CHARLEY’S RECENT MISHAP
As if being beaten up in the street in 2000 were not bad enough, Charley fell down the stairs in his apartment sustaining a broken leg which put him in hospital for a few weeks. He was detained longer than usual so that arrangements could be made for him to be looked after at home. To this end Sister Marie Bernadette from the local Church and Brian Moulding worked tirelessly to ensure his welfare. The Paris Branch of the RAFA were also involved with Keith Adams and John Day pulling strings from this end. Charley is now at home and will take up residence in a care home in Avon as soon as his apartment is sold. He will enjoy his privacy there while having 24 hour care on hand. Many of you who have written to Charley and had no response may wonder why. The mail box at his apartment was regularly removed by vandals and Charley did not realise that he had to collect his mail from the Post Office. It seems that misfortune is Charley’s constant companion. We all wish him a full recovery and trust that he will settle in to his new environment.
A HAPPY REUNION
Eagle-eyed John Day spotted an appeal on the RAF Police Association web site by Rene Maillard who as a 17 year old joined the NAAFI staff at Camp Guynemer. He was looking for Charley Collyer, who with his wife, Lily, took the young lad under his wing. They adopted him informally but 20 years ago there was some disagreement and they lost touch. John contacted Rene and informed him of Charley's whereabouts and circumstances. Without delay Rene made the long journey from the South of France to the hospital in Fontainebleau where there was a tearful reunion. Rene joined the French Air Force at 18 and rose to the rank of Commandant (equivalent to an RAF Squadron Leader.) An invitation will be extended to Rene to join our Association.
AND FINALLY……………..
Further extracts from the “Simpson Diaries” are held over for a future issue.
