In his memoirs,  “Enemy Coast Ahead” relayed to us via Joan's book, Guy Gibson described the Committee Room as "primitive, as all 40 men had to sleep on palliasses [a large bag made of canvas or linen or sackcloth and filled with straw, horsehair wool or feathers] on the floor and share one bathroom."

The “bus” took them back [from Ringway] to the pub at 5 o’clock and there were many parties. The sight of blue uniforms drew everyone’s attention in the bars and free drinks were bought for them, also they did not lack female company as Ringway was the centre from Womens' Auxiliary Air Force (W.A.A.F) volunteers.

“The hospitality was almost embarrassing, people could not do enough; houses were thrown open, girls were plentiful, theatre tickets were booked and we lived like kings…gradually we got to know the local people.  We were fond of Manchester and they were fond of us.”

Eventually, the frivolity was brought to an end when they were ordered to move to a temperance hotel [Ed: one which doesn’t serve alcohol ]    .

Mr. Townsend joined the Observer Corps  , watching for enemy planes overnight 2 or 3 nights week.  Whilst the Womens' Voluntary Service (W.V.S.) headquarters was at the Institute further along Finney Lane, its members also met in the empty cafe at the side of the hotel   .