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Gordon's Birthday party 16 August 2010


Curium 2009 Gallery

Visit of Mrs. Mary Mearns from June 8th – June 22nd 2009 Mrs. Mary Mearns is an RAFA Life Member, Committee Member and Conference Delegate of the Thetford Branch. Flt Sgt. G. A. Mearns, Mary’s husband, passed away in 1976. At the time ‘Mickey’, as he was known, was responsible for the Trade Training and Examination of Motor Transport staff at RAF Akrotiri. While in Cyprus Mary was able to visit her husband’s grave at Dhekelia during the year that they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. During her visit Mary also enjoyed a meal with members of the Aphrodite Branch and attended the concert given by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force at St John’s school.

St Valentines Party 2008 57 members and guests attended the function this year the evening was enjoyed by all who came. There was a free raffle with 10 good prizes. Photos below from Sandy Welland and Jim Beveridge.

December 2007 News Items

Mr Don Welland who has been the Aphrodite Branch Newsletter Editor for many years stood down at the December 2007 meeting. As a mark of appreciation for his hard work Don was presented with an engraved glass plaque by the Branch Chairman Gordon Boam, for his many years of service to the Newsletter, which has kept all members across the island informed of past and forthcoming events of RAFA.

Money for 2007 Wings Appeal Ł7704 Stirling
The grand total of Ł7,704 Stirling was raised this year for The Wings Appeal by the Aphrodite Branch. The money was raised by monthly raffles, station visits, Saturday morning tea and biscuits, bottle stalls and various activities throughout the year. A tremendous effort and a big thank you to everyone concerned.

Back in a Mess
The Aphrodite Branch celebrated their return to the Sergeant’s Mess at the December Christmas Lunch meeting. It was a well attended meeting of members and their guests with once again Sandy and Trisha adding a further festive air with their sparkling Christmas headgear and earrings.

Overall, a tremendous response from the sales of Christmas Draw raffle tickets with 51 varying prizes ranging from Bed & Breakfast in top hotels through to gift boxes of wines and spirits. Thanks to all who donated and those who did the footwork.

The Christmas Dinner was served by the Staff of the Sergeant’s Mess was delicious and plentiful, plus lots of Mince pies, baked by the ladies of the Association, finished off the meal and added a further Christmassy touch to the evening.

A very enjoyable evening was had by all with the next meeting being held a week later than normal on the 9th January 2008.

A special mention to Trish and Sandy who played in this year’s Christmas Panto at RAF Akrotiri – Trouble in Pantoland (Again).

Remembrance Service 2007

Sunday 11-11-2007. The Aphrodite Branch attended the service and paraded its colours on a rather windy morning.

RAFA Garden Party 2007

With a guest list of over 145 people (including various VIPs) The Aphrodite branch had what was possibly its best ever Garden Party at Akrotiri house to date. A very special thanks to the Apollo Branch and the Larnaca Sub Branch for their large attendance, it was good to meet and chat to lots of ex RAF personnel about past exploits.

The Party started punctually with a speech from The Station Commander, Gp Capt John Conway, who welcomed everyone to Akrotiri House. Chairman Gordon Boam gave the dedication and handed over to The Branch President, Air-Vice Marshal Lacey CBF Cyprus who had to graciously give-way to a flypast from a Tornado of 111Sqdn during a surprise flypast.

There were a variety of tasty canapes served during the start of the evening by staff from the Officers Mess and No1 Overseas Sqdn Air Cadets.

The meal, served by the staff of the Mess was delicious and plentiful. The wine flowed freely as guests tucked in and enjoyed every last bit as the Akrotiri Voluntary Band played softly in the back ground.

