Project ENTERTAIN
Welcome to our new RAF and RAF Association-themed online entertainment service, launched to offer support to our RAF community during these unprecedented times.
We aim to provide you with companionship and (hopefully!) amusement during what could otherwise be a lonely and gloomy time for many of us.
Scroll down to browse and take part in what’s on this week.
WEEK TWENTY SIX
Tuesday 15 September 12pm: RAF Museum - first of two Battle of Britain Talks, Hendon Scramble: Ray Holmes and the ‘Buckingham Palace Raider’
At 11:23 on 15 September 1940, 12 Hawker Hurricanes of No. 504 Squadron took off from RAF Hendon to intercept a formation of German bombers heading for central London. At noon, one of the Hurricane pilots, Sergeant Raymond Holmes, performed an act of bravery over Hyde Park Corner that would become one of the defining moments of the Battle of Britain. Today, the Royal Air Force Museum London is based on the site of Sergeant Holmes’ airfield, and a replica of his Hurricane guards the main gate.
At noon on 15 September 2020, exactly 80 years after Ray Holmes’ extraordinary feat, Kris Hendrix of the RAF Museum will tell the story of No. 504 Squadron and RAF Hendon on Battle of Britain Day.
Wednesday 16 September 11am: A conversation with WW2 plotter, Helen Mills
We are incredibly privileged that WW2 plotter Helen Mills has agreed to take part in our special Battle of Britain programme this week. Join us live for the chance to ask your own questions!
Plotters featured prominently in defending the UK throughout WW2 and the majority were members of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). Following in the footsteps of the plotters involved in the Battle of Britain, Helen Mills volunteered to join the WAAF in 1942.
Helen’s natural ability to be alert, calm under pressure and work with accuracy saw her become a plotter and join No.11 Group at RAF Uxbridge in 1943. The Group’s area of responsibility covered the south-east of England, the English Channel, and the coastline of France, Belgium and Holland.
Join our conversation with Helen as she talks about her experiences; we will discuss life in the Group Operations room, the pressures that came with the role and so much more.
Thank you to Helen Mills for her time doing this interview, for her service to her country and for her memories.
To find out more about Helen’s work as a plotter see: battleofbritainbunker.co.uk/ where you can also find out more about visiting the museum and the bunker itself.
All photos of the bunker © Hillingdon Borough Council kindly provided with permission.
Thursday 17 September 11am: A conversation with James Brown, Battle of Britain Hurricane owner
James purchased R4118 – the world’s only airworthy Hurricane to have served in the Battle of Britain – in 2015. He then embarked on a three-year journey to learn to fly this historic aircraft and, along the way, founded ‘Hurricane Heritage’ to preserve, maintain and display R4118, along with a MkIIB Harvard, FE511.
In this 80th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain, James has flown R4118 all over the country to commemorate important milestone dates in the history of the aircraft. This has included taking her back to the Gloster Aircraft factory where she was built; visiting Silloth and Kirkbride where she was taken on charge by the RAF in July 1940; and meeting the sole surviving member of the 605 Squadron engineering team who worked on the aircraft at her Croydon base during the Battle of Britain.
James will share the story of how purchasing the world’s only airworthy Hurricane to have served in the Battle of Britain has led to uncovering amazing stories involving the aircraft.
Friday 18 September 10am: A conversation with Air Marshal Cliff Spink CB CBE
Cliff regards himself as one of the “luckiest and most privileged pilots” alive. We feel that the privilege is all ours, as he joins us to discuss the myriad famous and historic aircraft he has flown.
It is rare to find one pilot who has flown all marks of Spitfire still flying, various Hurricanes, Messerschmitt Bf109G, Buchon, Mustang, Sea Fury, Corsair, Thunderbolt, Kittyhawk, Wildcat, Polikarpov I-153, T-28 Trojan, Vampire, T33 Silver Star, F86A Sabre and Hunter. This list is endless, and Cliff finally hung up his “rather worn” display flying gloves last year after nearly 30 years on the display circuit.
