RAF charity celebrates Diamond Jubilee of its patron, HM The Queen
01st June 2012
The RAF Association is proud to be celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of it's patron Her Majesty The Queen.
In 1929, in the Sergeants’ Mess at RAF Andover, three men met to discuss the formation of a single organisation dedicated to the welfare of serving and ex-serving RAF personnel.
By 1930 a provisional committee had been formed called “Comrades of the Royal Air Forces Association” and the first general meeting of the new organisation took place. Air Ministry support came in 1933 when the Air Council officially recognised the organisation and Lord Trenchard accepted the Presidency.
In 1936, King George VI gave his royal patronage to our Association and we have been honoured with it ever since.
The Royal Air Forces Association has continued to maintain its Royal links and Her Majesty The Queen currently acts as our Patron.
This year, The Queen will celebrate her diamond jubilee – the only other British monarch to achieve such a milestone was Queen Victoria in 1897.
To mark 60 years on the throne, Her Majesty will undertake a series of regional visits and engagements throughout the United Kingdom, accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
A huge programme of events will take place from Saturday 2 June to Tuesday 5 June with celebratory activities throughout the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.
Saturday 2 June, 2012
The Queen will attend the Epsom Derby.
Sunday 3 June, 2012
The Big Jubilee Lunch:
Building on the already popular Big Lunch initiative, people will be encouraged to share lunch with neighbours and friends as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. This may take the form of a traditional street party or a picnic lunch in small or larger groups. This event is being organised by the Big Jubilee Lunch.
The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant
This event will take place on the Thames and consist of up to 1,000 boats assembled from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will travel in the Royal Barge which will form the centrepiece of the flotilla. Jubilee Pageant information.
Approximate timings are as follows:
14:30BST – The Queen embarks the Royal barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, near Albert Bridge
16:15BST – The Royal Barge comes alongside HMS President (Royal Naval Reserve Unit), near Tower Bridge.
Monday 4 June, 2012
BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace: There will be a televised Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace with tickets being available to UK residents by public ballot. The musical programme for the concert is still being planned and is expected to feature British and Commonwealth musicians. Details on how to apply for the concert will be available in due course. This event is being organised by the BBC.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons: A network of 2,012 Beacons will be lit by communities and individuals throughout the United Kingdom, as well as the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Commonwealth. As in 2002, The Queen will light the National Beacon.
Approximate timings are as follows:
19:30BST – Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace begins
After 22:30BST – The Queen lights the National Beacon outside Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 5 June, 2012
On Tuesday 5 June, the Diamond Jubilee weekend will culminate with a day of celebrations in central London, including a service at St Paul’s Cathedral followed by two receptions, a lunch at Westminster Hall, a Carriage Procession to Buckingham Palace and finally a Balcony appearance, Flypast, and Feu de Joie.
Approximate timings are as follows:
10:15BST – The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace by car
10:30-11.30BST – Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s
12.30BST – The Queen travels by car from Mansion House to the Palace of Westminster
14:20BST – Carriage Procession from Westminster Hall to Buckingham Palace commences
Approximately 15:25BST – Royal Family appear on the Balcony at Buckingham Palace