The evening was a complete success with the Raffle raising around Ł252cy. There are many people to thank who made this evening possible The Station Commander, Cpl Laurie Dow and all the RAFALOs, The Band, Sandy and Trish, The Mess Staff, the Air Cadets, SAC Paul Robertshaw, All our Guests and any one else who had a hand behind the scenes. ( Especially The SWO, Mr Houghton for letting us on the Station without making us visit The Barbers)

SAC Paul Robertshaw
Station Photographic Section

Beach Party 2007

The 4th of July was celebrated by The Aphrodite Branch's Beach Party, at The Sunshine Beach Club, Curium, with around 110 guests we had a great night. The RAFALO's had the most bottles on the table. (as usual) The evening was opened at 8 by Gordon, who gave the dedication.

Derrick Knapp our membership Secretary, who was earlier in the evening a Judging the local beach beauty competition was called to the floor by our Chairman to accept The Amodio Trophy, which the Branch won outright for is recruitment performance.

Then a bitter sweet moment as Sgt Mark "Wilkie" Wilkinson made his last attendance to The Aphrodite Branch before being posted back to the foggy fenlands. Mark was awarded a plaque with the content of the original Citation which was successfully submitted to, and approved by The Commanding Officer British Forces Cyprus. As a mark of appreciation Mark was presented with a engraved Glass tankard, which we all hope he will use when drinking his favourite tipple in UK. We were happy and fortunate to have Mark, his Wife Cilla and the kids in our times at Akrotiri, we are very sad to see them go.

The meal was served around 8.30, everyone commented about the quality and value. later the raffle was drawn and everyone boogied into the night with some funky rock songs that made some of us realise that we were slowing down a little.

RED ARROWS DAY 2007

Thursday the 10th of May 2007 started off wet windy and downright miserable, leaving a lot of people thinking will there be a Red Arrows day or not!

Not to be beaten by the weather, hundreds of members and their guests made the annual pilgrimage to TPMH RAF Akrotiri to see the Reds in action, cars and coaches started arriving from 0900hrs right up to the last minute. Due to the heavy rain in the early part of the morning all the guests seats had to be dried off with paper towels which the RAFALOs soon got to grips with, and everyone was seated on time.

As you would expect at bang on 10.00hrs The Red Arrows kept there appointment with RAFA to give us on of the best displays yet. The Oooos and the Ahhhhhs from the audience were as loud as the aircraft themselves. With an excellent commentary from Red10 throughout the 20 minute display the rain kept away and the show was concluded with the usual bomb burst.

Guests then had chance to meet with each other and some of the Red arrows staff, buy memorabilia, Tea and cakes.

At 1130 The Rendezvous Club was the destination of 168 members and their guests who also visited the Station Museum in-between drinks.

A fine cold meat buffet was served with lashings of all kinds of salads with more than enough for everyone, afterwards announcements were then made and the raffle was drawn.

The Aphrodite branch on behalf of all its members would like to thank The Station Commander, the RAFALOs, The Staff of TPMH and all the people who worked so hard to give us a day to remember.
Last but not least Our thanks go directly to Those magnificent Men in their Red Flying Machines
Long may they remain so!!!

14/04/07

Dear Mr Boam

It gives me great pleasure to confirm that the Aphrodite Branch has won the Amodio (Overseas) Trophy for the highest number of new members recruited during 2006 by an Overseas Branch.

The President and Central Council of the Association join me in sending our warmest congratulations. This is a splendid achievement and I would ask that our gratitude is passed on to all those who contributed to this enormous success.

The Trophy will be presented on the Sunday morning at our Annual Conference in Bournemouth during the weekend of 18 to 20 May. I understand Cpl Lorraine Dow will receive it on your behalf.

Once again our congratulations and best wishes to you and your Branch for 2007.

Yours sincerely

Edward Jarron

Secretary General

cc: Overseas Area Director

Please convey our thanks to all members of Royal Air Force Association (Apollo) who attended our service of dedication last Saturday. we wish to also thank your association for permitting your Branch Standard to parade

Your members support was special to us , we wish we could have invited more people. I`m sorry if we were unable to speak with you all and hope that you enjoyed the event.

