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 5-8
WEEK EIGHT
Get competitive with our quiz
The top score for week 6 goes to ‘And The Winner Is’, followed closely by ‘Toddy’ and in third place, ‘Gilly’. Well done to everyone who took part!
As we reach week 8 of Project ENTERTAIN, over 8,000 people have taken on our weekly quizzes. After next week, we’re going to take a short break on quizzes and find something new to challenge you. However, after all the practice you’ve all had over the past weeks, we’ve decided to up the stakes this week and award prizes for the top three places. Good luck!
Tuesday 12 May at 10am: A conversation with the RAuxAF’s Commandant General
Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro was appointed as Commandant General Royal Auxiliary Air Force (CG RAuxAF) in September 2019. In this role, he is integral to meeting the RAF’s requirement for sufficient, capable and motivated reservist personnel to deliver operational capability.
A career Reservist, he joined the 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment in 1986 and, having served for a year as a private soldier, was commissioned into the Battalion from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Prior to taking on his current role, Ranald served as Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets), a tri-service appointment.
Ranald is a barrister in civilian life and is a General Counsel and Company Secretary for financial services companies in the City of London. He is a holder of both a single engine and multi-engine fixed wing private pilot’s licence and has recently taken up freefall parachuting!
Tuesday 12 May at 11am & Thursday 14 May at 10am: Low impact exercise with Ian and Darren
Ian and Darren are taking it in turns this week, with Ian covering Tuesday’s session, and Darren returning for Thursday’s session. Taking it steady and seated, Ian’s session will keep you stretching and moving, whilst Darren’s Thursday session gets you on your feet, but keeping it low-impact.
Join Ian on 12 May at 11am and Darren on 14 May at 10am, and don’t forget you can give any of Darren or Ian’s previous sessions a go, at any time, by checking out the video section on our Facebook page.
Wednesday 13 May at 10am: Learn to tap dance with Kate
Kate’s amazing energy and smile engaged you all last week, so who is up for lesson two?
Kate took her first tap class at five years old, before studying dance at college and university, gaining her BA Hons in Dance. She runs dance classes professionally, and Kate’s classes are more than just dancing; it’s about having fun, feeling energised, building friendships and community.
What you can expect from the session:
Join Kate’s dance sessions for an introduction to tap dancing. Maybe you used to tap dance, maybe you’ve never tapped, it doesn’t matter! Wherever you are, in your kitchen or in your lounge, grab some comfy shoes and Kate will guide you through a few steps and have you smiling and shuffling in no time! Please don’t leave Kate dancing alone – every Fred Astaire needs their Ginger Rogers.
Wednesday 13 May at 11am: A conversation with Kirsty Murphy, Aviation Ambassador
Kirsty decided she wanted to join the RAF at the age of 11, having spent time in her school holidays at work with her father, a Tornado GR1 navigator. She graduated from Imperial College with a MEng in Aeronautical Engineering and a love of flying, having completed her Elementary Flying Training whilst on the University Air Squadron. She subsequently passed Initial Officer Training and then flew the Tucano and Hawk T1 before being made a ‘creamie’ instructor on the Hawk.
She achieved A2 QFI status before completing her own training and progressing to the Tornado GR4. She served on XIII Sqn at RAF Marham, completing two operational tours in Iraq as part of Op TELIC before applying to join the Red Arrows. Her application was successful and she was (and remains) the only female Red Arrow pilot.
After promotion and a job in 22 Gp (Training) Headquarters, Kirsty left the RAF and joined the Blades Aerobatic Team, where she converted onto the Extra 300. A far cry from her fastjet days, flying aerobatics, she has completed four seasons on the Team.
In 2019 she was asked by the Sec of State for Transport to become one of eight Aviation Ambassadors with the aim to promote General Aviation and careers within the Aviation Industry.
Thursday 14 May at 11am: ‘The Airliner that Went to War’: Aviation history with Chris Goss
In his regular spot, aviation historian Chris Goss will be speaking about ‘The Airliner that Went to War’: the elegant four-engined Focke-Wulf Fw200 Condor. Conceived and developed as a civilian airliner during the 1930s, it soon became one of the Luftwaffe’s most immediately recognizable and potent maritime armed reconnaissance aircraft.
