News Items

Items of news for the York Web Site are to be sent to John Allison via E Mail johna.rafa@talktalk.net or telephone 01904 761077

On Wednesday 2nd December 2009, 34 Members of RAFA York Branch visited RAF Linton on Ouse for a conducted tour.

John Allison the Station RAFA Liaison Officer, and Branch Chairman, worked closely with the
new Station RAFALO FltLt Adrian Lord to put on the tour which included a visit to the brand new £6.5 million Control Tower, opened just a few days prior to the visit. Lunch in the Officer's Mess was followed by a 'photocall' with the new Station gate guard, a Tucano trainer aircraft, then on to a visit to the Engineering Hangar, 207 Squadron Crew Room/Control Desk, then 4 of the group experienced a 'flight' in the Tucano Simulator - an experience they will remember for some time to come. Finally, completing a full and enjoyable day, some of the group visited the station Memorial Room, and after a short brief by curator Alan Mawby, spent time looking at some of the history information going back to when the station was built, pre opening in 1937.

John H Allison. Station RAFA Liaison Officer, Station Headquarters, Royal Air Force Linton on Ouse. York YO30 2AJ Tel/Ans: (H) 01904 761077. (M) 07762 333843 E Mail: johna.rafa@talktalk.net Squadron Leader Lorraine Reynolds. OC PMS, Station Headquarters, Royal Air Force Linton on Ouse. York. YO30 2AJ Tel/Ans: 01347 847304 E Mail: LIN-SptOCPMS@lintononouse.raf.mod.uk Joint Project Officers The 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Parade & Service. York. Sunday 19th September 2010. The highlight of this year, the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, in the second most important City in the United Kingdom - York, is being led by the Royal Air Force Linton on Ouse, and will take place on Sunday 19th September. The station are to exercise the Freedom of the City, and it is expected that along with flights of personnel from Linton on Ouse, there will also be a large contingent of Air Training Corps Cadets, their Squadron Banners, and a large flight of Veterans along with their Standard Bearers After the recent success of the Battle of Britain Service & Parade, in September 2009, a civilian has joined forces with the RAF to assist in the organisation of what will be the best ever parade in the centre of this great City. The Station Commander from RAF Linton on Ouse, Group Captain Mike Longstaff OBE, will be one of many senior officers from the Royal Air Force, the Royal Air Forces Association, the British Army and Royal Navy who will be in York to witness the event. The Lord Mayor of York, his Deputy, also the Sheriff of York and Consort will take pride of place for this special occasion. The Parade, which will include many Veterans, not only from World War 2, but also from recent conflicts, will form up in Duncombe Place at 1030hrs. Flypasts by a Spitfire, and a diamond Nine of Tucano aircraft from RAF Linton on Ouse will take place, just prior to the parade marching off, taking a route through the centre of the City, and back to Duncombe Place for the salute, before dismissing to enter York Minster by the West Entrance Standards from 72 and 207 Squadrons based at RAF Linton on Ouse, along with the York Branch RAF Association Standard, the Northern Area Standard of the RAF Association, accompanied by the Air Crew Association (White Rose Branch (York), the National Standard of the Royal Observer Corps, and the Banner of 110 (City of York) Air Training Corps Cadets, will be presented to the Altar, after the Air Training Corps Cadets Banners and Veterans Standards are paraded along the nave, and take up their posts on the outer edges of the congregation During the Service, the Book of Remembrance will be ceremoniously marched along the nave by four RAF Officers, escorted by the Parade Commander, Station Warrant Officer Fred Dawson, and come to rest below the altar in preparation for the Turning of the Page Ceremony. The Book, containing over 18000 names of personnel from various parts of the world who flew with the Royal Air Force and were killed during the Second World War whilst flying from bases in Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland, will be the centre of attention. In this special year, there will be three separate pages 'turned' in the Book of Remembrance, one by Veteran of World War Two and a member of York Branch RAF Association, Terry Clark BEM Ae, a second by an Officer of the Royal Air Force, and a third by a Senior Air Training Corps Cadet The Battle of Britain is always a very important occasion, when we remember all those who gave their lives that we could live in peace. This Parade and Service is extra special, and is a 'one off' when everyone is encouraged to support what will be a fantastic day. Ex Servicemen from all the three Services are asked to come and join in the parade and Service. Many civilian associations such as the Fire Brigade and Police, plus the Ambulance Services are also welcome Interested parties who wish to be involved with this special event and who would like further information should contact the Station RAFA Liaison Officer, details of which are shown at the heading of this information package.

Branch Dinner Friday October 16th at RAF Linton on Ouse Officer's Mess 64 people attended what was a fabulous evening, in what has become familiar surroundings for the Branch's Annual Dinner. Guest of honour was the RAF Association Secretary General AVM Grahame Jones CBE, and his wife, also in attendance was the Station Commander Group Captain Mike Longstaff and his wife Sue'.
Drinks Reception Staff, Officers Mess	Fred Ullathorne and Mary Beattie	Table 2 - Ready for the off.
Left to Right: StnCdr GrpCapt Mike Longstaff OBE, Mrs Sue Longstaff and Ken Whitfield LVP RAFA York	Dick Shuster (Right) 'signing up' Cyril Shree (President Ryedale Branch)	Left to Right: Allen Grice, FltLt Any 'Macca' McIntyre Stn RAFALO, and RAFA Secretary General AVM Grahame Jones CBE

A Pilots Prayer (Author Unknown)

My presence shall go with thee
Heavenly Father, as I ascend the clouds
Into the purer air of Thy Heavens.
Surround me with they presence.
uphold me with thy strength.

