Basingstoke Branch (406) Newsletter December 2016

Transcription

1 Basingstoke Branch (406) Newsletter December 2016 Recent Branch activities Visits and functions Region Garden Party Saturday 9th July heralded this year s Garden Party for the Hampshire Region at the Worthies Sports and Social Club just north of Winchester. It was attended by 13 members from our branch and 8 branches from across the region. The weather was kind to us, windy but dry, and as usual there was a plentiful supply of summer tasties brought by members. The Lancaster Trophy was retained by Southampton and Eastleigh Branch. Annual Branch BBQ On Saturday 16th July about 30 members enjoyed a Branch BBQ in John and Vikki s back garden. The venue is an ideal setting and we are grateful to John and Vikki for letting us invade their space again. The weather was kind to us and the food, as usual, was terrific. RAF Odiham Families Day Branch members were, once again, invited to join in the annual Families Day at RAF Odiham on Thursday 21st July. Eighteen members were able to 1 participate. Pip set up our Wings Appeal Stand in an Odiham supplied tent and we made 215. It is always great to revisit an operational RAF Station and it was a very interesting day, air displays and the Ghurka curry (wow). Canal Trip Our annual canal trip on the Basingstoke Canal was resurrected this year after a few year s rest. So on Saturday 30th July at members and friends boarded the good long boat John Pinkerton 2 at Odiham quay for a pleasant meander down the canal. Summer Ball This turned out to be the ball of balls! When members and friends turned up at the Red Lion for our annual Summer Ball on Friday 12th August we were greeted in a partly lit reception and dining room. At first we thought it was mood lighting, but it soon turned out that one of the Phases of the hotel main electricity supply had been severed by work out side the hotel. The most serious impact was that the kitchen had no electricity and so only our starters and desserts could be served. Rather than cancel the event, it was agreed that the hotel would buy-in Fish and Chips and Chicken and Chips for our main course. So at 9 o clock everyone

2 Recent events continued enjoyed their choice of fish or chicken in subdued lighting. Some one suggested that there was a war-time feeling to the event and most people seemed to enjoy the evening regardless. In his letter of thanks to the Red Lion, your President said that the hotel had turned a disaster into a triumph. However, the most memorable event of the evening was the celebration of Bill Lloyd s 100th birthday! Pip presented Bill with a personal greeting from the President of the RAF Association, Air Marshal Sir Dusty Miller, a cake made by Maureen and a bottle of champagne. We will remember this one. Brookwood Cemetery This cemetery was at one time the largest in the world and even now it is the largest in Western Europe. Since its opening, approximately 250,000 people have been laid to rest within the beautiful grounds. On Tuesday 30th August 9 members travelled to Brookwood by train to meet our guide, Kim Lowe, who led us around key parts of the cemetery and explained its history. A most sobering and interesting visit. Our thanks go to Lynn who suggested and organised the visit. Battle of Britain Service Our annual BofB Commemoration Service was held on Sunday 18th September at St Gabriel s Church, Popley, led by our Branch Chaplain, Rev Arthur Botham. We were joined as usual by cadets of 443 (Basingstoke) Sqn ATC - and very smart they all were. Wg Cdr Nick Paton represented RAF Odiham and the Mayor, Cllr Jane Frankum, represented the Borough (it is her local church anyway). Everyone enjoyed refreshments afterwards and the obligatory photograph (below) of everyone was taken. 2

