Russell) Susana Remembered
Susana Ferrario joined BCal as a Rio based Air Hostess circa 1976. In 1977 she moved back to Buenos Aires when BCAL opened their crew base. She married Brian Russell from Passenger Services in 1978 and became part of the Cabin Crew Briefing unit until March 2000 (as Susana Russell) when she left the company to accompany Brian to postings in Tripoli, Caracas and then Houston.
If anyone remembers Susana and has a story or just wants to acknowledge a memory of her; Brian is putting together photos from that era for their son Andrew and he would be happy to include any. Please send Brian an email at csrci@earthlink.net please include Susana in the subject line so that it can bypass Brian's email firewall
Update: Sadly we learn that Susana passed away on 30th July, she was very poorly with advanced Alzheimer’s. But Brian would still appreciate any memories or recollections to still be sent through.
Jane Field
Have just stumbled on this site. It's great to see so many old names and how fondly everyone remembers their time at Cale. I started in 76 with Mike Adams and Bob Simmonds in IR in Hangar 1,then went on to work for Bob Coleman in Operations and finally worked for Nic Boize, who I see is mentioned quite a bit, on the 3rd Floor in Caledonian House and finally left in 83 to run a pub. Well done for keeping the memories alive - best wishes to all my old colleagues.
Ken Fielding
Well done, what a terrific site. I was an ex British Eagle man who joined the 'original' Caledonian in February 1969. Along with Roy Marshall, Jim Spalding, Tim Gibson (and many others) we set up Caledonian's Passenger Handling Unit at Gatwick, using our old Eagle Traffic manuals. After some time in Ops (with Roger Wood) and Crewing on the 7th floor at Sussex House, I found myself 'running' Manchester during the summer charters and working 'overseas' during the winter. I became Airport Superintendent for the start of New York services in '73 and stayed for another 14 years (I guess I must have like it!) until I moved across to Calair in 1987 as Manchester Base Manager. I'm still living in Manchester. After 15 years with Emirates I decided to retire in 2005. I haven't had time to be bored and I'm currently putting all my aircraft photo's onto my website, over 6,000 photo's online now and I'm only up to 1999! Wherever you go, you always meet someone who worked for BCAL. They were good and happy days.
Elizabeth Feijó de Figueiredo
I joined Caledonian in 1975.Prior,I was air-hostess with Varig.I left BCal in 1977 in order to go to Deutsche Lufthansa A.G. I was based in Rio de Janeiro, but I was the only Brazilian on my training course in Gatwick. I would love to meet some colleagues, as Sylvia Beats, Carole Sinclair, Peter Oliveira,but maybe they married and I have no idea of their surnames now. Both girls were at my training. Sylvia Beats old address was Station Rd, Redhill and Carole Sinclair old address: Lonesome Lane, Woodhatch-Reigate. I would love to hear from them, if anyone knows them, please drop me a line.
Ron Fink
Great site!! I worked for BCAL from 1982 to 1988 at DFW airport. It was a sad day when BA took BCAL away from us all. Our friend is gone but not forgotten.
Pete Finlay 18/01/12 Updated entry
I joined BCal from the RAF in 1980 as a Flight Engineer on Boeing 707s, then onto the DC-10 for 4 years, before flying the Boeing 747 from 1987. Then, like many of us, I became a 'Prisoner of War' in April 1988 when British Airways took us over! I carried on with them on the Boeing 747 before ending up on Concorde.
I took early retirement in 2005 and I now spend my time in retirement giving lectures and talks on British Cruise ships, which is turning into a full time occupation!
We still plan on building our own house up in Scotland, probably in the next 2 or 3 years. I can honestly say that the years I spent with B Cal
were the best I ever spent in my 30 year flying career, and the people I worked *for* and worked *with* were some of the best in Civil Aviation. Shame BCal never ordered any Concorde! ex B Cal Flight Engineer 1980 - 1988
Barry Firmin
Group finance from 1974 to 1986. Lots of memories, mainly good. Learnt a lot, great apprenticeship in financing aeroplanes which paid dividends later. Now retired but in contact with several past colleagues. Anyone remember me ?
Frances Firmin (nee Lightfoot)
I joined BCAL in April 1970 and stayed until 1984 when I left after several years as a "Superchief" on the DC10. What wonderful times we had, such parties and such fun, totally outrageous so often. After flying I started to take life a tad more seriously and did a Law Degree and have now been working as a qualified solicitor and in house lawyer in the financial services industry for fifteen years. Its not as dull as it might sound! I met my husband in March 1992 and we were married in September that year. We live in Horsham but are looking forward to retiring shortly and moving to somewhere west of Bournemouth to a house with a view and space for me to have a tractor. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Michael (Mick) Fletcher 09/10
I joined BUA in July 1966 in the small Cargo department at Gatwick and moved to Heathrow in 1969 where I stayed until 1986 having helped to develop our BCAL Cargo and third party handling business. Made so many friends amongst our customers, other airlines and colleagues and still in contact with them today. Back to Gatwick in 1986 to work with David Brooksbank and continued with BA until 1991 managing and developing their Express business product, Speedbird Courier. Joined a private Distribution company, Crossflight, which was fantastic before taking up a Director position with the Swiss Post Office in 2003 where I stayed for five years. Thought about a rest in 2008 but in the summer was invited to the Board of Crossflight and am still there today enjoying it very much. Wherever I go and whoever I see in this industry there is always a very warm welcome and often great support for us BCAL people and whenever I meet BCAL people its just like we were working together yesterday! Truly unique, never to be repeated, the memories will live forever.
Graham Flowerdew
Joined BCAL in ’78 and left after the merger. Joined Caledonian Airways, then Monarch and finally US Airways in Boston. Returned to the UK following 9/11. I am still working but not in the aviation industry. It is great to see some familiar names from the past. Please feel free to contact me. Great website, keep up the good work.
Paul Fogg
I joined BCAL in May 1976 as a steward, working on BAC 1-11, 707's and then graduated to DC 10 when they arrived. Also had a great time on the leased 747 from BA - Paddy McZulu, to serve Houston. Did the ocassional horse freighter flight as well... They were, as everyone says, the very best days of my life. Whilst flying I was given the opportunity to have a go at sales - Alan Painter's 'Sales Blitz', using uniformed staff to try and get more business from companies throughout the UK. Even the tough nosed buyers would see a 'Caledonian Girl' without an appointment. Moved into Southern England Sales for a while, and then was tempted away into hotels. Still at Gatwick though. Have stayed in contact with David Williams since leaving BCAL, so get the gossip from him. Looking forward to the 40 year reunion.
Keith Forrest
1978-1983 LHR Import Cargo & LHR Cargo Sales. Probably the only person to have been hired by BCAL for the ability to pull on a set of football boots but you’d probably have to ask Mick Fletcher about that one. In case you missed it at the time, BCAL was the best airline football team at LHR and regularly walloped British Airways as well as anyone else who’d show up to take their licks. BCAL to me was not just a company and not just an airline; it was a family. Mr. Evans and Mr. Fletcher didn’t run the facility, Pat and Mick ran it. Great days! 12-hour shifts, 7 to 7 and didn’t want to go home. Tell me where else you’d say that.
Best wishes go out to all that had the misfortune to know me – and you know who you are. Pat, Mick, Phil Rawlings, Carol Spear, Roger Moore, the McCarthy brothers, Paul Kemp, Dennis Simpson, Graeme Smyth, Dave Redshaw, Martin Russell, Chris Hill (bon chance avec les gites, mon ami), Richard Wright…and the list goes on. Apologies to those not included. Worked in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orlando and now working in Cincinnati, Ohio (that’ll teach me).
Jim Francis
Sadly we learn that Jim passed away on 4th January 2011 at the age of 81 years. Jim was the Security Superintendent in British United Airways, British Caledonian Airways and, until his retirement, British Airways. Jim became ill in the Nursing Home that he had been living in for several years and died in hospital in the presence of his son Stewart. From a friend
Ron Francis First joined 1972 and retired in 1991. Happy Days
Robin Frazier
I was with BCal from '81-'86 in the Houston office. I am probably best remembered as the guy who always had a tool or cable in his hands despite my management position. I saw former friends Alan Ash,Shannon Reed and Bet Townley and would love to hear from them and anyone else of course. I stayed out of the business after the '86 layoffs. Houston was no place for airline jobs. Unfortunately it isn't any better these days. I am currently struggling to find work as many of my fellow citizens are. I spent several years in Texas Government agencies during my IT career (which I would like back). Please do not associate that tenure with any form of support for G. W. Bush. In fact quite the opposite for which I paid dearly.
Colin French
Started May69 with BUA then came Sir Adam to make it the best airline ever. I felt like it was working a family business. Its great to see the family getting back together. So sad to hear of Sir Adams death ,he will be proud of how well we all think of him. BCAL lives on in all our memories.
Steve Frohlich Wonderful, so many pleasant memories.
Jan Gardiner (now Bebbington)
BCAL 1982 onwards. Gatwick - Check-in, Airlink and Ticket desk. Loved every minute of it. A fabulous airline with great people. It was a sad day when it went.
Sharon Gardner (nee Looney).
I joined in 1985, Ab Initio 13. Remained flying Longhaul out of Gatwick until 1991, obviously for British Airways after the merger. Went over to LHR Shorthaul for a year, and then left to start a family. I am presently living in Canada.
Tony Gargano
Hello from Luigi....Married the lovely Diane in my second year with BCAL cabin staff (1974), left in 78 to do a "proper job" and start a family. We stopped at 1 - Dean (Dino-get it?) who is now 25 married to Elizabeth and living in Bristol, both having gained degrees at Bath uni. Where they met. They have been politely warned not to make me a granddad before I reach 60, not quite there yet. After 8 years of doting fatherhood the lovely Diane asked me to move on, probably because I had forgotten I should still also be a loving husband. I'm still doing the same proper job which has been sales/management with a vending company based in Crawley, covering the south east, mainly Heathrow area now. Still living in Hove Actually, still single, still straight and still gorgeous. O K. I lied about the last bit! Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me Ciao Luigi aka Tony G.
Denny Gaskell (Potts) Simply the best years of my life- LGW Cabin Crew
Dennis Gauthier
Like your site I worked for Caledonian at the old beehive 1970 and moved across to Mortons hangar seat shop until I left to join Pacific Western in Canada 1975. I have been looking for any info on a Jim Pugh who now lives in Smallfield also Allen Thaxer.
