Annual Conference 12 to 14 May 2017

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Muriel Horton
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As one of the largest conference and training centres in the UK, Conference 2016 decided this would be an ideal venue for Annual Conference over the next two years.

is the Association s AGM which sees delegates from branches all over the world gather together to renew old friendships, debate the business of the day and most importantly, enjoy

Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre is situated in the heart of the midlands in Stone, Staffordshire.

1 Scotland and Northern Ireland Area Newsletter June 2017 THIS NEWSLETTER SHOULD BE DISPLAYED FOR THE USE OF ALL MEMBERS I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e : Annual Conference 12 to 14 May 2017 Ideal Home Show 2 Falkirk Golf Tournament The RAF Association s Annual Conference is the largest membership event in our calendar. As one of the largest conference and training centres in the UK, Conference 2016 decided this would be an ideal venue for Annual Conference over the next two years. HRH Duke of Edinburgh Volunteering update Scottish National War Memorial Kilimanjaro challenge event Skydiving challenge event The Annual Conference, held in May each year, is the Association s AGM which sees delegates from branches all over the world gather together to renew old friendships, debate the business of the day and most importantly, enjoy themselves! The 2017 Annual Conference was held at the Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre 12 to 14 May Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre is situated in the heart of the midlands in Stone, Staffordshire. Scotland & Northern Ireland Area employees, RAFALOs and members, enjoying the Annual Conference Iceland Trek challenge event 7 London to Paris cycle challenge 7 event Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank 8 Corporal Wally Lashbrook 9 Area supporters and news 10 Diary Dates Jun 24 Armed Forces Day, various events Jul 22 Sep 2 to 3 East Fortune Airshow Scottish International Airshow, Ayr

P a g e 2 RAF themed show garden at Ideal Home Show in memory of Corporal Joe Parker This years Ideal Home Show garden was in memory of Corporal Joe Parker, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

The design signifies the flight from the battlefields to the green grass of home, following the journey over land and sea whilst honouring those who fell in battle.

2 P a g e 2 RAF themed show garden at Ideal Home Show in memory of Corporal Joe Parker This years Ideal Home Show garden was in memory of Corporal Joe Parker, who sadly passed away earlier this year. The garden celebrates and recognises the vital work of the Royal Air Force and was inspired by Joe and his story of flying home to Glasgow. The design signifies the flight from the battlefields to the green grass of home, following the journey over land and sea whilst honouring those who fell in battle. The centrepiece of the garden featured our model spitfire. As shown in the photo below, the aircraft was suspended over the battlefields, the sand and the sea. Corporal Joe Parker, opening the 2013 Ideal Home Show There was a wall behind the garden, with a backdrop of poppies on one side and a story of the garden s conception on the other. Also displayed at the show above the Erskine plant market was the model of a twin pioneer aircraft, which was the type of plane that Joe Parker himself worked on. This unique model was kindly provided by BAE Systems in Prestwick for the show.

Falkirk Golf Tournament 21 September 2017 P a g e 3 The

will be provided on arrival and a two course meal will be

There are places for 20 players, so please get in touch as

The cost for the event is 32, this includes a deposit of 10pp.

details, please contact Dave Mowatt (contact details

Please make deposit cheques payable to RAF Association

A place will be secured once the deposit has been received.

3 Falkirk Golf Tournament 21 September 2017 P a g e 3 The Falkirk Golf Tournament will take place on Thursday 21 September this year. The tee off times are: 1000hrs to 1040hrs Coffee and a roll will be provided on arrival and a two course meal will be provided after the round, which will be main and a dessert. There are places for 20 players, so please get in touch as soon as you can prior to the event. The cost for the event is 32, this includes a deposit of 10pp. If you are interested in attending and would like more details, please contact Dave Mowatt (contact details available on the last page of this newsletter). Please make deposit cheques payable to RAF Association Scotland and Northern Ireland. A place will be secured once the deposit has been received. HRH Duke of Edinburgh turns 96 years old The Royal Air Forces Association would like to wish His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip a happy birthday. Prince Phillip turned 96 years old on the 10 June 2017.

