DGP Time - Damn Good erm ... Drink Up Time is here again!

**Tonx** · 02-03-2016 08:52

Two reasons for wanting to hold another DGP at the mess. All

and

on me for the following two reasons ...

There goes Flypast One to mark one year since I joined the Aerodrome. What a fantastic year it has been during which I have met so many kind-hearted and genuine folks on here who are able to share the same passions regarding the two World Wars and the game. Along with the odd Vulcan or two! There have of course been a few occasions where my disability has meant that I have either not been myself or been unable to play.

Thank you everyone for the encouragement and the messages and at times advice I have received whilst feeling unwell. This will never be forgotten

There have also been a few crashes fires and spins ... Hasn't there Ben?

(Blimey remember HIM?!) But the Aerodrome in general has taught me in the event of these to dust myself off and not take such matters to heart - to listen to people who are telling me I'm not my friend whose made a fool of himself and to carry on being me: Keep Calm and Carry On.

Then ...

Flypast two has just gone overhead as I've been given a DISCHARGE DATE from rehab!!! All being well I will be out by next Friday as I have continued to make good progress and the new medication is working out fine. However I am reliably informed that my large fleet of diecast 1/72 aircraft will be sorely missed by one member of staff in particular who I hope to be able to stay in touch with.

So Let us eat drink and be merry ... Whose first?

**flash** · 02-03-2016 09:46

Is it really only a year..? Here's mud in your eye

**OldGuy59** · 02-03-2016 10:18

Barney,
Awesome! The time is going by too quickly (for some things, not enough for others, I suppose).

Glad to know you, and even more to share your passion. Hope to get across a table with you, even if virtually.

**Dan-Sam** · 02-03-2016 11:41

Congratulations, Barney! Good you are here

**Setarius** · 02-03-2016 12:29

I'm in. It's been great having you here this last year and I'm glad you are about to be set free. You have added quite a bit to this site in the last year and I am looking forward to see what you have up your sleeve for the next year.

Set me up a drink and I'll get the grill going.

**Captain Chum** · 02-03-2016 12:55

Originally Posted by Setarius

I'm in. It's been great having you here this last year and I'm glad you are about to be set free. You have added quite a bit to this site in the last year and I am looking forward to see what you have up your sleeve for the next year.

Set me up a drink and I'll get the grill going.

Agreed!

Drink up!

**Teaticket** · 02-03-2016 14:05

Cheers for your first year at the Drome.

The beginning of a new year and you are aiming upwards!

**Boney10** · 02-03-2016 14:23

Congrats on your anniversary Barney, maybe we will see you at a show soon

**Naharaht** · 02-03-2016 14:35

Congratulations on completing a year here with us, Tonx! You have done a great deal in a year. Congratulations too on your imminent discharge from rehab!

**grumpybear** · 02-03-2016 14:36

Congrats , glad you are doing well.

**matt56** · 02-03-2016 14:36

Glad to hear your discharge is imminent...time to get back to the more enjoyable things in life!

Congrats on your anniversary - like others have said, you add much to the Forum. I look forward to your healthful return!

All the best,
Matt

**ptownhiker** · 02-03-2016 16:37

Good news on your imminent discharge from rehab. Congratulations on one year at the 'drome!

**Stumptonian** · 02-03-2016 19:06

Congratulations on both counts, Barney.
So I guess that calls for a double ...

**gully_raker** · 02-03-2016 21:23

Gee Barney seems like you have been here a lot longer that 12 months.

So glad to hear the good news that you will be returning to the Front after your sojourn in Hospital.

**fast.git** · 02-03-2016 21:33

I won't be the first, Barney, but I will happily join in the revelry. Next round is on me... and my first game in (far too many) months will be next Friday in honor or your impending discharge... and return to the Front(?). Whoa. So far as I understand... that's not the way it's supposed to happen. Whatever. I shall suit up and sally forth with your good health firmly in mind.

Be well, sir, and may the skies be clear.

**Archidamus** · 02-04-2016 00:50

Congratulations Barney - both on the anniversary and the imminent discharge date

**tikkifriend** · 02-04-2016 01:18

Well congrats on both counts Barney. See you at Donnie again?
Stay well

**milcoll73** · 02-04-2016 11:40

cheers!!!