Andy Geary Stevens
Super'Cally'fragilisticexpialidocious!! What a great way to be reminded of a great airline, old friends and events. I joined Caledonian in 69 and spent the best years of my life in the company of airline colleagues at Gatwick, in Europe, USA, West, East and Central Africa. It was a sad day when BCAL stopped flying and sadder still when Adam Thomson and Alan Stronach passed away - almost as though someone was trying to close the history book. But it doesn't end that way. People and memories live on and I look back in gratitude at the good times I had. I moved across to British Airways and stayed overseas with them in Holland, Belgium, Spain (back to Nigeria again for my sins), Egypt and finally the Lebanon. The crowds are demonstrating outside the office and the scud missiles are being fired across the border, but I still enjoy every minute and wouldn't have changed anything. Great site Dave !
Biddi Geoghegan
Joined Caledonian at LGW in 1969 and flew on the `Whispering Giants`, 1-11s, VC10s, 707s, DC10s tranferred to the Clansman Lounge at LGW in the 80's and left in 1986/7 when I took the handout and moved to Cornwall - those 17 years with Cale were the best years of my life. Love the site, the crew room notices, the memorabilia etc. Does anyone remember me?
David Gerrard
Started working for BCAL in 1974 as a Flight Engineer on Boeing 707`s having started with Lux Air, moved on to the DC-10 in 1979 and continued through the take over by British Airways untill retirement. Now enjoying a relaxing time but still regularly visiting different parts of the world. Can be contacted through my son's email link above.
Tim Gibson
How great to see so many familiar names. I joined the original Caledonian Airways as a Duty Officer in 1978 and in September 1970 went off to become one of Alan Stronach's lads in JFK - when the Britannia still made it across the pond from time to time, hotly followed by all those 707's. We all were dumped when the sked services stopped on Oct 31st 1974 (well they started on April Fools Day 1973, with both a/c diverting due JFK wx - we should have known .... Then I went to SAA in JFK as Assistant Station Manager ... still with the 707 ! ... that built from 3 707's a week to 5 747's and was just about to go daily when the sanctions axe fell, so no more planes. I survived 2 years in res in the city (first time I ever had a 9-5 job ..AWFUL !!), then got hunted down by Air Europe to head up ground ops USA (all those 757's bombing into MCO) and the promise of MD11's on sked services, so that went belly up even faster than BCAL's first time in JFK... Had a spell with UA in crew management - hated it - TOO big a company and based in the midwest, with that sort of thinking .. could hardly be further away from the CA/BR way of doing things... Now I ride as a FULL REV Pax around the world setting up itins for luxury tour operator TCS Expeditions -- look at the website travel@tcs-expeditions.com if u want to see the opposite end of the market from Club18-30 LGW IBZ on a Tuesday midnight.. I would be happy to hear from anyone out there who remembers those very good old days - I wish we had known then how lucky we were !
Brian Gladman A former BCal Engineer, Brian can be contacted via his daughter, Kirsty Gladman
Peter Goddard Those were the days: B-Cal 1979-1984 Vamonos British Caledonian!
Louis Goessen
Based in Amsterdam again after 8 years working in the CIS as an Aviation Consultant. BCAL, the best Airline EVER, and the best group of people I have ever worked with, GREAT SITE !!! Asking if someone knows the location, or contact of an old BCAL hostie friend of mine called Mary Lambie. She used to live in Brighton and flew mostly long haul. Many thanks for the help.
Sally Golds (now Heron)
I'm thrilled to find I have a place to go to find former BCAL friends from the 70's. I joined Caledonian/BUA as cabin crew in early 1970 along with Marilyn Sewell (now Little and living in SA) with whom I'm still in touch - we were trained by Shirley (?) who was a lot of fun. What a great era to be flying - I was on VC10s, BAC 1/11s, 747 (remember the old Aer Lingus one?) and finally the DC10 before leaving to live in Oz in 1979. So many memories - so many people who became friends: Maureen Hancock who I initially shared digs with in Crawley, Frankie Farrell, Heather Mories (still a good friend and living in Kenya), Di Denby and Norman Speary, Joe the steward with red hair - all Joes step forward please!
Then there was the lovely Dr. Chapman, BCAL's medical man and the tragedy of his nurse who was murdered in her car. Robin Brodie James, Capt. on the 1/11 200s, F/O Tony ? from Crowborough who gave me the occasional game of squash......Pauline Spooner who Marilyn and I shared a house with.......what about those fun days at the Norfolk in Nairobi - it seemed like my second home for many years....and the 4 hours on to the Seychelles.....wow! I'll add to this list as I remember faces and places! I've been living on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland Australia for the last thirty years and would love to catch up with air crew who either visit or live in these parts. Mind you, I head home to the UK regularly as my Aussie daughter now flies with Virgin Atlantic and is about to marry and settle over there - how the tables turn!
Steve Gooch
Decided to look up site after having a nostalgic moment here at SFO. Just departed Philippine Airlines B747-200-C8850, better known to ex-BCALites as G-GLYN. A/C now on it's way to sunny Arizona to languish in the desert! Any offers!! This is 3rd (If I'm wrong please correct me) ex-BCAL aircraft of theirs to have gone thru here in the last week. I missed the s/nos for the other 2 so not sure which. Funnily enough the Capt who took last one out also picked it up from the UK. Any Engineering apprentices from year '77 hello. Still miss those fun days!!
Charles Goodrich
I left BCAL marketing after 16 years, first spending 8 years with Gulf Air in Asia. Lost contact with many BCAL friends after BA Speedwing sent me to deepest Africa for 3 years, first Malawi and most recently in Nairobi where I was CEO of BA's latest franchise airline Regional Air, but I am now UK based. My last BR stations were Riyadh, Dubai and Houston!
Fred and Jean Gorman (nee Goudie)
With Caledonian from 1965 until 1975 as Cabin Crew. Jean and I are still married after 40 years. She now works with Mappin & Webb at terminal 5 LHR. I am still in Kazakhstan. Should have retired but, like any good Caledonian person, they will not let me.
Dave Gould
Lovely memories, started with BCAL 5.8.74 and stayed until the takeover. Met my wife who worked in Cargo with me for a time. Now work in Dubai, several other ex BCAL out here as well. Although have been in Air cargo all my working life have never experienced the same feelings that I had when working for BCAL
Yolanda Gouveia
I joined BCAL in September 1977, still flying, now on BA, long time, miss the old days, hard working days and nights, but we had fun, do you remember me ?
Russ Gowan
The memories are flooding back. Reading all the pages from this fantastic site. All the names of some great people I had the pleasure to fly with. I was one of the first of the new breed of "superchiefs". A name "invented" by Ian Gardiner, and I operated the very first flight from long beach calif; into GLA then LGW. on the DC10. As we were all new to the aircraft the meal service took hours. I did many inaugural flights on board this fine aircraft. I spent wonderful 19 years with cally, and met some truly great people both on the ground and in the air. My thanks must go to Colin Williams, (manager cabin crew) who gave me the job as a lowly junior steward in the first place. Some great names have come up on your site - Dave Pepp, mark whiting, Avril Milne (g'day av) ann Westlake, Alan Locke. Mo Abel. miss everyone. BCAL was an institution, a family, as well as the best airline in the world. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. Russ Gowen, 8, benllech close, connahs quay, deeside, flintshire. ch5 4yb
John Grant
It is with sadness we learn that John passed away early on Wednesday 17th November 2010 after a lengthy illness. He was 81, and died at his home in Furnace Green Crawley. John started his aviation career at Croydon Airport with Transair, moved to Gatwick with the formation of BUA, and eventually took early retirement from BCAL as Manager Ground Handling Contracts. He is survived by his wife Di, three daughters and a son.
John's service was held on Friday 3rd December 2010 in St Richards Chapel at the Crawley Crematorium in Worth. John's page here
Peter & Christine Grant (Nee Hunt)
We have only just found the site. Peter flew 1-11,707, DC10 and 747. After the murder, 747-400 and retired in march as Capt. on the 757/767. Now with DHL. Chrissie took Bob's shilling 3 years ago and promptly retired!
Jane Gray (Allison)
Great to see BCAL colours. I was Ticket Desk LGW from '71 to '79. Miss it all-but not the "earlies". Love to hear from anyone that remembers me. I married Derek (Dolly) Gray, ground engineer, he's ex-Cally and Cale//BUA
Janis Greig (now Roozpeikar)
I was a Hostie with BCAL from 1979-1986. I also worked in the Edinburgh Town Office, George Street, in 1974 doing ticketing and reservations, wearing the uniform but being paid by G.G.N. Travel with whom we shared the agency. I remember being sent down for a reservations course to Gatwick and staying at the Copthorne Hotel I was only 16 or 17 at the time and green as the grass…..I was told not to tell anyone my age. I was then made redundant and I went to Italy to learn Italian and do a bit of traveling. BCAL then took over the agency and I worked in general travel I think from 1976-1979 no longer in uniform but employed by BCAL.
I married in 1986 and I have a son Jordan 22. I live in Hampstead London and work 2 days a week for a family friend in the jewellery business in Knightsbridge which is great fun.
Bob Green
I joined in 1983 after a brief spell of unemployment in Worthing. I was as green as my name. After 8 years in the Fire Service I knew nowt about airports and airlines but a little about aircraft. One of my first interview questions was did I know where BCAL flew to and what aircraft BCAL had? Not a clue! How on earth Val Cutler and Vanda gave me a job in passenger services I'll never know but when I started my learning curve was vertical (and still is) Thanks to Chris Mcarthy and Adrian Milner and many many more I stayed and became one of the family. A proud family who always went down to welcome the new 747 or Airbus on first arrival at Gatwick and generally felt like one big family. A feeling sadly missing in today's BA. I'm in Dispatch now much to my surprise and enjoying playing with the aircraft but miss the pride we all had with BCAL. Having said that , this site is a wonderful tribute to Sir Adam and it proves the pride is still there. Regards and best wishes to all.
Peter Greenham
Flew as Cabin crew from 1984 till the Murder sorry Merger in 87. Had many a happy trips and made many great friends who remain so till this day! Still stays as the happiest time of my flying career. Putting on that Tartan Jacket for the in flight service was a real highlight! Still wear it for Dinner parties! Yeah right! It wouldn't fit my neck let alone my waist! Still flying as a CSD with BA after 31 years ! Mad or what ! Would love to hear from you all . God bless, Peter G.
Laurie Griffiths
I joined Caledonian Airways as a Flight Engineer in Sept:1965 and flew on Britannia, 707, DC10 and 747 a/c until merger with BA in 1988, then stayed with BA for 2 years joining Virgin in 1990 until my final retirement in October 1994. The 23 years with Caledonian were the best years of my life. I recognise many names on the BCAL web-site and would welcome contact with any who remember me. I am a Trustee of the BCAL Flight Deck trust and we have a reunion annually on the last Friday of September each year. All Ex Flight Deck and Ex BCAL cabin crew and other invited guests are welcome. Met many old friends when I attended Adam Thompson's memorial service in London. I frequently look at my scrap books from the past to remember the "good old days" with Caledonian Airways and BCAL. Also enjoy looking at the BCAL web-site from time to time and thought it was about time I made an entry!
