Lifelong friends Jenny Parker and Pat Toohie rekindled fond memories as they revisited RAF High Wycombe after 59 years.

The duo, who joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in their youth, had a tearful reunion at their old base in Walter's Ash.

Jenny, who hails from the village of Hathersage in Derbyshire Dales, had a dream of joining the RAF since she was 13. Her dream came true aged 18  in 1965. 

Jenny said: "Never in a million years did we think we would ever come back".

She reminisced about her excitement when she left her village and signed up as an Aircrafts Woman (ACW). She said: "I felt independent with new adventures ahead!"

Initially, Jenny wanted to join the Nursing Corps but fell short due to her education.

She stated: "At the time they were desperate for stewards and stewardesses, so that is what I became…we were glorified waitresses, really".

She prepared for her role by attending an eight-week catering course in Hereford, after which she was posted to RAF High Wycombe.

The visit to RAF High Wycombe was a nostalgic venture for Jenny and Birmingham based Pat.

As they entered the Officer’s Mess on 2 Site, Jenny said: "It was like coming home".

The tour overwhelmed Jenny, making her emotional.

She said: "It is like my heart has been ripped out. I am so happy".

The Main Hall at the mess was intact except for the smaller tables according to Jenny and Pat.

Pat reflecting on her return said: "The soul is still here in a way".

They spent their time at the Mess sharing memories and laughter with RAF High Wycombe veteran and former mess manager, Dave Brown.

Jenny recalled the discipline reflecting: "No matter who passed you, you had to stand at attention.

"It was a very strict time!"

Pat, who served for a year in the Air Force before getting married cherished her memories from her time at High Wycombe.

Pat said: "There were so many laughs, that’s all I remember from my time in the Air force! It put you in good stead for life.

"The camaraderie was amazing. We always looked after each other’s backs, and you had to mature very fast back then."

One distinct memory was Jenny's selection to attend the Queen Mother’s Garden Party and to visit, Chequers, the country home of the then Prime Minster, Harold Wilson.

"I had to iron a beautiful sari for one of the ladies," she said, laughing.

Reminiscing her demobbing in 1969, she added: "I was hoisted into a sink in the kitchen and covered in flour.

"The staff threw all sorts of stuff at me, then they hosed me down with a hose pipe!"

Pat completed her service in 1967, looking back, she said: "My eighteen-year-old self is stood next to me.

"She is walking with me all the time I am here."