Cliff’s flying career began after a misspent time at school, when he joined the RAF at the age of 16 as an Aircraft Apprentice. Three years at Halton put him, at least partially, back on the straight and narrow and he was awarded a Cadetship to the RAF College Cranwell.
A glittering career flying the Lightning, Phantom and Tornado aircraft followed, including a tour on 56(F) Sqn in Cyprus during the Turkish invasion. Cliff happened to be on ‘Battle Flight’ on the day the first Turkish RF84 recce aircraft came into Cypriot airspace and was the first to scramble and intercept the lead aircraft.
Having spent more than 40 years in RAF uniform, Cliff’s RAF career culminated in tours as the first Air Officer Commanding No 11/18 Group and as Director General Saudi Armed Forces Project.
Join us as we speak to Cliff to find out more about his amazing flying experience on a vast range of very special aircraft.
Friday 18 September 2pm: RAF Museum & RAFA - second of two Battle of Britain talks: ‘Repeat, Please!’ Poles and Czechoslovaks in the Battle of Britain
After the Fall of France, in June 1940, exiled airmen from occupied Europe were welcomed into the Royal Air Force. Join Kris as he talks us through this life-changing experience for service men and women.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 18 September at 2pm – all you need is an internet connection, and a device to view this web link on. Please note that if you are using a mobile device you may be asked to download the Zoom app which is free of charge. We will be ‘locking’ these sessions after 15 minutes on the session.
Saturday 19 September 1pm-3pm: The RAF Association's Battle of Britain concert - live on Facebook
Featuring some familiar and favourite faces, the Association’s Battle of Britain virtual concert takes places live from your phone, laptop or computer!
- Check out Andy Smailes at 1pm
- Bop along with Miss Sarah-Jane at 2pm
- Dance along with Andy Wilsher at 3pm
On the Record at The National Archives: Untold Battle of Britain
The National Archives, the RAF and the RAF Museum will release a collaborative bonus episode of On the Record at The National Archives to mark Battle of Britain Day on 15 September. 80 years on from the conflict, this episode focuses on lesser-known figures from the Battle of Britain to highlight the variety of people who contributed to the military campaign.
Vicky Iglikowski-Broad (The National Archives) reveals the bravery of three women who kept contact lines open while under fire. Lucia Wallbank (RAF Museum) tells the story of Mahinder Singh Pujji and Vincent Bunting, two of the many pilots from overseas who enlisted to fight, while Mandy Singleton (RAF) highlights the engineers who maintained the aircraft and kept pilots safe.
The Battle of Britain Quiz
Take on our quick quiz, all around the Battle of Britain.
Bake RAFA and Tiptree's Battle of Britain Bread and Butter Pudding
Once a frugal war time dessert, RAFA and Tiptree have joined forces to create this recipe and help you celebrate this iconic anniversary. This classic recipe for using up left over bread, is made into an indulgent treat by adding our favourite Tiptree English Spiced Rum.
Wilkin & Sons have launched three craft spirits in partnership with the RAF Association; Tiptree Spitfire Vodka, Tiptree Hurricane Gin, and Tiptree Lancaster Spiced Rum. These full strength 40% ABV spirits have been made in the heart of Essex using locally sourced East Anglian potatoes, Tiptree-grown fruit, and the occasional extra sprinkle of Tiptree magic. Every bottle you buy will help the RAF Association give life changing support to RAF personnel, veterans, and their families. A minimum donation of £2 will be made to the RAF Association for each bottle sold – head over to their website to take a look!
Recipe
This classic recipe for using up left over bread, is made into an indulgent treat by adding our favourite Tiptree English Spiced Rum.
Ingredients for 4 people:
- 8 slices of day old bread, with the crusts cut off (I recently used up a spare baguette and left the crust on, which also worked really well)
- 25g / 1oz Butter (softened) plus extra for greasing your oven dish.
