Royal Air Forces Association Corsham and Chippenham Branch
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Annual Dinner
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Branch History
On this page we will record some of the events relating to Branch History |
Presidential Handover
Wg Cdr Steve Röver-Parkes the new Officer Commanding JSU Corsham has consented to be the new Branch President. The outgoing OC and previous Branch President, Wg Cdr Bernie Beaumont handed over to her successor at the Branch meeting on 10th August 2004. The Chairman offered a vote of thanks to Bernie, which was warmly supported by the members, and welcomed Steve to the Branch.
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Four Chairmen - 21 years
 | At the Annual General Meeting of the Corsham and Chippenham Branch on Tuesday 9 March 2004, Mike Woodberry took over as chairman from Les James. The handover took place under the watchful eyes of Branch Vice President and Ex-chairman John "Jock "Cruickshank, and John Reilly the founding chairman of the Branch.
L to R: Les James, John Reilly, Mike Woodberry, Jock Cruickshank
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2005 - 21st Anniversary
The Chippenham Branch suffered falling membership numbers and was closed. The Corsham and Chippenham Branch replaced it, coming into existence officially on Wednesday, 20th June 1984.
We commemorated the Anniversary with a Dinner and the publishing of a booklet. |
Anniversary Dinner
 | The Stanton Manor Hotel was the venue for the Branch 21st Anniversary Dinner held on Friday 17th June 2005. Forty-two members and guests dined in style. Mike Woodberry (The Chairman) welcomed our guests including Area Director Mike Snell, Ex-President Wg Cdr Bernie Beaumont, ex-RAFALO Dave Mayhew, John Paul Story of Rolls Royce, Flt Lt Whittaker OC 1304 Sqn ATC and representatives from Melksham and Bath branches.
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 | Chairman making a break for freedom
Mike briefly outlined the history of the branch, which continued from the Chippenham branch formed in 1946, and became the Corsham and Chippenham branch in 1984. Two members from the original meeting held at the Royal Oak, Corsham on 13 May 1984 were present: - Jock Cruickshank, chairman for 14 years and now vice-president, and Les Davis, vice-chairman. Mr Bill Wade another founding member died in 2002, but was remembered for his many years as Branch Welfare Officer and Wings Organiser. |
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 | Following the loyal toast, the Chairman proposed a toast to the Royal Air Forces Association, The Area Director replied with a toast to the Corsham and Chippenham Branch. Mike Snell outlined changes that have occurred within RAFA, particularly the Wales, Midland and South Western Area. He praised the branch on their achievements past and present and wished continued success for the future.
Mrs Sheila Payne was officially welcomed as a Branch Associate Member in recognition of her regular assistance with Wings Appeal collections over the past 20 years and presented with her membership card and lapel badge. |
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RAFA (SW) Concert Band Trio
The Trio from the RAFA (SW) Concert Band played members in to dinner, the National Anthem prior to the loyal toast and provided a medley of music during the meal.
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Commemorative Booklet
 | | Dave Mosdall has compiled a commemorative booklet giving the history of the Branch on the occasion of its 21st Anniversary. The book contains 23 member’s stories of their service careers and life in Civvy Street since retirement from the RAF. The stories are illustrated with colour and black and white photographs. The book is available at a cost of £10 per copy – telephone the Treasurer on 01249 465826 to order. |
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Civic Award
 | | At Chippenham Town Council’s Civic Sunday (9 September 2007) Mr Dave Mosdall was awarded the town’s Civic Award for his work with The Royal Air Forces Association and Diabetes UK in the Chippenham area. The award consisted of a framed Certificate of Appreciation and a glass tankard engraved with the Town Crest and was presented by the Mayor - Councillor Sandra Oakes. |
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Mr Bill Sims awarded Air Cadet Certificate
 | In 1955 Bill joined the Air Training Corps as an Instructor, being commissioned into the RAFVR(T) in 1957. Bill was Officer Commanding 1304 Chippenham Squadron for 12 years, being responsible for some 60 cadets in Chippenham and at the Detached Flight at RAF Rudloe Manor. Bill was promoted to Sqn Ldr and was on Wilts & Dorset Wing ATC staff at Boscombe Down. Bill is still a member of the Civilian Management Committee of 1304 Sqn In November 1991 Bill was awarded the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Certificate for his work with the Air Training Corps.
Mr Sims has now has been presented with a certificate for Long and Meritorious Voluntary Service after fifty two years with the Air Cadet Organisation. The ceremony took place at HQ Air Cadets, RAF Cranwell and the presentation was made by Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy KCB CBE DSO ADC BSc(Eng) FRAeS FCGI RAF, Chief of the Air Staff.
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