Kind regards
Jim Groves
(Branch Secreatray RMPA Cyprus)

St Valentines night 2007 .
Our Dinner/Dance at the Arsinoe Hotel, Limassol went exceptionally well and was enjoyed by 120 members and guests some from

The Apollo Branch, Larnaca Sub Branch and the Royal British Legion. The evening started with a welcome drink in the atrium and then once seated we were called up for the buffet, which was top class. The music, which kept going from 8pm until midnight was provided by Nicolas on guitar and synthesiser, he had us singing and dancing until we could take no more! During his short break we held the free draw for which we had 14 prizes.
I think a very big thank you must go to the hotel management & their staff for all their help with the arrangements, service and making it a night to remember and once again, a special thanks to Sandy for her hard work. All in all the best one yet.

Gordon.

Adam Gardener sent these Photos from the RNA event at Dhekelia O Club.


Brian King of 5001 AC Squadron presented a Crest and Framed history on behalf of the ACBA to the Akrotiri Station Museum, which was received by Wg Cdr John Conway at the 1st November 06 meeting. Read More

1st November 06 meeting.

Wing Commander Conway was presented with a Cheque from the Aphrodite Branch by Chairman Gordon Boam, the money will be forwarded to the Station Aminites Fund.

"Well Done" to the all members of the Aphrodite Branch, we have sent back Ł7264.66 to UK this year.

Battle of Britain Church Parade 2006.
Derrick Knapp sent this picture of a well attended Church service held at Akrotiri
on Sunday 17-09-06

RAFA Battle of Britain Garden Party 2006

After another year of fund raising for the Wings Appeal it was time to reflect with bottle of wine or two on the effort and dedication demonstrated by the members and say thank you to everyone involved. Over Ł6000 was raised by Aphrodite Branch, and to celebrate our annual Battle of Britain Garden Party was held at Akrotiri House on the 13 Sep 06 with the kind permission of Air Commodore & Mrs Claire Bairsto; who have steadfastly supported the branch throughout their 15 month tenure and we thank them whole-heartedly and wish them well in their new posting

With a guest list of over 100 people (including various VIPs, extra special guests US Armed Forces and of course our new President (Air-Vice Marshal & Mrs Lacey) a splendid setting and exceptional food provided by the excellent chefs from Inflight Catering, the setting was set for an unforgettable evening. The guests were piped in wonderfully by a Royal Air Force Piper Cpl Andy Edgar from 22 Sqn RAF Chivenor.

The programme of events included the inauguration of the new President and an extra special thank-you to United States Armed Forces (US Navy and US Marine Corp personnel); who raised over an amazing CŁ1100 on Saturday 9 Sep 06 performing a Charity Car Wash outside FDS, much to the delight of the ladies of RAF Akrotiri; again thank-you.

A special treat for the members and guests was provided by Sgt Keith Finlay CSSU and again Cpl Edgar, who performed superlative Drum and Piper duet much to the delight of the invited guests. The musical interlude was supplied by the Akrotiri Voluntary Band who played charmingly. The guests, once again parted with their monies during the raffle; the most desired prize (framed rare print of a Griffin Helicopter gifted by Mrs Bairsto) was acquired most appropriately by the US Marine Corp.

A special mention has to go to the RAFALOS from RAF Cottesmore led by CT Dave Craven, who presented a station plaque to the Chairman Mr Gordon Boam during their visit to Cyprus.

Once again the people of RAF Akrotiri, Dhekelia, Ay Nik and their surrounding areas have shown enormous generosity towards the RAFA and its efforts to provide care and comradeship to all. If you would like further details of the RAFA, who meet at the RV Club RAF Akrotiri (opposite Supply Sqn) on the first Wednesday of the month, please contact your local RAFA Liaison Officers: Sgt 'Wilky' Wilkinson (Ext 6319), Cpl Lori Dow (Ext 5612) or Cpl Martin Titmarsh 6289 .

Awash with US Marines
Operation Carwash 2006. 10.00hrs 9-9-06
So there they were, soaking wet, covered in sweat with muscles burning from the toil of the day's labour as the sun beat down upon the brows of US Marine Captain Rudy Salcido and his men. No vehicles were allowed to leave Akrotiri unwashed. The two endless queues of grime and filth that were lined up outside the Education section where they were transformed into showroom condition vehicles by an Army of US Marine Corps personnel.

