Year of anniversary events for RAF begins

In Morecambe this began with the unveiling of a flower bed on the promenade near the junction of Marine Road and Northumberland Street. At present it is planted with pansies in the shape of the RAF roundel, but will be replanted in the early summer with a more permanent design of the official RAF100 logo.

“This was Morecambe Town Council’s own initiative and we are most grateful for their wonderful support”, said Jane Latin, secretary of Morecambe & Lancaster branch of the RAF Association.

The cost of the flowerbed has been met by donations from the Branch and 455 (Morecambe & Heysham) Air Cadet Squadron.

Later that afternoon the RAFA branch held a commemorative service at St Barnabas Parish Church on Regent Road.

Honoured guests were the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Mr Robert Webb and his wife Carole; the Mayor and Mayoress of Lancaster, Coun Roger and Mrs Joyce Mace, and the Mayor of Carnforth, Coun Pat Wooff.

There was a congregation of about 100 people, including local councillors and cadets from Morecambe, Lancaster and Carnforth Air Cadet Squadrons. Presiding minister was Rev Gp Capt Richard Lee, RAF Retd, Northern Region Chaplain RAF Air Cadets who had travelled from St Bees to be with us.

The branch is also arranging other RAF100 events through the year: a formal Dining-in Night at the Headway Hotel (fully booked), a coach trip to the RAF Museum Cosford on Wednesday August 1 and a grand concert of RAF music with Morecambe Band on Saturday September 1.

For details of either the coach trip or the concert contact the Branch Secretary on 01524 412987. Additionally, the branch’s programme of talks will this year have an RAF theme. The talks are free and all are welcome: for a list of talks see our website http://rafamorecambeandlancaster9.webnode.com or contact the secretary.