tornado talk raf association melton mowbray · charity and you can join us as an associate member....
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Welcome to the re-launch of our branch and club newsletter – Tornado Talk!
The Branch and Club have decided to keep our membership informed of what is going on via a new newsletter.
In an effort to keep you, our members, involved in both branch and club
activities not only in and around Melton but also nationaly, we would like
to welcome you to the first edition of our our re-launched “Tornado Talk”
your branch and club newsletter. We hope to publish an edition every
two months, , and to have it emailed and physically distributed across
Melton and the surrounding area.
In addition to this newsletter, we aim to keep members informed via our
other social media chaneels like our website, facebook page and twitter
accounts, see below for details. We welcome your views and thoughts
and encourage you to get involved by sharing your news, stories and
visiting the club.
Brian Fare – Newsletter Editor
RAF Association Melton Mowbray Branch and Club Newsletter
CHARITY NUMBER - 231562 MARCH/APRIL 2019
Do we have your email address?
Our branch vision for the year is to communicate better with our membership and wider local community. This newsletter along with our website, Facebook page and Twitter account are all part of that initative – we have a large membership but less than half have an email address we can reach them on.
2019 will be a very busy year for the branch & club and we will be sending out regular newsletters and information. Please help us to stay in touch – you never know when you might need us, and what you mght be missing.
Email addresses can be sent to:
BRANCH MEMBERSHIP
274
NEW MEMBERS DURING 2019
19
CURRENT
WINGS TOTAL
£1239.30
@RafaMelton
@RAFAMelton
rafa.org.uk/melton-mowbray
‘Tornado Talk’
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Membership matters
Like what you read? Why not come and join us?
If you are reading this Newsletter and are not a member of the Royal Air Forces Association Melton Mowbray Branch, and like what you see, why not join us? The Melton Mowbray branch of the RAF Association wants to welcome new members into our community. The Association offers friendship, help and support to the ‘RAF family’. This includes current and former serving RAF personnel, their spouses, widows, widowers and other dependants. From something as simple as a visit to chat to financial support in a time of need, the Association is there to help. The majority of this support is delivered by local branch members, on a voluntary basis. But don’t worry if you have never served in the RAF, we welcome anyone who has an interest in our charity and you can join us as an associate member. By becoming a member of your Melton Mowbray RAF Association branch you can enjoy getting together with like-minded people and take part in a range of social events, from commemorations to visits to places of interest and of course you get access to our branch club!
Membership fees 2019 Serving or ex-serving member £23
Associate Member £12 or £16 with Airmail magazine (+ Club fees £6-50)
Join us online via our website or simply call into the club and pick up a membership form.
Membership Cards
Several members have recently experienced issues in receiving their membership cards following renewal. Please be aware that the membership department have recently changed their processes and it could now take up to 4 weeks from your renewal being received at HQ to you receiving your card. Be aware that this timescale of up to 4 weeks could be extended during busy periods and if you renew your branch membership locally at the branch instead of direct to HQ as it could take the branch up to 2 weeks to process your renewal. Any problems, please call our contact centre on 0800 018 2361 or email [email protected] If you don’t have any luck, speak to Brenda our Secretary who can then chase this up for you.
Favourite Membership Card
At the AGM, our President, Hadge, informed me that he had just found his original linolin membership card/book from when he first joined RAFA. There have been several designs over the years some more popular than others. What is your favourite card?
Members Portal
Have you logged into your members portal recently? If not then you’re missing out. In the portal, you can update your personal details should they change, ie change your address, phone number, email etc. You can even renew your own branch membership by debit/credit card or even signing up to direct debit. You can even gain access to the RAFA Rewards, exclusive benefits for you only as a member. Ranging from gym membership to virgin experience days; cinema tickets; car, home, travel, medical and life insurance plus lots of other benefits. To gain access to these, all as you need is an active branch membership and an email address. Contact HQ on 0800 018 2361 to activate your account.
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AGM 2019 Chairman’s’ Thoughts
It has been a challenging year for the Branch-Club for many different reasons, but we think it important that our membership is made aware of the successes and the challenges that we have achieved or faced this past year. We have had to face even more challenges during the past year many to do with how the Branch and club are run so as to satisfy the Associations Governance Handbook. To this end we have met and discussed its requirements with our Area Director, we have had advice on our lease between the Branch and Club and Brenda and Val attended a Governance course, the result of this being that this was the last joint format AGM for Branch and Club as next year they will have to be separated, consequently there will be two separate committees, Branch and Club. The Branch has had a good year, we celebrated the 100th year of the formation of the RAF by having a formal dinner at Scalford Hall with the main guest and speaker being Air Marshall Sir Baz North, President of the Royal Air Forces Association accompanied by Lady Fiona. On Battle of Britain Sunday September 16th, we had a longer parade with a service at St Mary’s to commemorate both the Battle of Britain and the 100th year of the RAF.
