2009 Branch Visits and Activities
Branch members, associates and their guests are invited to partake in a number of visits and activities arranged throughout the year. Whilst every effort is made to give as much notice as possible our ability has, in the past, been limited by the frequency of meetings and subsequent correspondence. However, with the availability of this web site we shall now be able to post information throughout the year, enabling members to access the information more readily.
2009 Branch Activities and Events
Sun 8 Feb 2009 – HM Tower of London
Once again the LHC Branch participated in the annual RMPA Parade and Commemoration Service. 13 Members marched with our RMPA colleagues, RMP personnel, a representative of the US Army Military Police and Yeomen of the Guard. The Green Hackle Pipe and Drum Band accompanied the parade through the Tower to the Royal Chapel of St Peter and Vincula and its return to the Yeomen Warders Club. The RMPA and RAFPA National Standards were paraded, accompanied by some RMPA Branch Standards. On the return march the salute was taken by Maj Chad Frolick USAMP and HBM Ambassador to Turkey. Members and their guests then enjoyed a buffet in the YW Club and, as is becoming the norm, won the majority of the raffle prizes. Our Members and guests were made most welcome again and we hope to be invited in 2010 (but perhaps not to buy raffle tickets!)
Fri 22 May 2009 - Visit to HQ RAF Air Command, RAF High Wycombe
Early in the morning of Friday, 22nd May 2009, twenty Members of the Branch met at the gates of Air Command HQ, Royal Air Force High Wycombe.
They were met by Flt Lt Dale Sharp, Provost Officer i/c Station Police, and Fg Off Laura Regan, Station Adjutant. They were escorted through the Station, to the Training/Conference Block. There they were given a series of high quality presentations commencing with the role of the modern Air force, and some history, of RAF High Wycombe by Fg Off Laura Regan; followed by, Flt Lt Dale Sharp on the role of the RAF Police, with their support staff on the unit. They were pleased to see Gp Capt Gary Horscroft again, now Command Security advisor.(Gary thinks that is his post as he has just been appointed and is still finding his feet!). Gary then gave an insight into his future role within the Command.
Presentations then followed by, firstly, Sqn Ldr Jan Knight, OC No 6 RAF Police Squadron which embraces High Wycombe; and Sqn Ldr ‘JJ’ Hamilton representing Force Protocol No 2 Group. These presentations gave a detailed briefing, with slides of the role of the present RAF Police force around the world, but more especially in Afghanistan. It was so apparent that the modern RAF Policeman is more of a military tactician than many had known from our past service.
Refreshments were available during the course of the morning. The group was transported by coach to the Officer’s Mess for an excellent Buffet lunch. The high quality and organisation of the visit was much appreciated, as was the time and effort away from their busy schedules of the Officers involved, who made us welcome. Our thanks to them, and our Chairman, Alan, for making the necessary pre-visit arrangements. Hopefully a group visit photograph will be forthcoming. (Photo now received and will be posted on the Photo Gallery page.)
Tuesday 25 August 2009 - Visit to NATO HQ Northwood.
29 Branch members and guests attended the NATO Headquarters at Northwood, where we were given most interesting briefings on counter-piracy, the roll of Counter Intelligence within NATO, the military exercise in Bulgaria and the investigation into indecency involving children, by a member of the Dutch Navy. We then attended the bar for drinks, but due to unforeseen circumstances, could not partake of lunch in the Officers Mess.
The London RAF Police Reunion
This is held annually, in October, currently at the Victory Services Club, 63 - 79 Seymour Street, London W2 2HF.The bar opens at 1800. Dinner is available (optional) and a selection of wines to accompany it. The reunion is open to ALL serving and ex-serving members of the ‘RAF Police Family’ their wives, partners and guests. Meet your old chums, make new ones and enjoy a relaxed evening in comfortable surroundings.
The date of the next reunion is 29 October 2010. A meal will be available (Menu below). Non diners will also be welcome. Contact Brenda for further information.