P a g e 4 Volunteering update The RAF Association is recognising the invaluable contributions of its legions of volunteers to mark Volunteers Week 2017.

4 P a g e 4 Volunteering update The RAF Association is recognising the invaluable contributions of its legions of volunteers to mark Volunteers Week From 1 to 7 June, the Association celebrated the contribution of these individuals, as they are sent a special Volunteers Week thank you card and individual volunteers are highlighted on social media. 21-year-old Cameron is one of the volunteers receiving individual recognition this year as part of the Association s Volunteer Spotlight campaign. Cameron is currently a Survival Equipment Fitter with the RAF and has recently started volunteering as a Fundraising Team Leader for the RAF Association in Inverness. Representing the Association, these volunteers are integral to the successful implementation of the Association s welfare schemes. Volunteers provide important support for the wider RAF family in their roles as welfare caseworkers, befrienders and fundraisers. Whether it is 10 minutes a week or a couple of hours per day, all RAF Association volunteers provide a support service to the RAF family by loyally donating some of their precious spare time. Katharine Montgomery, Volunteer Manager at the RAF Association, said: During Volunteers Week, we are sending cards to all 3,340 people who volunteer their time in support of our charity. Every donation and sacrifice, whether big or small, is truly appreciated not only by the Association but by the whole RAF family. We are highlighting and celebrating some of our star volunteers. We would like to thank Cameron for his work as a Fundraising Team Leader and his continued dedication to supporting the important work that we do. Cameron Wilson, Fundraising Team Leader, RAF Association in Inverness, said: Volunteering with the Association has been a really fulfilling experience. It s given me the opportunity to help those who have served their country with the RAF and are now in need of support. I chose to support the RAF Association because as a serving member of the RAF it supports causes very close to my heart. It's down to volunteers to ensure the continuation of the safety net that the Association provides for those who may one day need it.

The Scottish National War Memorial 90th Annual Commemoration Service 31 May 2017 P a g e 5 My name is Sue Payne and I am the secretary of Ayr and Prestwick Branch, this year I had the honour to

On my other side was a lady who is in charge of all birth, marriage and death certificates of Edinburgh Castle. Many thanks to the organisers and staff who gave me the chance to attend.

5 The Scottish National War Memorial 90th Annual Commemoration Service 31 May 2017 P a g e 5 My name is Sue Payne and I am the secretary of Ayr and Prestwick Branch, this year I had the honour to represent my branch at this event held at Edinburgh Castle. Once through security and seated I was introduced to Chris Vasilenko and his wife. Chris is the secretary East Scotland Merchant Navy Ass. On my other side was a lady who is in charge of all birth, marriage and death certificates of Edinburgh Castle. Many thanks to the organisers and staff who gave me the chance to attend. Sue Payne Secretary Ayr and Prestwick Branch Sue Payne pictured with her dog Monty who is the mascot for the Ayr & Prestwick Branch The service went very well and was well represented to honour all services past and present. I met many wonderful people from all services including some fascinating women from the Cold War. The Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh Castle I was over the moon to be given the chance to be part of our wonderful history and to top this it was a sunny and warm day. Warrant Officer Tony Baker Dunfermline & Stirling Branch We are sad to announce that Tony Baker, Chairman of the Dunfermline and Stirling Branch, passed away suddenly on Thursday the 1st of June We send our condolences to Tony s family and friends.

P a g e 6 Kilimanjaro climb challenge event About the event Located on the north eastern tip of Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the world s highest peaks and the setting for a truly amazing

You ll be trekking through a blend of diverse terrains from jungle to volcanic craters before reaching the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak.

