Royal Air Forces Association Bedford

2012-01-04T13:14:00.003Z

Martyn and Lez opened the branch club on Boxing day and the Monday for members wishing to enjoy some fresh air and have a chat with friends, and whilst the week was quiet it was great to see quite a few people coming in. Then it was party time again as New Years Eve was upon us. Once again "Fusion" there to entertain us. Not quite as full as normal but still a great crowd and the evening went with a swing and a hot buffet. Dancing continued throughout the evening and once again there was a great little draw, with thanks to those who have yet again given generously.

All it Leaves me to say is "HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL"

2012-01-04T13:03:00.000Z

The branch club tried something new under Martyn's management and a great triumph it was too, with nearly 30 in for Christmas dinner. The day started early for staff with the doors opening at about 12:00 for those seeking a pint before the Christmas meal. As always Graham was there with his bottle of "Grahams Port" to which we all took a tippler. With the casuals departing it was then down to the serious business of serving Christmas dinner for thirty people. For £22.50 one could not complain effectively 5 courses and a large glass of wine, most people being too full to partake in the mince pies. Irene then did the honours with a very large bottle of Port to chase down the cheese. The Padre Kristina said the prayer and the Chairman Lez Fishman then thanked the staff and proposed a toast to all who where working and serving overseas. One has to say it was a great effort by Martyn Maggie Babs and Brian, and thoroughly enjoyed by all, hopefully to be repeated next year.

2012-01-04T12:45:00.002Z

Dec 24th started with an hour of carols, led by Tanya, once again being well supported with much hearty sing, concluding with the 12 days of Christmas, thanks again Tanya. This was followed by "Jack The Lad" who once again did a great job of entertaining one and all., Martyn had organised huge Buffet supper which did nothing for the figure at a time when enough was being taken on board anyway. There was as always plenty of dancers on the floor, and whilst this was going on the draw was taken seperately to keep the proceedings going. All winners have been notified, and the committee wish to extend their grateful thanks to all who supported the draw by donating prizes. Yet another great evening at the RAFA Club, are you missing out

2012-01-04T12:28:00.001Z

Saturday the 17th Dec saw yet another great joint venture with RBL and RAFA members, with nearly a full hose, a great supper prepared by the staff and one has to say some naff singing. A great little crowd enjoying most of the music but one has to say not the girl singer who was a note or two out on most songs. This did not stop everyone enjoying the evening and getting up and dancing. Once again thanks to all who made the effort and Babs and Maggie for the supper.

December

2012-01-04T11:33:00.000Z

December was a very busy month for the club as can be seen from the following articles.
Over the period Martyn and team cater for over 1500 Christmas meals including several major functions such as 3 separate railway Christmas dinner functions. In addition members enjoyed a joint RBL RAFA music evening on the 17th although the singer left a lot to be desired. The grand draw on Christmas eve, Christmas dinner at the club Xmas day plus a New Year eve party on the 31st.

Monthly Branch Meeting

2011-11-21T19:49:00.001Z

The branch held it's monthly meeting today Monday the 21st, the chairman's thanks go to all who could attend. The chairman gave an update on the months events, which mainly covered remembrance parades but also saw the branch members assisting with the RBL poppy shop, by the lending of manikins and uniforms from the RLI museum. Following the Nov. Mail Shot and inclusion of pre addressed envelopes has had a very good response which has resulted to date with subs donations stubs for the draw flowing in like never before. Membership appears stronger and following an upbeat report from Martyn the club both appears and looks more active. Our thanks go to Wells and Young for their support in the refurbishment of the cellar and bar. The next meeting will be the 16th of January in order not to clash with Christmas activities. Martyn having already secured several booking over the Christmas period. Minutes will be published shortly.

Remembrance Sunday

2011-11-21T19:29:00.001Z

Following the parade on the 11th many members once again turned out for the parade on Sunday 11 along the embankment. Once again the weather was kind with temperature reasonable and the sun shone bright. Kevin once again did the honours with the Branch Standard, virtually leading the parade behind Mal of the Royal British Legion, and the wreath being laid by our own Terry Reads.