One of our success’s was obtaining a grant from the Melton Times/Ragdale Hall annual “Make it Happen” fund to help defray costs for the parade. We have also obtained a Property Grant from RAFA to enable us to fit a Fire Alarm system, new Fire doors and to replace the Flat Roof. The Club has found the past year to be very challenging with running costs rising and unfortunately “footfall” decreasing slightly, however through dealings with some of our main suppliers and by the Club social/entertainment committee arranging various functions, the previous year’s deficit was reduced somewhat, so although a loss was posted it was nearly halved – which is progress. Another encouraging sign was that the last quarter was showing a profit because of the above actions. Since then, although prices still continue to go up other measures are being put in place to help maintain the positive progress seen at the end of last year. My last thoughts are to wish the new Club committee success in the challenges they face this year and to the Branch Committee to maintain the strong presence we have in the Melton Borough as we raise funds for both Branch and our “Wings Appeal” – Lets beat last year’s total. Lastly my thanks to all committee members, staff and all our members who support the aims of the Association. Paul Davies - Branch Chairman
VOLUNTEERING ROLES The Melton branch currently has vacancies for the following committee roles.
Branch Treasurer Membership Secretary Fundraisers
If you are interested in any of the roles listed, then please get in touch with Brenda our branch secretary who will be delighted to help you.
Our Branch is fortunate to have a volunteer coordinator based with the Area staff that covers all branches within the Eastern Area.
Sam Squire can give you more detailed information regarding any training and qualifications you can gain through becoming a volunteer.
[email protected] or 0116 464 5054
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Wings Appeal Update
The RAF Association runs the annual Wings Appeal throughout the year, so you may have seen some of the local branch volunteers standing in the local supermarkets and around the town in all weathers raising funds to help members of the RAF Family. Last year, 2018, the branch raised a total of £3632.62, from which £794.32 came from street collections, £913.51 from premises collections, £298.15 from our Brew for the Few Coffee Mornings and £298.15 from our monthly quiz. The remaining £1589.47 came from various club events and functions held at the club. Congratulations go to a few branch volunteers who were rewarded for their fundraising efforts at the recent AGM, particularly Ted Miles, our eldest fundraiser, who at 91 collected £247.12, Pat Sewell who collected £357.20 and Susie Gray who was awarded the Silver Salver award for collecting £587.05 Please contact our Wings Appeal Co-Ordinator, Roger Cheese if you would like to get involved with volunteering for any of the collections throughout the year. The Branch will be reminding members via email of upcoming dates throughout the year. Please get involved and help us raise more money for the RAF family. Visit our website for more information: https://www.rafa.org.uk/melton-mowbray/what-we-do/wings-appeal So far in 2019 we have raised £1239.30
A big Thank You to 1279 Sqn ATC who raised £377 for us by bag packing
The New Warrant Officer Ducks have arrived.
The new 2019 Wings Appeal Ducks dressed in an RAF Warrant Officer No. 1 Uniform have arrived and are now available to buy. You can order them via our shop www.rafatrad.co.uk for £2.00 each or £5.00 for a set of 3 red/white/blue. Alternatively, if you order them through our Branch Wings Appeal Co-Ordinator, Roger Cheese, the money generated from the sales will go to direct to our branch Wings Appeal campaign for 2019.
Duck Squadron Deployments
Where will your duck WO’s be deployed to this year?
Not long ago, a Sqn of ducks from Melton deployed overseas to Italy and were spotted relaxing in the sun at Castel Del Franco. Share photos of your ducks deployments on
our social media pages: Twitter @RAFAMelton Facebook @RafaMelton
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Branch Update
In 2018 the branch focused on undertaking some repairs to the building and this year we will continue to do the same. The Association recently created a grant scheme that branches can apply for and we recently were awarded £9,000 which will be used to install new fire doors, fire alarm system and replace the flat roof on the function room. As a committee we are determined to continue to grow our membership and in turn our wings collection total.
What does the future hold? The committee are here to make sure that branch grows and is fit for the future, but we cannot do this without our valued membership. From giving us your thoughts on how we can do things better or giving us new ideas to actually joining the committee, there is something for everyone to do. Our branch success is all of our responsibility. Email us: [email protected] Call us: 01664 564673 Alternatively, you will be most welcome to join us at our next branch meeting and voice your opinions. See opposite for next meeting dates.
Branch Events - Dates for your diary Branch Committee Meeting April 23rd, May 28th - All members welcome. Brew for the Few Coffee Mornings May 2nd & 16th - come and join us for a brew and get together. (Every 1st & 3rd Thursday 10am – 12noon). Quiz Night May 21st - Grab your mates with the brains and bring a team to our Branch Quiz night. (Every 3rd Tuesday @ 2000Hrs) September 15th - Battle of Britain Parade and Service followed by a meet and greet at the RAFA Club afterwards. Future Events – Tell us what you would like The branch and club committee would like to hear of any social events that branch members would like us to organise this year. Please let us know your thoughts.
Are you feeling isolated and lonely?