3 Region Autumn Social The Hampshire Region Autumn Social took place at the Worthies Club near Winchester on Thursday 13th October. 72 members from the Region attended. As the Region funds were in a healthy condition it had been agreed that the Fish and Chip lunch would be free, it makes them taste so much nicer don t you think? RAF Central Band Concert This annual concert held at The Anvil on Wednesday 26th October was enjoyed by 35 members. This year s concert seemed to be more professional and it was clear that the band now only recruits already highly talented musicians. Their repertoire was similar to many classical orchestras that play at the Anvil, the main difference being the Central Band does not have a string section (but you would hardly notice). Borough Remembrance Day Parade and Service Remembrance day was commemorated in many villages in the Borough, mostly on Sunday 13th November. However, the largest event was at the Borough War Memorial. Ex-service and cadet organisations, including 10 Branch Members, formed up at the Southern Road car park to march to the War memorial under the professional guidance of the Parade Marshal, Flight Sergeant Simon Palmer of RAF Odiham. Everyone agreed that the public turnout, ex-service and cadet organisations and schools was exceptional. The service was led by the Mayor s Chaplain, Rev Arthur 3 Botham, and included an address by the Bishop of Basingstoke, the Rt Revd David Williams. The Exhortation and Dedication were spoken by Wg Cdr Mark Stavely from RAF Odiham. Two cadets from 443 Sqn read the poem, I Went to See the Soldiers and our Basingstoke MP, Maria Miller read a lesson from Ecclesiastes. A local school choir from Merton Junior School sang Peace Perfect Peace and hymns were supported by the Basingstoke Male Voice Choir. After the ceremony everyone was invited to the marquee for refreshments and to catch up with old friends. Age Concern Age Concern s Hampshire web site for Basingstoke services is: org.uk/our-services/basingstokewellbeing.html and is well worth a look. Age Concern Hampshire has seven activity centres for older people in various parts of the Basingstoke & Deane area which are great places to meet new people, take part in weekly activities such as quizzes, bingo, chair exercises, New Age Kurling and other activities or simply just to share a cup of tea with friends and chat. There is a wealth of help. Advice and information available. Age Concern Hampshire s Community Café is open every Wednesday from 10.30am to 1pm at Church Cottage behind St Michael s Church in Basingstoke. Last food order is 12.30pm. (The church is opposite the slope beside Marks & Spencer).

4 Please note that there is no parking on the site but plenty available nearby. For more information on all the above call , or to New Members. The following people have joined our Branch since June 2016: Frank Connelly, who is the Chairman of the Basingstoke RBL, Graeme Hughes and his wife Clare. We welcome them all. Interesting Snippets from recent meetings July meeting - 1. A tombola was run on 11th June at the Sherfield on Loddon Fete; the proceeds were split equally between the ATC and RAFA. It made 79:50 for our Social Fund. Wings Appeal items were also on sale which made 28:50. Thanks to Anne & Graeme and Ilene and Jacquie from the ATC for helping out. 2. Rob gave an update on what has been happening in 443 Squadron ATC. The current strength is 59 of which 46 are male and 13 female. The average attendance on parade nights over the year is 30. Adult staffing is low at present which is putting tremendous pressure on those available. The cadets have been very successful in the Corps events with representatives at both Wing and Region level. It has been a disappointing period regarding flying as there have been major problems with the gliders which has resulted in no Cadet flying. August meeting - 1. Bryan reported that the new branch web-site was up and running and, with the exception of the photo gallery, all information had been transferred from the old site to the new one. The new address is w w w. r a f a. o r g. u k / b a s i n g s t o k e 2. Steve Oakley thanked those who had donated calculators which will be taken to a school on Gan Island in the Maldives. The target of 30 has been beaten and 50 will be delivered in October. September meeting - 1. It was proposed by Vikki, seconded by Graeme and carried that 100 from the Summer Ball raffle income should be donated to Wings Appeal with the balance going to the Social Fund. 2. Bryan suggested that a possible place to visit in the Spring is the Runneymede Memorial. The day could include another venue and lunch. October meeting - 1. Pip said that it was very disappointing that the total for this year s Wings Appeal is 5, Last year s total was over 9,000. A discussion took place to try to determine what has gone wrong. The over-riding factor was the lack of collectors and we did not have as many venues. 2. Graeme Lee gave a report on the ATC Squadron. 1. There are currently 30 Cadets parading each night. 2. A few of the new younger Cadets have dropped out after finding their academics very challenging. 3. Four Cadets went to Summer Camp in Germany. 4. Parts of the Summer Camps in Cyprus were cancelled. 5. Four Cadets took part representing Wing in the Region Activities Day on 4