Following the service the parade moved to Harpur square for the inspection. This year many Rhodesian veterans attended the parade with almost all decamping the branch club where a buffet had been laid on at a modest price. The club over flowed with veterans and members and it was great to see it as it should be packed to the gunnels. Once again our thanks to all the staff who worked very hard throughout the day and into the evening especially members who stepped in at the bar laying food and collecting glasses.

11th of November at the 11th Hour

2011-11-12T21:43:00.001Z

Many, many people turned out to honour the fallen of many conflicts, where once again the service was held outside Boots, but not before the chairman had represented the Branch at the Mayors Parlor to honour men from the Beds & Hearts who fell in the First World War. Following a toast it was back to the square and to find many from the branch already just chatting with other members as the crowd grew and to easily lose oneself amongst many veterans and ordinary people who had turned out to join the short but poignant service in the company of the Mayor and Lord Lt. Following the service it was back to the Poppy shop for refreshments and a chat before catching up with events at the club following a cellar refurbishment.

Scots Society Remembrance Parade

2011-11-12T20:55:00.002Z

The RAFA Bedford chairman and his wife Georgia represented the branch at the service (Foster Hill Road Cemetery) to remember those young service men who came south to train but succumbed to Measles during the first world war. This was a very tragic period, as to volunteer for your country but then be struck down by something as simple as measles was truly awful. But thankfully they are not forgotten as the service is held each year to honour their passing.

Following the service it was back into Bedford to catch up with a number of military vehicles that were displayed in the Harpur square to add to the atmosphere of the Poppy Appeal. With some 7 vehicles present it was great talking to our own Trevor Cox with his Jeep, plus a couple from Cambridge with a great Riley. A couple of lads from Peterborough were also there to chat with, with two American trucks, none cheap to run by the sounds of it, but great to see. Then it was back to the RAFA Club for a well earned lunch, and just great to see so many people dining and socialising, over and above just the regular drinkers. Great lunch Martyn and just keep up the good work.

Poppy Appeal Shop Bedford

2011-11-03T20:19:00.000Z

As a lead up to the opening of the poppy appeal shop Martyn Hudson lent a hand to Angela, by furnishing the shop with manikins from the RLI Museum, although more were to be added it certainly set the scene, and they looked most impressive. Then on Saturday members of the Bedford branch joined RBL Bedford members plus others whilst the Mayor of Bedford undertook the formal opening. The Chairman Lez was on had to record the event on behalf of the RBL. Further to the opening additional new manikins were added extending the display of air force uniforms and flying suits. In addition branch personnel have assisted by being on hand to collect and sell merchandise. This Sunday the display will be extended with military vehicles outside the Harpur centre, this will be following the memorial service to fallen Scottish soldiers who died locally during the 1914/18 war in Bedford from measles.

RLI Visit for club members

2011-10-28T22:53:00.000+01:00

On Thursday some 10 members from Bedford & Dunstable took a trip out organised by Martyn and Maggie. Firstly all boarded at Bedford and Headed to Hatfield House to see the RLI Troopie Statue down by the river Lee and then the colours in Hatfield house. Then it was on to the centre of London for lunch in the Rifles Mess Oxford Street. A really great lunch was enjoyed by one and all once we had beaten the traffic. Following a tour of the Drill Hall and seeing some wonderful pictures and the history of the various regiments it was off again. This time it was a visit to RAF Chicksands SNCOs mess for tea and cakes organised by WO2 Euan.

Tea was supplied with two huge plates of sandwiches followed by cakes. One and all would like to thank Maggie for all their effort in making it a great day out for everyone.

Old Divers Club

2011-10-28T22:34:00.000+01:00

Wednesday evening saw the usual gathering of the old Cransac Divers crowd, now visiting in the 16th year on a regular basis. A great evening is had by all with plenty of food being scoffed as well as booze. Numbers vary but it nice to see some old face now and then. Always nice to see the usual regulars at the bar, Ray & Dave plus the commuters. So why not pop in and join in the fun.