6 P a g e 6 Kilimanjaro climb challenge event About the event Located on the north eastern tip of Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the world s highest peaks and the setting for a truly amazing trek! Trek towards the picturesque snow-capped peaks and observe the natural beauty of the Tanzanian landscape. You ll be trekking through a blend of diverse terrains from jungle to volcanic craters before reaching the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. This is an amazing opportunity to trek Kilimanjaro and one of the most beautiful parts of Africa over 10 days and climb to heights of over 5,500 metres! How to Register To express your interest in taking part in this incredible experience, or for more details, please contact jules@rafa.org.uk or call When? 27 September 2017 to 7 October How much? Contact Jules for minimum sponsorship details. Skydiving challenge event About the event Imagine standing at the edge of an open doorway in an aircraft flying at 10,000 feet the noise of the engines and the wind ringing in your ears, with only the outline of distant fields below. Now imagine leaning forward out of that doorway and letting go. Falling forwards into the clouds, diving down through the air as you start freefalling at over 120mph. Then, imagine the peace and quiet as the canopy opens, the steering toggles come down either side of you and you begin a tranquil parachute descent from a mile up in the air, steering yourself back down to the centre of the drop zone below. Imagine being able to do this for free while harnessed to a professional freefall parachute instructor and at the same time being able to help the RAF Association! How to register To express your interest in taking part in this incredible experience, or for more details, please contact jules@rafa.org.uk or call How much? Contact Jules for minimum sponsorship details.

Iceland trek 12-16 July 2017 challenge event P a g e 7 About the event Iceland is a land of incredible contrast and beauty.

Discover an amazing country and culture on our trekking experience to Iceland.

7 Iceland trek July 2017 challenge event P a g e 7 About the event Iceland is a land of incredible contrast and beauty. Its wild landscapes, mountains, glaciers, hot springs, geysers and waterfalls combined with its rich history, literature and folklore make it a fascinate country to explore. Discover an amazing country and culture on our trekking experience to Iceland. From Reykjavik to the volcanic lava fields, Iceland is a truly extraordinary place and this is your chance to discover it. How to Register To express your interest in taking part in this incredible experience, or for more details, please contact jules@rafa.org.uk or call When? 12 July 2017 to 16 July 2017 How Much? Contact Jules for minimum sponsorship details. London to Paris Cycle Challenge 13 to 17 September 2017 challenge event About the event Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe. Passing through picturesque countryside, we cross the Channel and continue through the small villages and medieval market towns of northern France. With long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, our finishing point, will evoke a real sense of achievement. jules@rafa.org.uk or call When? 13 September 2017 to 17 September 2017 How much? Registration fee: 99 Minimum sponsorship: 1,560 How to register To express your interest in taking part in this incredible experience, or for more details, please contact

P a g e 8 Flight Lieutentnant John Cruickshank VC Aberdeen Branch Saturday 20 May 2017 was the 97th birthday of the Aberdeen Branch s senior member, Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank VC.

8 P a g e 8 Flight Lieutentnant John Cruickshank VC Aberdeen Branch Saturday 20 May 2017 was the 97th birthday of the Aberdeen Branch s senior member, Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank VC. By happy coincidence it was also the date set for the branch s routine monthly meeting and so a surprise birthday party was felt to be in order. After coffee and cake all round, to the absolute delight of all members present, John gave an impromptu 45 minutes of reminiscences about flying Catalinas. Did you know that one of the crew members was always a riveter who s duty in the event of a firm landing on the sea was to quickly fill the holes caused by 'popped' rivets in the hull and thus prevent the aircraft from sinking? John also spoke at length of his wartime exploits with 210 Squadron flying out of Gibraltar in support of the North African campaign and the night when, returning home after a patrol in the Bay of Biscay, a faint light was seen in the water; this turned out to be a life raft containing all the survivors of a shot-down Sunderland. John and his crew managed to mark the life raft s position accurately and for long enough to permit a daylight rescue by a Naval vessel. John Sefton Chairman Aberdeen Branch Here John cuts his birthday cake.

Corporal Wally Lashbrook P a g e 9 Sadly a member of our area, Squadron Leader Wally Lashbrook MBE DFC AFC DFM, passed away on 7 June, aged 104 years old.

He joined the RAF as an apprentice fitter in 1929 and worked closely with the man who later became known as Lawrence of Arabia.

