RAF centenary celebrations planned in Orkney

As the Royal Air Force looks to celebrate its 100th anniversary on April 1, staff and cadets of 1769 (Orkney) Detached Flight Air Training Corps will be celebrating the momentous occasion with a number of events in Kirkwall.

As the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund will also be generously supported through fundraising and awareness throughout the campaign.

On March 31, 1769 (Orkney) Detached Flight Air Training Corps will be in Tesco store, Kirkwall conducting a fundraiser for the Fund, including a bag pack and the opportunity to meet the charity mascot Ben Elephant.

A further three events commemorating the centenary of the Royal Air Force will take place over the weekend of April 6 – 8, all attended by the Lord-Lieutenant, Bill Spence and Air Officer Commanding Scotland Air Vice-Marshal Ross Paterson.

The April 6 sees guests enjoy a formal dinner and dance hosted by the Air Cadets, leading into a historical talk the following day from author Gregor Lamb. The final event in the trio, a service at St Magnus Cathedral on April 8, looks to be a fitting end to a weekend of tributes.

Organiser Hugh Moonie said: “The events are truly exciting! Although the events are open to all, we hope to have as many RAF veterans attending as possible in order to remember and honour all those who have served over the past 100 years.

“We are fundraising for the RAF Benevolent Fund as the support they provide to serving personnel and veterans of the RAF is as outstanding as it is varied. It can be vital for those who require support especially following potentially life changing events. We felt it was timely to highlight the fund at the centenary of the RAF. It is also quite poignant following the tragic accident at RAF Valley.”

Baz Dale, director for the RAF Benevolent Fund, commented: “Local support means a lot to the Fund; without it we simply wouldn’t be able to spread awareness of what we do for those in the RAF – past and present – to the public. I’d like to thank everyone at 1769 (Orkney) Detached Flight Air Training Corps for helping the RAF Family, it means an awful lot and enables us to help even more deserving beneficiaries.”

For tickets for the dinner and dance or for more information please contact the 1769 (Orkney) DF ATC via email: RAF100orkney@hotmail.com or telephone 07541 350756.