Christmas Boxes For The Troops

2011-10-28T22:28:00.000+01:00

The pace gathered the nearer we got to the Friday collection, Wednesday they started to pile up as can be seen, and by Friday following a delivery by Barry from the RAF Cranwell branch some 35 + had been received in total. These were collected by SSAFA for processing be RAF Henlow. We would like to thank everyone who supported this event.
Di & Ann showing just how great an effort you have made and these are just a few.

You can still support this event by buying phone cards for troops in theatre, or maybe think of next year and start keeping your shoe boxes.

Bolliwood Evening

2011-10-28T22:18:00.000+01:00

On Friday the 21st October the branch club held a Bolliwood evening in conjunction with the commuter group. Real Asia food was supplied locally and Keith organised the music. A great evening was had by all and we thank all who supported the event, especially our friendly commuters.

Older People Festival Flitwick

2011-10-10T16:14:00.000+01:00

Peter Kemp the welfare officer and the branch chairman Lez Fishman, once again took the opportunity to attend an over 50s festival, on this occasion at Flitwick village hall. Not only to possibly meet ex service people requiring support, but to network with other organisations. The hall was quite small but the event was well supported, with ourselves next to RBL and SSAFA. The event was opened by Pam Rhodes of TV fame who took the opportunity to come and talk with everyone. A number of leaflets were collected and are available at the club, should anyone wish to seek advice. Many people miss the opportunity to visit such festivals I believe due to the title, when is one old and 50 is nothing these days. Whilst no direct advice was sort, several ex service people were encouraged to visit the branch club and support the branch and club in its aims.

50th Anniversary RLI in Bedford

2011-10-10T15:50:00.001+01:00

On September the 24th, some 200 members of the Rhodesian Light Infantry assembled in London and Bedford to celebrate their 50th Anniversary as a unit, coming from all over the world. Invitations to the occasion were also received by several members of the RAFA Bedford Branch due to the interaction and support of the RLI museum. The days events started at Hatfield House where a service of dedication was held next to the river Lee the location of the Fallen Warrior Statue. The location needed fine weather and as it happens it was a really fine day. Besides a 6 gun salute, a demonstration by a Jet Provost, and a Hunter, plus the last post a 2 Buglers from the Rifles, what more can one say about the organisation of it all by Maggie and Martyn Hudson. Following the service the opportunity was taken to visit the colours within the chapel at Hatfield House. Then it was on to Bedford where a reception was held in the Ravidass hall whilst everyone was given the opportunity to visit the RLI museum within the RAFA Bedford building, and also take refreshment of local ales. The day then continued when all were transported to a formal evening reception and music by "Jack The Lad", plus the usual speeches. A number of awards were presented by the RLI to individuals for services to the RLI, the Branch Chairman Lez Fishman being one of recipients, for his support to the museum.

Following the presentations, an auction and a raffle, everyone settled down to enjoying the music. Much praise was heaped on the Bedford Branch for its unstinting support for a group of people who find themselves stateless in terms of their birthright. The weekend finished with those visiting Bedford popping in for a final drink and a Sunday lunch. The Branch Club made many new friends whom they hope will return and bringing family and friends back to see us and the museum in the near future.

Battle of Britain Sunday Lunch

2011-09-20T12:40:00.000+01:00

To finish the weekend Martyn and team had organised a Battle of Britain Sunday lunch, with entertainment by tanya. Some thirty five people attended several from Dunstable again, who are always welcome. Our thanks go once again to Martyn and team for laying on a great lunch, cheap at the price by any standards. Special thanks to those behind the scenes working really hard in the confined space of the kitchen. A 2 minute silence was held to remember those who failed to return not only in the Battle of Britain but times since. Our thanks to all who came and helped to make it a great weekend, and to the fashion warriors of which one table was outstanding

Wings Collecting

2011-09-20T12:29:00.000+01:00

Saturday morning saw 9 young cadets supported by Peter Kemp, Georgia and Lez Fishman the chairman set forth to collect for wings 2011 in Bedford centre. One has to say it is so disappointing that so few people come forward for even one day of the year, whilst small in numbers the group managed to collect nearly £500 so thank you to everyone for their help.

