The Pilots' Pals
Pilots' Pals logo
September 1998


GOODBYE TO THE PALS


Since 1981, the birth of the Pilots Pals, I have made many friends throughout the world, particularly the international Pals. The fun we have had and created for others has been a great part of my life, a reward I did not expect. A few enemies on the way, but very few. Now I have been forced to say goodbye to all the Pals and my friends, due to our small organisation suffering financial losses in the last three years, the only reason I have continued with the loss was due to the Pals requesting I continue until the year 2000. The main reason for this loss has been the drop in our sales over the past three years due to companies with large personalising (overprinting of their name and logos on to the calendar) orders, withdrawing their support. This support effectively paid for the production costs, leaving individual orders from enthusiasts of the Pals to provide the icing on the cake. The reasons most of these companies gave for not re-ordering was political correctness, modern time is our real enemy, one must be politically correct so I'm told, I do have an answer - two L's and one X. So this year get a load of the Pals, some new, some not so old, some did, some won't but regardless, we hope you enjoy our product, not quite the same, just better and still the only amateur international publication of its kind.

The Pilots Pals Club continues at Biggin Hill together with our charity work for the old soldiers. The club has sponsored the Pals for the past years and withour it the calendar would have been discontinued some time back. Should you ever be in the area, pop in for a pint and see the 'Halls of Fame', you're always welcome.

The orders received for the, the '2000 edition', will be on file just in case somebody out there wishes to purchase or take over the rights of Pilots Pals. I shall be happy to give full co-operation to anyone who can see future potential in the publication.

The original painting for this years front cover is for sale, painted by Nick Seymour, size is 39" x 28" plus frame. Offers should be submitted in writing, and must reach our office no later than the 30th of January 2000. The successful bidder must also pay for any packaging and shipping charges, regardless of destination. Bids should not be lower than 450 pounds sterling.

A sincere thanks for giving me your past support.

Stay happy.

signature

Joseph J. Merchant

Joseph J. Merchant OMB. MUF.


Although I never served in the RAF, I have been connected to 56 Air Training Squadron for many happy years. The Pilot's Pal logo comes from the colours of this very famous RAF squadron. My car number plate is a good reminder of the wonderful people I have had the priviledge to meet during my life with
THE PALS


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