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Mayor of Newquay Cllr Carl Leadbetter, himself a retired Wing Commander RAF, chose Royal Air Force Association Branch RAF St Mawgan as one of his charities for his year in office.

We are delighted to report that at his outgoing ceremony in Newquay on the 31st May 2017, Mayor Carl presented a cheque to our Vice Chairman Paul Hedge a cheque for just over £ 3000.

We are indebted to Carl for his generosity and will put the funds to good use locally as instructed.

We look forward to welcoming Carl to branch for another ceremony in the presence of the membership.

Thanks to Beth Perry of the Newquay Voice for permission to use the image.

RAFA RAF St Mawgan reigned supreme in Mount Charles and were crowned Cornwall County RAFA Quiz Champions 2017 pictured left to right Mick Headleand, Paul Hedge, Margaret Goudge, Steve Richards and the trophy was presented by Lance Smale our County Chairman.

Well done guys !

Several members braved the fine weather to make a visit to Davidstow and the Cornwall at War Museum. A great time was had by all and thanks to John Beale for arranging.

Members of The Royal Air Forces Association Branch from RAF St Mawgan, along with North Cornwall, Falmouth, Bodmin and Camborne Branch members, recently attended the 13^th Annual Reunion weekend and AGM of the Wales, Midland and South West Area of the Royal Air Forces Association.

The event was held at the Derwent Hotel in Torquay over the weekend of the 17th of March.  The weekend gave members an updated and important insight into the excellent collective support and welfare work for both serving and RAF veterans and their families, carried out by the Association.  Barry Fryett who lives in Newquay and our Standard Bearer for the branch, took part in the Standard Bearers competition held on the Saturday, and did a tremendous job against some very stiff competition.  Two very enjoyable and lively nights of entertainment were provided, with the RAF’s ‘Shades of Blue’ Band providing some excellent dance music on the Saturday evening.  A church service was held in the Hotel on the Sunday morning with over 30 Standards presented; this included our own Cornwall County Standard carried by Paul Hedge from Newquay, and the Vice Chair of the St Mawgan branch.   If anyone is interested in joining the RAF St Mawgan RAF Association Branch further details can be gained from emailing rafastmawgan@gmail.com or look on our website https://www.rafastmawgan.org

Members of the branch braved the elements today, 15th October 2016,  to visit Turn to Starboard down in Falmouth, sadly the opportunity to go sailing didn’t come off but everyone had a great day and the chance to look around the 90ft Schooner Spirit of Falmouth. Visit their website ( www.turntostarboard.co.uk ) to find out more about this great charity founded by our good friend Squadron Leader ( Ret’d ) Shaun Pascoe and supported by the Royal Air Force Association.

It’s been a busy summer with collections for the Wings Appeal, branch members have been at Morrisons & Sainsburys in Newquay, Tesco in Wadebridge together with various other sites including the Antiques Fair and assisting with the Truro Day. Not forgetting our presence at the Royal Cornwall Show. A selection of pictures follow of some of these events…….

It is with great sadness that we report of the sudden passing of our Vice Chairman Mr Albert John Coles. John was not only our Vice Chairman but our Wings Appeal Organiser and Voting Delegate, he worked tirelessly for many years for RAFA and has been a leading figure in our branch since it’s inception three and half years ago. He will be greatly missed and leaves us with a rather large hole to fill not only in involvement but in wider experience. Our thoughts are very much with Shirley and the family.

Happier times – John ( pictured on the left ) in his element manning the stand along with Steve

The funeral will take place on Monday the 27th June 2016 at 2.30pm at the Parish Church St Eval followed by the burial in the church grounds. The wake post burial is at the Community Centre.

Dress – Servicemen No 1 with medals and RAFA Members Blazers / Jackets with Medals.

Would all of you who are attending please let Secretary Mr Alan Goudge know if you are intending on staying post service, so that he may pass on expected number for refreshments.

Can I ask you all to be seated in the Church by 2.15pm. If no seats available standing room to the rear and right hand side is available.

On the 1st of June the branch welcomed Mr Nick Bunting, the Secretary General of the Royal Airforces Association, along with Area Director Mr Paul Baker. A good showing of members turned out to enjoy a quiz and a pasty and both Nick and Paul actively took part, thankfully on losing teams !! No prizes for guessing that on this occasion we allowed our own President and current Station Commander of RAF St Mawgan Wg Cdr Guy Bazelgette the honour of taking first place ….. the Treasurer’s team comprising his good lady, County Chairman, County Treasurer and the Branch Chairman’s good lady came a tactical second because the Prosecco tastes better than the Champagne …. honest Baz !! A selection of photos follow:

Received in the post this morning this wonderful card from a grateful recipient of support from the Branches’ Welfare Fund. The interior text was to thank us and specifically Mr Bill McLaughlin, our Welfare Officer, for the help over the past 12 months. It is humbling to receive this as it means that someone has taken the time and trouble to sit and write it then post it to us.