Battle of Britain Social

2011-09-20T12:21:00.000+01:00

Saturday the 17th of Sept saw "Jack The Lad" putting on some great music for a Battle of Britain social. Martyn and team supported the evening from behind the bar and organised a great buffet one has to say. This was one of the last appearances of Jack the Lad and the club will be sad to see them go, we wish them all the best for the future and look forward to their last performance on Christmas eve on draw night in the club.

Battle of Britain Dinner RAF Henlow

2011-09-20T12:06:00.002+01:00

On Thursday the 15th Sept and a day to remember as being at the height of the Battle of Britain, 21 people from Bedford and Dunstable branches were guests of RAF Henlow RAFLO SNCOs Mess. Our hosts Flt Lt Dennis, WO Andy, Flt Sgt Frank and many others entertained, fed and watered us in timely fashion, all after watching a great display by a Hurricane. Wine and Port flowed speeches were given and replied to and once again Bedford did well on the raffle, a great time being had by all. Our thanks go to the station Commander for allowing us access and to all who helped to make it a great evening.

Following the success of this the second of two Battle of Britain dinners all are looking forward to next year.

RBL Monday Talk

2011-09-20T11:49:00.000+01:00

On Monday 12th Sept following the RBL meeting Mark Adkin gave a very interesting talk on the death of a Prime Minister, that of the Prime Minister of Granada and the events leading up to his death and the subsequent invasion by the Americans. Mark became involved as a British Officer due to his secondment to the Barbados armed forces.

Rhodesian Air Force Veterans Visit

2011-09-12T17:16:00.000+01:00

The Bedford Branch Club of the Royal Air Forces Association were more than pleased to welcome some 60 or more veterans of the Rhodesian Air Force many of whom had served in both air forces. The main aim of the day was to hold an AGM and elect a new chairman as Peter was bowing out after many years. Martyn our branch club manager being the main instigator along with with Rick, who has with many others worked endlessly to ensure the exhibition reflected the occasion. Along with an ample supply of ale fronted by Martyn and Adrien, a grand buffet was prepared by Babs which was more than appreciated by all. Comments passed continuously throughout the day reflected in the fact that everyone was grateful to all concerned for making it a day to remember, and giving such memorabilia a permanent home. It is therefore hoped that not only will we see again many of the friends we made during the day revisit, but others will follow. As chairman it was great talking to so many like minded people but from a different prospective during a very difficult period for Rhodesia, my only personal link was to fly to Majunga in Madagascar to resupply the Shackletons carrying out the blockade, and a jolly it was at that.

Commuters BBQ

2011-09-12T12:32:00.000+01:00

Hello to all you commuters, hope we looked after you on Friday and that the food was to your liking, and thanks to all who joined in the fun. With Martytn, Heather and Babs working the bar and kitchen, Lez took on the BBQ cooking working in batches as people came of the train. Keith was on hand to provide music for all and when the time was right quite a few took to the floor. Once again it was great to see a great crowd enjoying the branch club facilities on a Friday and seeing them relaxing after a hard day in the office in London. Commuting, one has to say is a bit of a treadmill so the club enjoys the company of those who do stop off for refreshments from time to time before going home.

Race Night

2011-09-05T11:16:00.000+01:00

Firstly, our thanks to Ann & Cliff for holding the fort over the weekend whilst Martyn had a break from weekend working, and thank to all the team that supported Saturday race night.

One did not even have to go out in the cold to enjoy the racing and with basket meals on hand it was a case of sit back let the horses run on the big screen and just collect your winnings. With the tote ready to take your bets and those smiling faces say it all if ever I saw it. Betting was brisk and with only 8 horses to each race the choice was easy, easy I say as long as you picked the winners, and winners some people did pick. So once again a big thank you to all who took the trouble to attend especially those members from Dunstable who drove over to enjoy the evening

Yes obviously a couple of winners, but one race does not make an evening.

Look out on the club notice board for our next event, and remember without your contined support there would be no club.