VICTORY SERVICES CLUB
RAF POLICE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL LONDON REUNION
29 OCT 10
GRILL ROOM MENU
STARTER
Tomato and Basil Soup with Fresh Parmesan
Game Terrine with Real Ale Chutney
Scottish Smoked Salmon with a Caper Mayonnaise
Prawn Cocktail with a Rye Broquette
MAIN COURSE
Roasted Beef with Yorkshire Pudding and a Madeira Sauce
Corn Fed Free Range Chicken stuffed with Cream Cheese and Spinach wrapped in Parma Ham
Baked Herb Crusted Salmon Fillet with Cream and Dill Sauce
Grilled Plaice with a Rocket and Cherry Tomato Salad
Wild Mushroom Wellington with Vegetarian Gravy
All Main Courses served with a selection of
Seasonal Fresh Potatoes and Vegetables
DESSERT
Apple Pie and Ice Cream
Treacle Pudding with Custard
Classic Sherry Trifle
Creme Brulee
Coffee and Mints
Cost: £24.00
Mrs Brenda Peake, 7 Rectory Way, Ickenham, Middx, UB10 8BP
Sat 7 November 2009 - British Legion Festival of Remembrance - Royal Albert Hall
On Saturday evening, the annual Royal British Legion (RBL) Festival of Remembrance took place in the Royal Albert Hall (RAH). Because the Association is celebrating our 25th Anniversary this year, the RBL allowed our Standard to be paraded. There are only a few ex-services Associations permitted to parade in the RAH each year. Our standard bearer was Richard Smith (LHCB) and we congratulate him on a job well done.
There were several members in the audience at the evening performance and we were very proud indeed.
Sun 8 November 2009 - Remembrance Day Parade - Cenotaph
In London, Remembrance Sunday started coldish and damp, but in the end we did not get really wet. Some 60 plus members gathered on Horse Guards Parade, shuffling about to keep warm, meeting and greeting old (and new) friends. We all reported to Stewart McArdle who recorded our presence. We also said "hello" to Archie Heath, Tony Harbour and Colin Denley who once again were personally taking care of St Dunstans patients, at least two of who are former RAF Police. George Brookes introduced us to John Nicoll, the RAF navigator shot down in the first Gulf War. Photos were taken by Bobbi Stenning, Beryl Coten and a RAF PR lady.
At 10.20 we marched off Horse Guards, through the Arch and on to Whitehall. Our leader again this year was former PM and President, retired Group Captain Ted Scaplehorn OBE, accompanied by retired Group Captains Peter Clark and John Rose OBE.
Dennis Cothay in his wheelchair, was pushed by Corporal Gareth Hughes (who was wounded in Afghanistan earlier this year). Our right marker was Nigel Lacey, left marker and TV target George Brookes and the 2 rear "bookends" were Brian Burgess and Gordon Sidey.
The wreath for the Provost Marshal and RAF Police was carried by our VC Alan Millership. The RAF Police Association wreath was carried by our Chairman, Brian Flinn.
With the kind permission of the Provost Marshal (Group Captain John Whitmell), we were again "guided" by Warrant Officer Bill Veazey MBE. This year he was assisted by Flight Sergent Kenny Braddick. We sincerely thank Bill and Kenny for all their efforts to keep us in step against the background of, bands, applause and shouting RSMs etc. By all accounts these efforts were very successful and certainly one view from the BBC TV report confirms this.
Congratulations to all our marchers (everywhere) and heres hoping we have 70 on parade at the Cenotaph in 2010.
What another great weekend for the RAF Police Asosciation.
DATE OF NEXT QUARTERLY MEETING: THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2010, 1900 for 1930.
At the London District WO’s & Sgt’s Mess, Wellington Barracks, LONDON SW1. Use Petty France Entrance.
Raffle Prizes welcome but not obligatory.
2010 - BRANCH ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
26 Jan - Return visit to NATO HQ Northwood with lunch. (Unfortunately this visit had yo be cancelled due to service commitments. It is not yet known when/if we shall be able to reinstate it.)