David Grueneberg CLAT An airline sadly missed and good times had by all.
Sonia Guinane
I joined Caledonian Airways as a stewardess in May 1965 and continued to fly until January 1971, I flew on DC7Cs, Bristol Britannias, BAC 111s and Boeing 707s. I developed diabetes but continued as a sales-executive until 1974. I knew Adam Thompson, John de la Haye, Frank Hope and many other people within the organisation. It was a wonderful time back then and I enjoyed every minute.
Martyn Gurton
Joined '71 in crewing and remained till the end. Still in the business at LHR with BA as Ops control manager but still remember "the best days of our lives" life is not the same these days, mores the pity. Great site to keep in touch. Good luck and take care.
Paul Gurton
Never has or will there be an airline like BCAL, my dad and my brothers all worked for them over the years great memories. never settled since BA animal moved in. tried few other places but .have now left the airline industry 3 months ago and miss it like mad .cargo side. people side....just know there's another BCAL out there but where......we were a dying breed....the sun will never go down.
Chris Guyler 05/01/12 updated email
I hail from the old latter days of BUA and joined flight operations in 1968 in the “Crew Rostering” department as a shift worker dealing with the day to day running of the pilot and cabin crew rosters. After a short while, about 18 months I think, the ‘merger’ started to come about and I was promoted to a ‘day worker’ to join a very good friend in the department, John Simpson, who had been building the BAC 1-11 (200 series) pilot’s rosters. He was promoted and given the task of taking over the building of the bigger 500 series fleet that came over from Caledonian! So alongside John, I was taken on as the ‘new boy’ to take over his role of building the BAC 1-11 200 series pilot’s rosters! Oh, those were the days, when airlines were really AIRLINES and you ALL had fun making sure everything ran smoothly! Later I was coerced into furthering my airline career when an opportunity came up in “Flight International” advertising a job in Gulf Air for flight operations with crew scheduling experience! Needless to say I was lucky enough to secure the expatriate position and leave BCAL in 1971 to go out to ‘sunny’ Bahrain and spend three years there before venturing further a field and coming to Australia in 1974. Initially, I worked for Ansett Airlines in Melbourne for 3 years before becoming an expat again with 6 years in Papua New Guinea working for Air Nuigini, followed by 2 years in Brunei for Royal Brunei Airlines. Then in 1986 I came back to sunny Queensland and joined Qantas and worked in several areas for 19 years before taking a redundancy package and leaving in late 2005 to join the ranks of the “early retirees”! A big thank you to BUA and BCAL for ‘kick-starting’ my career! Please keep in touch if you remember the name!
Richard Ha
I was the first local to join BCal HKG office in 1980, as a Sales Executive, and the last local to leave the company in May 1988, after took over by BA, as the Far East Regional Sales Manager. We had such excellent and exceptional team and leadership, this outpost had been expanding rapidly and successfully. It brings back lots of wonderful memories. I value and treasure those days and I thank all colleagues that I met. Those were the brightest and happiest days of my career in the industry. It is such a good feeling to be reconnected with this warm “motherly” community.
Edward Hack
Dakotas with Transair at Croydon Viscounts, Britannia's and BAC 1-11s at Gatwick. Very lucky to serve with Transair, BUA. and BCAL. They were the best!
Del Haggith
From the workhorse BAC 1.11 through to the mighty 747 the one thing that stays in my mind is the golden lion that adorned the tailfins of our aircraft and what it stood for. Pride in the service we gave, and the great comradeship within the staff made the airline what is was. A airline that was envied all over the world and one through this website will not be forgotten. Remember ' We never forget you have a choice Started at BCAL in Oct 77 and now with BA ...Still at LGW. Drop me a line to renew old times
Ian Haines 02/04/11
I was taken on by Pete Lucas as an Instrument Mechanic on 08 May 1967. It was BUA in those days. He put me on Line 4 on shift with Pete Taylor. I found life on the Ramp very rewarding, I worked with some very competent engineers, and learnt so much from them. I have very fond memories of certain personalities, John Faulkner and John Buck, they were very helpful to me, JF soon guided me in the right direction, JF always had the right tool for the job, he gave me half my tool kit. These two were always being called upon to go overseas on AOG down route, Arnold Sheed's Special men!
When Caledonian and BUA joined forces the Logo changed to the Rampant Golden Lion on the aircraft tailplane. A totally Flamboyant Image,the tartan uniform, the brand was impressive. It gave one a sense of well being working and representing the airline.
Sports tours overseas followed, Football and Cricket matches to overseas destinations. Mick Wearing and John Cook were two very enthusiastic personalities, who promoted and arranged these events, sadly they have both passed on.
In 1985 I was seconded to the Auto Land Team working with Eddie Jones. Happy days! Eddie's scouse wit, and joking sense of humour, it was a comedy show working with him. Des Green was the No1 Ramp Rat! unofficially Aircrew Liasion Engineer, he talked the hind leg off a donkey. Sadly they too have passed on.
Just to note the ends BCAL would go to get an aircraft on service. Terry Brown and myself were sent to Paris where we were put on a Flight of a lifetime! on Concorde to Dakar, then a flight on a Cessna to Banjul. Here we replaced the F/O Pitot Head on a B707. Then returned on the aircraft to Gatwick, The B707 was then put on the morning service to the USA. These days are all gone now, but somethings remain. Those were the days of our lives with BCAL.
Bob Hallman
My name is Bob Hallman and I was the PR and Promotion Manager for BCAL on the West Coast, U.S.A. from 1986 until Feb. 1988, as BA took over. Our group in L.A. was a fun team to work with and I miss those days! - Bob
Ted Hankinson
I joined BCAL in Easter 76 working in the flight kitchen, as a subby painter doing the ceilings. I went on to spend that hot summer painting the old terrapin buildings. By the end of the year I was full time BCAL and stayed until the end. In my time I must have worked in most of the hangars and offices, including Wilton Road, Tripoli and the station managers flat in Geneva. I still work at Gatwick for B.A.A. security and still see a lot of old B/Cal faces. We all say the same that it was the best airline ever to operate out of Gatwick. I still have a large print of the painting done of Sir Adam done in hanger five. You can pick out individuals in it including "Buster" Brown. I think this is a great site and a tribute to what Sir Adam achieved
Roger, Karen and Martin Harbour
What a great idea to create this website. Until now we used to reminisce about BCAL, the world's greatest airline, while drinking, preferably Scotch whisky, from those beautiful crystal cut glasses with the Lion emblem, used in First Class. Has anybody ever thought about reproducing those posters BCAL issued? The "Robert Burns-Scottish Bard" poster, hanging in our staircase, is beginning to look a little worse for wear. Keep up the good work. Be rest assured we will be visiting this site often. I worked for BCAL up until the takeover from British Airways. One of Maggies worst decisions!
Cathy Harbour (now Mounce)
I worked for BCAL 1984-1986 in Dallas Texas. My name then was Cathy Harbour. I worked with Kay Boot, Joe Warkentine, John Love, Vickey Manley, Kathy David and Will Blunt on the freight side of the equation. Would love to hear information regarding Harry Davis, Taffy, or others associated with the BCAL Rugby Team I helped chaperone and sponsor to a rugby tournament in Austin and San Antonio Texas 1985 and '86. Yes it was fun and of course there was not any beer. Married for 12 years and living on 11 acres with cows, horses, dogs, cats, and husband. Working in the International Dept of Blockbuster Video in McKinney, Texas. No I can't do anything about your late fees. Thanks for making this possible. Hope to hear from you
Barbara Harmer - (Barbara's Memorial Service - held on 19th May 2011)
It is with sadness we learn that Barbara died peacefully, aged 57, at the St.Wilfrid's Hospice - Chichester on 20th February 2011. Barbara flew as a pilot with BCal's BAC 1-11 and DC10 fleet and stayed on the DC10's post BA until transferring to the Concorde fleet.
Carole Harris (nee Pratt)
Hi my name is Carole Harris and my maiden name was Pratt although I used the name Carole Ryan after changing by deed poll also. I was Cabin Crew with Bcal from 1981 to 1993 when I left to have my first daughter. I have the most fantastic memories of BCal and don't think I've ever got over leaving. Being Cabin Crew in the 80s n 90s was a fantastic experience and spent many a long week in South America, West Africa and America. I also did a contract with Sabena whereby BCal had 1 side of the aircraft and Sabena the other (very bizarre). I married Paul Harris who was also a steward. Would love to hear from anyone who knows me and also would love to email Beth Skivington, We bought your house remember.
Roger Harris 18/01/11
Decided to take early retirement from Portman as it wasn't the same company after their last acquisition. Really enjoyed my BCAL days in the UK, Sierra Leone, Mexico and the US and the great people I had the pleasure to work with. As one of the many casualties when BA 'merged' with us and so glad I didn't become part of that huge faceless organisation after the friendliness and family like atmosphere which was BCAL. To fill my time now heavily involved with the Royal Naval and HMS Cambria Associations in Cardiff and enjoy walking with my lady Penelope, playing bowls and enjoying life in general... not to mention the odd glass of wine or two !
Les Hawkins
I joined 1971 in flight kitchens/cabin services. Became a porter in 1978 and was still there at the end when the merger took place. Would like to hear from anyone who knew me during that time.
Elaine Hayes 18/06/2011
I worked with BCal from 1984 as cabin crew, there for the BA take over, but what a great company to work for, now living back in my native Dublin, married with 4 kids, still have such fond memories of a fab airline
Theresa Haylor
1976 - 1989 Engineering Stores. Now working for VAA with lots of ex BCAL people, have you engineers improved on your howling in the hangar's or are you still doing the call from the wild.
Keith Haynes work email home email
At long last I have taken time out to visit this great site. The name and the memory live on and still people in the travel industry talk about "the best" Airline this country has ever known.
John Haney
Just visited the site and it was great to see the many great characters that were in BCAL. Following the merger with BA I decided to work for Meridiana at LGW as their airport manager. I then re-joined BA in 1994 but as Airport Manager Turin, Italy. I'm currently still in BA in Safety & Compliance. Having done all this however, my best memories were with BCAL in load control.......lots of laughs and a great fun time! Would welcome news from friends and former colleagues.
Richard Havers
I joined BUA in 1969 as a messenger in cargo sales. After we became British Caledonian Airways I worked in cargo sales and then planning. In the early 1980s I went to Houston to work in cargo and for 6 months in Los Angeles to set up the BCAL office after we took over the route from Laker. I returned to the UK and started British Caledonian Commuter, which apart from almost costing me my job was great fun. In 1984 I joined Continental Airlines (cries of traitor!). In 1989 I decided that airlines had had the best years of my life so I went into the advertising and music business. Since the end of the last century I've been writing books and working in TV and radio a little bit. All in all I've managed to spend my whole life never having a proper job! I live in Scotland where I'm married to Christine (who has always been Christine but was Firth) who worked for BCAL at Edinburgh airport.
