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.
ARCHIVE: WEEKS 13-16
WEEK SIXTEEN
Get competitive
This week, we are focussing on the youngest generation of the Royal Air Force. Take our RAF Air Cadets Quiz and test your knowledge.
Tuesday 7 July at 11am: History of the RAF College through collection artefacts
The session will begin with an introduction from RAFC Cranwell’s Station Commander, Group Captain Gordon Bettington. Then the RAF College’s Curator (Hazel Crozier) will take you on a journey through some of the College’s rich 100-year history. During the session she will show you some of the College’s marvellous collection of artefacts. There will be a Q&A session after every artefact. Hazel is looking forward to joining you:
“As 2020 marks our centenary year, we thought it appropriate that we spend some time delving together into the early part (1916-1946) of the rich history of the RAF College and our historical collection over our past 100 years.”
Join us on Zoom on Tuesday 7 July at 11am – 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.
Tuesday 7 July 2pm-4pm: RAFA Request Radio
Playing all your favourite tunes, Darren ‘BizBo’ Bisbey returns to DJ his way through your Tuesday afternoon. He will play your requests and dedications on the ever-popular RAFA Request Radio. The show will be accessible online through your web browser and live on Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm.
During this time, you can send your requests via the Radio For The Masses website or studio@impact-radio.co.uk
Wednesday 8 July at 11am: A conversation with Air Cdre Fin Monahan
In 1996 he was posted to the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Wittering. On graduation, he joined IV (Army Co-operation) Squadron at Royal Air Force Laarbruch in Germany and flew on numerous operational tours over the Balkans. In 2000 Fin was posted to Royal New Zealand Air Force Ohakea as an exchange officer flying the A4K Skyhawk in Maritime Strike, Air to Air and Air to Ground roles on 2 and 75 Squadrons.
In 2003 Fin was posted to the Tactical Leadership Programme in Florennes, Belgium. As Air-to-Ground leader, he specialised in Close Air Support, Combat Survival and Rescue and Tactical Support to Maritime Operations. Later he was appointed as Executive Officer on 1 (Fighter) Squadron. He completed tours of Afghanistan in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross following an interesting scramble to support embattled ground forces in 2006.
On his return, Fin assumed command of Cambridge University Air Squadron running a busy flying, leadership, sport and adventure training programme. Fin was promoted to wing commander in 2008, and was appointed as Chief of Staff, Joint Air Maritime Organisation working on Harrier, F35, Invincible and Queen Elizabeth Class projects.
In 2010 Fin and his family moved to Wellington, Southern India where he gained a Masters in Defence and Strategic Studies at the Defence Services Staff College.
In 2011 he assumed command of Operations Wing RAF Leeming and led the establishment of the NRF 13 Rapid Reaction Expeditionary Air Wing. In that role, he deployed on Op NEWCOMBE as the Sentinel DOB Commander supporting operations in Mali. He was appointed to the Order of the British Empire for his service on Op NEWCOMBE and NRF 13. In 2013, Fin was posted to the Directorate of Defence Studies at Shrivenham as Deputy Director where he wrote speeches for the Chief of Air Staff, edited Air Power Review and conducted research projects. In 2014, Fin was promoted to Group Captain and served as a PJHQ Liaison Officer at US European Command Headquarters in Stuttgart. From 2016 to 2018 Fin was appointed Commandant of the Central Flying School. In that role, he oversaw instructor training for the three services, conducted R&D into instructional techniques, examined squadrons and instructors across the world and commanded the Red Arrows. Fin completed RCDS in 2019 and in January 2020 was appointed as Head Doctrine (Air, Space and Cyber) at the Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre at Shrivenham.
Thursday 9 July at 11am: Chris Goss, Aviation Historian: German Aces of the Battle of Britain
Chris Goss tells the stories of the ‘top 5’ Luftwaffe Aces for the Battle of Britain. He describes who they were and the story of what happened to them.
For another fascinating insight into World War II, join Chris and his followers for this week’s Zoom session, and don’t forget, you can catch up on all Chris’s sessions on this page.
You can also buy Chris’s latest book ‘Brothers In Arms’ here using code BRO20 for 25% off.