2 Feb - Visit to the Magic Circle, Euston, LONDON (Magic Show and refreshments). 15 members and guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of both close up and stage show magic. The building is interesting in itself with a most impressive spiral staircase. We were entertained in groups at tables in the lounge and bar for the close up magic which was followed by a presentation on the Magic Circle and it’s members in the fully equipped theatre. We then partook of a light supper and drinks, then returned to the theatre for a stage magic show. All the members of the Magic Circle are examined prior to being offered membership. Amongst the prominent members is HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales. The cups he used during his examination are displayed in the museum which contains a plethora of items used by magicians over centuries.
7 Feb 2010 - RMPA Parade and Commemoration Service - HM Tower of London
29 Apr 2010 - Visit to Royal Hospital, Chelsea and Army Museum with lunch.
VISIT TO THE ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA (RHC) AND THE NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM (NAM) - THU 29 APR 10
A Group of XX - TBA Branch members and guests gathered at the gate of the RHC on a bright spring morning. Due to the (inevitable) delays on the Underground a handful only just made it before we set off under the guidance of (SSgt) Paddy Fox BEM, one of the RHC's official tour guides, resplendent in his 'Scarlets', the formal well recognised uniform as opposed to the 'Blues' the pensioners wear in the RHC and locally within 2 miles. Paddy knew every nook and cranny of the complex and, so it appeared, most of the residents. He had anecdotes about all of them too! He was somewhat unique, in that he flew as an Observer during his 30 plus years Army service and wore his 'wing' with pride. We were conducted through all the major locations of interest that were available whilst being told the history of the RHC. It was founded by Charles II in 1682, for long serving or wounded Army veterans. To this day no RN or RAF pensioners live in. There are some who have served in the other arms, but all must have Army service. One pensioner, after service in the British Army, was commissioned in the US Army and fought in Vietnam. He now happily resides in the RHC. There are 3 female Pensioners who have received a mixed reception from the 400 plus male pensioners. On surrendering their Army pension they receive board, lodging, clothing and medical care. They are organised into 6 Companies under a Governor, Lt Governor, Adj, MO's, Chaplain, QM and 6 'Captain of Invalids'. There is a full range of facilities including an amenity centre, a club/pub (called 'The Chelsea Pensioner'), TV and billiard rooms, library, fully equipped handicraft centre, bowling green (where they entertain visiting teams) and allotment gardens. Messing is taken in The Great Hall at tables of 8; there are 3 cooked meals daily and judging from the choices on the menu we saw, most acceptable. Each chair has a shelf under the seat for the tricorn hat - now worn only on ceremonial occasions. The pensioners each have a 'Berth,' with oak pannelling c9'x9', with a wide corridor in front where there are tables and chairs for socialising. Most have their own TV; many have laptops and other modern entertainment. Each corridor has bathing, washing and toilet facilities. The 'Old Infirmary' is being converted into en-suite accommodation with a sitting/study area and the remainder will follow but will take some time. Paddy was keen to tell us that he had been allocated one of the new en-suite rooms.
