AD ASTRA
Edition 2 Spring 2022
Newsletter of Royal Air Forces’ Association Eastbourne Branch
www.rafaeastbourne.org.uk
Foreword
The barbaric invasion of Ukraine by Russia has revolted and united civilised nations across the world. Just months ago, a war in mainland Europe seemed unthinkable, yet we now see an independent, democratic country fighting for its very existence against a major military power. Our hearts go out to the millions of civilians who have had their communities, livelihoods and families shattered by the criminal use of aerial and artillery bombardment, and we salute the incredible bravery and resolve of the Ukrainian fighting forces and the Ukrainian people.
This war has highlighted the importance of effective deterrence. The reinforcement and deployment of UK forces along NATO’s flanks is a reminder that our service men and women continue to stand in the defence of democracy and freedom. This nation, in turn, continues to owe a debt of gratitude to all former and serving military personnel who walk in harm’s way for their country. So, we call upon all Branch members to support our Branch, so that we can enhance our contribution to the funding of care for, and assistance to, our serving RAF personnel, veterans and their families.
At home, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the spiralling cost-of-living crisis are adding further stresses and strains on our lives. Usually, we just sway with the blows, dust ourselves down and get on with life. But occasionally problems can seem just too large or just too many to solve; this is when a friendly voice and helpful advice can make all the difference. In times like these, the RAF Association’s welfare services are there for you – call free on 0800 018 2361 or visit www.rafa.org.uk.
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Founders’ Day
Many members will have received a “checkup” telephone call from one of our volunteers over the weekend of 2-3 April as part of RAFA’s Founders’ Day project. All the volunteers were moved and delighted by the warm welcome they received from everyone they contacted; in turn, we very much hope that you enjoyed talking to a member of our team. The details of those who requested a follow-up call have been passed to RAFA. Remember, if you need assistance, or just want to chat, contact the Branch or Club, or call RAFA direct.
Thank You
We thank the following contractors and individuals for their contribution to the refurbishment of the Branch Club premises in Wish Road:
Brewers Decorators Centres, Eastbourne
For generously donating paint valued at over £600.
Amstech Asbestos Removals Ltd
For the efficient and effective removal of asbestos-containing material in the Club.
The Handy Crew
For the outstanding work on the refurbishment and redecoration of the Club
Ashdown Plumbing & Heating Services
For the installation of the new central heating system.
Nick Collins
For the outstanding donation of his time and expertise, for which the Club Committee have awarded him lifetime Club membership.
Steve Scudder
For his unstinting management of the entire refurbishment process and his “hands-on” redecoration work.
Lesley Stewart (RAFA Estates)
For her assistance in acquiring the charitable grants that made the entire project possible.
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Club Refurbishment
Good News! The Branch Club in Wish Road has reopened after major refurbishment; here is the full story.
The first phases of the Club refurbishment were completed during 2020-21, with the total replacement of the toilets and a refit of the kitchens; but there was much more work to come.
Following a survey at the club, it was found there was asbestos in the ceiling. This meant the suspended ceiling would need to come down. A straightforward job I hear you say, but this was just the start. When we took down the suspended ceiling, we found the electrical version of Spaghetti junction.
It took 8 days to track all the cables and find out what they did, if anything, and water and gas pipes barely suspended stretching across the rooms. As a result, we (with Karl Jordan from Handy Crew), cut out 6 x one tonne bags of old and redundant cabling and secured various water and gas pipes that were barely being suspended above the old ceiling
Amstech, the asbestos removal company started work on 29th January and finished on 16th February. We could now start the task of replacing the ceiling. The first major task was to re-route the wiring to free the ceiling space and not have wiring under the new ceiling, thus providing better access now and in the future, if work needs to be done. This was achieved by using trunking around the room which also gave a picture rail affect separating walls from ceiling. We had initially anticipated completion of all the work by 1st March. Well as they say, “No plan survives first contact”. Progress was far slower than expected, due to the multiple sins we found above the suspended ceiling.
Once the cabling and plumbing had been rerouted, work could start on the replacement of the ceiling and redecoration. By mid-March the work had been completed, due to the Handy Crew working almost 24/7, plus the unstinting efforts of Nick Collins, Steve Scudder and a couple of volunteers from the local veterans’ breakfast club.
So, despite the inevitable bouts of Covid to hamper us, we can say that we are nearly there – just a projector and a couple of TVs to fit. The Club now boasts updated toilets, a refurbished kitchen, a new central heating system and a bright, fresh makeover. Bar meals are back, as are Sunday lunches.
There are still many projects to go, so we cannot rest on our laurels. Suffice to say, watch this space for fully remodelled meeting rooms which everyone will be pleased to use. A further bonus – this work has also brought a new batch of members to the club, so a good result all round.
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Forthcoming Branch Events
Armed Forces Day (AFD): 25-26 June
The Branch will have a stall at AFD, so come along to Seven Acre field and say hello. We also need volunteers to help out on either or both days, so please step forward.