As the sponges moved left and right beneath their hands in endless repetition two very big Marines held a large banner across the road to the guardroom and channelled all the traffic into the carwash area, there was no escape!

Two endless queues of grime

Captain Rudy Salcido

Shiny Wheels

After 6 hours of pure enthusiasm and good humoured salesmanship, 50 Marines raised a staggering Ł1100 for the Aphrodite branch of RAFA at Akrotiri. The RAFA LO's and the members of the branch would like to thank Richard Townend of the US Navy who organized the event and all the Marines who took part in this fund raising extravaganza.

Our names are Les and Gerry Miscandlon ex RAF Akrotiri 1964/1967.

While at Akrotiri Les met Geraldine (daughter of W.O. Bill O'Leary RAF Regiment). We married at the R.C. church on the 10th September 1966. and this year is our 40th wedding anniversary, We came back to Cyprus on the 10th of September 06 to mark the occasion. Thanks to The Aphrodite Branch website we were able to arrange a visit to camp on the day of our 40th anniversary, Bill also arranged with Father Francis Barber to have our wedding blessed during the morning service at the RC Church.
Thanks again to the Aphrodite Branch of RAFA.
Les and Gerry

Curium 2006 Beach Party
86 Attended and a great night was had by all.

Here are the photos Paul Tarrant took at the beach party. Thanks Paul.

The presentation to Corporal Lori Dow of a framed photograph of her taken at the RAFA Conference receiving the The Amodio Trophy.

Sandy Welland receiving the Wally Marriott Friendship Trophy for outstanding contribution to the running of the Branch.

Derrick Knapp receiving a trophy for his hard work as membership secretary.

Presentation of a cheque for 101 CYP? to the RAFA from a sponsored bicycle ride from The Troodos Mountains to Pissouri Beach 68 km approx

RAFLOs Rule!!
"With a table like a Bottle Bank"

Well done!

The 7th of June 2006 was BBQ night at the Rendezvous Club. An unexpected event was the news that the Branch had been awarded the Amodio Trophy. (won jointly with the Malta branch) This was presented by WSBA and Station Commander Grp Capt C.A. Bairsto RAF President of RAFA Aphrodite Branch to the Chairman Gordon Boam. (photo courtesy of Mrs Christine Bircham).

June the 8th Families Day on the Sports Field. The RAFA Bottle Stall at The Akrotiri Fun Day sold out early due to an excellent response from the public. The Branch collected 106 Bottles, breaking all previous records.

RAFA Fund Raising event Mountain 2 Sea 2006 On 7TH May 2006 four airmen and one 16yr old dependent from RAF Akrotiri Supply Sqn CSSU, entered the annual Mountain 2 Sea bike race with the hope of raising a few worthy pounds for RAFA and also to gain a sense of achievement along with some tender saddle sores. Cpl Lee O?Grady organised the event for the Sqn and had no problem getting more than enough people to support and accompany him on this demanding and dangerous extreme sport. A team of eleven men and one lady support driver set off at 06:45am on a cool misty and very windy Cyprus day from the Station Main Gymnasium, to make the registration time at Troodos Base Camp. The decision was to split into two teams of three people and a third team of five. Comprising of the fastest and most experienced, the young and fearless, and then a mixture of youth experience, and ? an elderly gentleman, known to us all as ?Pat? the Warrant Officer. We pedalled off with brake neck speed at 10:25am to meet a rough steep downhill with as many turns as stones and potholes. We all knew that the Sea was at the bottom of the mountain, but finding it was not that easy. I am sure they read the information pack incorrectly and it should have been Mountain To See a Mountain! With SAC Hollingshaw (team 3) who was experienced and egger to show off his Mountain bike skills to the team, but only showed off his wounds at the first and second first aid point. This had no adverse effect on the rest of the team as they weaved in and out of literally death defying cliffs and down paths and roads at speeds in excess of 45 Kilometres an hour this excitement unbeknown to them put them off track by an extra 16 Kilometres. By this time Pat was surprising everybody even the young 16yr old, by sheer determination and the way he kept his woollen fleece on though out the whole trek, not to mention the times he zoomed passed some of the younger members of the team. As they arrived at Pissouri Bay 5hrs 20mins later and 68k the wiser, coupled with a 30-meter cool swim, an ice-cold pint awaited them! This event raised over cŁ100:00 for RAFA and the team are looking forward to the next fund raising event, which will take place in September.