- 25g / 1 oz Sugar (I like soft brown caster, but white granulated will work just as well)
- 350ml / 12fl oz Milk
- Two large free-range eggs
- 50g / 2 oz Sultanas, or mixed dried fruit
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- Tiptree English Spiced Rum
- 1 litre / 2 pint Buttered oven proof pie dish
If you can, put the dried fruit into a bowl and pour over some rum and leave to soak.
Method:
- Butter the top slice of each piece of bread.
If using whole slices of bread, cut each diagonally in quarters to make triangles
If using a baguette, leave the slices whole
- In a jug or bowl, combine the milk and eggs with a tablespoon of the sugar, add a splosh of the spiced rum (approx. 1 large tablespoon or a little more!) and whisk with a beater or fork until thoroughly mixed together.
- Start laying the bread, buttered side up into your oven proof dish, around each layer sprinkle some of the rum soaked fruit and the cinnamon.
- Finish with a final layer of bread (you don’t want too many sultanas on top and they may burn when cooking)
- Pour your milk/egg mixture over the bread and leave to soak in. You may want to tip the dish and spoon the mix over the bread from time to time. The idea is to soak up the liquid before cooking.
- When ready to cook, sprinkle the top with sugar and then bake in a pre-heated oven 180C / 160C Fan / Gas 4 for approx. 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Serve with custard, or cream.
Brewing Perfection!
Our friends at the Rare Tea Co. wanted to help you sip your way to a Battle of Britain celebration and create the perfect cup of tea!
The Rare Tea Company and the RAF Association have been working together since 2010 to raise money in support of the RAF Family. Funds are raised through a specially created blend of tea, originally made for Battle of Britain veteran, Terry Clark. Each sale sees 50p gifted to the Association, to help them give life changing support to RAF personnel, veterans, and their families.
WEEK TWENTY FIVE
Tuesday 8 September at 11am: A conversation with Alex Fitzgerald-Black
Join our conversation with Alexander Fitzgerald-Black to find out more about ‘Eagles over Husky: The Allied Air Forces in the Sicilian Campaign, 14 May to 17 August 1943’.
In the summer of 1943, the Allies began Operation HUSKY, the invasion of Sicily. The Eagles over HUSKY – the airmen of the Allied air forces – played a crucial role in the assault. Their efforts inflicted losses on a German Air Force badly needed on other fronts and brought pressure on the Italian state to denounce Fascism and join the Allied side. The result was a strategic victory which forced Nazi Germany to stand alone in defence of southern Europe.
Most histories of the campaign focus on the escape of German forces across the Strait of Messina. Alexander challenges the notion that the Allied militaries bungled total victory in Sicily, drawing upon experiences, perspectives, and sources from both Allied and Axis camps.
Alexander shared a fascinating insight into this little-known military campaign, and into how he undertakes his research.
Tuesday 8 September 2pm-4pm: RAFA Request Radio
DJ Darren continues to spin, sing and take your suggestions for RAFA Request Radio. Make sure you check out our multi-talented Head of Information Environment’s weekly show!
Friday 11 September at 10am: A conversation with Gp Capt Nick Robson
Get the inside track on air traffic controlling by joining our conversation with Group Captain Nick Robson, one of the RAF’s leading experts in this field.
Nick has been a controlling supervisor and examiner, and the first RAF controller to work with the Royal Navy within Flag Officer Sea Training at Devonport. He served as Deputy SATCO at RAF Odiham and as SATCO at RAF Lossiemouth. As OC TacATC, commanding the RAF’s deployable ATC unit, he deployed to and controlled in 42 countries ranging from Africa to Europe, including rebuilding Kabul and Bagram airfields.
More recently, Nick has served as OC Airfield Wing at RAF Brize Norton and as the Deputy Air Traffic Management Force Commander. He now heads the Defence Airspace and Air Traffic (DAATM) organisation, and is the MoD’s lead for all airspace policy and strategy.
