York Branch - Annual Dinner 2008

The York Branch Annual Dinner 2008, took place on Friday October 10th at the Officer's Mess, Royal Air Force Linton on Ouse. Guests and members met in the Ante Room for pre dinner drinks. Including Guests, 75 people attended this, the Branch's premier event of the year. The Branch Standard was customarily Marched In by the Branch Standard Bearer Mr Robin Boulton, who is also the Branch Honorary Welfare Officer. This was followed by Grace given by Mr Ken Whitfield, one of the Branch Vice President's. Prior to Official proceedings getting under way the Chairman, John Allison, welcomed everyone, including the Guests, SqnLdr Helen Gardiner, who attended on behalf of the Station Commander, AirCdre Ed Jarron, RAFA Secretary General and his wife Sue, and Roger Stanton, Secretary of the Escape Lines Memorial Society and his wife Jackie. In his opening remarks before the official programme got under way the Chairman announced that John Sloan, a Vice President of the Branch, who had organised the Dinner, had had an accident at home, and was in Leeds General Hospital.

A very good dinner was served, followed by the first toast to 'Her most gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second' given by AirCdre W G Gambold DI FCMI RAF, President of York Branch. After the customary break, coffee was served by the very attentive officer's mess staff, and the Passing of the Port, a tradition held by Messes far and wide.

The MC, David Bull, then announced AirCdre Ed Jarron, to propose the toast 'The Royal Air Forces Association - Coupled with York Branch'. AirCdre Jarron, in his speech gave in insight in to the future of the Association, saying that we were now in a strong financial position, after failings some year's ago, and should go from strength to strength. Then, after a couple of topical jokes, the AirCdre proposed the toast, followed by generous applause.

The response was given by the Branch President, who highlighted the Branch achievements over the past year, and thanked the Committee for all its hard work. The President complimented the Wings Organiser on having collected over £6k, finally giving the toast 'The Royal Air Force'.

David Bull then announced SqnLdr Helen Gardiner Deputy Chief Flying Instructor, who responded on behalf of the Station Commander, giving details on where the Royal Air Force were today, and the extraordinary work the service was doing in Afghanistan and Iraq. SqnLdr Gardiner then went on to report on the Station activities, speaking of the fact that the unit was the major basic training station for Pilots and Navigators. Finally SqnLdr Gardiner complimented the RAF Association for its achievements, and in particular the Welfare Operation and the joint work with the Station RAFALO Team. Finally SqnLdr Gardiner handed over a cheque for £800, which was part of the proceeds from the Gala on the Green, to the Branch President, who then handed it to AirCdre Ed Jarron to go towards RAFA Funds.

After a toast given by the Chairman to the Guests for the evening, Roger Stanton Founder and Secretary of ELMS gave an insight in to what the Society does and has achieved over many years, and giving cases of personnel that the Society has helped over the years. Particularly interesting was his description of the various Escape Lines that had been set up during the War.

Finally, the Chairman, once again thanked all for their attendance, and proposed all retired to the Mess Bar, where a Raffle took place and raised £158.00.

A very good evening was had by everyone.