Join us on Zoom on Thursday 9 July 11am – 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.
Friday 10 July at 11am: RAF Museum - Life Stories
‘Life Stories’ forms part of the RAF Museum’s RAF Stories project, an online collection accessible to everyone to submit, share and explore stories of people’s personal connections to the RAF. This year’s series of talks are hosted in partnership with the Royal Air Forces Association.
This week we are joined by Rachel Williamson, who will become the first female Captain for Team UK, at the Invictus Games in The Hague in 2021. Rachel will talk about her sporting history, her ten and a half year career in the Royal Air Force, representative sport and the life-changing injury that took it all away.
She will also explain how the Invictus Games saved her passion for sport and has shaped her recovery journey, with the opportunity to support other wounded, injured and sick military personnel (whether serving or veteran) to use sport as a recovery tool.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 10 July at 11am – 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.
Friday 10 July at 3pm: "Duets at a Distance": Sarah Esser Haswell and Jon Openshaw
Live, and socially-distanced, Sarah and Jon will bring you a fabulous concert featuring songs from the musicals. Sing along or sit back and enjoy!
WEEK FIFTEEN
Get competitive
This week, we’ve invited our very creative corporate partners DappR to test your aviation knowledge. DappR convert beautifully-engineered aircraft parts into distinctive furniture pieces. Can you identify the original aircraft part?
Monday 29 June at 2pm: An online celebration with our amazing RAFARides: Virtual cyclists
Over the weekend of 14 June, hundreds of cyclists gathered ‘virtually’ to take on an epic 100-mile challenge and raise money for our emergency COVID-19 projects. Many RAF stations fielded teams, and they were joined by veterans and other members of our RAF community from around the world.
Collectively, they smashed all their targets and raised an incredible £75,000! This will help us hugely in keeping Op CONNECT – which includes Project ENTERTAIN – going from strength to strength in these challenging times.
Help us to celebrate their success during a short virtual meet-up. We’ll share a video that summarises their amazing efforts, hear from the event’s founder (and Project ENTERTAIN favourite) AVM Gary Waterfall, and the Association’s Secretary General (Nick Bunting) will formally accept the funds raised.
Join us on Zoom on Monday 29 June 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.
Tuesday 30 June at 11am: A conversation with author, Victoria Panton-Bacon
Author Victoria Panton-Bacon joins us on Tuesday 30 June. Victoria says:
“It was in 2014 that my first book was published – Six Weeks of Blenheim Summer – about the Fall of France in the summer of 1940. It is based on my grandfather, Alastair Panton’s diary of that time. He was an RAF reconnaissance pilot, flying a Bristol Blenheim. His words tell of the sadness of being in a country falling into occupied hands; and of grief, fear and pain, as well as vividly describing the rapidly worsening military situation, and unfolding humanitarian crisis.
Since publishing my grandfather’s story I have come to realise it isn’t only the strength of his writing that has led to this being widely read, but it also the fact this is a rare personal recollection of this catastrophic beginning of the war. It has also given many, who have read it, pause for thought about the experiences of their own relatives.
In order to continue to keep the memory of the Battle of France in our minds, I have condensed Six Weeks of Blenheim Summer into a series of twelve excerpts – which have all been set to a dramatic musical score written to ‘match the mood’ of the excerpts. I have presented the musical readings at various venues, including at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln, and was due to present again on 7th May, to mark VE Day 75. However, of course this was cancelled, so I have put the readings onto YouTube.
I am so pleased to have been invited to talk to RAFA members about this book – and my second World War Two book which is due for publication in September – and the significance of music in keeping World War Two memories alive.”
Join us on Zoom on Tuesday 30 June at 11am – 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.
Tuesday 30 June and Thursday 2 July at 10am: Low impact fitness with Roger
We have a new face leading our low impact fitness sessions this week: Flt Lt Roger Smith.
Roger is a part-time Reserve Officer on 2622 (Highland) Squadron RAuxAF Regt (he was formerly a regular in the RAF Regiment) and works part time for the RAF Association as a Welfare Training Officer. He is also a member of the Association’s Glasgow Branch and is Standard Bearer for both his branch and the Scotland and Northern Ireland Area.
