Chairman’s Report

The year seems to be dashing along at a rapid state, and it only seems like yesterday we were planning the events for RAF100, now we are being notified of the Tattoo to take place in Birmingham over the weekend of November 24 and 25. On the Sunday there will be special display of the Standards from each branch and all branches have been invited to send a representative to accompany the Standard Bearer. Evesham Branch are planning a visit and would like to join up with our branch and travel together, this depends on finding an appropriate coach or minibus?

Sadly the Concert planned for September has had to be cancelled due to complicatIons on how the orchestra is paid. I appreciate, as I am sure everyone does, the work that John and Brenda Griffiths have put into the organising of the concert, but after consultation with the Exeter office it was agreed to reconsider the event. Lets hope that we can organise some other event, especially as we have also decided to discontinue with the Willersey Coffee Morning.

We have long talked to organising a trip to somewhere of Interest. The opportunity to visit RAF Coningsby and see the Lancaster together with a visit to the Bomber Command Memorial has arisen, and we need to get some idea of those interested in travelling there. We will discuss this at the July meeting and see how many would be interested in going.

I recently came across an article concerning the RFC First World War Airfield at Rendcombe, near Cirencester, which has recently been restored and is now the home of the ‘Utterly Butterly’ Wing Walking tTeam. This looks worthy of a Branch visit, being on our doorstep. Does anyone have any further information on the place?

The illustrated talk on Wednesday promises to be very interesting, so if you have a friend, or know of someone who might like to come along, please bring them, it’s free.

I was delighted to see the effort put into the Shop Window Competition during the Skuttlebrook Wake, themed on RAF100. The standard was very high, and Lisa Drinkwater’s, Country Florists being the overall winner, congratulations

On Thursday 19 July we have a Branch Summer Lunch at the ‘Eatery in the Old King’s Arms’, High Street, Chipping Campden, right opposite the Market Hall, bookings to be agreed at the Branch Meeting.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month, at the Lygon Arms Hotel, High Street, Chipping Campden,GL55 6HB, at 6pm. Spouses, partners, friends and relatives are always very welcome

JOHN S SERMON