Farewell Arborfield Army Apprentices School and College.

[@Churnytorch]

Of course Ted, as a member of the Permanent Staff you were in a unique position to observe our life there from a different point of view, and with more 'behind the scenes' interest. Let's be absolutely clear, without the dedicated members of the permanent staff, in whatever capacity, we would not have gone on to achieve the success and reputation for professionalism that we acquired. You can be justly proud of the contribution that you made to the lives of many lads during their most formative years, a worthy and proud claim.

[@johncwalker5410]

Farewell fo a place where I spent the most important three years of my life. Grateful for being able to share the memories of all those friendships started here. Respects to all fellow travellers. John (Joe) Walker. 51B.

[@palmbaymick]

Very thought provoking TC, another one of your poetic masterpieces! I remember my time there from going through those famous gates in May 1976 to start my Vehicle Mechanic's apprenticeship. Those wooden spiders, the cookhouse, the square, it's all in the video. The start of 25 years service!

[@petersmith4455]

cant believe its gone. I was at shiplake college in 1967 and we used to get all our supplies from here. we also did courses there. the food was good.saw lots of Bedford rl 3 tonners there.super memories.

[@Balloo0123]

I can remember this place like it was yesterday. I was part of the second to last intake at Arborfield between September 2003 and June 2004. The memories and friends gained here live on.

[@Ghade3245]

Beautiful words..was here in 97🇬🇧👊💚

[@bobyorke]

Joined junior div in April 1971 as an A/T. Went into 2 div D company, but left after 6 months. Bad decision as a young man of 16! Yet, I still have many good memories and was proud to have been in the REME.

[@alexr3031]

75c. That was 'Home' for two years. Thanks TC.

[@KAC31158]

75C C Company and K4 Sider through out - Happy days.

[@johncoles2867]

Just excellent as are all of your poems T.C. Only we that were taught there know it's true value

[@ianreay7526]

Once home to my dad in the early days and me in the 70's (73A)

[@Morph-on1vl]

I was intake 98c. Will never forget my time at Arborfield.

[@loneranger380]

83b and then B company & had a great time there for 2 yrs, made some great friends & I often reminisce about the good old days.I think almost all of the bases I was posted to are now house/flats.Different times,different places

[@cheekyfox161]

Was there around that time, remember Corp of Horse Rhymer

[@loneranger380]

@@cheekyfox161 yep had him in jeepland

[@daveiwhittle]

'72 A company I went back a few years ago, still saw the gateposts :)

[@tedblowers9400]

Brilliant, and very evocative TC. What a waste to see such an establishment allowed to disappear a way to give youth pride, trades and standards,that equipped them for a full and productive life, In they came a rag tag bundle of Boys, out they went to the far corners of the world, the very best of men.

[@tonychurch5063]

Abso-bloody-lutely Ted, me old mate. I think that it was almost certainly a bean-counter's decision along with the Royal yacht, Royal Tournament, and many of the things that made us 'British'. Now, who was the Prime Minister at about the turn of the century?

[@occamsrazor1474]

I was at PMC in 94C intake - D Company. Where have the years gone !

[@romperstomper3047]

Im from army apperantices trade school malaysia...i'm also very sad after my school was officially closed on 2014..😫😫😫😫😫

[@EricLanceDavies]

Somewhere In Time (Lyrics) Where there is time there is tomorrow. Somewhere in time, all sorrows pass to memories. And so the end is the beginning Somewhere in time, we are as we are meant to be Where there is time, There is a circle Somewhere in time the circle yearns to be complete though you may feel this is illusion, somewhere in time, I know we're certain to meet Somewhere in time, Love is forever A love that's here A love that's now to last for all time. Somehow I know this moment is waiting Somewhere in time where there is time, there is a circle somewhere in time the circle will be complete Somewhere in time Love is forever A love that's here A love that's now to last for all time. Somehow I know This moment's waiting Somewhere in time ...