Chris is a full time aviation author of over 40 critically-acclaimed books, and military historian. Chris has developed quite a following for these sessions and we hope you will join us for another fascinating session.
Join us on Zoom on Thursday 14 May 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.
Friday 15 May at 11am: A conversation about ‘Project Propeller’
‘Project Propeller’ was created to thank our brave aircrew for their service in World War 2. Many of them have not been in an aircraft since the war’s end, and the project gives them the opportunity to fly again as well as to socialise with other ex-aircrew.
Graham Cowie has been the Air Operations Manager for Project Propeller since 2014. He will cover the history of the project, explain the planning required to put on a Project Propeller event, and share some veterans’ stories – both from their wartime years, and what Project Propeller means to them.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 15 May 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.
Friday 15 May at 3pm: A performance from Air Cadet Tom Lopez
Fresh from his fabulous Project ENTERTAIN success on VE Day, we’re delighted Tom will sing for us again. A member of 281 Southport Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Tom is also a lead singer in the RAFAC National Choir.
'Read and Watch' with Corporal Ash Oldroyd-Clarke
One of our highly-regarded RAF Association Liaison Officers (RAFALOs), Ash joined the RAF in 2001. He has served at various units in the UK and Germany, and completed four tours in the Falklands and one in Iraq. He is currently based at RAF College Cranwell. His favourite tour was as an RAF Recruiter, in the Careers Office in Hull. His passion for volunteering with the Association also began during this time. Ash’s tireless dedication to the RAF Association resulted in him being named ‘2019 RAFALO of the Year’.
Ash’s ‘read and watch’ list provides engaging reading and viewing in these challenging times.
To read
I have always enjoyed reading about ‘real crime’. I am currently reading ‘Krays: The Final Word’ by James Morton. This book is a definitive account of the Krays and their criminal world. It is the first wholly objective look at how the twins came to power, fell and rose again (at least in the eye of the public).
I have recently adopted a little boy, so my reading lists and habits have changed dramatically. The latest book I have bought is a celebrity chef cook book called ‘Tom’s Table’ which is a book of recipes by Tom Kerridge. This book has many easy to cook recipes that use a lot of core ingredients that we already have at home. I often find having a young family, a horse and a dog, that food preparation needs to be done quickly and as hassle free as possible. These recipes certainly help with that.
I also subscribe to the BBC Good Food Show magazine; these are always full of interesting cooking ideas. I fully recommend looking these magazines up, and when we are able the BBC Good Food Shows in Birmingham are well worth a visit.
To watch
Being from Yorkshire I do have to admit to watching Emmerdale; this is a bit of a family tradition! I do also like a good period drama like Downton Abbey. If this lockdown continues we plan to watch the entire series again from the start, but as we are both key workers we have not found the time yet. The new TV series ‘Belgravia’ (also written by Julian Fellowes) is worth a watch. It is a new six-part drama on ITV and can be seen using ITV catch up. The series is based on real life events in the upmarket area of Belgravia London in the 1840’s.
It seems I like real life on TV as well as books!
That’s all for this week. We hope this provides a little entertainment for you during these difficult times. Look out for the next email or visit this page in coming weeks to see what’s on in future weeks.
WEEK SEVEN
Get competitive with our quiz
The top score for week five went to the talented, and, RAF-knowledgeable, ‘GTFCPercy’, and on their tail in second place, ‘Kanga’ and in third, ‘Two short planks’. Well done to everyone who took part.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Click on the link below to take part.
Monday 4 May at 10am: James Stopford, CEO of The Not Forgotten
James took over as Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten in 2016, having left the Army in 2015 after 36 years of service. He joined the Irish Guards in 1980 and served in the full range of military appointments before commanding ‘the Micks’ in 1999. He then completed further operational tours to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Pakistan. His final appointment was as Commander British Forces Afghanistan.
James will be talking about the work of military charity, “The Not Forgotten”, now in it’s 100th year.