Jim and Beth Beveridge, Cyprus


By Peter Hinchliffe, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WHEN Jim and Beth Beveridge travelled to visit their daughters in Australia the journey became an adventure: (Click here to Find Out More ..................)

June 2006

The Aphrodite Branch was Awarded a certificate for sending in excess of 5,000 pounds back to UK (6,500). for Wings Appeal.

Sandy Welland was also nominated for the Wally Marriot Trophy only for Overseas Branch's for her unending work for RAFA Aphrodite Branch, and she won it.

Thanks to Cpl Lorrie Dow & Sac Martin Tidmarsh for representing our branch at the RAFLO's Conference in Blackpool and collecting the Amodio Award.

And thanks to Cpl O,Grady for his efforts in raising 100 pounds on his cycle ride from Troodos to Pissouri.

The RAFA Bottle Stall at The Akrotiri Fun Day sold out early due to an excellent response from the public. The Branch collected 106 Bottles, breaking all previous records.

RAF AKROTIRI MUSEUM

A new RAF museum was opened on 19th May. It will be housed in the opposite end of the Station Commander's Office which lies back across the road from the RV Club.
RAFA members would be most welcome to help out with the running of the Museum. Do you fancy becoming a part-time Curator for a couple of hours 2 days a week?
If you are interested please contact FIt. Lt Craig King OJ.C. Museum on 25 276 111 (working hours) or speak to a RAFA Committee member.

Are there any members who have videos, CD's or DVD's of RAF or aviation interest who would agree to swaps or loans with other members?
Adam Gardner would be willing to copy members videos on to DVD in return for a donation to Wings Appeal.
If you are interested please contact Adam or any member of the Committee.

Mrs Margaret Nowell recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Margaret is the widow of Squadron Leader Len Nowell, better known as 'Shorty' who was an Engineering Officer from before World War II.
Margaret was a regular member of RAFA and Sandy Welland, our social organiser called on her at the Constantinou Clinic to offer congratulations on behalf of the Aphodite Branch. She was in fine fettle and proudly showed off her royal birthday card that she received from Her Majesty The Queen.
We were very pleased to receive a message from her daughter thanking the Branch for remembering her birthday.

RAFA Visitor Tours of Akrotiri

The visitors list is growing bigger by the day and is bringing in some very generous donations, (Sue is going to apply for a married quarter on camp just to see Bill once in a while). The Aphrodite Branch would like to take this opportunity to thank all our visitors for their donations since the visitors scheme started.

On the 10th of may we had a visit from the family of Flight Lieutenant William Banks DFC, ex 84 Squadron His son Peter, his wife Janice and their son Thomas. Thomas wanted to see his Grandfathers Medals, especially the DFC, which the family gave to the
squadron on his death.

84 Squadron gave the family a good reception and Thomas was delighted to hold the Medals of his Grandfather, later he was given a tour of an 84 Sqdn Griffon helicopter. The visit was concluded by a tour of the Station.

Thomas with his Grandfathers medals

All aboard the Griffon

OUR FUTURE PILOTS?

Cdt Sgt Howden

Cdt Sgt Howden is well on his way to achieving his ambition to become a pilot in the RAF. He started by gaining a scholarship from No 1 (Overseas) Akrotiri Squadron, Air Training Corps to learn to fly. Both the Aphrodite and Apollo branches of the RAFA contributed to the cost of the Scholarship.