John W. Head Delighted that this website enables past employees to ensure the BCAL flame is not allowed to extinguish
Richard Hearn looking forward to meeting up with old friends and foes, Richard (BA rtrd. hurray)
Martin Heath
I was trying to confirm the date of Sir Adam's memorial service, as British Airways Touchdown magazine is quoting the wrong date (typical!) -8 Sept. I enjoyed your site and was very pleased to see memories of the old company. It was truly a pleasure and a privilege to work for BCAL and I had a tremendous regard for Sir Adam, who shone out as a beacon of honesty and integrity in an airline world that didn't always exhibit many of those qualities.
Geert Heetebrij
I used to work for BCAL at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam from April 1st 1978 until July 31st 1988 (ten years). Not that long ago I got to hear about the Crewroom here. I enjoy the site very much. Warmest regards and hopefully I may hear from people I knew.
Marilyn Henderson
Joined Caledonian in 1969 as a hostie, had a great time & met some lovely people along the way. Flew on Brittanias, 1-11s & the good old 707. Missed it terribly when I left to get married in 1974. Went on to work for BAF out of Southend in the late seventies & early eighties. Moved to Australia in 1983 & after brief sojurns in Fiji & PNG have been in Brisbane ever since. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me from the good old days. I used to share a house at Three Bridges with Jenny Wardrop (who went to work for BA I think) & Fidelma Doherty (Irish girl) who went to work as ground staff after she got married.
Roger Henning
I was appointed VP-External Affairs for BCAL, when Sir Adam was bidding for the right to take on QF/BA with one-stop flight UK/Aus, via Sri Lanka. As usual, he was way ahead of his time. It was my job to brief Margaret Thatcher, at No 10, on the collapse of Laker Airways and rescue of stranded passenges by BCAL, for Sir Adam. I also accompanied Sir Adam to a meeting I set up with Rupert Murdoch, in a bid to form a duopoly with Ansett and also participated in CAA hearings in London. After I recommended Bill to be appointed Manager Australasia, I stepped into the role as Public Affairs Manager, (because I didn’t know anything about ticketing and still don’t). These days I’m in the business of protecting critical infrastructure including airports, seaports, missile bases etc. Billy McNamara kindly advised me of the great job you are doing rounding up BCAL survivors.
Michael Herndon
When BCAL began Houston service my employee number was 6. I started in cargo service,went into cargo sales and was promoted to Regional Sales Manager St. Louis when we began service to STL. I later went on to work for Continental as Vice President of Cargo Sales in the mid-80's. I still keep in touch with many close friends who were my associates at BCAL. I later went on to form my own specialty travel and marketing company; sold it in the late 90's and in a fit of insanity went to law school. I now practice law in Houston Texas and find myself wishing I was working for the airlines at least once a week.
David Herring BCAL engineering LGW, Avionics
Ana Eva Heuberger
So many memories!!! I joined CALE//BUA on September 1971 working on the ground at Rio de Janeiro Airport, wearing the BUA uniform to start with. Started to fly May 73, and was one of the "South American" girls based in Rio. My base was taken over by British Airways in 1985 and I carried on flying until retirement, in 2003. Love to all of those who still remember me from the good old days in Casablanca, Freetown, Recife, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Lisbon, Madrid, and of course Rio !
Alan Heyhurst
I worked in the Finance department between 1975 and 1978
This was when BCAL launched the Houston route and also introduced of the DC10-30. I remember watching G-BEBM landing at Gatwick on it's delivery flight. I was part of a publicity photo shoot and was on this aircraft before it entered service. It was a great aircraft. BCAL was a great airline. It reminds me of the recent take over of Canadian Airlines International by Air Canada. Another great airline bites the dust.
Richard Heywood 06/09/11
Joined Caledonian Airways on 4 November 1970, just 26 days before the merger. Worked through Operations to Planning to Overseas Admin and then Sales and Marketing. Left in March 1986 after 15+ years which hold so many good memories. I left to start Genesis, which organises conferences and is also a business travel agent, thriving in Haywards Heath. I would love to hear from any former colleagues through the wonders of the web.
Chris Hill
Joined B-CAL in 1978 in cargo sales LGW. Moved to ATL in 1982 then to LAX in 1984. When B-CAL was acquired by BA, I moved to SFO and was there with BA until 1994. Worked with other airlines in the U.S. including United, Pan Am II, and BMI. Left BMI after 9/11 and worked in Beijing China with Menzies. Now living in rural France and trying to live the good life. Had a great time with the B-CAL family and have retained many good friends throughout the world. I believe cargo always had the most fun. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Please contact me anytime as I would be pleased to hear from anyone who may remember me. Chris and his wife also runs two Gites in France, special rates for Ex-BCal Staff too, see their website www.lavarache.com
Started May69 with BUA then came Sir Adam to make it the best airline ever. I felt like it was working a family business. Its great to see the family getting back together. So sad to hear of Sir Adams death ,he will be proud of how well we all think of him. BCAL lives on in all our memories.
Steve Frohlich Wonderful, so many pleasant memories.
Jan Gardiner (now Bebbington)
BCAL 1982 onwards. Gatwick - Check-in, Airlink and Ticket desk. Loved every minute of it. A fabulous airline with great people. It was a sad day when it went.
Sharon Gardner (nee Looney).
I joined in 1985, Ab Initio 13. Remained flying Longhaul out of Gatwick until 1991, obviously for British Airways after the merger. Went over to LHR Shorthaul for a year, and then left to start a family. I am presently living in Canada.
Tony Gargano
Hello from Luigi....Married the lovely Diane in my second year with BCAL cabin staff (1974), left in 78 to do a "proper job" and start a family. We stopped at 1 - Dean (Dino-get it?) who is now 25 married to Elizabeth and living in Bristol, both having gained degrees at Bath uni. Where they met. They have been politely warned not to make me a granddad before I reach 60, not quite there yet. After 8 years of doting fatherhood the lovely Diane asked me to move on, probably because I had forgotten I should still also be a loving husband. I'm still doing the same proper job which has been sales/management with a vending company based in Crawley, covering the south east, mainly Heathrow area now. Still living in Hove Actually, still single, still straight and still gorgeous. O K. I lied about the last bit! Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me Ciao Luigi aka Tony G.
Denny Gaskell (Potts) Simply the best years of my life- LGW Cabin Crew
Dennis Gauthier
Like your site I worked for Caledonian at the old beehive 1970 and moved across to Mortons hangar seat shop until I left to join Pacific Western in Canada 1975. I have been looking for any info on a Jim Pugh who now lives in Smallfield also Allen Thaxer.
Andy Geary Stevens
Super'Cally'fragilisticexpialidocious!! What a great way to be reminded of a great airline, old friends and events. I joined Caledonian in 69 and spent the best years of my life in the company of airline colleagues at Gatwick, in Europe, USA, West, East and Central Africa. It was a sad day when BCAL stopped flying and sadder still when Adam Thomson and Alan Stronach passed away - almost as though someone was trying to close the history book. But it doesn't end that way. People and memories live on and I look back in gratitude at the good times I had. I moved across to British Airways and stayed overseas with them in Holland, Belgium, Spain (back to Nigeria again for my sins), Egypt and finally the Lebanon. The crowds are demonstrating outside the office and the scud missiles are being fired across the border, but I still enjoy every minute and wouldn't have changed anything. Great site Dave !
Biddi Geoghegan
Joined Caledonian at LGW in 1969 and flew on the `Whispering Giants`, 1-11s, VC10s, 707s, DC10s tranferred to the Clansman Lounge at LGW in the 80's and left in 1986/7 when I took the handout and moved to Cornwall - those 17 years with Cale were the best years of my life. Love the site, the crew room notices, the memorabilia etc. Does anyone remember me?
David Gerrard
Started working for BCAL in 1974 as a Flight Engineer on Boeing 707`s having started with Lux Air, moved on to the DC-10 in 1979 and continued through the take over by British Airways untill retirement. Now enjoying a relaxing time but still regularly visiting different parts of the world. Can be contacted through my son's email link above.
Tim Gibson
How great to see so many familiar names. I joined the original Caledonian Airways as a Duty Officer in 1978 and in September 1970 went off to become one of Alan Stronach's lads in JFK - when the Britannia still made it across the pond from time to time, hotly followed by all those 707's. We all were dumped when the sked services stopped on Oct 31st 1974 (well they started on April Fools Day 1973, with both a/c diverting due JFK wx - we should have known .... Then I went to SAA in JFK as Assistant Station Manager ... still with the 707 ! ... that built from 3 707's a week to 5 747's and was just about to go daily when the sanctions axe fell, so no more planes. I survived 2 years in res in the city (first time I ever had a 9-5 job ..AWFUL !!), then got hunted down by Air Europe to head up ground ops USA (all those 757's bombing into MCO) and the promise of MD11's on sked services, so that went belly up even faster than BCAL's first time in JFK... Had a spell with UA in crew management - hated it - TOO big a company and based in the midwest, with that sort of thinking .. could hardly be further away from the CA/BR way of doing things... Now I ride as a FULL REV Pax around the world setting up itins for luxury tour operator TCS Expeditions -- look at the website travel@tcs-expeditions.com if u want to see the opposite end of the market from Club18-30 LGW IBZ on a Tuesday midnight.. I would be happy to hear from anyone out there who remembers those very good old days - I wish we had known then how lucky we were !
Brian Gladman A former BCal Engineer, Brian can be contacted via his daughter, Kirsty Gladman
Peter Goddard Those were the days: B-Cal 1979-1984 Vamonos British Caledonian!
Louis Goessen
Based in Amsterdam again after 8 years working in the CIS as an Aviation Consultant. BCAL, the best Airline EVER, and the best group of people I have ever worked with, GREAT SITE !!! Asking if someone knows the location, or contact of an old BCAL hostie friend of mine called Mary Lambie. She used to live in Brighton and flew mostly long haul. Many thanks for the help.
Sally Golds (now Heron)
I'm thrilled to find I have a place to go to find former BCAL friends from the 70's. I joined Caledonian/BUA as cabin crew in early 1970 along with Marilyn Sewell (now Little and living in SA) with whom I'm still in touch - we were trained by Shirley (?) who was a lot of fun. What a great era to be flying - I was on VC10s, BAC 1/11s, 747 (remember the old Aer Lingus one?) and finally the DC10 before leaving to live in Oz in 1979. So many memories - so many people who became friends: Maureen Hancock who I initially shared digs with in Crawley, Frankie Farrell, Heather Mories (still a good friend and living in Kenya), Di Denby and Norman Speary, Joe the steward with red hair - all Joes step forward please!