Protect me from the fiery darts
of those who would destroy me
and if it be thy will, give me a safe landing.
Should I fall as a bird from the blue,
grant that I may fall into the ever loving arms of thy love.

The original script belonged to 207 Squadron Navigator Jack Briggs, who's aircraft crashed near Holmpton, but he survived, and passed away on 12th September 2008. A memorial has been erected to the Crew of the Halifax at St Nicholas Church, Holmpton. I attended the Service of Remembrance and dedication at Holmpton on Saturday 7th November, with Officer's of 207 Squadron, RAF Linton on Ouse. It was a very moving ceremony, and in particular when meeting Jack Briggs son Russell, who has given permission to use the words in this way.

John Allison
Chairman York Branch RAF Association.

Can you help?

Hello

I wonder if by any chance you could help me ? I am the Academic Director of an English language school situated in the centre of York. We have students come to us from all over the world to learn English. Last year we had over 40 different nationalities. Many of our students come for 6, 9 or even 12 months because they would like to go to a UK University .

Learning English also means learning about the customs and history of a country – these aspects of British life are very important. At the same time, our students would also like to have the opportunity to meet more real English people – to chat and talk about daily life in Britain. Every week on a Wednesday we have a Conversation Club. It lasts from 4.00 to 5.30 pm. At the moment it involves the students talking to each other and learning about each others’ countries and way of life. It would be wonderful if they could talk to some real English people.

It occurred to me that your members more than almost anyone would be able to chat about Britain, about our habits and customs. The sort of questions our students ask us are

What is Bonfire night? What are conkers? What do you do at Christmas? Why do we drive on the ‘wrong’ side? Why is Yorkshire pudding eaten in Yorkshire? Why did Britain have so many colonies?

They are sometimes very bewildered by life in Britain and it is often the simplest things that puzzle them the most .

Do you think any of your members might be interested in coming in to the school to take part in our Conversation Club? It is all very informal. It takes place in 4 New Street on the first floor – unfortunately we don’t have a lift. We can offer tea and biscuits and the chance to chat and inform some foreign students about our country. No-one needs to think it is a commitment – you don’t have to come every week.

Many of our students come from countries where age is respected and revered and they equate age with wisdom. Our most popular teachers are always the older ones and I think your members would be much appreciated by our students for the opportunity to chat informally with real English people.

It just requires people with patience because our students are still learning English and a knowledge of life in Britain.

Please drop in if ever you are passing. We are in 4, 5 and 7 New Street but the Administration is in No. 5 .

I would be very grateful to hear if anyone might be interested in joining us. Thank you.

Best regards

Judy

Judy MacDermot Cert. Ed MA (Durham)
Academic Director

RAFA House Flags are available from the Area HQ on loan for use at funerals when requested by the family. They must be returned to the Area Office as soon as possible after the funeral. There are one or two Branches who have their own Coffin Drape, again, it is up to the family of the deceased whether they wish to give permission for use of a drape.

Display Equipment - Please be advised that display equipment is available from both the Northern Area HQ, also for the Eastern side of the Pennines, John Allison (01904 761077 E Mail johna.rafa@talktalk.net )

Presently the following items are in stock at the York Store (No1 Stoop Close, Wigginton);

2 x 3 x 3mtr Marquees (Both with new Wings Imaging)
2 x 'Pop Up' Advertising Panels
1 x Folding High Table, Centre Support + Cover
1 x Waist High Folding Table + Cover (Wings Imaging)
1 x Set of Marler Hayley Boards
4 x Wings Banners.
Poster Boards (Require posters)
Some Posters in Stock, but limited.

Britannia Rescue

We have been fortunate in receiving a small amount of sponsorship from Britannia Rescue with accessibility to their site. There are discounts available from the company to RAF Association members. Britannia are a reputable company of Insurers. When your Breakdown Cover is approaching renewal, please give them a try, we are sure you will find them very competitive, and with the Discount available will secure an excellent package.

We need Information - Many Branches are now taking the reigns to progress electronically and are therefore creating an independent web site dedicated to their Branch and its activities. We would like to know about your web sites so we can link to them directly from our main website and increase the traffic flow your way. Please take a look on your Area Page and on the Links Page on www.rafa.org.uk to ensure that firstly your web address is correct on both and if it's not up there, email our Web sites Manager Jo Rutter directly to inform her of any updates webmaster@rafa.org.uk

RAF Comrade Contact ( www.raf-comrade-contact.co.UK ) - Need news, events, activities and enhancing the comradeship and interactive photo galleries and message boards that it features. Again, just give my email address or the webmaster for info and or queries to be sent in to, webmaster@rafa.org.uk

Earn money for your Branch, buy online from www.easyfundraising.co.uk It is surprising how the funds will increase. There are 500 retailers out there ready to give money to a Charity. Go on, give it a whirl.

A letter released by Air Commodore Edward Jarron, the Secretary General in February this year gives details of a Resolution 7 of 2006, and agreed by Delegates present, to authorise increases in Membership Fees for 2009/2010. The following are authorised:

The Branch will receive £4.00 for each Ordinary Member in Rebate that are on strength at 31st December of the preceding year., and £2.50 for each Full Associate Member as above. Branch Associate Membership for York remains at £3.00 each.

Please try and encourage new members of join the Branch. And for those who do not come - we would love to see you, or just give us a call to let us know you are not requiring help or assistance. Remember there is always a warm welcome for you at Aldwark.

Any enquiries on membership please contact Kath Allison 01904 761077, or e mail johna.rafa@talktalk.net