MORE than 60 years after bidding a fond farewell to the giant Burtonwood airbase at Warrington Verne Keats took a nostalgic trip down memory lane where he was reunited with toys he made from scrap metal for local children!
Verne Keats, who served at RAF Burtonwood from 1944 to 1945 working in the Signal Maintenance Repair, was also re-united with one of the youngsters who received one of his toy jeeps which is now a family heirloom!
Verne came face to face with John Postlethwaite for the first time in 65 years during a special reunion at the Burtonwood airbase Museum based at Gulliver’s World, Westbrook – which was once part of the giant RAF and US Army airbase.
He recalled how during his spare time Verne made some toys for the children of Warrington as gifts for Christmas, using pieces of scrap tin he found on the base he created US army trucks and jeeps.
At one Christmas Party a young John Postlethwaite was one of those lucky enough to receive one of Verne’s toy jeeps – which he still treasures to this day after passing it on to his children and grand children!
Verne was able to take a trip down memory lane when he returned for a family wedding and was re-united with John and his toy jeep.
“Little did I know the toys I made more than 60 years ago would still be around today. They have aged better than me,” said Verne.
Now examples of the toys and other memorabilia from yesteryear are on show at the Burtonwood Base Museum every Saturday and Sunday from 12.00noon to 4.00pm.
Burtonwood was the biggest US airbase in Europe during the Second World war, providing a base for thousands of America GIs and servicemen and attracted Hollywood legends including
Cary Grant and Bob Hope, along with Glen Miller, to entertain the troops.
It is now part of the giant Omega development site.
Picture shows (L-R) Museum curator Gene Bennett, assistant museum curator Frank Mertens, Verne Keats, John Postlethwaite.
Yanks for the memories!
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
