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REUNION 2023
2nd-3rd September 2023
By kind permission of the Commandant, Air Commodore Chas Dickens, the Cranwellian Association held its Annual Reunion at The Royal Air Force College Cranwell over the weekend of 2/3 September 2023. Notwithstanding the change of date, it was heartening to see a good turnout from members and a notable group of guests.
A special shout to Flight Cadet Entries 76, 83, 89, 95 and 98 who attended in numbers and celebrated in time-honoured fashion. A further special mention of welcome to “the younger element” of GE and IOT, many of whom were with us for the first time.
Through force of circumstance we had a slightly modified (improved?) programme this year.
Thanks go to Ian and Ric for bringing their excellent exhibition of uniforms and memorabilia, and to Pete for giving his time to host the Heritage and Ethos Centre.
REUNION 2023 EARLY BIRDS: Welcome
I trust all agree that viewing and hearing the Spitfire flypast in the afternoon sunshine was a moment to be held in the memory.
REUNION 2023 EARLY BIRDS: About
When members were gently persuaded to exchange the sunshine for the cooler environment of the Longcroft Room, we then moved into the “conference” element of the day.
1. The AGM of the Cranwellian Association
The formal business of the AGM, chaired by Chris Coville, guided by Chris Saunby, was conducted with alacrity and “unanimity”.
There will be a separate bulletin advising members of the Resolutions passed and other business conducted.
Votes of thanks were proposed to members / trustees who had ably supported the Association during the past year – I shall spare their blushes!
In accordance with the constitution of the Association, Chris Saunby retired as Secretary / Treasurer. The President thanked Chris for his sterling service over the years, and presented a rather nice “consumable” on behalf of the Association.
2. Commandant’s Address
Air Commodore Chas Dickens gave us an overview of his areas of responsibility, both present and future. I, for one, have lost count of the numbers of “hats” that the Commandant now wears.
Again, more news to come in future bulletins.
REUNION 2023 EARLY BIRDS: Text
3. Gp Capt John Butcher - Commander (designate) F-35 Force
Thanks to John Butcher for giving of his time to bring us a unique view of the F-35, and its astounding capability in the battle space.
Whether it is “Lightning 2” or “Lightning 3” remains a moot point, but there can be no doubt that the F-35 Force is a game-changer.
REUNION 2023 EARLY BIRDS: Text
4. Gp Capt Emma Keith - OC Tedder Academy of Leadership
Emma spoke to us of the many facets of Leadership that fall within the remit of the Tedder Academy.
A lively Q & A session reflected the fact that (a) members were still awake, and (b) that there is always a debate about leadership and how it may be taught or developed.
REUNION 2023 EARLY BIRDS: Text
A swift dash to the mess (combat shower ??), change into smart kit, back on the bus, then to College Hall (or CHOM if we must) for the evening festivities.
How wonderful to take a pre-prandial glass in the sunshine on the steps of College Hall.
REUNION 2023 EARLY BIRDS: Text
We were called in to dinner by a stirring trumpet call, when all tried (sometimes in vain?!) to recall their place at table. The Commandant was PMC for the evening, and welcomed all, but with particular mention to our “elder statesmen” who sat at the head of table.
(David Atherton, Tim Scroggs, David Scouller. Sadly, Brian Reader was unable to join us)
There was also a warm welcome to the Officer Cadets who appreciated a rather more “relaxed” evening than at their training Dining In Night.
The dinner was presented by Bethan Jones and her staff to whom we give a vote of thanks. We particularly enjoyed the musical accompaniment by the brass quintet of the RAF College Band – Post Horn Gallop brought back memories – let’s hope the dining tables survived the “chorus”!!
All made it a very special occasion.
After the customary, and very necessary, “comfort break”, we were introduced to the Guest of Honour, The Right Honourable Lord Sedwill.
REUNION 2023 EARLY BIRDS: Text
REUNION 2023 EARLY BIRDS: Text
The President, Sir Michael Graydon, gave a vote of thanks when he made special mention of, and welcomed, the GE and IOT members who had joined the Cranwellian Association.
After dinner we adjourned to the bar, where as always, stories were told, and old and new friendships cemented.
On Sunday we met in the Church of Saint Michael and All Angels, where Padre Helene Grant led a service of celebration and remembrance.
I am quite certain that we all departed with renewed memories, and thoughts of the future.
REUNION 2023 EARLY BIRDS: Text
I shall finish with a personal note:
Many of you have sent appreciations to me, for which I thank you.
But I should make it clear that, as you would expect, this was in every sense, a team effort.
I would like to express here my particular thanks to Mike Horton and Chris Meynell, fellow CA trustees, Gavin Turnbull (who, as always, is just a great support), and to Flt Lt Sarah Colbourne and all at Cranwell – without you this would not happen.
There will be challenges next year, we may need to be Adaptable, Flexible and Capable, but let’s make it a good one.
Should you have questions, suggestions or queries, you can always contact me:
reunion@rafca.org.uk
Warm Regards,
Phil
Philip Bright
(95 Entry)
CA Trustee / Reunion Lead
Images by Gordon Elias @MOD Crown Copyright 2023
REUNION 2023 EARLY BIRDS: Feature
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