Many of the major buildings were designed for Charles II by Wren; others added later copied his. Our tour started off in College Court, now rarely used except for Founders Day when, as Paddy explained, marquees are set up for the pensioners and their guests to take refreshments after the formalities are over. We moved on passing a residential wing, where the pensioners were going about their daily routines, to the Figure of Eight Court which looks down to the River Thames. Preparations for the Chelsea Flower Show were already in hand on the meadow. The RHC owns the land from the Kings Road down to the Thames. Some is leased to MoD and hosting the Chelsea Flower Show is another source of income for the RHC. The Figure of Eight Court is dominated by a gold leafed statue of Charles II, clothed as a Roman Emperor, and is 'protected' by captured ordnance. The surrounding buildings house the Governor's Residence, Council Chamber and State Apartments. We then moved into the Chapel, typically Wren light and airy and so quiet in Central London. Services are held weekly and the public are welcomed. Lady Thatcher is a regular worshipper. (Her daughter, Carol, donated her winnings of £60k from, "I'm a Celebrity - Get me out of here" to the RHC.) The senior members of staff have their own 'box' pews. The annual Carol Service can attract c500 worshippers. The kneelers depict Regimental badges and Paddy explained there were 4 RAF amongst them. The eagle eyed soon discovered one of the RAF badges! There is a chair, "The King's Chair", constructed out of the timbers from the WW2 bombing of the Infirmary at the behest of King George VI and used by him during services. The Great Hall where the pensioners dine is also light and airy and hung with captured Standards, including French and American. The oak panelled walls show British Army Battle Honours up to the present, including former Afghanistan Wars! One pensioner at each table acts as 'Orderly' and takes his colleagues' orders, writing them on the slip provided. This is then collected by the mess staff and the dishes delivered to the tables. Many years ago, 2 very large leather flagons of beer were provided to each table. Paddy says that although 2 of the flagons are on display, sadly the custom is no longer practised. We then passed through Light Horse Court to the museum. It depicts the full history of the RHC and has hundreds of artefacts both personal and official. It includes a full size mock up of a typical pensioners berth and hundreds of honours, awards and medals of previous pensioners. Finally there was a gift shop for souvenirs, including specially brewed ale. Alan Shaw, our Chairman, thanked Paddy for a most enjoyable and enlightening morning.
(The facilities of the RHC are available for weddings, receptions, dinners and other functions.)
We then made our way, just a few metres to the National Army Museum where we took lunch. We were welcomed after lunch by Amy Cameron - TBA who gave us a talk on 'Women at War'. This was quite an eye opener for some. Apparently women had followed their men to war from the earliest times. There were records from the medieval period of women laundresses being captured with armies and being auctioned off, basically as slaves. In the English Civil War, womenfolk were left to protect their homes and one Royalist aristocrat successfully defended her property against the first Parliamentarian siege but after some weeks of the second siege finally capitulated. Although she was allowed to go with her life she had exasperated the parliamentarians so much they refused to permit her to take any belongings, which was then the norm. During the Crimean campaign many women accompanied the army although they had to be married to be entitled to what benefits and opportunities there were. If her husband was killed she had to return home, or more likely, marry another soldier. Naturally, through the years prostitutes had always accompanied the armies on their campaigns. We were brought up to date with females now serving fully armed alongside their male colleagues. The FANYs (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) who provided not only nursing services during WW2 but also cover for training SOE agents and other specialist tasks, are still in existence to this day. Alan thanked AMY -TBA for a most interesting talk on a topic new to many of us. We were then at liberty to enjoy the displays in the museum, which is much larger than it appears from outside. Some commented they must visit again to view the exhibits they did not have the opportunity to see this time..
All in all, another successful day. Our thanks to Alan for arranging it.
13 May 2010 - Visit to the National Trust property Ightham Mote
19 May 2010 - Visit to St Dunstan’s School for the Blind (Joint with S D Branch and H & D Branch.)
15 June 2010 - RAF Northolt/Uxbridge with lunch
RAFPA LHC Branch visit to RAF Northolt - 15 Jun 10