Then there was the lovely Dr. Chapman, BCAL's medical man and the tragedy of his nurse who was murdered in her car. Robin Brodie James, Capt. on the 1/11 200s, F/O Tony ? from Crowborough who gave me the occasional game of squash......Pauline Spooner who Marilyn and I shared a house with.......what about those fun days at the Norfolk in Nairobi - it seemed like my second home for many years....and the 4 hours on to the Seychelles.....wow! I'll add to this list as I remember faces and places! I've been living on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland Australia for the last thirty years and would love to catch up with air crew who either visit or live in these parts. Mind you, I head home to the UK regularly as my Aussie daughter now flies with Virgin Atlantic and is about to marry and settle over there - how the tables turn!
Steve Gooch
Decided to look up site after having a nostalgic moment here at SFO. Just departed Philippine Airlines B747-200-C8850, better known to ex-BCALites as G-GLYN. A/C now on it's way to sunny Arizona to languish in the desert! Any offers!! This is 3rd (If I'm wrong please correct me) ex-BCAL aircraft of theirs to have gone thru here in the last week. I missed the s/nos for the other 2 so not sure which. Funnily enough the Capt who took last one out also picked it up from the UK. Any Engineering apprentices from year '77 hello. Still miss those fun days!!
Charles Goodrich
I left BCAL marketing after 16 years, first spending 8 years with Gulf Air in Asia. Lost contact with many BCAL friends after BA Speedwing sent me to deepest Africa for 3 years, first Malawi and most recently in Nairobi where I was CEO of BA's latest franchise airline Regional Air, but I am now UK based. My last BR stations were Riyadh, Dubai and Houston!
Fred and Jean Gorman (nee Goudie)
With Caledonian from 1965 until 1975 as Cabin Crew. Jean and I are still married after 40 years. She now works with Mappin & Webb at terminal 5 LHR. I am still in Kazakhstan. Should have retired but, like any good Caledonian person, they will not let me.
Dave Gould
Lovely memories, started with BCAL 5.8.74 and stayed until the takeover. Met my wife who worked in Cargo with me for a time. Now work in Dubai, several other ex BCAL out here as well. Although have been in Air cargo all my working life have never experienced the same feelings that I had when working for BCAL
Yolanda Gouveia
I joined BCAL in September 1977, still flying, now on BA, long time, miss the old days, hard working days and nights, but we had fun, do you remember me ?
Russ Gowan
The memories are flooding back. Reading all the pages from this fantastic site. All the names of some great people I had the pleasure to fly with. I was one of the first of the new breed of "superchiefs". A name "invented" by Ian Gardiner, and I operated the very first flight from long beach calif; into GLA then LGW. on the DC10. As we were all new to the aircraft the meal service took hours. I did many inaugural flights on board this fine aircraft. I spent wonderful 19 years with cally, and met some truly great people both on the ground and in the air. My thanks must go to Colin Williams, (manager cabin crew) who gave me the job as a lowly junior steward in the first place. Some great names have come up on your site - Dave Pepp, mark whiting, Avril Milne (g'day av) ann Westlake, Alan Locke. Mo Abel. miss everyone. BCAL was an institution, a family, as well as the best airline in the world. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. Russ Gowen, 8, benllech close, connahs quay, deeside, flintshire. ch5 4yb
John Grant
It is with sadness we learn that John passed away early on Wednesday 17th November 2010 after a lengthy illness. He was 81, and died at his home in Furnace Green Crawley. John started his aviation career at Croydon Airport with Transair, moved to Gatwick with the formation of BUA, and eventually took early retirement from BCAL as Manager Ground Handling Contracts. He is survived by his wife Di, three daughters and a son.
John's service was held on Friday 3rd December 2010 in St Richards Chapel at the Crawley Crematorium in Worth. John's page here
Peter & Christine Grant (Nee Hunt)
We have only just found the site. Peter flew 1-11,707, DC10 and 747. After the murder, 747-400 and retired in march as Capt. on the 757/767. Now with DHL. Chrissie took Bob's shilling 3 years ago and promptly retired!
Jane Gray (Allison)
Great to see BCAL colours. I was Ticket Desk LGW from '71 to '79. Miss it all-but not the "earlies". Love to hear from anyone that remembers me. I married Derek (Dolly) Gray, ground engineer, he's ex-Cally and Cale//BUA
Janis Greig (now Roozpeikar)
I was a Hostie with BCAL from 1979-1986. I also worked in the Edinburgh Town Office, George Street, in 1974 doing ticketing and reservations, wearing the uniform but being paid by G.G.N. Travel with whom we shared the agency. I remember being sent down for a reservations course to Gatwick and staying at the Copthorne Hotel I was only 16 or 17 at the time and green as the grass…..I was told not to tell anyone my age. I was then made redundant and I went to Italy to learn Italian and do a bit of traveling. BCAL then took over the agency and I worked in general travel I think from 1976-1979 no longer in uniform but employed by BCAL.
I married in 1986 and I have a son Jordan 22. I live in Hampstead London and work 2 days a week for a family friend in the jewellery business in Knightsbridge which is great fun.
Bob Green
I joined in 1983 after a brief spell of unemployment in Worthing. I was as green as my name. After 8 years in the Fire Service I knew nowt about airports and airlines but a little about aircraft. One of my first interview questions was did I know where BCAL flew to and what aircraft BCAL had? Not a clue! How on earth Val Cutler and Vanda gave me a job in passenger services I'll never know but when I started my learning curve was vertical (and still is) Thanks to Chris Mcarthy and Adrian Milner and many many more I stayed and became one of the family. A proud family who always went down to welcome the new 747 or Airbus on first arrival at Gatwick and generally felt like one big family. A feeling sadly missing in today's BA. I'm in Dispatch now much to my surprise and enjoying playing with the aircraft but miss the pride we all had with BCAL. Having said that , this site is a wonderful tribute to Sir Adam and it proves the pride is still there. Regards and best wishes to all.
Peter Greenham
Flew as Cabin crew from 1984 till the Murder sorry Merger in 87. Had many a happy trips and made many great friends who remain so till this day! Still stays as the happiest time of my flying career. Putting on that Tartan Jacket for the in flight service was a real highlight! Still wear it for Dinner parties! Yeah right! It wouldn't fit my neck let alone my waist! Still flying as a CSD with BA after 31 years ! Mad or what ! Would love to hear from you all . God bless, Peter G.
Laurie Griffiths
I joined Caledonian Airways as a Flight Engineer in Sept:1965 and flew on Britannia, 707, DC10 and 747 a/c until merger with BA in 1988, then stayed with BA for 2 years joining Virgin in 1990 until my final retirement in October 1994. The 23 years with Caledonian were the best years of my life. I recognise many names on the BCAL web-site and would welcome contact with any who remember me. I am a Trustee of the BCAL Flight Deck trust and we have a reunion annually on the last Friday of September each year. All Ex Flight Deck and Ex BCAL cabin crew and other invited guests are welcome. Met many old friends when I attended Adam Thompson's memorial service in London. I frequently look at my scrap books from the past to remember the "good old days" with Caledonian Airways and BCAL. Also enjoy looking at the BCAL web-site from time to time and thought it was about time I made an entry!
David Grueneberg CLAT An airline sadly missed and good times had by all.
Sonia Guinane
I joined Caledonian Airways as a stewardess in May 1965 and continued to fly until January 1971, I flew on DC7Cs, Bristol Britannias, BAC 111s and Boeing 707s. I developed diabetes but continued as a sales-executive until 1974. I knew Adam Thompson, John de la Haye, Frank Hope and many other people within the organisation. It was a wonderful time back then and I enjoyed every minute.
Martyn Gurton
Joined '71 in crewing and remained till the end. Still in the business at LHR with BA as Ops control manager but still remember "the best days of our lives" life is not the same these days, mores the pity. Great site to keep in touch. Good luck and take care.
Paul Gurton
Never has or will there be an airline like BCAL, my dad and my brothers all worked for them over the years great memories. never settled since BA animal moved in. tried few other places but .have now left the airline industry 3 months ago and miss it like mad .cargo side. people side....just know there's another BCAL out there but where......we were a dying breed....the sun will never go down.
Chris Guyler 05/01/12 updated email
I hail from the old latter days of BUA and joined flight operations in 1968 in the “Crew Rostering” department as a shift worker dealing with the day to day running of the pilot and cabin crew rosters. After a short while, about 18 months I think, the ‘merger’ started to come about and I was promoted to a ‘day worker’ to join a very good friend in the department, John Simpson, who had been building the BAC 1-11 (200 series) pilot’s rosters. He was promoted and given the task of taking over the building of the bigger 500 series fleet that came over from Caledonian! So alongside John, I was taken on as the ‘new boy’ to take over his role of building the BAC 1-11 200 series pilot’s rosters! Oh, those were the days, when airlines were really AIRLINES and you ALL had fun making sure everything ran smoothly! Later I was coerced into furthering my airline career when an opportunity came up in “Flight International” advertising a job in Gulf Air for flight operations with crew scheduling experience! Needless to say I was lucky enough to secure the expatriate position and leave BCAL in 1971 to go out to ‘sunny’ Bahrain and spend three years there before venturing further a field and coming to Australia in 1974. Initially, I worked for Ansett Airlines in Melbourne for 3 years before becoming an expat again with 6 years in Papua New Guinea working for Air Nuigini, followed by 2 years in Brunei for Royal Brunei Airlines. Then in 1986 I came back to sunny Queensland and joined Qantas and worked in several areas for 19 years before taking a redundancy package and leaving in late 2005 to join the ranks of the “early retirees”! A big thank you to BUA and BCAL for ‘kick-starting’ my career! Please keep in touch if you remember the name!
Richard Ha
I was the first local to join BCal HKG office in 1980, as a Sales Executive, and the last local to leave the company in May 1988, after took over by BA, as the Far East Regional Sales Manager. We had such excellent and exceptional team and leadership, this outpost had been expanding rapidly and successfully. It brings back lots of wonderful memories. I value and treasure those days and I thank all colleagues that I met. Those were the brightest and happiest days of my career in the industry. It is such a good feeling to be reconnected with this warm “motherly” community.
Edward Hack
Dakotas with Transair at Croydon Viscounts, Britannia's and BAC 1-11s at Gatwick. Very lucky to serve with Transair, BUA. and BCAL. They were the best!
