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 17-20
WEEK TWENTY
Get competitive
We can’t wait for you to give this month’s quiz a go – it’s all about the RAF Association!
Tuesday 4 August at 11am: A conversation with Wing Commander Jim Calvert, OC 29 Squadron
Wg Cdr Jim Calvert is Officer Commanding 29 Squadron, responsible for the training of Typhoon pilots and engineers, and for the Typhoon Display Team.
Prior to joining the Typhoon Force in 2011, Jim flew the Harrier for five years, completing multiple operational tours of Afghanistan and participating in numerous aircraft carrier detachments on HMS Invincible and HMS Ark Royal. Since joining the Typhoon Force, Jim has served on 1(Fighter) Squadron, II(AC) Squadron and 6 Squadron where he undertook operational tours in Estonia and the Falkland Islands.
Outside of the cockpit, staff tours have included time within Typhoon Force HQ and Capability Acquisition at Air Command, RAF High Wycombe. More recently, Jim earned a MA at the Defence College, Shrivenham before becoming the Chief of Combat Operations for the UK’s deployable air headquarters.
Join us on Zoom on Tuesday 4 August 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 4 August 2pm-4pm: RAFA Request Radio
The ever-popular DJ Darren, aka our Head of Information Security, returns to spin his decks and entertain you with the tunes of your choice.
During this time, you can send your requests via the Radio For The Masses website or studio@impact-radio.co.uk
Wednesday 5 August at 11am: A conversation with Flight Sergeant Jay Tailor
During his career, FS Jay Tailor has served at RAF Coltishall, RAF Wittering, RAF Wyton, MOD Chicksands, Ayios Nikolaos in Cyprus, Air Command (RAF High Wycombe) and is currently at RAF Honington, in the role of Training and Force Development.
Jay’s operational tours include Saudi Arabia in Gulf War 1, Turkey, the Falkland Islands, Bosnia, Iraq, Italy and Estonia. He has also supported many RAF overseas exercises in the USA, Canada, UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, France, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
In Jay’s spare time, his passions include volunteering for the RAF Association as an RAF Association Liaison Officer, and supporting Leicester City Football Club.
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday 5 August 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.
Thursday 6 August at 11am: Chris Goss, aviation historian and author
Our ever-popular historian and author, Chris joins us for week 20 with a fascinating presentation about Operations Cerberus, Fulller and Thunderbolt.
Chris is one of our longest-standing contributors and never fails to enthral us with his tales from the past.
Join us on Zoom on Thursday 6 August 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 7 August at 11am: Chris Long talks about his 'Out of the blue' book and podcast series
Chris Long served for 19 years in the RAF then joined BAE Systems at their King Faisal Air Academy in Saudi Arabia and the British Aerospace Flying College (BAeFC). He has since worked for a variety of other major aerospace companies, is European Editor for CAT magazine and, with friends, has created the very popular ‘Out of the Blue’ series:
“While Dim Jones, Ian Cowie and I joined the RAF together in March 1966, our careers took us in different directions meaning we didn’t see or hear from each other for many years. But after reminiscing on times gone by, we realised that we, along with our mates, had got stories to tell. This was an opportunity to recount some of our tales; we could put them in a book and sell them to raise money for military charities.
The first was a success, and we needed a reprint. Encouraged by that we have done two more – published respectively in 2011 and 2014. These tales date mostly from the Cold War, and a very different RAF from today’s sleek version. So far we have raised just over £90,000 for a range of military charities, and are delighted that the books are also available on the RAF Association website.”
Join us on Zoom on Friday 7 August 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 7 August at 3pm: Squadron Leader Andy Smailes Sings
Back by popular request, Squadron Leader Andy Smailes combines his busy RAF career with his adventures as a jazz and swing vocalist. He will recreate the sounds of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack for us, as well as performing songs by the legendary British artist Matt Monro, and modern artists including Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum.
Andy says:
“I am delighted to support the RAF Association because I see the wonderful support that it gives. As a serving airman and member of the Halton Branch I know first-hand how important it is to feel part of a community and team. RAFA provides an opportunity to still feel part of the RAF community and feel valued and safe. To be able to give something back to those who have given so much is fantastic”
Andy will join us on Facebook Live on Friday 7 August at 3pm
Get Cooking: Recipes from our friends at Wilkin & Sons
This week’s recipe from our friends at Wilkin & Sons sounds perfect for summer! Get your cocktail shaker at the ready for your very own ‘Non-alcoholic Strawberry Mojito’, perfect for cocktails in the garden.
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!