2011 Christmas Draw

2011-08-31T09:56:00.000+01:00

I know its a bit early you think, well many people like to get their Christmas off to a good start by buying those all important squares on the Christmas Draw board, and we are no different, so look out for the board at the club, tickets will also be on sale later in the year. More importantly to help boost the club funds the committee is looking for prizes to be donated that will make it a great event and contribute towards another successful year.

First prize will again be £250, second £100, third £50, with plenty of other to follow so lets see some support and get thoes prizes rolling in.

So Cheers from Martyn & Myself

Christmas Boxes For The Troops

2011-08-31T09:15:00.000+01:00

Christmas is still some way off but just like a business we also have to be prepared and our first request is "CHRISTMAS BOXES FOR THE TROOPS".

Please look for the notice board at the club from SSAFA Forces Help via Peter Ayee (Branch Chairman) requesting your support and what to do to support the troops.

Also listed are the items most appropriate and items that can not be sent.

Your support is much appreciated.

RAFA Bedford Branch Chairman Lez Fishman

Twinwood weekend

2011-08-30T22:44:00.000+01:00

What grotty weather for a bank holiday weekend, and a Miller weekend at that up at twinwoods. Have to say a great crowd who carried on regardless and to a man said it was one of the best. The Bedford Rafa team were on hand to support the Aviation museum and enjoy some of the music and events, not been you do not know what you are missing. Still time to see us at the Avivation museum as we are open every Sunday until the end of October, so pay us a visit as it is only up the road at Clapham village.

Mini Festival of Beer

2011-08-30T22:34:00.001+01:00

Hi all, hope you enjoyed the mini festival of beer, with a fine selection of ales to wet your taste buds. Business appeared brisk each time I called in, and why not at only £2:50 a pint. Could still be some left so why not pop down and enjoy a pint or two or three or four. As quality control manager, have to say they all tasted fine to me, and special thanks to Martyn and everyone who supported the event.

Maggie's Birthday

2011-08-24T11:36:00.001+01:00

What a great evening Saturday night was, with a great crowd to celebrate Maggie's birthday, who is not counting the years, like the rest of us. With Keith providing the disco and Wendy organising the food all the rest of us needed to do was enjoy the evening. And so Maggie did the same with family and friends until I think we all had drunk enough, I certainly had. Our thanks for a great buffet and providing the music , we all hope you enjoyed your birthday and who better with than friends and family and where better to enjoy it that at the RAFA Club.

Friday and Saturday

2011-08-24T11:12:00.001+01:00

Where has the week gone, well I have to say it all went to fast, one minute I am enjoying a pint with a great crowd Friday lunch time and the next minute I am crashed out in the chair half way through the afternoon film, not fair I say. Great to see so many enjoying a Friday lunch at the club with ever increasing numbers doing so. And so to early Saturday, with Ian, Ady and myself setting out with others in search of a crashed Hampden near Molesworth. This was the second visit to the area but once again yielded little so to speak, and was more back breaking than last time with us all feeling it walking over ploughed fields and stubble. Now if you will excuse me I am off to get changed for Maggie Hudsons party at the club, so more later.

We Live in hope, ALAS!!!!

Reference Books

2011-08-18T15:40:00.000+01:00

Wednesday evenings visit was a change from the RAFA Club as it was quiz night, so a pizza was the order of the day at Santanellos, which was refreshing as they had recently been on the BBC One Show. As always it was a great pizza.

This morning I paid a visit to a real veteran to collect some books for the club library and what a privilege it was, 2 hours later I was still there chatting, and eventually had to drag myself away. I am always amazed how even now at such ripe old ages we are still fortunate to have true veterans who as ever are as modest as they have always been. It was also pleasing to know that for some veterans visits to the club are still manageable, with help I have to say. I only wish I had or could make more time to visit more members.

This Week

2011-08-17T10:46:00.000+01:00

Hello, Yes the club was open again on Monday, this time to accommodate the RSPCA meeting and the opportunity to browse through a cupboard or two, hopefully having met one or two ex RAFA people we may have a couple of new recruits.