After only nine hours tuition in a Cessna of the RAF Akrotiri Flying Club, he went solo on Sunday Morning, 5th March. Cdt Sgt Howden is the son of RAF Sergeant Howden, a clerk, serving at RAF Akrotiri and Mrs Michelle Howden who is the HIVE organizer for the WSBA., she is also the ATC squadron adjutant. Cdt Sgt Howden has recently retrurned from a visit to RAF Cranwell, where he was accepted as a member of the Air Training Corps band which will be in Cyprus for a visit in October.2006. They will be giving a concert in the School Hall of St John’s School, Episkopi on Saturday, 28th October. He shortly will be sitting his GCSE examinations, but prior to that, will be going with his school on a trip to Nepal.

ATC Cadet; Sgt Carl Mesher
Our Vice President, Jim Beveridge, who is also the Chairman of the Civilian Committee of No 1 (Overseas) Akrotiri Squadron, Air Training Corps, was pleased, on 12th July, to present to Cadet Sergeant Carl Mesher his certificate of achieving a solo flight in a Cessna 172 aircraft of the Royal Air Force Akrotiri Flying club.

This was the culmination of the "Flying Scholarship" awarded to Carl in December 2004 with the financial participation of The Aphrodite Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association.
The delay in completion of the Scholarship was because Carl was also sitting his GCSE Examinations. He had to get his priorities right!
His next task is to pass his driving test- when he is old enough.

The 50th anniversary of RAF Akrotiri

At the Annual Garden party the Branch also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of RAF Akrotiri on 1st July 1955. As result of terrorist activity the base was established on Akrotiri to handle traffic diverted from Nicosia, which was 'temporarily' closed.

The base has been a key factor in maintaining a Middle East presence over the years and has been a very effective staging post for all the Middle East crises including Suez the two Gulf wars an most recently in Iraq.

Over these fifty years it has developed from a barren windswept peninsular into the extensive base it is today.

We as a Branch are privileged to be associated with RAF Akrotiri and are encouraged by the support the base gives us.
Did you know that RAF Akrotiri have their historical background on their own website at www.raf.mod.uk/rafakrotiri/pages/history/earlydays.htm and www.rafakrotiri.co.uk also in support of RAFA in Cyprus or do a Google search for RAF Akrotiri - you'll be surprised at what you will find!

Don Welland

Back to Her Roots
Allison Hooper daughter of John and Beverley Pembridge was born at TPMH 19th November 1968. Allison who now lives in Abatillery in Wales has always tried to picture the place she was born, with some careful surprise planning from her father, on the 28 December 2005 she made a visit to Akrotiri and TPMH.
Accompanied by by her husband Dale and their two sons Thomas and Edward, also parents John and Beverley they were given an accompanied tour of the Station by RAFA Chairman Gordon Baom and RAFA Historian Bill Cundall.
John was Stationed at RAF Episkopi from 1967 to 1970 as a Supplier, the family lived in Berengaria and they spent their leisure time at Akrotiri where John played Rugby.

The Aphrodite Branch would like to thank the family for their most generous donation to RAFA

GRAND CHRISTMAS DRAW 2005 A well attended meeting of members and their guests with Sandy and Trisha adding a further festive air with their sparkling Christmas headgear and earrings. Overall, a tremendous response from the sales of raffle tickets with the biggest, single customer being Supply Squadron, which showed in their success in the draw. Responsibility fell mainly on the RAFLO, Mark Wilkie, who looked somewhat like the real Santa when he left with arms full of prizes, to deliver to the winners at Supply Squadron. The large selection of 44 varying prizes ranged from Bed & Breakfast in top hotels through to gift boxes of wines and spirits. Thanks to all who donated and those who did the footwork. Mince pies, baked by the ladies of the Association, finished off the meal and added a further Christmassy touch to the evening. A very enjoyable evening was had by all with the next meeting being held a week later than normal on the 11th January 2006.
2005 Battle of Britain Service - St Pauls Church RAF Akrotiri 18 September
The Annual Battle of Britain Church Service was held at RAF Akrotiri and attended by some Members of the Aphrodite Branch.