5 Saturday. 6. Two new CIs have now started. November meeting - 1 Pip welcomed everyone to our new venue and said we should be very grateful to the Red Lion, and Neal in particular, for allowing us to hold this and future meetings here following the closure of the Ex-Services Club. 2. The Annual Conference will be held at the Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre, Staffordshire from 12th to 14th May. Cost for dinner, bed and breakfast and lunch is 55 per night for a single room and 75 for double or twin. 3. Wings Appeal. Pip said that the final total this year is 5,601:80. The branch members are allowed to say where 20% of this total goes to. Pip asked for 10% to go to the Welfare account and it was proposed by Bill, seconded by Lyn and carried that the other 10% goes to Flowerdown House. The return has been done to CHQ and so that brings this year s collection to a close. 4. Charles thanked the branch for allowing the branch Standard to be paraded at the Battle of Britain Service at St Mary s Church Tadley on 11th Sept. It was carried by Cpl Keith Small from Worthy Down. The Mayor of Basingstoke & Deane, Cllr Jane Frankum, was present and the sermon was given by The the Rev Dr (Wg Cdr) Giles Legood MBE RAF, senior Padre at RAF Brize Norton. South East & Eastern Area - October Newsletter 1. Area Conference The 13th South East & Eastern Area Conference will once more take place at Potters Resort, in Norfolk, over the weekend of March The price will be per person. As St Patrick s Day falls on 17th March, this price is inclusive of drinks from the bar and includes all standard draft beers, selected bottled beers, house wines and single spirits with mixers on that night. Booking forms are available from Pip, please contact him.. 2. Lapsed Members. As of 29 September the Area still had 484 Ordinary Members and 219 Associate Members shown as lapsed. Letters (and s for those who have provided addresses) have been dispatched to those members who have not yet renewed their Membership for However, all Branches are urged to make personal contact, either by a phone call or visit, with those members who have not yet renewed, to determine why someone has not renewed. It might be that there is a welfare problem which neither the Branch nor Area HQ is aware of. Obituaries It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Bob Ingram. Six Branch members attended his funeral on 23 November and Pip attended with the Branch Standard. Branch Standard Paraded Since the last Newsletter the Branch Standard has been paraded by Pip at 2 funerals including Bob Ingram on 23 Nov, Armed Forces Day, Northington near Alresford (Dedication of Bench to Len Pearce), our Battle of Britain Service, and the Borough Remembrance Sunday parade. Continued on page 8

6 Pictures of recent Branch BBQ Branch BBQ Bill s 100 th Cer Branch BBQ Bill s birthday cake 6

7 visits and events Brookwood Branch BBQ Cemetery tificate Brookwood Cemetery 7

8 Birthdays & Anniversaries Our congratulations go to the following on their birthdays since the last News Letter: Sid Daly who was 94 in July, Vikki Drew was a year older in Jun, Ted Thompson was 92 in July and Bill Lloyd was 100!!! on 13 Aug, Bryan & Patricia celebrated their 51st Wedding Anniversary in June and Mick & Chris their 31st Wedding Anniversary in July. We do not keep formal records of members dates of birth and so we apologise if we have missed anyone. Future Events Branch Christmas Ball This event will have just taken place on Friday 2 nd December at the Red Lion Hotel when you read this; that was after publication, but it will be covered in the next edition. Branch Christmas Drinks Evening This is an annual event, but this year, owing to the sad closure of the Ex- Services Club, it will take place in the Red Lion Hotel on Wednesday 14th December at Being in a hotel, we cannot take our own food, but the hotel has offered to provide an appropriate finger buffet for 5 per head. Because of that, Pip needs to know who plans to go so that he can inform the hotel how many to cater for. So if you would like to go, but haven t registered with Pip, please tell him very soon. It looks like being a very pleasant evening. 8 Candle-lit Carol Service Our Annual Carol Service will take place at St Gabriel s Church, Popley on the evening of Thursday 15th December at 7.30 pm. Come and join in those favourite carols and get your fingers burnt with melted candle wax. TAG Tour of Farnborough Airport We have booked a guided tour of Farnborough Airport (formerly the RAE and DRA) on Tuesday 18th July This will take place in the morning, so we could plan to take lunch at the Monkey Puzzle afterwards. This is a very popular tour of the T.A.G. Operated airfield with a waiting list of 9 months! More details later. Solent Aviation Museum Lynn is organising a visit to this museum in Southampton in Details to follow. Wings Breaks for the RAF family Situated across the country in some of England s most picturesque locations, the RAF Association s Wings Breaks hotels offer a true home from home and a warm welcome for those who are looking for a relaxing break away. Whether it s an idyllic break by the sea or the chance to stay in the stunning Northumbrian countryside, each hotel has something special to offer. Our Wings Breaks hotels offer short stays and breaks. The fully trained and friendly staff are able to provide care and support for those who need that little extra assistance, with facilities available to cater for a wide variety of