Our visit, by kind permission of the Stn Cdr, Gp Capt Tom Barratt, was arranged by Alan our chairman and attracted 28 members and guests. It was organised by Sqn Ldr Richard Willis and Flt Lt Mark Adams who accompanied us throughout. The station has undergone massive redevelopment over the past few years; much work is still ongoing and further planned. Northolt opened in 1915 and during 1947/53 was London Airport whilst Heathrow was developed. Recently, Project 'Model' has seen the closure of Mill Hill, Uxbridge and Bentley Priory and many units relocated to Northolt where there are presently 22 lodger units, inc 32 The Royal Sqn, BFPO, QCS and tri-service units. After booking in and parking we boarded a coach and visited 32 TRS facilities. Work was in hand on a BAe HS125 which we were permitted to board and see how the Royals and VIPs flew. Somewhat cramped was the opinion of the interior. We also viewed an Agusta 109E helicopter on the pan. Not much knee room for 6 pax! We then saw the VIP suites used by the Royals and other VIPs passing through Northolt and a lounge dedicated to the Polish airmen who fought in WW2 & during the BoB. Then it was onto the RAF Pol Flt Dog Section where we met the NCO i/c Cpl John Cahill. John showed us the facilities (which are due to be replaced) and some of the dogs based there, inc patrol, drug detection and firearms/explosive detection dogs. One dog was prone to self harming and although not active at the time, because of the ongoing costs of vet's services, her future was in doubt. Our last port of call before lunch was The Ops Block, where we were met by Sqn Ldr Mike Green. The bldg is one of the few originals left (another, the Officers' Mess dates from 1929) and although it was not used throughout the war still retains original Crittall windows and other features. The Ops Room, which was a prototype for those used in the BoB, was moved off-base during the war for protection. Since the war the bldg has been modified for various uses: however, a self-help renovation is in progress and it is hoped to restore much to as near its original state as possible, including the ops room/plotting table, PBX, battery room, workshop, colours of wall paint, name boards etc. Original plotting board markers were found under the floor. When a shelf was removed it was found to have been part of the night plotting table - which can now be replicated. We then moved on to the Sgts' Mess for lunch from a varied and appetising menu. The mess is a modern building with first class facilities. Unfortunately the bar was closed due to alteration work in progress! After lunch we boarded the coach and went to (what was) RAF Uxbridge. The station has closed and the site sold for development. We were met at the BoB Bunker/Ops Room by Chris Wren who, during his service at Uxbridge had been Off i/c the bunker, had helped to save it from closure and was now chairman of the Friends of the Bunker. It had become an RAF Northolt asset and would remain open as a heritage site with a new professional curator, Daniel Stirland, who also greeted us. Prince Michael of Kent is the Patron and the CAS the President. We descended 74 (?) steps and were transported back in time to 1940. Chris gave a very detailed and comprehensive account of the BoB and the bunker's part in it as HQ 11Gp responsible for the air defence of London and the south east. We were then able to view the many exhibits including photographs of RAF Pol trainees when Uxbridge was the Police Depot. Then came the hard part - the climb back to the surface! Nevertheless, all agreed it had been wholly worthwhile and an experience not to be missed as had the rest of the day which had been very enjoyable. We even managed to get lunch this time! (Members will recall on the visit to RAF Northwood we missed lunch because the visit over-ran.)
28 Aug 2010 - Bletchley Park
VISIT TO THE BLETCHLEY PARK NATIONAL CODES CENTRE
“The Home of the Codebreakers”
On Sat 28 Aug, some 34 members and friends gathered at Bletchley Park home of the WWII Codebreakers.
The day started with coffee or tea and a potted history of the house and grounds by our guide for the day. Our first visit was to the Enigma hut where we had a very interesting talk about what is probably the best known cipher machine and its operators.
We returned to the house for lunch but were delayed by a wedding party. The bride arrived by horse drawn carriage pulled by two well matched black horses. It seems this was their Saturday job. Monday – Friday you may guess!
After lunch a lady arrived and gave us a talk about life as an evacuee. “Been there, done that, got the T shirt”, said several people including myself! But she was a good speaker and very interesting.
After the talk, our guide took us to the Colossus hut and another very interesting talk. The machine, the first semi-programmable computer, was the brain child of a Post Office engineer named Tommy Flowers. Some of the thermionic valves he used are still in use today.
After the Colossus visit we were off to the Park museum and shop. On moving from one hut to another, our guide explained the uses the various huts had been put to.
Of course the shop had many items for sale, one of which was a DVD, “National Service Memories”. On the front of it was a RAF badge, a RAF Police badge would you believe!
At the end of the tour many of the group returned to the house for refreshments and a farewell chat. All in all a very interesting visit which will stay with us for many a long day.
Richard Smith
30 Aug 10
Bookings For further information and bookings, unless otherwise stated, please contact Alan Shaw as soon as possible. Numbers will be limited on some of the activities.
NATIONAL EVENTS
23 Jun 2010 - NMA Alrewas Annual RAFP/RAFPA Commemoration and Dedication and Parade.
For further information of these events contact Branch Secretary
