 |
The Association has committed to arranging annual reunions
with the intention of varying the venue year-by-year to different parts of the country so
that all members have an opportunity to meet. However, as a matter of course, it
is hoped that on each 5th-year anniversary of the Squadron's formation the reunion can be
held at the Squadron's current home and be hosted by the Squadron (operational commitments
pending).
2007 was the 95th Anniversary and a splendid celebration was held at RAF Marham.
With 2008 as an "in-between" year, the venue was always going to be "anywhere
but Marham" and arrangements were set in train for the 96th reunion to be be held in
Warwick over the weekend of May 10/11. Unfortunately, despite invites being sent
out with the December Newsletter and Christmas Card to the Association Membership - with what
was regarded as being sufficient time for folks to get their diaries and calendars organised
- the interest and uptake has been minimal with the break-even number not being reached and
consequently making the arrangement financially unviable. Therefore, it is with
regret that the proposed May reunion is formally cancelled
and confirmation has been passed to the hotel that we shall not be going
ahead.
However, it's not all bad news for a proposal has been made for the Association to apply to
march in the Remembrance Day parade at the Cenotaph in November. The committee is
promoting the idea of members travelling to London on Saturday (8th November) and meeting
for a meal followed by overnight accommodation – a mini-reunion, in effect – and then
assembling in Horse Guards' Parade at 10:00 Sunday to join the parade. (This
proposal is made on the basis that given the time of the parade it would preclude most
folks from travelling into London on the actual day. However, there is no reason
why those folks who are close enough to London and can make convenient travel arrangements
cannot just join up on the actual day). As an additional incentive to join in this
very special event, the World War Two RAF Prisoners of War Association, whose numbers are
reducing as time takes its toll, have asked if we would be interested in marching with their
contingent. It would be a great honour and the committee is making further
enquiries as to how this would be organised.
Tickets for attendance at the Cenotaph parade have to be organised in advance and there is a
deadline of July (end? Not sure but will confirm) for the order to be placed to ensure that
we can obtain the required number. If you are interested in attending as a member
of the II(AC) Sqn Association then please contact Don Nutbrown at (click on icon)
who is co-ordinating and collecting names. Looking forward to seeing you there.
|