Join James on Monday 4 May at 11am.
Tuesday 5 May at 11am: A conversation with: Air Commodore Wendy Rothery, Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Air Commodore Wendy Rothery joined the RAF in 1991. More recently, Wendy has undertaken duties in the MOD Press Office and as MA to Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel and Training). Wendy also led the development and implementation of welfare policy, and went on to command RAF Recruiting and Selection.
In 2018, Wendy was selected for promotion to Air Commodore and appointed as Head of Accommodation in the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
Tuesday 5 May at 2pm: ‘Safeguarding the last Battle of Britain Bomber’ a talk by Ian Thirsk, RAF Museum
Safeguarding the last Battle of Britain Bomber’ will examine the Royal Air Force Museum’s 2013 project to recover the last remaining example of the Dornier Do 17, one of the Luftwaffe’s principal aircraft types during the Battle of Britain. The session will provide an overview of the issues involved in recovering the Dornier, including the practical challenges, conservation aspects and future exhibition options.
Join us on Zoom on Tuesday 5 May 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.
Wednesday 6 May at 11am: A conversation with AVM Gary Waterfall
Gary served the majority of his flying career with the Harrier Force, both in Germany and in the UK. He displayed the Harrier in 1996, before joining The Red Arrows. Promoted to Air Commodore in 2011, Gary had deputy command of Air Security for the Olympic Games and assumed command of the Typhoon Force in January 2013.
He then served as AOC No. 1 Group before becoming Chief of Staff at the Permanent Joint Headquarters. He left the RAF last year and now runs a consulting company that advises defence and aerospace companies.
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday 6 May 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.
Thursday 7 May at 11am: Fighter Command and North Africa's Victoria Crosses: Aviation history with Chris Goss
In his regular spot, aviation historian Chris Goss will be speaking about Fighter Command and North Africa’s Victoria Crosses.
Chris is a full time aviation author of over 40 critically-acclaimed books, and military historian.
Join us on Zoom on Thursday 7 May 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 5 May at 11am & Thursday 7 May at 10am: Low impact exercise with Ian Scarrott
While Darren takes a break for a couple of weeks, Ian is pulling up his chair for Tuesday’s session (a seated exercise class) and donning his trainers for Thursday’s session (on your feet but taking it steady).
Join Ian on Facebook on 5 May at 11am and 7 May at 10am, and don’t forget you can give any of Darren’s sessions a go, at any time, by checking out the video section on our Facebook page.
Wednesday 6 May at 10am: Learn to Tap Dance with Kate
Kate is first and foremost known for her massive smile! Kate took her first tap class at five years old, before studying dance at college and university, gaining her BA Hons in Dance. She runs dance classes professionally, and Kate’s classes are more than just dancing, it’s about having fun, feeling energised, building friendships and community.
What you can expect from the session:
Join Kate’s dance sessions for an introduction to tap dancing. Maybe you used to tap dance, maybe you’ve never tapped, it doesn’t matter! Wherever you are, in your kitchen or in your lounge, grab some comfy shoes and Kate will guide you through a few steps and have you smiling and shuffling in no time! Please don’t leave Kate dancing alone – every Fred Astaire needs their Ginger Rogers.
Friday 8 May: Get Musical this VE Day
Come together and celebrate with our VE Day 75th anniversary Facebook Live sessions, with some familiar faces, and some new ones!
1100: Tom joins us for the first time. A Cadet Flight Sergeant in 281 (Southport) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, Tom is also a lead singer in the RAF Air Cadets National Choir. Tom has a very bright future ahead of him – prepare to be dazzled!
1300: Join the fabulous Miss Sarah Jane for her third appearance on Project ENTERTAIN, performing nostalgic hits of yesteryear.
1400: Another new voice in our line-up is Andy Smailes. A serving Squadron Leader, Andy is a Jazz and Swing vocalist who specialises in recreating the sounds of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.
1500: Andy Wilsher returns for the last of his series of hugely popular ‘driveway gigs’. A huge thank you Andy, for everything you have done to entertain us over past weeks. Tune in for Andy’s grand finale!