A Non Alcoholic Strawberry Mojito
- 1 fresh lime cut into quarters
- 10 mint leaves
- 7 fresh strawberries
- 2 teaspoons of Tiptree Strawberry Conserve
- 150ml Soda water
- Ice
- Long spoon
- Muddler
- Cocktail Shaker
- Etched 454g glass
- Straw
In the cocktail glass add the fresh lime and 8 mint leaves. Muddle these together until you have juiced all of the lime. In the cocktail shaker, use the muddler to crush the ice. Pour the ice into the cocktail glass. Add 6 fresh strawberries and the strawberry conserve into cocktail shaker and muddle together. Strain the mix into the cocktail glass and stir with the lime and mint. Top with soda water and mix together, pulling up all of the lime and mint. Garnish with a sprig of mint, a fresh strawberry and a straw.
WEEK NINETEEN
Monday 27 July at 11am: A conversation with the RAF’s Principal Director of Music, Wing Commander Piers Morrell, RAF Music Services
The RAF’s Music Services have a worldwide reputation for excellence. Their musicians are frequently called upon to perform for royalty and politicians at State occasions while also providing music support for the RAF, Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Such events range from Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to concert performances in some of the most prestigious concert halls throughout the world.
Join us for a fascinating talk by Wing Commander Piers Morrell, head of RAF Music Services, about the diverse and high profile role of our much-loved RAF musicians.
Join us on Zoom on Monday 27 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.
Wednesday 29 July at 11am: A conversation with Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Mackay
We are honoured to be joined by former Joint Force Harrier Commander, and former Air Officer Commanding and Commandant of the Royal Air Force College, AVM Gavin Mackay.
Awarded the Air Force Cross for gallantry while flying, AVM Mackay flew both the Hunter and the Harrier, serving in the fighter ground attack and reconnaissance roles (ashore and afloat) in the UK, Germany, Belize and the Falklands. He also led testing and advisory teams world-wide: flying, instructing and examining on numerous types of aircraft; from Jaguars and Buccaneers to micro-lites and MiG fighters.
His subsequent career included commanding RAF Gutersloh and the RAF Germany Harrier Force and commanding Joint Force Harrier as part of the newly re-formed 3 Group. He became Air Officer Commanding and Commandant of the Royal Air Force College in 2000, and was appointed as a Companion of the Bath in 2002.
Now retired from the RAF, he still eagerly grasps every opportunity that comes his way to get airborne.
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday 29 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.
Join us for a fascinating talk by Wing Commander Piers Morrell, head of RAF Music Services, about the diverse and high profile role of our much-loved RAF musicians.
Join us on Zoom on Monday 27 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 31 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 RAF Association.
Wing Commander Dheeraj Bhasin flew the single-seat Jaguar fighter operationally and also has also flown the Bulldog, Tucano, Hawk, Tutor, Harrier, F-16, Typhoon, C-130, and Vigilant. During his regular career he flew 122 combat missions in the Balkans and Middle East. Since leaving the regular RAF, he has remained a reservist.
He is currently deployed to the Command Group at Headquarters British Forces Cyprus, where he was the lead contingency planned for their COVID response, and is currently working on Command and Control and future ways of working in the aftermath of COVID.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 31 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.
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Get Cooking: Recipes from our friends at Wilkin & Sons
Over the next few weeks, our friends at Wilkin & Sons have given us a selection of recipes to try out at home. Why not have a go yourself and share a photo of the finished product with us?
This week’s recipe… get your cocktail shaker at the ready for your very own ‘Salted Caramel Espresso Martini’, the perfect after dinner tipple.
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!
WEEK EIGHTEEN
Monday 20 July at 3pm: A conversation with author, Matt Poole
Join us to hear Matt Poole talk about his recent Air Mail article, ‘Daring Diana’. In 1990, Matt began a quest to find out what happened to his mother’s first husband, who went missing over Burma in 1944. In this interview we’ll be discussing his article in more depth, and exploring some of the many other fascinating avenues his research led him down. If you haven’t yet read the article, it’s available online here.
Join us on Zoom on Monday 20 July at 3pm – 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 21 July at 12pm: A conversation with Al Pinner MBE
Al Pinner is a former Harrier pilot and previous Officer Commanding, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Al has flown over 100 operational sorties, served as a Flight Commander on IV(AC) Squadron and a Qualified Weapons Instructor and A2 Qualified Flying Instructor on No 20(R) Sqn and undertook an exchange tour in Canada.
Al became Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 2006 after three seasons as a volunteer fighter pilot. In 2008 he received the Sir John Barraclough Trophy for the most outstanding contribution to RAF PR and was also awarded the 2009 Master’s Commendation by the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators.
Al left the RAF in 2009 and joined TAG Aviation UK as the Director of Flight Operations, subsequently becoming Vice-President Operations for TAG Europe, with responsibility for some 100 business jets and 350 staff worldwide.
Al now flies cadets in the Grob Tutor on 5 AEF, back at RAF Wittering, the former home of the Harrier. He has around 8000 flying hours, of which over 3900 have been on single seat fighters.
Join us on Zoom on Tuesday 21 July at 12pm – 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 21 July 2pm-4pm: RAFA Request Radio
Playing tunes from throughout the ages, join Darren, our Head of Information Security, and radio DJ for his very own station. He keeps us going on a Tuesday afternoon and plays all our requests. Tune in on Tuesday!