9 Extract from the very last edition of Tee Emms (Training Manual) in

10 needs. The hotels provide a warm and friendly environment with plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people. Many of the guests return time and again to enjoy a break within the comfort of the RAF family. There are three hotels that offer short welfare breaks; Flowerdown House in Weston-super-Mare, Richard Peck House in Lytham St Annes and Rothbury House in Northumberland. Details of Flower Down House follow below as an example of the facilites on offer and it is the one that our Branch has voted to donate 10% of its Wing Appeal takings. Located in the heart of the West Country, Flowerdown House is situated on Weston-super-Mare s stunning sea front. As well as offering beautiful coastal views, Flowerdown House provides welfare breaks for the whole RAF family. The fully trained staff ensure that guests can relax and enjoy themselves, with first class care and support available whenever it is required. Overview Flowerdown House can accommodate up to 37 people. Features of the hotel include: Single, double and twin rooms all with en-suite, many of which include walk in wet rooms Eight rooms offering disabled facilities All rooms include flat screen televisions and tea and coffee making facilities Two spacious lounges including a large screen television Flower Down House 10

11 A licensed bar with panoramic sea views Recently refurbished dining room leading to the conservatory Front garden offers level access to a large patio area where tea is served al fresco in the summer Live entertainment is provided three nights a week in addition to quizzes and bingo on the remaining evenings Optional trips are arranged three times a week in a specially adapted minibus with tail lift Varied and appetising home-cooked meals prepared by the in-house chef Special dietary requirements can be catered for. For those who need a little extra assistance Flowerdown House has Have you heard these? specially adapted rooms with level access showers and care call systems in every room. Many of the care rooms come with walk-in wet rooms, commodes, if required, and all are fitted with grab rails and non-slip floors. Staff are able to provide personal care to people staying in these rooms and drinks and breakfast can be served in the room if desired. Disabled access is available and disabled toilets are located throughout the building. Scooters and wheelchairs are available for hire, free of charge. Two boys were arguing when the teacher entered the room. The teacher says, Why are you arguing? One boy answers, We found a ten pound note and decided to give it to whoever tells the biggest lie. You should be ashamed of yourselves, said the teacher, When I was your age I didn t even know what a lie was. The boys gave the ten pounds to the teacher. There was a flood in a village One man said to everyone, I ll stay! God will save me! The flood got higher and a boat came and the man in it said Come on mate, get in! No replied the man. God will save me! The flood got very high now and the man had to stand on the roof of his house. A helicopter soon came and the man offered him help. No, God will save me! he said Eventually he died by drowning. He got by the gates of heaven and he said to God Why didn t you save me? God replied, For goodness sake! I sent a boat and a helicopter. What more do you want! 11

12 On a bitterly cold winter morning a husband and wife in Newcastle were listening to the radio during breakfast. They heard the announcer say, "We are going to have 8 to 10 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the even-numbered side of the street, so the Snowploughs can get through". So the good wife went out and moved her car. A week later while they are eating breakfast again, the radio announcer said, "We are expecting 10 to 12 inches of snow today. You must park your car on the odd-numbered side of the street, so the snowploughs can get through. The good wife went out and moved her car again. The next week they are again having breakfast, when the radio announcer says, "We are expecting 12 to 14 inches of snow today. You must park..." Then the electric power went out. The good wife was very upset, and with a worried look on her face she said, "I don't know what to do. Which side of the street do I need to park on so the snowploughs can get through?" Then with the love and understanding in his voice that all men who are married to blondes exhibit, the husband replied, "Why don't you just leave the car in the garage this time." We have a new Branch web site! The next edition is planned for April 2017 Please let me have any contributions by early mid March. Thanks. Bryan Jenkins (Editor) Phone bryan@jenkins.eclipse.co.uk 12