Branch General Meeting (BGM)
We aim to combine the summer BGM with the Club’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations if these go ahead as proposed. This means that the planned BGM in the Hydro Hotel is cancelled.
Airbourne: 18 – 21 August
The Branch will have 2 stalls open throughout Airbourne. The event will be a golden opportunity to meet people and to raise funds for Wings Appeal, BUT WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO MAN THE STALLS PLEASE HELP.
Adoption of ATC Squadrons
Planning is underway for the adoption of 249 (Hailsham) ATC Squadron and the Air Element of Eastbourne CCF. Details of the adoption ceremony will be published soon.
Branch Standards
Ceremonies for the laying up of the Hailsham Branch Standard and the dedication of a new Eastbourne & Hailsham Branch Standard will be arranged after RAFA Council have approved the requested Branch name change.
Wings Appeal: 15-17 Sep
This year, the Branch will run its annual Wings Appeal collection in both Eastbourne and Hailsham. Please volunteer to join our collection teams – contact the Branch Secretary.
B of B Memorial Service: 18 Sep
The annual Battle of Britain Memorial Service will be held at St Saviours Church on Sun 18 Sep. Nos 56 and 249 ATC squadrons will parade and form the guard of honour for attending dignitaries. The service will be followed by a “Brew for the Few” at the Club. All members are invited to attend.
Charity Ball: 30 Sep
The Branch’s Charity Ball in aid of Wings Appeal will be held at the Grand Hotel on Fri 30 Sep. This is a major external fund-raising event, rather than a members-only function and ticket prices are expected to be £100-125 each.
The event will include a 3-course meal with wine & water, a dance band and other entertainment, a charity auction and a lottery. Dress will be dinner jacket; serving and retired officers/SNCOs may wear Mess Dress.
Members are, of course, most welcome to attend and we have already had membership interest for about 30 tickets. We have a total of 196 places available and we expect tickets to sell quickly, so please notify your interest soon to the Branch Secretary.
The Charity Ball Team (CBT) has been formed and is hard at work on the preliminary arrangements. We would warmly welcome anyone who would like to assist on the CBT you do not need past experience or expertise, just a willingness to get involved.
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Eastbourne Local Lottery
The Branch now has its own page on the Eastbourne Local Lottery and we would very much welcome your participation. 50% of the cost of every ticket that you buy goes to the Branch, so you can now support us whilst also having the chance of winning cash prizes. https://www.eastbournelocallottery.co.uk/support /royal-air-forces-association-eastbourne-branch
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Spotlight On….
Richard Brooks, Branch Standard Bearer
Many of you will know Richard Brooks. He has been a Branch and Club member and our Standard Bearer since 2007. Now Spotlight On provides a greater insight into this long-serving member of our Branch.
Richard was born in Battle on 28 April 1943 and spent most of his early years in Lewes. In 1959, he joined the RAF at Cosford as a boy entrant and was trained for various roles in Air Traffic Control. He served at Tengah in Singapore, in Rutland and at the National Air Traffic Control in West Drayton, before a posting to Germany and finally at RAF Brize Norton.
He left the RAF on his 40th birthday in 1983, setting up home near Haywards Heath, where he joined the local RAFA branch in 1985. During that period, he became a first aider for the Red Cross and has been recognised for 25 years of service.
Richard was elected as the Haywards Heath Standard Bearer in 1986 and was also made a RAFA life member. His first Standard Bearer duty that year was for the Easter parade in Battle. He enjoyed it so much that he has continued ever since.
He attended the Earls Court parades for some years, but perhaps his most challenging and memorable events have been his attendances, for over 15 years, as Standard Bearer at the Battle of Britain services in Westminster Abbey; where he had to meet the rigorous demands of the Queen’s Colour Squadron, RAF Regiment.
Richard still represents the Association at all our Branch parades and at the funerals of exRAF personnel.
Although Richard’s worst moments as Standard Bearer are when he has to stand by an open grave in the rain, he realises that the presence of the Standard brings considerable comfort and pride to the relatives of those who have passed.
Although nearing his 79 th birthday, Richard is still as active as ever. His hobbies are private flying and gliding – he has held a pilot’s licence since 1963. He still has the ambition of achieving a Higher Gliding Certificate, possibly in New Zealand.
After nearly 36 years’ service as a RAFA Standard Bearer, Richard hopes to be able to continue for many years to come and has one simple message for all of us – “It is your Branch, and it deserves your full support”.
With thanks to John Crawford and Richard Brooks for the interview.
Please contact the Branch Secretary if you wish to nominate a Branch member for a Spotlight On feature in a future AD Astra edition.
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And Finally
We wish to establish a publicity/media position to assist the Branch Committee in the preparation and publication of our media newsletters, Air Mail entries, articles to newspapers, etc. If you are a computer literate wordsmith who would like to take on this interesting role, please contact the Branch Secretary.
Printing and posting our letters to members is expensive, so if you received this newsletter by post, PLEASE tell us your email address if you have one – contact the Branch Secretary.