In his spare time, Nick is Chairman of UK Armed Forces Tug of War and Head of RAF Tug of War, and is involved in RAF Athletics and RAF Rugby Union.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 11 September at 10am – all you need is an internet connection, and a device to view this web link on. Please note that if you are using a mobile device you may be asked to download the Zoom app which is free of charge. We will be ‘locking’ these sessions after 15 minutes on the session.
Tiptree's Rum and Raisin Ice Cream
For everyone looking for a weekend treat, why not check out Tiptree’s Rum and Raisin Ice Cream – starring our RAF Association Tiptree English Spiced Rum. There are even two versions of the recipe depending on how adventurous you are feeling…
Wilkin & Sons have launched three craft spirits in partnership with the RAF Association; Tiptree Spitfire Vodka, Tiptree Hurricane Gin, and Tiptree Lancaster Spiced Rum. These full strength 40% ABV spirits have been made in the heart of Essex using locally sourced East Anglian potatoes, Tiptree-grown fruit, and the occasional extra sprinkle of Tiptree magic. Every bottle you buy will help the RAF Association give life changing support to RAF personnel, veterans, and their families. A minimum donation of £2 will be made to the RAF Association for each bottle sold – head over to their website to take a look!
Homemade Rum and Raisin Ice Cream
For everyone looking for a weekend treat, here are two versions that will be hard to resist, which include our favourite Tiptree English Spiced Rum.
For those with no time on their hands:
You will need
- Two tubs of your favourite ready-made vanilla custard (Waitrose, Tesco and Morrison’s all have a great Madagascan vanilla custard in the chilled section)
- One bag of juicy looking raisins
- A bottle of Tiptree English Spiced Rum
Before you start – place your raisins in an air-tight container and add a good slosh of rum. Keep for 24 hours if possible and turn occasionally so that the raisins soak up all the liquid. If your ice-cream maker needs to cool, now is the time to get that ready, mine needs at least 15 hours to chill in the freezer.
Ensure that your ice-cream maker is ready to go – don’t worry if you don’t have one, we have it covered.
- In a bowl mix together your custard with as many of your rum soaked raisins as you wish, personally I enjoy a few raisins with each mouthful!
Keep any extra stored for another recipe or they will keep for Christmas.
- Pour the mix into your ice-cream maker and blend.
- Once complete, transfer your ice cream into tubs and freeze.
Don’t have an ice cream maker – don’t worry.
- Transfer the custard/raisin mixture into a plastic container with a sealable lid.
- Pop into the freezer. Set your timer for 30 minutes and then stir thoroughly.
- Return to the freezer and repeat until the mixture is just about frozen.
To enjoy, leave the container out to defrost slightly.
For those who would like to try and make their ice cream from scratch
Vanilla Custard:
- 1 plump vanilla pod
- 300ml full-fat milk
- 300ml double cream
- 100g golden caster sugar
- 4 egg yolks
Method
- Split the vanilla pod lengthways, scrape the seeds out with the point of a knife and tip into a pan with the milk, cream and pod.
- Bring gently to the boil and then remove from the heat to infuse for at least 20 minutes.
(For the best flavour you can do this ahead of time and then leave to go cold.)
- In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks together for a few minutes until they turn pale and fluffy (a mixer might be best for this, unless you are a whizz with a whisk)
- Put the vanilla cream mixture back on the heat until it is just about to boil and then carefully sieve the liquid onto the yolks, beating until completely mixed
- Pour the custard back into the pan and cook on its lowest setting, stirring slowly and continuously for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Strain the mixture into a bowl and then it needs cooling. If you have ice, then place the bowl over another bowl of ice, if not then I cover the bowl with clingfilm and then sit in a sink with some cold water.
To make your ice cream, follow the instructions above – enjoy.
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