Del Haggith
From the workhorse BAC 1.11 through to the mighty 747 the one thing that stays in my mind is the golden lion that adorned the tailfins of our aircraft and what it stood for. Pride in the service we gave, and the great comradeship within the staff made the airline what is was. A airline that was envied all over the world and one through this website will not be forgotten. Remember ' We never forget you have a choice Started at BCAL in Oct 77 and now with BA ...Still at LGW. Drop me a line to renew old times
Ian Haines 02/04/11
I was taken on by Pete Lucas as an Instrument Mechanic on 08 May 1967. It was BUA in those days. He put me on Line 4 on shift with Pete Taylor. I found life on the Ramp very rewarding, I worked with some very competent engineers, and learnt so much from them. I have very fond memories of certain personalities, John Faulkner and John Buck, they were very helpful to me, JF soon guided me in the right direction, JF always had the right tool for the job, he gave me half my tool kit. These two were always being called upon to go overseas on AOG down route, Arnold Sheed's Special men!
When Caledonian and BUA joined forces the Logo changed to the Rampant Golden Lion on the aircraft tailplane. A totally Flamboyant Image,the tartan uniform, the brand was impressive. It gave one a sense of well being working and representing the airline.
Sports tours overseas followed, Football and Cricket matches to overseas destinations. Mick Wearing and John Cook were two very enthusiastic personalities, who promoted and arranged these events, sadly they have both passed on.
In 1985 I was seconded to the Auto Land Team working with Eddie Jones. Happy days! Eddie's scouse wit, and joking sense of humour, it was a comedy show working with him. Des Green was the No1 Ramp Rat! unofficially Aircrew Liasion Engineer, he talked the hind leg off a donkey. Sadly they too have passed on.
Just to note the ends BCAL would go to get an aircraft on service. Terry Brown and myself were sent to Paris where we were put on a Flight of a lifetime! on Concorde to Dakar, then a flight on a Cessna to Banjul. Here we replaced the F/O Pitot Head on a B707. Then returned on the aircraft to Gatwick, The B707 was then put on the morning service to the USA. These days are all gone now, but somethings remain. Those were the days of our lives with BCAL.
Bob Hallman
My name is Bob Hallman and I was the PR and Promotion Manager for BCAL on the West Coast, U.S.A. from 1986 until Feb. 1988, as BA took over. Our group in L.A. was a fun team to work with and I miss those days! - Bob
Ted Hankinson
I joined BCAL in Easter 76 working in the flight kitchen, as a subby painter doing the ceilings. I went on to spend that hot summer painting the old terrapin buildings. By the end of the year I was full time BCAL and stayed until the end. In my time I must have worked in most of the hangars and offices, including Wilton Road, Tripoli and the station managers flat in Geneva. I still work at Gatwick for B.A.A. security and still see a lot of old B/Cal faces. We all say the same that it was the best airline ever to operate out of Gatwick. I still have a large print of the painting done of Sir Adam done in hanger five. You can pick out individuals in it including "Buster" Brown. I think this is a great site and a tribute to what Sir Adam achieved
Roger, Karen and Martin Harbour
What a great idea to create this website. Until now we used to reminisce about BCAL, the world's greatest airline, while drinking, preferably Scotch whisky, from those beautiful crystal cut glasses with the Lion emblem, used in First Class. Has anybody ever thought about reproducing those posters BCAL issued? The "Robert Burns-Scottish Bard" poster, hanging in our staircase, is beginning to look a little worse for wear. Keep up the good work. Be rest assured we will be visiting this site often. I worked for BCAL up until the takeover from British Airways. One of Maggies worst decisions!
Cathy Harbour (now Mounce)
I worked for BCAL 1984-1986 in Dallas Texas. My name then was Cathy Harbour. I worked with Kay Boot, Joe Warkentine, John Love, Vickey Manley, Kathy David and Will Blunt on the freight side of the equation. Would love to hear information regarding Harry Davis, Taffy, or others associated with the BCAL Rugby Team I helped chaperone and sponsor to a rugby tournament in Austin and San Antonio Texas 1985 and '86. Yes it was fun and of course there was not any beer. Married for 12 years and living on 11 acres with cows, horses, dogs, cats, and husband. Working in the International Dept of Blockbuster Video in McKinney, Texas. No I can't do anything about your late fees. Thanks for making this possible. Hope to hear from you
Barbara Harmer - (Barbara's Memorial Service - held on 19th May 2011)
It is with sadness we learn that Barbara died peacefully, aged 57, at the St.Wilfrid's Hospice - Chichester on 20th February 2011. Barbara flew as a pilot with BCal's BAC 1-11 and DC10 fleet and stayed on the DC10's post BA until transferring to the Concorde fleet.
Carole Harris (nee Pratt)
Hi my name is Carole Harris and my maiden name was Pratt although I used the name Carole Ryan after changing by deed poll also. I was Cabin Crew with Bcal from 1981 to 1993 when I left to have my first daughter. I have the most fantastic memories of BCal and don't think I've ever got over leaving. Being Cabin Crew in the 80s n 90s was a fantastic experience and spent many a long week in South America, West Africa and America. I also did a contract with Sabena whereby BCal had 1 side of the aircraft and Sabena the other (very bizarre). I married Paul Harris who was also a steward. Would love to hear from anyone who knows me and also would love to email Beth Skivington, We bought your house remember.
Roger Harris 18/01/11
Decided to take early retirement from Portman as it wasn't the same company after their last acquisition. Really enjoyed my BCAL days in the UK, Sierra Leone, Mexico and the US and the great people I had the pleasure to work with. As one of the many casualties when BA 'merged' with us and so glad I didn't become part of that huge faceless organisation after the friendliness and family like atmosphere which was BCAL. To fill my time now heavily involved with the Royal Naval and HMS Cambria Associations in Cardiff and enjoy walking with my lady Penelope, playing bowls and enjoying life in general... not to mention the odd glass of wine or two !
Les Hawkins
I joined 1971 in flight kitchens/cabin services. Became a porter in 1978 and was still there at the end when the merger took place. Would like to hear from anyone who knew me during that time.
Elaine Hayes 18/06/2011
I worked with BCal from 1984 as cabin crew, there for the BA take over, but what a great company to work for, now living back in my native Dublin, married with 4 kids, still have such fond memories of a fab airline
Theresa Haylor
1976 - 1989 Engineering Stores. Now working for VAA with lots of ex BCAL people, have you engineers improved on your howling in the hangar's or are you still doing the call from the wild.
Keith Haynes work email home email
At long last I have taken time out to visit this great site. The name and the memory live on and still people in the travel industry talk about "the best" Airline this country has ever known.
John Haney
Just visited the site and it was great to see the many great characters that were in BCAL. Following the merger with BA I decided to work for Meridiana at LGW as their airport manager. I then re-joined BA in 1994 but as Airport Manager Turin, Italy. I'm currently still in BA in Safety & Compliance. Having done all this however, my best memories were with BCAL in load control.......lots of laughs and a great fun time! Would welcome news from friends and former colleagues.
Richard Havers
I joined BUA in 1969 as a messenger in cargo sales. After we became British Caledonian Airways I worked in cargo sales and then planning. In the early 1980s I went to Houston to work in cargo and for 6 months in Los Angeles to set up the BCAL office after we took over the route from Laker. I returned to the UK and started British Caledonian Commuter, which apart from almost costing me my job was great fun. In 1984 I joined Continental Airlines (cries of traitor!). In 1989 I decided that airlines had had the best years of my life so I went into the advertising and music business. Since the end of the last century I've been writing books and working in TV and radio a little bit. All in all I've managed to spend my whole life never having a proper job! I live in Scotland where I'm married to Christine (who has always been Christine but was Firth) who worked for BCAL at Edinburgh airport.
John W. Head Delighted that this website enables past employees to ensure the BCAL flame is not allowed to extinguish
Richard Hearn looking forward to meeting up with old friends and foes, Richard (BA rtrd. hurray)
Martin Heath
I was trying to confirm the date of Sir Adam's memorial service, as British Airways Touchdown magazine is quoting the wrong date (typical!) -8 Sept. I enjoyed your site and was very pleased to see memories of the old company. It was truly a pleasure and a privilege to work for BCAL and I had a tremendous regard for Sir Adam, who shone out as a beacon of honesty and integrity in an airline world that didn't always exhibit many of those qualities.
Geert Heetebrij
I used to work for BCAL at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam from April 1st 1978 until July 31st 1988 (ten years). Not that long ago I got to hear about the Crewroom here. I enjoy the site very much. Warmest regards and hopefully I may hear from people I knew.
Marilyn Henderson
Joined Caledonian in 1969 as a hostie, had a great time & met some lovely people along the way. Flew on Brittanias, 1-11s & the good old 707. Missed it terribly when I left to get married in 1974. Went on to work for BAF out of Southend in the late seventies & early eighties. Moved to Australia in 1983 & after brief sojurns in Fiji & PNG have been in Brisbane ever since. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me from the good old days. I used to share a house at Three Bridges with Jenny Wardrop (who went to work for BA I think) & Fidelma Doherty (Irish girl) who went to work as ground staff after she got married.
Roger Henning
I was appointed VP-External Affairs for BCAL, when Sir Adam was bidding for the right to take on QF/BA with one-stop flight UK/Aus, via Sri Lanka. As usual, he was way ahead of his time. It was my job to brief Margaret Thatcher, at No 10, on the collapse of Laker Airways and rescue of stranded passenges by BCAL, for Sir Adam. I also accompanied Sir Adam to a meeting I set up with Rupert Murdoch, in a bid to form a duopoly with Ansett and also participated in CAA hearings in London. After I recommended Bill to be appointed Manager Australasia, I stepped into the role as Public Affairs Manager, (because I didn’t know anything about ticketing and still don’t). These days I’m in the business of protecting critical infrastructure including airports, seaports, missile bases etc. Billy McNamara kindly advised me of the great job you are doing rounding up BCAL survivors.
Michael Herndon
When BCAL began Houston service my employee number was 6. I started in cargo service,went into cargo sales and was promoted to Regional Sales Manager St. Louis when we began service to STL. I later went on to work for Continental as Vice President of Cargo Sales in the mid-80's. I still keep in touch with many close friends who were my associates at BCAL. I later went on to form my own specialty travel and marketing company; sold it in the late 90's and in a fit of insanity went to law school. I now practice law in Houston Texas and find myself wishing I was working for the airlines at least once a week.
David Herring BCAL engineering LGW, Avionics
Ana Eva Heuberger
So many memories!!! I joined CALE//BUA on September 1971 working on the ground at Rio de Janeiro Airport, wearing the BUA uniform to start with. Started to fly May 73, and was one of the "South American" girls based in Rio. My base was taken over by British Airways in 1985 and I carried on flying until retirement, in 2003. Love to all of those who still remember me from the good old days in Casablanca, Freetown, Recife, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Lisbon, Madrid, and of course Rio !