We’re not entirely sure how he fits everything in, but he has also worked as a personal trainer and sports scientist for the last ten years, including running his own company and working for Triathlon Scotland as a coach and tutor!
We are delighted to put ourselves in his care this week to get moving and stretching. His sessions will be low-impact, but he will show you a few ways to challenge yourself a little more – should you wish to!
Tuesday 30 June 2pm-4pm: RAFA Request Radio - RETURNS!
By popular request, Darren ‘BizBo’ Bisbey, RAFA’s Head of Information Security (and a passionate music and radio hobbyist) returns to host RAFA Request Radio: playing your requests and dedications. The show will be accessible online through your web browser and live on Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm.
During this time, you can send your requests via the Radio For The Masses website or studio@radioforthemasses.co.uk
Wednesday 1 July at 10:30 am: Sing-along with Sarah
It’s week 3 of Sarah’s sessions – and we love how she brightens up our Wednesdays. Join Sarah on Facebook this week for another truly uplifting sing-along session. Get your vocal cords warmed up and surprise your neighbours!
Thursday 2 July at 11am: Chris Goss, Aviation Historian: 'Intruders Over Britain'
Chris Goss tells the story of German night fighters who followed RAF bombers back to their home bases in WWII. He will be sharing stories of the little-known aspect of the air war over Britain.
“When I want to kill wasps, I smoke out their nest. I don’t swat the insects in the air one at a time. I go to the nest when they are in.” General Josef Kammhuber
Join us on Zoom on Thursday 2 July 11am – 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.
Friday 3 July at 11am: WWII Air Raid Tragedy with Andrew Middlemiss
Our speaker, Andrew Middlemiss, was in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers for 33 years, serving all over the world. He was an instructor at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, CO in Edinburgh, and did many operational tours in Northern Ireland, Belize, Malaysia and Borneo – and in Germany during the Cold War. Since leaving the Army, he has led WW1 battlefield tours.
In early May this year – not long before VE Day 75 – Andrew received, out of the blue, a request from a German man living near Dortmund. He was trying to find the relatives of a young Scottish airman shot down in a Wellington bomber over Germany in April 1942 after returning from a bombing raid and killed, along with four colleagues. His name was Andrew Downie, and he was aged just 21. This is his story…
Join us on Zoom on Friday 3 July at 11am – 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.
Friday 3 July at 4pm: RAF Air Cadets Director of Music, Dave Massam sings
Fresh from his recent star appearance on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, Squadron Leader Dave Massam is Director of Music for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets’ National Choir. He has led the choir for five years, accumulating a vast range of expertise.
Dave will bring you songs from musicals, country, swing, pop and rock – something for everyone! Dave is proud to play a part in bringing a smile to people’s faces in these difficult times.
Dave will serenade us on Facebook Live on Friday 3 July at 4pm.
Sunday 5 July at 2pm: Miss Sarah-Jane sings
The fabulous Miss Sarah Jane is better known to her colleagues as Corporal Sarah Paul as she is a current serving member of the Royal Air Force and is based at RAF Cranwell. Having previously performed alongside the military, in particular for the RAF 100 Celebrations and RAF Cranwell’s Party in the Park outside College Hall Officers Mess, Sarah joins us for another nostalgic Sunday concert.
Join Miss Sarah Jane on Facebook Live on Sunday 5 July at 2pm.
WEEK FOURTEEN
Get competitive
From the ‘Roundel Round’ last week, to ‘Gate Guardians’ this week – we are keeping things fresh! Reckon you know Odiham from Cranwell, Lossiemouth from Brize? Take on our Gate Guardian round now!
Tuesday 23 June at 11am: A conversation with Flight Lieutenant Michael Frankel
Flight Lieutenant Michael Frankel enlisted into the Royal Air Force in 1983 as an Aerospace Systems Operator and, after training, was assigned to his first operational tour at a Command and Control Centre (CRC) at RAF Neatishead.
In 2016, he successfully completed the Commissioned Warrant Officer (CWO) course, commissioning as an Aerospace Battle Manager, before being re-brigaded to Air Operations (Systems) branch. Assigned to 56 Squadron within the Air Warfare Centre, he was soon deployed to the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre at Al Udeid as the Senior Air Defence Officer responsible for the Broader Middle East airspace covering multiple countries.