9 Corporal Wally Lashbrook P a g e 9 Sadly a member of our area, Squadron Leader Wally Lashbrook MBE DFC AFC DFM, passed away on 7 June, aged 104 years old. Wally was awarded the Bomber Command Clasp to recognise his war time service as a pilot. He joined the RAF as an apprentice fitter in 1929 and worked closely with the man who later became known as Lawrence of Arabia. Wally graduated as a pilot in 1937 and joined Bomber Command as war approached Europe. By 1941 he had already completed his first tour of 25 missions. Wally joined 102 (Ceylon) Squadron, but only served on that unit for seven days, as he was shot down following a dangerous raid on the Skoda works in Czechoslovakia. disappeared or been killed. Having experienced the resistance route down the Comet Line, he could not fly again over enemy territory in case he landed in enemy hands. He finished the war as a test pilot and thereafter became an airline pilot, working closely with the cadet movement in Scotland for which he was awarded an MBE. Wally had this to say about the award of the Bomber Command Clasp: I am very proud to accept and wear this clasp. I am also delighted that we now have an impressive Bomber Command Memorial in London, to remember those airmen who were killed on operations. We will remember them. Wally with his Bomber Command Clasp Having successfully destroyed this strategic target, his aircraft was attacked by an ME 110 over the Belgian- French border and Wally, along with another member of the crew, managed to parachute to safety. Wally is front row, centre, with 102 (Ceylon) Squadron There, followed an amazing escape and evasion route through Belgium, northern France and finally to freedom through Spain some three months later thanks to a plan masterminded by the resistance. Wally visited some of the people who helped him after the war, although sadly many of those who took part had

HELP US TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOU By far, the quickest and easiest way for us to get in contact with our members is through email.

Please update us on your current email address by sending a quick note to Anna using the details on the right.

You can contact Anna by calling the office, or you can email your updates and photographs to her using the details to the right.

Instagram: raf_association_scot_and_ni Facebook: RAF Association Scotland and Northern Ireland Twitter: @RAFAScotaNI Follow us on: AREA STAFF CONTACT DETAILS Glasgow office Joe Stanfield, Area

mccourt@rafa.org.uk Shiela Laramore, Assistant Area Welfare Officer 07788 245 275 shiela.laramore@rafa.org.uk Anna Lawton, Area Administrator anna.lawton@rafa.org.uk Leuchars office General: 01334 838 812 Dave Mowatt, Branch Support Officer 07419 295 454 Mil: 95151 7798 dave.

10 HELP US TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOU By far, the quickest and easiest way for us to get in contact with our members is through . This method of communication also saves money on postage money that we can instead spend on providing welfare support to members of the RAF family. Please update us on your current address by sending a quick note to Anna using the details on the right. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Let Anna know what your branch is up to, so that it can be included in next month s newsletter. You can contact Anna by calling the office, or you can your updates and photographs to her using the details to the right. MEDIA PLATFORMS Please follow the RAF Association Scotland and Northern Ireland Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages. These are faster and varied ways in which to keep up to date with our news! Instagram: raf_association_scot_and_ni Facebook: RAF Association Scotland and Northern Ireland Follow us on: AREA STAFF CONTACT DETAILS Glasgow office Joe Stanfield, Area Director joe.stanfield@rafa.org.uk Russ McMillan, Branch Support Officer russ.mcmillan@rafa.org.uk Edinburgh office (Area HQ) General: Mike McCourt, Area Welfare Officer mike.mccourt@rafa.org.uk Shiela Laramore, Assistant Area Welfare Officer shiela.laramore@rafa.org.uk Anna Lawton, Area Administrator anna.lawton@rafa.org.uk Leuchars office General: Dave Mowatt, Branch Support Officer Mil: dave.mowatt@rafa.org.uk Donna Hutchinson, Volunteer Coordinator donna.hutchinson@rafa.org.uk Belfast office General: Sarah Waugh, NI Regional Manager sarah.waugh@rafa.org.uk Carol Titterington, NI Regional Support Officer carol.titterington@rafa.org.uk Area supporters and news Please note that as from the 31 March 17 Freeths Hub (employment support service) portal is no longer available. Please take a look at the Royal Observer Corps website on:

Annual Conference 12 to 14 May 2017

Annual Conference 12 to 14 May 2017 Scotland and Northern Ireland Area Newsletter Ink Saving Version June 2017 THIS NEWSLETTER SHOULD BE DISPLAYED FOR THE USE OF ALL MEMBERS I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e : Ideal Home Show 2 Falkirk Golf