Alan Heyhurst
I worked in the Finance department between 1975 and 1978
This was when BCAL launched the Houston route and also introduced of the DC10-30. I remember watching G-BEBM landing at Gatwick on it's delivery flight. I was part of a publicity photo shoot and was on this aircraft before it entered service. It was a great aircraft. BCAL was a great airline. It reminds me of the recent take over of Canadian Airlines International by Air Canada. Another great airline bites the dust.
Richard Heywood 06/09/11
Joined Caledonian Airways on 4 November 1970, just 26 days before the merger. Worked through Operations to Planning to Overseas Admin and then Sales and Marketing. Left in March 1986 after 15+ years which hold so many good memories. I left to start Genesis, which organises conferences and is also a business travel agent, thriving in Haywards Heath. I would love to hear from any former colleagues through the wonders of the web.
Chris Hill
Joined B-CAL in 1978 in cargo sales LGW. Moved to ATL in 1982 then to LAX in 1984. When B-CAL was acquired by BA, I moved to SFO and was there with BA until 1994. Worked with other airlines in the U.S. including United, Pan Am II, and BMI. Left BMI after 9/11 and worked in Beijing China with Menzies. Now living in rural France and trying to live the good life. Had a great time with the B-CAL family and have retained many good friends throughout the world. I believe cargo always had the most fun. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Please contact me anytime as I would be pleased to hear from anyone who may remember me. Chris and his wife also runs two Gites in France, special rates for Ex-BCal Staff too, see their website www.lavarache.com
Please, click on a tab to take you to that part of the guestbook.
The Crew Room Notices
If you would like an entry in the Guestbook, please just email your entry, and I will upload it.
Guestbook Entry Email - click here to send me your email
updated 1st February 2012
Also, please send me an email if your email details or entry needs updating
If you would like an entry in the Guestbook, please just email your entry, and I will upload it.
Guestbook Entry Email - click here to send me your email
updated 1st February 2012
Also, please send me an email if your email details or entry needs updating
Please, click on a tab above to view the sections of the guestbook.
Anne Highams (now Lindup)
Flew from 1973 - 1979. I Loved every minute of my life at BCAL, married someone I met through flying. Still in touch with some of those I flew with - in fact it turned out that a fellow cabin crew member was living in the next village and we never realised! Great memories which live on, which just goes to show what an amazing family we were!
Nick Higson 01/02/12 updated entry
I was with BCal Cargo Revenue from 1983 until the merger with British Airways in 1989. After Bcal I spent 2 years at Air Europe cargo and have just completed 19 years with AIR MILES who now have their Head Office in Astral Towers (Caledonian House)
Dick Holder
When one sees the industry today, we can all feel proud of the days of the Golden Lion, They were the best years of my life. It is nice to see so many old friends names on one site. Thanks. I am in touch with quite a few past colleagues. I now have my own consultancy. Please contact me if you wish to keep in touch or need some work!
Jenny Holland 13/10/08
Joined BUA Reservations late 60's and onto Traffic at LGW and worked in Amsterdam Sales from 1976-1978. Came back to UK to London Sales at Victoria and worked for Ray Jackson. Left London 12 years ago and live in Norfolk. Semi retired 2007 and work for the RNIB as a telephone fundraiser. BCAL still in my system and always will be - they were the best days of my life. Remember me ?
Steve Holland
1974-1979 traffic, res, and flight watch. Some of the best years of my life-fondly remembered. Would be pleased to hear from former colleagues-any chance of a reunion at/near LGW sometime? Now fly 747-400 for Atlas Air ex STN.
Frank Hope
It is with sadness we learn that Frank Hope, one of the four original founders of Caledonian Airways, passed away peacefull at home on Saturday, October 2, after a long illness. His funeral took place in the St. Richard's Chapel at the Surrey & Sussex Crematorium on Tuesday 12th October
Frank was an RAF Navigator and went on to join the old Eagle Airways, before being invited to help launch Caledonian Airways. He went on to be a board member of British Caledonian and was subsequently Chief Executive of the subsidiary charter airline, Cal-Air. Sir Adam called Frank "my master planner" recollected Tony Cocklin. The Scotsman - Obituary for Frank Hope
Steve Hope
I worked in the tariffs department for a period of time in my first commercial job, lots of fun and a little bit of high quality work from what I recall. Many good experiences with BCAL/Calair over the years everywhere from Monrovia to Dubai...
Brian Hopper
After spending 18 years with Canadian Pacific Airlines, ten of which were spent in their Trafalgar Square office as res agent, tariff advisor and rep I was posted to Toronto and eventually to their HQ in Vancouver as System Interline Manager. During my London days we formed the London Interline Club and I was lucky enough to be their first chairman.
Bob Norris - Caledonian and Henry Williams - BUA contacted me to let me know a new airline was being formed called Caledonian/BUA and would I be interested in joining. I did indeed join them and enjoyed several years promoting the company throughout Canada as Sales Manager. They were happy years, we had an excellent team and when Bob left we were joined by Rohan Alce as VP Canada.
After a short spell in New York I returned to the UK and became the Senior Sales Rep for the Midlands eventually becoming the Regional Sales Manager with offices in Newhall Street, Birmingham.
I accepted early retirement when the company was swallowed by BA and turned myself into a writer/photographer concentrating mainly on illustrated travel articles. I have reached my first century in national publications and am now working on my second. I am a Past President of our local Rotary Club and enjoy digital photography, music, gardening and rambling group meetings with the U3A. Until earlier this year I was a Investigator and Auditor with IATA.
Paul Horsting
Great airline-worked as a pilot for a number of years, with Caledonian and previously with Air Ferry Manston Kent. Just retired from Cathay Pacific Airways-Hong Kong (26 years).
Denyse Howie I was ground staff and worked in the Clansman Lounge. joined in 1971 and left in 1985
John Hughes
Thought I'd register before anything else so still have the anticipated pleasure of browsing. My time was Caledonian Airways - a founder member from 1961 - before they had their first DC7c until the arrival of the B707-320C's Was Charter Sales Manager and then headed up the new Cargo Sales unit just prior to the delivery of the first B707 which we operated - remember the first went out on lease pending the solution to the import duty levy which the government was imposing fully backed by BOAC at that time. Great company even then - short of work, cash but certainly didn't lack enthusiasm and dedication. First office over the estate agents on the corner of Massetts road and Victoria Road Horley. What days they were.
Philip Hunkin
I flew from May 1977 to 1982. How fantastic to see so many names from the past. I can honestly say the best years of my life was spent with BCAL. After BCAL I flew for Caledonian then Thomas Cook. I married Maggie Macdonald a BA stewardess and have one daughter Georgia and we live in the Highlands of Scotland where we have a small hotel. I would love to hear from old friends.
John Hutchings 10/05/11
I joined BCAL in 1978 as an aircraft electrical supervisor working in the hangars at Gatwick. I had come from BA at LHR having served my apprenticeship with BOAC from 1961 to 1966. BCAL had an openness that was sadly lacking at BA and I was so impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm of all the people I met. It was a pleasure to work with a group of friendly and keen engineers. I had some good times and the airline gave me valuable experiences and opportunities that greatly advanced my career.
After the "merger" I soon realised that life under the new regime was not for me. In June 1989, with my wife and two children, I emigrated to Australia where I worked at Sydney for Qantas as a licensed aircraft engineer on base maintenance. In 1996 I accepted a position in the airline's Maintenance Watch where I remained until my retirement in 2010.
Iain Hutchison 22/11/11
Joined British Caledonian in the Glasgow town office at 127 Buchanan Street in 1973. Parted company along with 'the 800' when the 1974 Oil Crisis bit and BCal cut back routes, etc. I think it was in 'High Risk' that Adam Thomson recorded how that had pained him, but added that he gained some gratification in being able to re-employ most of those made redundant during the following years - he must have mislaid my phone number! I was proud to work for BCal and, although it was for only a short time, I look back on those days with fond memories. I am currently a research historian at the University of Glasgow.
Some of the folk I remember from BCal GTO are Marlene Gordon, Susie Lander, Jim Lucas, Tom Moore, Debbie Rushbrooke-Williams, Marilyn McMahon, Jim McSorley, Cath Kerr, Barbara Goodwin (ex British Eagle), Colin Lamont (Tariffs), Mabel Sangster, John Brien - apologies to those whom I have omitted.
Moira Irvine (now O'Reilly) 02/08/2011
I joined BUA at Renfrew Airport in 1966. There were only 3 ground receptionists, Moira Dempster (now McGinty), Mhairi Gilchrist (now Lingard) and me. We worked at Renfrew on the inaugural Interjet Flights to LGW. Tony Elverson was the Station Officer and Willy McKenna was the DO (both ex British Eagle). These were fabulous times. We were trailblazers and we had to succeed against the might of BEA and British Eagle who both operated to LHR. We worked long hours and had heaps of fun. We were banished to terminal 2 and we had a little bus to shuttle the pax from Terminal 1 which was the domain of BEA. After six months the new Glasgow Airport opened.
I see Chris Aitchison mentions Peter Steel employing him at EDI. Peter came from England to work at GLA when the new airport opened and many more staff were employed. Peter and his wife Carol are well and living in England. I remain great friends with Moira Dempster. Our times with BUA at Glasgow were very special.
I moved with Mhairi Gilchrist to work with BUA, LGW in late 1967 and I went on to fly with BEA/BOAC until 1971. Mhairi remained ground staff at LGW for a number of years. In 1971 I married a Qantas pilot and moved to Australia where I still reside. I live in Rutherglen in Victoria, an excellent wine area and the second oldest (after the Barossa) in Australia.
If any of the BUA/BEA/BOAC people find themselves in this part of the world do drop in
Lynda Isted
I was very sad to hear the news about Sir Adam, which prompted me to visit the site. I worked for BCAL for 17 years, finally as Secretary to the Legal Director (Hugh Garety) on the 7th Floor at Caledonian House. I have many happy memories of my time at BCAL and was delighted to find a site which can bring back some of those memories. I would love to hear from anybody from the good old days at Caledonian House.
Flew from 1973 - 1979. I Loved every minute of my life at BCAL, married someone I met through flying. Still in touch with some of those I flew with - in fact it turned out that a fellow cabin crew member was living in the next village and we never realised! Great memories which live on, which just goes to show what an amazing family we were!
Nick Higson 01/02/12 updated entry
I was with BCal Cargo Revenue from 1983 until the merger with British Airways in 1989. After Bcal I spent 2 years at Air Europe cargo and have just completed 19 years with AIR MILES who now have their Head Office in Astral Towers (Caledonian House)
Dick Holder
When one sees the industry today, we can all feel proud of the days of the Golden Lion, They were the best years of my life. It is nice to see so many old friends names on one site. Thanks. I am in touch with quite a few past colleagues. I now have my own consultancy. Please contact me if you wish to keep in touch or need some work!