During this time, you can send your requests via the Radio For The Masses website or studio@impact-radio.co.uk
Wednesday 22 July at 11am: A conversation with Warrant Officer Anita Coyles
WO Anita Coyles joins us to give a fascinating insight into the world of RAF Air Traffic Controlling.
Anita grew up in Oxfordshire and spent a brief time with the Thames Valley Police Force, before joining the RAF in 1989 as an Assistant Air Traffic Controller. After postings including RAF Shawbury, RAF Lossiemouth, Border Radar and RAF Bruggen, her first controlling tour was at RAF Odiham and subsequently RAF Brize Norton. She has also undertaken various deployments abroad and jokes that
“for some reason, they have all been to cold environments such as Kosovo and the Falkland Islands!”
In 2011 Anita returned to the School of Air Operation Control where she remains. After 27 years Anita left regular service and is now a Full-Time reservist.
Anita has been the Ellesmere Branch (now RMG)’s RAF Association Liaison Officer for the last four years. She says
“I have really missed seeing the branch members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But hopefully we will be reunited soon.”
Friday 24 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 RAF Association.
Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL will discuss his life experiences, from his career in the RAF, being discharged because of his sexuality, becoming Lord Mayor of Manchester and now LGBTQ+ Advisor to the Mayor of Greater Manchester. During his RAF career, Carl was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s bronze medal for his efforts in saving a pilot from the burning wreckage of his Hawk aircraft and was also recognised in HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 24 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 24 July at 3pm: Cadet Flight Sergeant Tom Lopez Sings
A member of 281 (Southport) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Tom is also a lead singer in the RAFAC National Choir. Tom will be giving a top class performance for you all to enjoy at home!
Join Cadet Flight Sergeant Tom Lopez on Facebook Live on Friday 24 July at 3pm.
Get Cooking: Recipes from our friends at Wilkin & Sons
Over the next few weeks, our friends at Wilkin & Sons have given us a selection of recipes to try out at home. Why not have a go yourself and share a photo of the finished product with us?
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 £2.00 will be made to the RAF Association for each bottle sold – head over to their website to take a look!
This week’s recipe… Tiptree Acacia Honey & Soy Glazed Beef Steaks: perfect with the tipple of your choice!
WEEK SEVENTEEN
Get competitive
We can hear your stomachs rumble at this theme of our latest quiz! Can you match the RAF station to the cuisine it is famous for?
Tuesday 14 July 11am and Thursday 16 July at 10am: Get active! Darren's non-strenuous exercise sessions
We know you have missed Darren’s fabulous exercise sessions so, back by popular demand, Darren will be seeing if you have been keeping up your activity without him!
Join Darren on Facebook Live on Tuesday 14 July at 11am and Thursday 16 July at 10am.
Tuesday 14 July 2pm-4pm: RAFA Request Radio
Playing the latest and greatest tunes, Darren joins us once again to spin the discs and host the ever-popular RAFA Requests Radio. Join Darren on Tuesday 14 July at 2pm for two hours of cheerful tunes.
During this time, you can send your requests via the Radio For The Masses website or studio@impact-radio.co.uk
Wednesday 15 July at 11am: RAF Museum Life Stories
The daughter of female Spitfire pilot Jackie Moggridge, Candida Adkins will share stories about her mother. After becoming the first woman to do a parachute jump in South Africa, Jackie travelled to England when the war broke out.
She joined the Air Transport Auxiliary where she flew 72 different types of aircraft and was given the King’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. She later joined the Women’s Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, got her Wings and went on to fly commercially, as an airline captain.
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday 15 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.
Thursday 16 July at 11am: Chris Goss, Aviation Historian: The Tale of Two Bombers
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This week Chris tells the tale of two bombers, following the loss of two Halifaxes attacking Kassel in October 1943. He will tell us what happened afterwards, and as always, share his incredible knowledge.
Join us on Zoom on Thursday 16 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 17 July at 11am: A Conversation with Robert Verkaik
Robert has been home affairs editor and law editor at the Independent, as well as security editor for the Mail on Sunday. Since the 9/11 attacks on America, he has covered the ‘war on terror’ and has visited the US detention camp at Guantanamo Bay and interviewed victims of torture in Syria. More recently he has been writing about the causes of extremism and social immobility.
In his latest book ‘Defiant’, Robert explores the crucial role played by the third British fighter which took part in the Battle of Britain: the Boulton Paul Defiant. During his research he uncovered new records, including top-secret memos written by Hugh Dowding and his deputy Keith Park as well as correspondence with the Air Staff, combat and squadron reports, pilot logs and recordings of the last interviews with Defiant crews.
Robert also succeeded in tracing relatives of Defiant pilots and gunners to tell the story of the Battle of Britain as it has never been told before. In ‘Defiant’, he reveals how the myths which have grown up around the much maligned aircraft mask some inconvenient truths.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 17 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.
