Newsletter No27 July/August 2010

With the June 12th Meeting of the Region now behind them, the Region Committee have gone some way to trying to plug some gaps in their organisation. Three or four members have now volunteered to take on individual pieces of work, and to report back at future meetings. Whilst a Draft Business Plan was discussed, only certain elements of it provided a starting point for the future. It was ultimately decided that the next year should be used as a development process, and with quarterly meetings now established it should provide time to work on processing and evaluating the different subjects

The next meeting of Region will take place on Saturday 4th September at RAF Linton on Ouse at 12 noon. It was agreed that the earlier meeting time is a good one, enabling Committee members to return home earlier.

In the last Newsletter it was said that it was hoped to have a Region Standard Bearer Competition prior to the December 4th Meeting. It is important for the future that these competitions are continued, it enable the Region to be represented at the Area Standard Competition, which in turn could give the winning Bearer the opportunity to go forward to the National Competition.

It is becoming difficult to maintain the Region Website, as many of the 10 Branches are still not producing any information for input to the site. It was set up with Branches and Membership in mind, to be able to advertise their Branch and its functions. How can anyone in a position of responsibility ignore the fact that advertising is not a positive and proactive way forward? So, if you have views on the subject that you would like to air, please get in touch with the Region Chairman, Cyril Shreeve, on Tel Number 01904 762699. There is one or two Branches of course that do donate generously to the site, so please, please, use it to your advantage.

It has to be said that Region are looking for someone to take on the role of collating and forwarding information on to the WebMaster - if you are interested in this role, again, contact the Region Chairman.

We are now in to the Display season, so if you need a Marquee and some display equipment, please contact John Allison on 01904 761077 or johna.rafa@talktalk.net There are two Marquees available (3x3mtr). There are two tables, with the modern covers, one is more suited for display of Grand Draw equipment, and sales of tickets. There are also three RAF Association Banners available, a Pull up Banner, and a set of dressed Marler Hayley display boards. New to stock is an assortment of new Badges, collecting boxes and buckets, and some posters. Also in stock are leaflets of the RAFA Homes and Holiday Flats.

Our Ex Region Secretary, John Allison, amongst his other RAFA interests, is now working hard from an office at RAF Linton on Ouse. It is believed that Linton is the first RAF Station to have an RAF Association member based on it, which gives the added incentive to have RAFA working closer with the RAF. John's work includes his involvement on a number of RAF event committees, which currently includes being Joint Project Officer for the York 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Parade and Service in York Minster, which is to be held on Sunday 19th September. Whilst the event has been advertised, many Branches do have their own Battle of Britain events to organise, but it is known that the Veterans Flights are now FULL, with around 100 veterans known to be taking part. At the time of going to print, there were 25 Veterans Standards listed as taking part. RAF Linton on Ouse are taking the Freedom of the City, and the parade will consist of two flights of RAF Personnel, and led by 72 Squadron's Ensign and Guard of Honour. These will be followed by two flights of ATC Cadets, a flight of Standards, and two large flights of Veterans.

Please note that we are advertising one of our newest affinity partners, Forester's Friendly Society - if you need any information or contact details, hit the logo on the Home Page, below the button key box on the left. There is lots of interesting information from the company.