'Read and Watch' with Kate Wigston
Kate grew up in Australia and read Arts/Law at the Australian National University. Since qualifying as a solicitor, Kate has practised in Sydney, London and Bristol.
Wife of the Chief of Air Staff, Kate is a keen supporter of a wide range of RAF Charities. For several years, Kate has been a trustee of the RAF Charitable Trust, the parent charity of the annual Royal International Air Tattoo, as well as sitting on the welfare committees of the RAF Associations, and the RAF Benevolent fund.
Kate has enjoyed being part of the RAF Family on postings within the UK, Germany and Cyprus. In her spare time Kate enjoys reading, walking and cooking for her family.
Kate has contributed her ‘Read and Watch’ list to inspire you to pick up a book, or pick up a remote.
“A short read:
Especially in these Covid-19 times, I turn to the cartoons in the newspapers – I always look at Matt in The Daily Telegraph and Private Eye.
A longer read:
Oh! I should pick up and read one from the stack of good books I have bought and not yet read (or finished for book group!), but I would go for “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. It is unique and a great read.
A film:
Tough to choose. The other evening, in lockdown, we flicked through Netflix and chose “Apollo 11”. It is made with original footage of all involved and it was really gripping watching human endeavour overcome challenges to put a man on the moon. So uplifting for our Covid-19 times.”
That’s all for this week. We hope this provides a little entertainment for you during these difficult times. Look out for the next email or visit this page in coming weeks to see what’s on in future weeks.
WEEK SIX
Get competitive with our quiz
The top score for week four went to the intellectual and, arguably, fruit-obsessed, ‘Woodhal’, followed by the ‘Dorset Divers’ and ‘Percy’. Well done everyone who took part.
We think this week’s is a tough one! Have you got what it takes to make it to our leader board? Click on the link below to take part.
Tuesday 28 April at 11am & Thursday 30 April at 10am: Exercise with Darren Taylor
Darren has built up a loyal following among you with these crowd-pleasing routines. Pull up your chair for Tuesday’s session (a guided seated exercise class) and don your trainers for Thursday’s session, on your feet but taking it steady.
Join Darren on Facebook on 28 April at 11am and 30 April at 10am, and don’t forget you can give any of Darren’s sessions a go, at any time, by checking out the video section on our Facebook page.
Join the RAF Home Workout Series
The RAF’s PTIs (Physical Training Instructors) are putting together a weekly physical exercise programme to help us keep fit at home during this pandemic. It will be uploaded to YouTube every week so you can do this at your leisure. Do you think you have what it takes to keep up with the fittest in the ranks?
Tuesday 28 April at 10am: A conversation with Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew, RAF Deputy Commander (Operations)
Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew was commissioned into the Royal Air Force in 1988. After a tour as an Air Traffic Control Officer in RAF Germany, he re-mustered as a pilot and was posted to the Jaguar. He became a Qualified Weapons Instructor and completed an operational exchange tour with the United States Air Force flying the F16C before returning to the Jaguar as a Flight Commander. After a short ground-based tour in central Iraq, he assumed command of XIII Squadron flying the Tornado GR4 and later, as Air Officer Scotland, took command of RAF Leuchars, flying Typhoon. Air Marshal Mayhew has amassed nearly 3000 flying hours and logged over 200 operational sorties.
As an Air Vice-Marshal, Mayhew commanded the RAF’s No 1 Group, responsible for the force generation of all RAF Combat Air, ISTAR and Battlespace Management capabilities, as well as the UK JFAC. He subsequently joined the Air Force Board as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, responsible for the strategic coherence and coordination of the RAF on behalf of the CAS. Promoted to Air Marshal, he took up his current post as Deputy Commander (Operations) in April 2019.
Wednesday 29 April at 11am: Steve Roberts - The Cockney Detective
Steve will give us a fascinating insight into the life of a Scotland Yard detective. He retired as a Detective Inspector from the Metropolitan Police Service after completing 30 years’ service. During his career, he worked on a number of specialist investigation units including the Flying Squad, the Murder Squad, Anti-Corruption Command and the Kidnap Unit. You will be entertained and informed in equal measure by ‘The Cockney Detective’! Highlights will include:
- Investigating a crime referred to as ‘Jump Ups’ in London’s East End.
