THE APPRAISAL ... 2025
CREW SOCIAL (2025 final appraisal)...
Well... as my 'sell-by' approaches its 'sold by' date, I've completed my last appraisal of our sites as follows:-
CREW SOCIAL (Facebook):-
Obviously, the most successful of our group pages with nearly 8k members. No need to do anything and it remains the same under the team of Juke, Rachel, Erica and Janie;
CREWSOCIAL.ORG (This one - a non-FB website):-
It's been pointed out just how many G&Ts the current £230+pa that I spend on this site would get me as I walk through warm sand on a beach into my blood-red sunset! I've now paid for a reduced site, but, although we can put things on it that a FB format can't offer, the 'Forum' over here certainly needs more input from yourselves if it's to continue;
CREW SOCIAL CONFIDENTIAL (Facebook):-
The number of volunteers to do telephone help for our Admin., Janey Sullivan, has been disappointing thus-far, but we now have a Hotline on 07586 211837 for those needing help or other guidance. Janey has a degree in Psychology since she stopped flying and has added helpful videos on maintaining good health (mental/emotional) along with a chat feature to the site itself;
CREW SOCIAL CLASSIFIEDS (Facebook):-
Speaks for itself inasmuch that, if you're a member of Crew Social, you have automatic membership of this site to advertise just about anything you want(!). It doesn't lend itself easily to the Facebook format … and thus, will only continue (largely un-monitored by us) if you use it!;
LONGHAUL REUNION (Facebook):-
Rory and I will complete our last one of these on June 19th at
Sandford Springs. He dubbed it 'The Golden Age of Flying'... and so it was for so many of us. As it was put to me many years ago (when so many of our lot were ex-flying boats at Calshot, Southampton), '...it's your turn now'. So it is with all of you... and, with Juke indicating he's willing to take over the helm from hereon in, we have to hope you have as much fun as we all have!
SHORTHAUL REUNION (Facebook):-
We keep the website manned for that old technophobe Dennis Marsh to keep crew in touch with the quarterly 'Bracknell Bashes' at Bracknell Rugby Club. So we'll keep notifying you all for the immediate future when one is due.
Thank you for everything, Mr Hardy. Not everyone knows what it has taken to keep this site going!
I personally feel very lucky, fortunate and downright privileged to have belonged to the Golden Age where so many life long friends were made and partners even tied the knot.!! And something called trust and respect played a part.
It seems sad that some of " it's your turn now " don't quite feel the same way as we oldies did ! I recently took my daughter away to Malta for a 3 day break. We were 2 hours 30 minutes late, We were offered a digestive biscuit on a 3 hour flight and the crew were not at all interested. Times have changed !
Looking forward to the last one coming soon.
Good luck to Juke. You have a tough one to follow
John C