From 2017, he was engaged on Test and Evaluation projects: conducting studies into the effects of wind farms on Air Defence radar systems; evaluating new counter drone systems for Land and developing a test program for the introduction of a new gap fill radar for the Royal Air Force. In 2019 he joined the team of Basic Air Warfare instructors at the Air and Space Warfare School, RAFC Cranwell.
Mick joins us to talk about his career, share some amazing photos and videos, and discuss his passion for the RAF.
Join us on Zoom on Tuesday 23 June at 11 am – 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.
Wednesday 24 June at 10:30 am: Sing-along with Sarah
Toe-tapping, sing-songing, dancing at the ready for another fabulous session with the amazing and inspirational Sarah. Grab her song sheet and join Sarah and everyone else on Wednesday on Facebook Live.
Wednesday 24 June at 11am: A conversation with Group Captain Fin Bradley
Group Captain Fionnuala (Fin) Bradley joined the RAF as a nurse in 1994. She has completed a number of operational deployments, including serving as Aeromedical Liaison Officer in Bosnia in 1996, and three tours on Air Evacuation duties in Iraq. She has also completed detachments to Brunei, Malaysia and Ascension Island. In 2008 she undertook her first staff appointment in the Ministry of Defence and has since worked in staff duties at RAF HQ and the Surgeon General’s Department.
In 2011 she was appointed as Matron of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, from where she attended the Advance Command and Course, also gaining an MA in Defence Studies. Promoted to Group Captain in April 2016, she has most recently served as the Deputy Defence Medical Services Regulator, responsible for assuring the quality of all medical care provided to Service Personnel.
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday 24 June at 11am – 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.
Wednesday 24 June at 2pm: Drill lessons with The Queen's Colour Squadron
The Queen’s Colour Squadron is the Royal Air Force’s only dedicated ceremonial unit, formed in 1960. Custodians of The Queen’s Colour, the squadron is also responsible for state and national ceremonial tasks at home and abroad. Manned by officers and gunners of the RAF Regiment, the squadron holds a dual capability as a regular Field Squadron; 63 Squadron RAF Regiment.
We are so excited to be joined again by QCS who will be putting you through your paces, and giving us drill lessons through Facebook Live. Their first session last week was viewed over 80,000 times!
We would also love to see your photos of you taking part! Email them over to opconnect@rafa.org.uk or pop them through to our Facebook page
Join us on Facebook on Wednesday 24 June at 2pm.
Thursday 25 June at 11am: Aviation Historian, Chris Goss discusses the Blitz
Chris returns to talk to us about the Blitz and tell stories of the Nazi bombing campaign against the UK in 1940 and 1941, during the Second World War. The Blitz, a term was first used by the British press, is also the German word for ‘lightning’. The Nazis conducted mass air attacks against industrial targets, towns, and cities, beginning with raids on London towards the end of the Battle of Britain in 1940 (a battle for daylight air superiority between the Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force over the United Kingdom).
Join us on Zoom on Thursday 25 June at 11am – 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.
Friday 26 June at 11am: A conversation with RAF Museum about The Handley Page Hampden
Join Darren, who will be speaking about the RAF Museum’s Handley Page Hampden. This aircraft type was one of the RAF’s main bombers at the start of the war. Darren will introduce you to the aircraft in general, talk you through the museum’s aircraft’s last flight and what happened to the crew, and discuss what is happening to it now. Darren will conclude with information on the men and women who flew or built it.
Join us on Zoom on Thursday 25 June at 11am – 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.
Friday 26 June at 3pm: Andy Smailes sings
The amazingly popular Squadron Leader Andy Smailes will be back on Facebook Live to perform a mix of Jazz and Swing, recreating the sounds of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. He will also be performing songs by legendary British artist Matt Monro, as well as modern artists Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum.
Watch Andy on Facebook Live on Friday 26 June at 3pm.
WEEK THIRTEEN
Get competitive
Our Cryptic Aircraft quiz was so well received – and you proved you really know your stuff when it comes to the RAF, so we’ve upped our game to keep you on your toes. The iconic RAF roundel has changed throughout the years. Do you know them well enough to identify them all?