- His time in the Flying Squad investigating armed robberies.
- An insight into the Kidnap & Specialist Investigation Unit.
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday 29 April 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.
Thursday 30 April at 11am: Air War over the Bay of Biscay - Aviation history with Chris Goss
Back for his regular spot, aviation historian Chris Goss will be speaking about the air war over the Bay of Biscay.
Chris is a military aviation historian and author of over 40 critically-acclaimed books.
Join us on Zoom on Thursday 30 April 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.
Friday 1 May at 11am: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission - UK sites
Megan Kelleher, Public Engagement Coordinator East (Central) for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), will give another talk about the history of the CWGC.
The talk will recap the information about the history of its formation and the work it continues to undertake, then focus on sites in the UK. This will include personal stories of casualties commemorated in local sites and resources relating to some of the projects the Commission are doing to connect the public with their local war dead.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 1 May 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.
Friday 1 May at 3pm: Andy Wilsher Sings Love Songs
The ever-popular Andy will be performing a selection of his favourite love songs, bringing smiles and romance to all who tune in.
Heather and Matt Little spread cheer from across the pond!
Performing since 2009, Heather Marie is an accomplished professional vocalist. Heather has appeared as a featured soloist with the RAF Squadronaires, the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Band of the RAF Regiment, the Band of the RAF College and the Central Band of the RAF. Heather was honoured to perform as part of the renowned Maida Vale Singers at the Dame Vera Lynn 100th Birthday Celebration Concert at the London Palladium in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, and at the Royal Albert Hall.
Former Director of Music, Royal Air Force Music Services, Sqn Ldr (ret’d) Matt Little had a distinguished and high profile 26-year RAF career. During his service Matt had the honour to appear as a vocal soloist at many high profile events including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, and on the popular RAF in concert tour for 23 years. Away from the RAF, Matt has had a successful 20+ year career as a session singer performing on the global stage as a vocal soloist and providing backing vocals for theatre, film, television and in the West End.
Many of you will already be fans of Heather and Matt Little, thanks to the many RAF concerts and RAF Association events they have each wowed us at. Now living in Australia, Matt and Heather are still loyal members of our RAF community:
“Having proudly been involved with the RAF Association for a number of years, it is our pleasure to be part of Project ENTERTAIN and hopefully be able to provide some much needed cheer to all of our friends at the RAF Association and wider RAF family during this difficult time. For those who know us, we have provided the entertainment for many RAFA events over the years – Matthew in his role as Director of Music, RAF Music Services, and Heather at conferences and with her RAFA CD ‘At Last’. Despite relocating to Australia in 2018, we will always be part of the RAF family and have joined the Melbourne Branch of RAFA. We hope you enjoy the video with our very best wishes. Stay safe and well.” Heather & Matt Little
Get going with the 2.6 Challenge!
The 2.6 Challenge launches today, on what should have been the date of the 40th London Marathon, the world’s biggest annual one-day fundraising event.
The idea is to fundraise or donate £26 (representative of the 26 miles that would have been run per person in the London marathon), or whatever you can afford, for the RAF Association. People of all ages can take on the 2.6 challenge – from walking, running or cycling 2.6 miles, juggling for 2.6 minutes, to flipping 26 pancakes. The ideas and options are endless, so be as creative as you’d like.
Your support will support the most vulnerable members of our RAF community, who need us now more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.
So please, if you can, get creative and remember to share your fundraising activities with us on Facebook; we’d love to see what you’re up to.
That’s all for this week. We hope this provides a little entertainment for you during these difficult times. Look out for the next email or visit this page in coming weeks to see what’s on in future weeks.
WEEK FIVE
Get competitive with our quiz
The top score for week 3 went to the wonderful ‘Brodie’, followed by ‘Not a Clue’ and ‘Gilly’. Well done to everyone who took part.