Tuesday having sorted out a lot of RAFA files I am nearly up to date, but somewhat interrupted by a call to the club by the alarm sounding. No panic just the usual teething troubles as Ian tried to access on his first night alone. No commuters so a fairly quiet evening all around.

Interested in wings collecting in London on the 9th of September then make contact. club number 350107

Also permits received for collecting in Bedford on the 17th of September, all collectors welcome for this important date

Walk in the Park

2011-08-15T12:36:00.000+01:00

Yes, walk in the park, and most pleasant is was too, bit of sun bit of wind but most refreshing. So why not join us once every two week on a health walk around Bedford park and shake off those cobwebs, all manged by the rangers. We meet at 10.30 and have a brisk walk for about an hour then retire for a coffee and chat, next walk in a month due to the Bank Holiday.

Alternatively why not try Harold park walks on a Thursday, even more scenic, and the cafe visit is not to be missed or dare I say lunch at the Bell at Odell.

Saturday Club Social

2011-08-15T09:52:00.000+01:00

Goodday all, great evening on Saturday at the RAFA Club with a great crowd. Although our team won the quiz (Heaven knows how) failed to win anything at Bingo, although overall the table did very well.

Well organised Martyn, keep up the good work, and thanks to Maggie for all the efforts on the suppers, great little basket meals. I believe everyone had a good laugh and are looking forward to the next event.

RBL Monthly meeting and Talk

2011-08-08T20:48:00.000+01:00

Richard Galley

A bit of a clash this evening as not only do we have the Royal British Legion having their regular meeting but at the other end of the club is ROCA holding their meeting. Following the meeting the RBL went into the regular talk, with this week being dedicated to the highland regiments that came south during the First World War, the speaker being Richard Galley and a very interesting talk it was too. Interested in join in and listening that look out for the next talk in approximately a month.

This followed the monthly Branch meeting with most in attendance. The branch remains in a healthy position but still lacks positive support by grass route members and when you look at the work load of our welfare officers it is a bit depressing that so many show such a lack of interest. Also short on support is Wings Coordination with no one to manage this import part of our remit, once again shame on members.
L N Fishman Chairman

Saturday Lunch Hour

2011-08-08T20:37:00.000+01:00

One can always tell when one is home by the reception at the RAFA bar Saturday lunch time. Always a friendly face and great group therapy when it comes to drinking, Whilst as always one or two of the team is missing, all at the branch club wish Mick Gilbert a speedy recovery and a rapid return to the bar. Sadly so many members fail to appreciate the enjoyment from social cohesion that can be enjoyed with friends and other members at the club, not only Saturdays but at any time.

Saxa Vord

2011-07-31T21:18:00.000+01:00

Hi again,

Just a few lines on events before I left Shetland. Tuesday involved a trip to Unst, the most northerly island in the UK, which meant driving north to Toft to catch the ferry to Yell driving across Yell to catch the ferry to Belmont, then driving approximately 17 miles to the old base a Saxa Vord. There we had a great lunch in the old Sergeants mess, fish and chips, but not to be missed. Following lunch we walked around to the new chocolate factory, which also houses memorabilia of the base over the years, well worth visiting if you go that far north.

Then it was back to Baltasound to visit the most northerly Brewery in the UK, and of course to take away some samples. By this time it was time to start heading south to catch the ferry back to Lerwick. Thursday say us depart on the ferry south to Aberdeen and head for Perth our next port of call. Watch this space.

Myself in the most northerly bar in the UK, housed in the former Sgts Mess and one of the posters depicting the Hustlers who played at SaxaVord in the early 60s. Info on life at the camp can be found in the new Chocolate factory just outside old Main Gate.

Tall Ships

2011-07-30T09:56:00.000+01:00

Tall ships at Victory pier

One of the Bands

Hi folks,

Few more lines from the Shetlands. The tall tall ships were magnificent, although the rain came down and the wind did blow, unfortunately from the north. To see such ships is really great and to walk the decks, and meet the crews is even better. About 53 made it to Shetland many of them multi masted including a Colombian "Gloria" (Photo to follow). Sailing was delayed due to a northerly force 8, so Sunday was a bit of a loss, Monday lunch time saw the first of the movements and once at the Knab Sails were being unfurled and taking wind. Watching them under sail is even better and seeing so many heading out to see has to been seen in the flesh.