**Tonx** · 02-04-2016 14:52

THANK YOU EVERYONE! Hope you are enjoying those drinks as much as I have enjoyed your company over this last year

<- Fanta Orange BTW!!!

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 02-05-2016 01:50

Well done old chap.
A year and not shot down.
Really pleased about your getting out of jankers too.
Hope to see you at Hammerhead.
Rob.

**Marechallannes** · 02-05-2016 02:34

Well done.

One year of continuos Aerodrome engagement.

LOOP · 02-05-2016 03:20

One year Barney? Is it only one year???
Seems to me that you been here like forever

Allways a friendly comment, a thumbs up or some clever thoughts.
I'll be happy to raise a pint to celebrate your first year. May it be a 100 more

**Tonx** · 02-05-2016 11:16

Jankers - I had totally forgotten that one Sir!

as that made me laugh.

It's looking like Hammerhead for me next as I cannot make this weekend at Vapartnak / York. Especially as first game-wise Hammerhead 2015 was significant to my playing career - and the Wife's too in fact. That's what started the Circuits and Bumps thread in fact as a thank you for such an excellent day and introduction to the game. JohnBiggles as my live tutor and the WingCo as the Wife's will probably never fade from memory and I'd like them both to know that.

Which brings me around nicely to Per-Gunnar above.

SO VERY MUCH for those kind words from you I found that really touching

Schizo-Affective Disorder can hack away at me and my brain as much as it likes but I still refuse to change from being that conscientious encouraging person who occasionally does put his foot in it (! - yes. Ball Turrets yesterday being my latest) and that this site has got to know me as.

**Tonx** · 02-08-2016 15:50

If anyone was listening to BBC Radio 2 today and heard the dedication to Barney Dunkin from The Rest Of Chopper Squad ... It's true. It has finally happened. But I have been discharged earlier than I was expecting to be this coming Friday.

So It's Official: I AM DISCHARGED FROM REHAB.

When I came home today I originally intended it to be after a trip to the library to go and read about Airco DH.4s and then sneak back home for a quick Solitaire game. But the rumours started circulating over the weekend that my room was earmarked for another inbound patient. It was just as well that I carefully packed up the five 1/72 diecast models I had on display having heard this from the night watchman (the Stuka fan.) I was first into ward round this morning which is where I received the news that I was actually being discharged today instead of Friday. No way I was chancing a bus ride with cargo x 5 on board so I rang a taxi and was home by lunchtime.

Sadly I'm unable to stay in touch with the night watchman - regulations forbidding staff from fraternizing with patients have prevented this but he said that it would take him a long time to forget me and my diecast aircraft! This afternoon has been spent getting gradually back up to speed with Chopper Squad which having reformed is now busy. Sadly the retirement of the final H M Forces Westland Sea Kings from Search and Rescue duties is the reason why Chopper Squad are busy - At the twilight of it's career this ageing stalwart of British aviation has come to our assistance in this manner providing the four of us with tasks surrounding the organisations which will be handling SAR Duties after April 2016. Which will not be fully up to strength until at least 2018 so nobody go swimming into any rip currents or yachting accidents at the moment please ...

BTW - the song which was played was Heroes by David Bowie which over recent years has become synonymous with helicopter rescues.

BUT as a mark of respect I'm going to call a toast in this celebration:

To the Westland Sea King and the countless number of British lives which have been saved thanks to them in our Green and Pleasant Land

**Warhawk** · 02-08-2016 15:54

Hey that's great Barney, congrats!

**Setarius** · 02-08-2016 15:58

Congratulations on being out and home again, and here's to the Westland Sea King.

**fast.git** · 02-08-2016 16:09

Brilliant news, Barney!

I trust that upon your return to the Front, you will join me in raising a cuppa to your health, SAR teams everywhere, and the Queen. Bloody great to have you back, Captain.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 02-09-2016 00:32

I am really pleased to hear that you are back home Barney.
A double toast therefore is certainly called for.
Here is to yourself, and the Westland Sea King and her crews who have served us so well over the years.
Rob.