Can you make it on to the leader board for week 5? Just click on the button below to start the quiz. Good luck!
The quiz will close on Sunday evening at midnight. Don’t forget to check the leaderboard on Monday to see if you’ve made it into our top 10!
Monday 20th April at 4pm: Songs with Dave
A Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Dave Massam serves as Director of Music for their National Choir. He has led the choir for five years, bringing with him 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.
Join Dave on Facebook on 20 April at 4pm.
Tuesday 21 April at 11am & Thursday 23 April at 10am: Exercise with Darren Taylor
Leading another two sessions this week, Darren will be continuing to keep everyone active and energised.
As usual, both sessions will be low intensity, the difference being that Tuesdays will be seated and Thursdays will be standing. Feel free to join whichever session suits you best or, even better, join us for both.
Darren has a message for everyone who has taken part so far:
“Thank you! The people attending the sessions and all the lovely comments are so overwhelming, I’m loving it!”
Join Darren on Facebook on 21 April at 11am and 23 April at 10am.
Tuesday 21st April at 2pm: A talk with Air Vice-Marshal Mark Neal, RAFA Trustee
In a slight change to our advertised Virtual Brew session this afternoon, join RAFA Trustee Air Vice-Marshal Mark Neal to talk about his career in the RAF, and life after. As an engineering officer commissioned shortly after an RAF apprenticeship in air communications and radar, Mark spent much of his early career in ground-based air defence. He served the last 15 years of a 38-year RAF career in a variety of Defence information-related roles spanning strategy and policy, capability development and operations.
Join us at 2pm on Zoom by clicking this link: https://zoom.us/j/197321464
Wednesday 22 April at 11am: A chat with Air Cdre David McLoughlin, Head of RAF Medical Services
Air Commodore David McLoughlin joined the RAF in 1988 as a medical cadet. After qualifying in medicine from Queens University, Belfast and numerous RAF postings, David took up the post of Inspector General for the Defence Medical Services on promotion to Air Commodore in 2017. During this tour he reviewed primary healthcare performance, investigated suicides in service personnel and created the Defence Medical Services Regulator. He took up the post of AO Medical Operations in 2018, and was appointed Head of RAF Medical Services in February 2020.
We will be asking David about his career, the current challenges, and about life away from the RAF.
Join us on Zoom on Wednesday 22 April 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.
Thursday 23 April at 11am: Tip and Run Raids with aviation historian Chris Goss
Joining us for his fourth consecutive week, aviation historian Chris Goss will be speaking about the Luftwaffe’s ‘Tip and Run’ Raids.
After a 32-year career in the RAF and three years working for a civilian company as its Head of Operations, Chris is now a full time aviation author and military historian. He is author of over 40 critically-acclaimed books covering aspects of the air war over North West Europe 1939-45. This week he will be focusing on the infamous Luftwaffe ‘Tip and Run’ raids in 1942-43, which had a devastating effect on British morale.
Join us on Zoom on Thursday 23 April at 11:00 – 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.
Friday 24 April at 11am: Virtual Brew with the RAF Museum
RAF Stories, an oral history project developed by the Royal Air Force Museum, has collected hundreds of memories and experiences from RAF veterans, serving personnel and their families to form an ever-growing online collection.
Jess Boydon, Project Lead at the RAF Museum, will explore the stories of four inspiring women who she has interviewed during the course of the project. She will also show video footage of these women telling their stories about their service as an ATA pilot, a WAAF operation room clerk, the first female RAF pilot and a frontline paramedic.
Join us on Zoom on Friday 24 April at 11:00 – 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.
Friday 24 April at 3pm: Robbie Williams tribute show with Andy Wilsher
Back by popular demand, we are delighted to be joined again by ‘Andy Wilsher Sings’. This week he will be singing all things Robbie Williams. Andy has an amazing response from his growing fan club among you and is delighted to be joining us again.
Andy is an RAF Association branch committee member, standard bearer and professional musician who will entertain and wow you via Facebook Live.