A view of Lerwick as seen by the arriving Tall Ships

Shetland visit

2011-07-18T20:04:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone just a few lines as I sit here in Lerwick, Shetland drinking local brew and waiting for the Tall Ships to sail in. Weather holding and beer flowing, sails just coming into harbour, first of many and still quite small against what is expected. Everyone here is fine, and I expect to go to Unst, most northerly isle to visit more family, see Saxa Vord, and try Britain's most northerly brew. Before the tall ships arrive a few of what can be seen locally and at Aberdeen.

Tuesday Cinema

2011-07-12T12:19:00.000+01:00

Today saw the start of the new Tuesday branch club cinema, with a showing of the "King's Speech". Doors opened for a pre drinks at 11.30, everyone was seated by 14.30, in fact about 20 people. Lunches were available up to the start of the film, with most people taking advantage including myself. The King's Speech is a great film, if not seen, and justly deserved the Oscar it got.
The next club cinema club day is Tuesday the 24th with Clint Eastwood's latest, so why not pop along grab a lunch and a beer or glass of wine sit back and enjoy the film..

Talk By Bernard O'Connor

2011-07-12T10:41:00.000+01:00

Bernard Talking to Eric

Following the Royal British Legion branch meeting on Monday the 11th July members from both associations enjoyed a very interesting talk by Bernard O'Connor on "RAF Tempsford: Bedfordshire's Top Secret Airfield". Members listened intently for over an hour and a half to the story behind one of the wars most dangerous tasks, that of supplying people behind the lines with everything including secret agents. The talk covered the type of aircraft used to the people themselves. Further talks are now planned for each Monday a meeting is held, see branch club board for details.

Aprentice Boys AGM & Joint Social

2011-07-12T10:16:00.000+01:00

Wednesday evening saw John MacAdam and the local aprentice boys return for their annual AGM & dinner, now in their 3 year of visits. A great meal was enjoyed and much ale consumed. Also in the club was the usual Wednesday social team of ex divers, missing was the chairman who was still travelling after some 20 hours from china arriving to late to join in.

On Saturday the 9th of July the branch club held its annual joint social between ROCA, RBL and RAFA, with some 40 plus people attending. Whilst a few members were missing due to other commitments a great social was had by all, with time for a quiz, music and a great buffet. The chairman extends his thanks to all who attended making it the success it was.

2011-07-12T10:02:00.000+01:00

On Friday the 8th of July the branch club hosted the retirement party of Phil Cherry a local railwayman and friend of the club. Many friends attended making it a great evening for Phil and his family. Phil besides receiving many gifts from colleagues did not forget his wife, by presenting her with a lovely bunch of Flowers. All members of the branch and club wish Phil all the very best in his retirement.

Veterans Sunday

2011-07-12T09:54:00.000+01:00

On Sunday the 26th June the Bedford branch & branch club of RAFA were present in Harpur Square to support the days activities which included a parade of vehicles, a band and units marching. The weather held for the occasion and a good time was had by all. Following the days activities all decamped back the RAFA club for refreshments and a relax. The Chairman who unfortunately was in china wishes to thank all who took part and all who supported the event. LNF

Veterans Flag raising

2011-07-09T15:45:00.000+01:00

The 20th of June saw the Bedford Mayoral Veterans Flag raising at the Borough Hall Bedford. The Branch Chairman, and other members of the Branch and Branch club committee were in attendance. As Branch Chairman I took the opportunity to carry the Branch Standard to join other associations in parading the Standards. In addition to the Mayor other digatories included the High Sheriff of Bedford. After the flag raising all in attendance join the Mayor for refreshments.

Beijing Visit

2011-07-09T14:38:00.000+01:00

Apologies for disappearing but made visit to Beijing. Great place to visit and very friendly , but getting expensive for many reasons.
I. Local Chinese have more money.
2. The Yuan is strong against the pound.

Want to know more then drop me a line.