Tuesday 16 June at 11am & Thursday 18 June at 10am: Low impact exercise with Darren
We imagine by now, if you have been able to keep up with Darren’s sessions, you are feeling fit and fabulous! He has been working us hard recently, and continues to do so this week.
Join Darren on Tuesday 16 and Thursday 17 June, and don’t forget you can give any of Darren’s previous sessions a go, at any time, using the video section on our Facebook page.
Wednesday 17 June at 10:30 am: Sing-along with Sarah
You were certainly in fine voice last week! Brilliant work from Sarah and from everyone at home. She returns for another toe-tapping sing-along this week. Grab her song sheet and join Sarah and everyone else on Wednesday on Facebook Live.
Wednesday 17 June at 11am: A conversation with Keith Evans, RAF Engineering Manager
Keith has wide ranging engineering, supervisory and broad-based management experience gained during a 37-year career in the Armed Forces, both within the UK and while based for a total of 10 years overseas during the Cold War. He has participated in Operations in Belize, the Falklands, Kosovo, Afghanistan and took part in carrier-based operations around the World.
Involved in aircraft engineering, maintenance and scheduled servicing tasks for most of his time in the service, he has also worked on procurement and airworthiness projects, including complex aircraft and weapon system trials.
Join Keith to talk all things in and out of the service, interviewed by AVM Gary Waterfall.
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday 17 June at 11am – 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.
Wednesday 17 June at 2pm: Drill Lessons with The Queen’s Colour Squadron
The Queen’s Colour Squadron is The Royal Air Forces only dedicated ceremonial unit, formed in 1960. Custodians of The Queen’s Colour, the Squadron is also responsible for state and national ceremonial tasks at home and abroad. Solely manned by officers and gunners of the RAF Regiment, the Squadron holds a dual capability as a regular Field Squadron; 63 Squadron RAF Regiment.
We are so excited to be joined by QCS who will be putting you through your paces, and giving us drill lessons through Facebook Live. Join us on Facebook on Wednesday 17 June at 2pm.
Friday 19 June at 11am: A conversation with Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, Commandant RAF Air Cadets
Dawn joined the RAF at the age of 19 for a four-year Short Service Commission as an Administrative Secretarial Officer, and left the RAF Regulars in 2006 having completed 23 years.
Dawn enjoyed a varied career in the RAF which culminated in her appointment as the Group Captain Inspector of Recruiting for the RAF. En route to this hugely rewarding job, she undertook a wide range of management roles within the service, including command of the Personnel Management Squadron at RAF Wittering, and the Administrative Wing at RAF Waddington.
Very reluctantly, Dawn opted to leave the Regular RAF in 2006. The opportunity to work for the RAF Association developing and managing the new RAF Families Federation was too good an opportunity to miss! She led the RAF Families Federation from its inception in 2007 until 2012 and thoroughly enjoyed working in support of RAF families, maintaining links with her many friends and colleagues in the RAF.
Appointed in 2012 as the Comdt RAFAC, Dawn returned to uniform as a Full Time Reservist and is delighted to remain part of the RAF family.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 19 June at 11am – 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.
Friday 19 June at 3pm: Andy Wilsher sings
Returning by popular demand, the ever-fabulous Andy Wilsher sings songs from the 50’s and 60’s and will be adding to his repertoire some tunes we haven’t heard before. Get your dancing shoes on and practise everything you learnt singing along with Sarah, to join Andy for the choruses!
Watch Andy on Facebook Live on Friday 19 June at 3pm.
Sunday 21 June at 2pm: Miss Sarah-Jane sings
Miss Sarah Jane is better known to her colleagues as Corporal Sarah Paul as she is a current serving member of the Royal Air Force and is based at RAF Cranwell. Having previously performed alongside the military, in particular for the RAF 100 Celebrations and RAF Cranwell’s Party in the Park outside College Hall Officers Mess, Sarah joins us for another Sunday serenade, helping us break the lock-down blues with her spirit and positivity.
Sarah returns with another themed show, on Facebook Live on Sunday 21 June at 2pm.