Sunday 26th April at 2pm: Music of the 1940's
Our music selection expands with the wonderful voice of Sarah Jane, bringing you tunes of the 1940’s. Sarah says:
“Military and music are in my blood and therefore it made complete sense to follow suit. I joined the Air Training Corps at the age of 13 years old and achieved my grade 8 in clarinet performance by 17 having also just learned to fly solo at 16!”
“Many people ask me, how and why did I first begin performing the many great hits of the past and so, it’s only right that I explain…
“My husband had always had an interest in all things military, and in particular the 1940s. We decided to attend the Twinwood music festival together in 2012 and being a musician I was aware that this was where the last flight from Glenn Miller took place so I was very keen to attend.
It was pointed out to me that the Tin Hat Club had an open mic session and it would be worth me applying, so I did just that. I got the bug, and before I knew it I was hosting an event in my local town of Whitchurch, Shropshire – with the whole town, family and friends supporting me. I was then booked to perform at my Grandad’s local pub, then my Aunties WI flower arranging club, Nans art club and so on. Eight years on and I now have two CDs, have travelled the country, met some amazing characters, heard many stories and have performed to thousands of people – may the years continue.
My most prestigious events have been when working alongside the military, in particular for the RAF 100 celebrations and RAF Cranwell’s Party in the Park.”
Recipe of the week: TV chef Matt Tebbutt's calzone pizza
Matt presents Daily Kitchen Live on BBC 1 every week day, offering advice on how to make healthy meals with limited ingredients during the coronavirus lockdown.
Former RAF University Air Squadron cadet Matt supported the RAF Association at the ICAP Charity Day in December 2019, helping to raise the funds needed to deliver our new ‘Finding it Tough?’ mental wellbeing training courses.
“The RAF Association is a great cause and I am glad to be able to continue my support to the RAF community.”
Matt is particularly fond of his calzone pizza recipe:
“There are no specialist ingredients, you don’t need strong flour – which is something everyone is struggling to get hold of at the moment – and you can make a batch and freeze the calzone enabling you to have pizza anytime!”
Calzone Pizza
Serves 4
Ingredients for the dough
125g plain flour
1tsp baking powder
Large pinch of salt
1 large egg, beaten
1tbsp sunflower oil
2-3tbsp water
Ingredients for the calzone filling
50g mozzarella, grated or torn
1 time of chopped tomatoes, reduced by half in a pan
4 sticks of sprouting broccoli
½ onion, peeled and sliced
50g cheddar cheese, grated
2 rashers of bacon, cooked
1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped
2tbsp fresh herbs, or 1tsp dried herbs
Method for the dough
Place all the ingredients into a large glass bowl and mix together to form a dough. Or place in a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment and mix until a dough is formed.
On a floured work surface roll out the dough into 4 circles.
Pre-heat the oven to 200c. Place the baking tray or pizza stone in the over to heat up
Place all the ingredients on one side of the circle and fold the dough over to create a pasty shape. Seal using your fingers of fork.
Place on a lined baking tray or pizza stone carefully as it will be hot. Cook for 15-20 minutes.
Substitutes and nuggets
This dough does not use strong flour or yeast.
Any flour with a raising agent can be used. Plain flour, self-raising flour with baking powder. Or strong flour with dried or fresh yeast.
If using fast action dried yeast, there is no need to leave it to prove, you can use the dough straight away.
Any cheeses can be used.
Tomato puree or sun-dried tomatoes blended can be used instead of tinned tomatoes.
Any left-over vegetables can be used. Or you can use frozen or tinned.
Any meat, or left-over cooked meats can be used.
Frozen onion and garlic can be used.
The herbs can come from the growing herb box, or store cupboard.
The dough can be made the day before and left in the fridge overnight.
These calzones could be frozen whole once made, after it has been cooked. Don’t freeze them raw.
You can use frozen broccoli from this recipe. But make sure you defrost is first before putting in the calzone, as it will release too much water and make the dough soggy.
That’s all for this week. We hope this provides a little entertainment for you during these difficult times. Look out for the next email or visit this page in coming weeks to see what’s on in future weeks.