A regular visit from a friendly face could help you find
your wings again.
Befriending can be a great benefit if you’re feeling
isolated, we’ll help you to reconnect with others who
share similar interests. We’re here for young and old
alike, a befriender could lend you the confidence to try
something new and to make new friends, or simply offer
a warm and approachable contact to share some of
life’s challenges with.
Our volunteer befrienders offer companionship and
support to anyone in need of a friend. They’re someone
to share memories with, to try new experiences with and
to build a rewarding relationship with.
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#Farewell Tonka
After 40 years of sterling service, the Royal Air Force retired its fleet of Tornado aircraft with the last day of service on 31st March 2019. Tonka Facts Did you know that……. Nearly 1000 Tornado aircraft rolled off the production line. The first flight was 14th August 1974. The Tornado entered service with 5 air arms – German Air Force (Luftwaffe) German Navy (Marineflieger) Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) Royal Air Force Royal Saudi Air Force There were 3 variants of the Tornado: Tornado IDS - Tornado GR1, Tornado GR1A, Tornado GR1B, Tornado GR4, Tornado GR4A Tornado ECR Tornado ADV- Tornado F2, Tornado F3 The RAF Tornado fleet consisted of 25 Squadrons/units.
Do you have any photos of the Tonka to share with us so we can create an online gallery in honour of the Tornado, the aircraft our club was named after?
Pull Up A Sandbag RAFANORY
Did you serve on the Tornado during your RAF career? We would like to hear your stories about the Tonka. If you didn’t work on the Tornado, but have stories to tell, this is your column where you can swing the lamp and tell us a story of your life in light blue (Only 1 condition – no war stories about RAF Habbaniya – Mr President take note!). If your preferred a different uniform colour to light blue, or you served in the ROC, ATC or GVC, you can also share your stories with us – we don’t mind – honest! Share your stories and pictures with us by emailing the Newsletter Editor at: [email protected]
From the Archives
Do you have any old photos featuring members from Melton branch and club events or even photos of how the branch and club used to look? From Open Days, Social events, BBQs, Battle of Britain & Remembrance Day Parades, Melton day parades, Formal dinners there’s lots out there so let’s share them! ‘From the Archives’ will tell our story from over the last 70 years, but obviously we need your help with this so get digging through them boxes of photos and send them to: [email protected]
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Branch Club – We are here to have Fun On the right of this page you will see that we have plenty going on at the club. But, throughout the year there will be even more entertainment for your enjoyment. Come down, have a chat with us and see what we have for you – there’s something for everybody! If you are a member and would like to visit but struggle to get down, please do let us know and we will see if we can arrange a lift for you.
Envelope Draw Friday evenings
Club Social Events Skittles & Fish ‘n’ Chips - 20th April St Georges Day Sunday Lunch – 28th April Mexican Night – 4th May Sophie The Jazz Singer – 24th May Melton Day BBQ – 27th May UNO Night – 8th June Riff Raff Murder Mystery – 29th June Newmarket Day at the Races – 13th July Mediterranean Bistro Night – 27th July Oktoberfest – 21st September
Future Events Tell us what you would like
The branch and club committee would like to hear of any social events that members would like us to organise this year. Check out our website for further details: www.rafa.org.uk/melton-mowbray/events
YOU CAN HIRE OUR CLUB
Here at the club we welcome private functions throughout the year. Whether it is a birthday
party, baby shower, meetings or a special family celebration, we can cater for your
needs.
For more information, speak to our Club Secretary, Susie Gray on 01664 564673 or
email [email protected]
Opening Hours
Monday – 1945 - 2300
Tuesday – 1945 - 2300
Wednesday – 1945 - 2300
Thursday – 1945 - 2300
Friday – 1945 - 2300
Saturday – (Lunch) 1200 - 1730
Saturday - (Evening) 1945 - 2330
Sunday – 1300 - 1730
The Tornado Club
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PRESIDENT Hadge Jarvis
Your Branch Committee 2019/2020
CHAIRMAN Paul Davies
VICE-CHAIR
SECRETARY Brenda Cox
TREASURER
WELFARE John Jinks
WELFARE Brian Fare
WINGS Roger Cheese
CHAIRMAN Alf Andow
VICE-CHAIR Frankie Tatlow
SECRETARY Susie Gray
TREASURER Val Moore
COMMITTEE Brenda Cox
COMMITTEE Paul Davies
COMMITTEE Jo Durrance
COMMITTEE Ray Mawdsley
Your Branch Club Committee 2019/2020
COMMITTEE Doug Mumford
Branch HQ and Club address: The Tornado Club, 24 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0HR Tel: 01664 564673
You can contact committee members by emailing [email protected] or calling 01664 564673 For welfare matters please ask for John Jinks or Brian Fare
STANDARD Phil Taylor
COMMITTEE Toby Burton
COMMITTEE Val Moore
COMMITTEE Susie Gray
SOCIAL MEDIA Brian Fare