Jenny Holland 13/10/08
Joined BUA Reservations late 60's and onto Traffic at LGW and worked in Amsterdam Sales from 1976-1978. Came back to UK to London Sales at Victoria and worked for Ray Jackson. Left London 12 years ago and live in Norfolk. Semi retired 2007 and work for the RNIB as a telephone fundraiser. BCAL still in my system and always will be - they were the best days of my life. Remember me ?
Steve Holland
1974-1979 traffic, res, and flight watch. Some of the best years of my life-fondly remembered. Would be pleased to hear from former colleagues-any chance of a reunion at/near LGW sometime? Now fly 747-400 for Atlas Air ex STN.
Frank Hope
It is with sadness we learn that Frank Hope, one of the four original founders of Caledonian Airways, passed away peacefull at home on Saturday, October 2, after a long illness. His funeral took place in the St. Richard's Chapel at the Surrey & Sussex Crematorium on Tuesday 12th October
Frank was an RAF Navigator and went on to join the old Eagle Airways, before being invited to help launch Caledonian Airways. He went on to be a board member of British Caledonian and was subsequently Chief Executive of the subsidiary charter airline, Cal-Air. Sir Adam called Frank "my master planner" recollected Tony Cocklin. The Scotsman - Obituary for Frank Hope
Steve Hope
I worked in the tariffs department for a period of time in my first commercial job, lots of fun and a little bit of high quality work from what I recall. Many good experiences with BCAL/Calair over the years everywhere from Monrovia to Dubai...
Brian Hopper
After spending 18 years with Canadian Pacific Airlines, ten of which were spent in their Trafalgar Square office as res agent, tariff advisor and rep I was posted to Toronto and eventually to their HQ in Vancouver as System Interline Manager. During my London days we formed the London Interline Club and I was lucky enough to be their first chairman.
Bob Norris - Caledonian and Henry Williams - BUA contacted me to let me know a new airline was being formed called Caledonian/BUA and would I be interested in joining. I did indeed join them and enjoyed several years promoting the company throughout Canada as Sales Manager. They were happy years, we had an excellent team and when Bob left we were joined by Rohan Alce as VP Canada.
After a short spell in New York I returned to the UK and became the Senior Sales Rep for the Midlands eventually becoming the Regional Sales Manager with offices in Newhall Street, Birmingham.
I accepted early retirement when the company was swallowed by BA and turned myself into a writer/photographer concentrating mainly on illustrated travel articles. I have reached my first century in national publications and am now working on my second. I am a Past President of our local Rotary Club and enjoy digital photography, music, gardening and rambling group meetings with the U3A. Until earlier this year I was a Investigator and Auditor with IATA.
Paul Horsting
Great airline-worked as a pilot for a number of years, with Caledonian and previously with Air Ferry Manston Kent. Just retired from Cathay Pacific Airways-Hong Kong (26 years).
Denyse Howie I was ground staff and worked in the Clansman Lounge. joined in 1971 and left in 1985
John Hughes
Thought I'd register before anything else so still have the anticipated pleasure of browsing. My time was Caledonian Airways - a founder member from 1961 - before they had their first DC7c until the arrival of the B707-320C's Was Charter Sales Manager and then headed up the new Cargo Sales unit just prior to the delivery of the first B707 which we operated - remember the first went out on lease pending the solution to the import duty levy which the government was imposing fully backed by BOAC at that time. Great company even then - short of work, cash but certainly didn't lack enthusiasm and dedication. First office over the estate agents on the corner of Massetts road and Victoria Road Horley. What days they were.
Philip Hunkin
I flew from May 1977 to 1982. How fantastic to see so many names from the past. I can honestly say the best years of my life was spent with BCAL. After BCAL I flew for Caledonian then Thomas Cook. I married Maggie Macdonald a BA stewardess and have one daughter Georgia and we live in the Highlands of Scotland where we have a small hotel. I would love to hear from old friends.
John Hutchings 10/05/11
I joined BCAL in 1978 as an aircraft electrical supervisor working in the hangars at Gatwick. I had come from BA at LHR having served my apprenticeship with BOAC from 1961 to 1966. BCAL had an openness that was sadly lacking at BA and I was so impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm of all the people I met. It was a pleasure to work with a group of friendly and keen engineers. I had some good times and the airline gave me valuable experiences and opportunities that greatly advanced my career.
After the "merger" I soon realised that life under the new regime was not for me. In June 1989, with my wife and two children, I emigrated to Australia where I worked at Sydney for Qantas as a licensed aircraft engineer on base maintenance. In 1996 I accepted a position in the airline's Maintenance Watch where I remained until my retirement in 2010.
Iain Hutchison 22/11/11
Joined British Caledonian in the Glasgow town office at 127 Buchanan Street in 1973. Parted company along with 'the 800' when the 1974 Oil Crisis bit and BCal cut back routes, etc. I think it was in 'High Risk' that Adam Thomson recorded how that had pained him, but added that he gained some gratification in being able to re-employ most of those made redundant during the following years - he must have mislaid my phone number! I was proud to work for BCal and, although it was for only a short time, I look back on those days with fond memories. I am currently a research historian at the University of Glasgow.
Some of the folk I remember from BCal GTO are Marlene Gordon, Susie Lander, Jim Lucas, Tom Moore, Debbie Rushbrooke-Williams, Marilyn McMahon, Jim McSorley, Cath Kerr, Barbara Goodwin (ex British Eagle), Colin Lamont (Tariffs), Mabel Sangster, John Brien - apologies to those whom I have omitted.
Moira Irvine (now O'Reilly) 02/08/2011
I joined BUA at Renfrew Airport in 1966. There were only 3 ground receptionists, Moira Dempster (now McGinty), Mhairi Gilchrist (now Lingard) and me. We worked at Renfrew on the inaugural Interjet Flights to LGW. Tony Elverson was the Station Officer and Willy McKenna was the DO (both ex British Eagle). These were fabulous times. We were trailblazers and we had to succeed against the might of BEA and British Eagle who both operated to LHR. We worked long hours and had heaps of fun. We were banished to terminal 2 and we had a little bus to shuttle the pax from Terminal 1 which was the domain of BEA. After six months the new Glasgow Airport opened.
I see Chris Aitchison mentions Peter Steel employing him at EDI. Peter came from England to work at GLA when the new airport opened and many more staff were employed. Peter and his wife Carol are well and living in England. I remain great friends with Moira Dempster. Our times with BUA at Glasgow were very special.
I moved with Mhairi Gilchrist to work with BUA, LGW in late 1967 and I went on to fly with BEA/BOAC until 1971. Mhairi remained ground staff at LGW for a number of years. In 1971 I married a Qantas pilot and moved to Australia where I still reside. I live in Rutherglen in Victoria, an excellent wine area and the second oldest (after the Barossa) in Australia.
If any of the BUA/BEA/BOAC people find themselves in this part of the world do drop in
Lynda Isted
I was very sad to hear the news about Sir Adam, which prompted me to visit the site. I worked for BCAL for 17 years, finally as Secretary to the Legal Director (Hugh Garety) on the 7th Floor at Caledonian House. I have many happy memories of my time at BCAL and was delighted to find a site which can bring back some of those memories. I would love to hear from anybody from the good old days at Caledonian House.
Sue Freeman (now Hamilton)
What a fantastic site - keep up the good work! I worked for BCAL for 9 years between 1978 and 1986. I was in Export Cargo with Diane Lane, Roger Moore, Peter Casey, Peter Mauchel, John Smith, Ian Marchant then in Southern England Sales with Barry Ashton, Lyn Barnard, Barbara Pattison, Paul Fogg, Tony Farrugia, Robert Gibbens, Lorna Gurton, Keith Farmer and finally worked for David Radford when he was Marketing Manager UK. Left in 1986 shortly after I got married when Marketing was re-locating to CLAT. Now live in Suffolk with my husband and 3 children. My time at BCAL for absolutely fantastic, many happy memories. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
David Freemantle
I joined BCAL on All Fools Day 1981 as Director of Personnel reporting to Alastair Pugh. I spent four colourful years with the airline. Much of my time with BCAL was spent dealing with industrial relations problems which seem endemic in the airline business. I left in August 1984 to set up my own consultancy business and to write books the most recent of which is entitled WANTED (How to be the most wanted employee around). I retired to the Philippines at the beginning 2008 and am currently engaged in writing my memoirs (especially of my time with BCAL). I would be very interested in receiving anecdotes and experiences of anyone who was in the airline 1981 - 1984 with a specific reference to unions, management and industrial relations issues.
Alan French
Although I didn't work for BCAL I had many friends in the company. I was with the Golden Lion Children's Trust and would like to say hi, to all the Ground, Cabin & Flight Deck crews who looked after the kids over the years whenever we had a flight. Many happy memories. Isn't it always a shame when you lose touch but I wish you well wherever you are now.
Bill (Bungie) French
My best regards to all my mates that were in the transport section, as well as all that were Tuggies and who finished like me working for British Airways.
What a fantastic site - keep up the good work! I worked for BCAL for 9 years between 1978 and 1986. I was in Export Cargo with Diane Lane, Roger Moore, Peter Casey, Peter Mauchel, John Smith, Ian Marchant then in Southern England Sales with Barry Ashton, Lyn Barnard, Barbara Pattison, Paul Fogg, Tony Farrugia, Robert Gibbens, Lorna Gurton, Keith Farmer and finally worked for David Radford when he was Marketing Manager UK. Left in 1986 shortly after I got married when Marketing was re-locating to CLAT. Now live in Suffolk with my husband and 3 children. My time at BCAL for absolutely fantastic, many happy memories. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
David Freemantle
I joined BCAL on All Fools Day 1981 as Director of Personnel reporting to Alastair Pugh. I spent four colourful years with the airline. Much of my time with BCAL was spent dealing with industrial relations problems which seem endemic in the airline business. I left in August 1984 to set up my own consultancy business and to write books the most recent of which is entitled WANTED (How to be the most wanted employee around). I retired to the Philippines at the beginning 2008 and am currently engaged in writing my memoirs (especially of my time with BCAL). I would be very interested in receiving anecdotes and experiences of anyone who was in the airline 1981 - 1984 with a specific reference to unions, management and industrial relations issues.
Alan French
Although I didn't work for BCAL I had many friends in the company. I was with the Golden Lion Children's Trust and would like to say hi, to all the Ground, Cabin & Flight Deck crews who looked after the kids over the years whenever we had a flight. Many happy memories. Isn't it always a shame when you lose touch but I wish you well wherever you are now.
Bill (Bungie) French
My best regards to all my mates that were in the transport section, as well as all that were Tuggies and who finished like me working for British Airways.