2005 Battle of Britain Garden Party Wednesday 14 September 2005 the venue was Akrotiri House. "Bernard Walker was impressed", in fact everyone was totally engrossed in the proceedings. As guests arrived they were greeted with music from a Piper of Royal Highland Fusiliers. Drinks were served and the Akrotiri Voluntary Band played gently in the background as guests mingled and chatted in the well cared for gardens. The Dedication was given by the Chairman Gordon Boam, then followed a welcome to all from The Station Commander on behalf of Himself and his Wife. Excitement arose as we viewed a Fine Flypast from an 84 Sqdn SAR Griffin Helicopter, the Crew delighted everyone with a few low passes. The Buffet can only be described as "Fit for a King (or Queen)" and the portions were very generous indeed, followed by a delicate array of Sweet Deserts. The Raffle kept everyone on the edge of their seats as lots fantastic prizes were won. The best had yet to come! We had a surprise Auction, a Candle Lit Dinner for Two at Akrotiri House to be served by The Station Commander and his Wife, the Auction took everyone by storm as it accelerated through the Ł100 mark. The Auction finally raised Ł130 by the successful bidders Anita and John Goodsman. The evening was enjoyed by everyone the Wine flowed fast and furious, we had had overrun our time of departure by at least an hour because we enjoyed ourselves so much. NB Book early for next year!





After a year of fund raising for the Wings Appeal it was time to reflect with glass of wine or two on the endeavour and commitment demonstrated by the members and say thank you to everyone involved; this year nearly Ł6000 was raised by Aphrodite Branch, and to celebrate our annual Battle of Britain Garden Party was held at Akrotiri House on the 14 Sep 05. With a guest list of over 90 people (that included CBF and various dignitaries and of course our new President Comd WSBA & Mrs Bairsto) a magnificent setting and exceptional food, the setting was set for an unforgettable evening. Guests were piped in magnificently by a 1RHF Piper (Fusilier Young) Entertainment was provided by the Akrotiri Voluntary Band who played delightfully. Once again the people of WSBA have shown enormous generosity towards the RAFA and its efforts to provide care and comradeship to all. If you would like further details of the RAFA, who meet at the RV Club RAF Akrotiri (opposite Supply Sqn) on the first Wednesday of the month, please contact your local RAFA Liaison Officers: Sgt ‘Wilky’ Wilkinson (Ext 6319) or Cpl Jeff Worswick (Ext 6289).

Happy Birthday Gordon Gordon Boam's 65th Birthday Bash at The Kanaris Taverna on the 16th of August. The happy event was well attended with 24 people making short work of this fine Birthday cake.

AKROTIRI FAMILIES DAY The Families Day on Friday May 6th once again saw us with our bottle stall. With our members help we amassed over 100 bottles which the we set up ready for business by 9.30 am. After a slow start things started to pick up and we had several surges of customers which needed all hands on deck and fortunately we had plenty of those. We were lucky to have our stall next to the main arena so everyone was able to see what was happening and of course our stall was very convenient for the spectators. A big thank you to all of you who helped on the day, and thanks to you, the members, for your generous donations of bottles.

Flying Scholarship The Vice President, Jim Beveridge, who is also the Chairman of the Civilian Committee of No 1 (Overseas) Akrotiri Squadron, Air Training Corps, was pleased, on 12th July, to present to Cadet Sergeant Carl Mesher his certificate of achieving a solo flight in a Cessna 172 aircraft of the Royal Air Force Akrotiri Flying club. This was the culmination of the "Flying Scholarship" awarded to Carl in December 2004 with the financial participation of The Aphrodite Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association.
The delay in completion of the Scholarship was because Carl was also sitting his GCSE Examinations. (He had to get his priorities right! : his next task is to pass his driving test- when he is old enough)

RAFA APHRODITE BRANCH 19th BIRTHDAY PARTY This year we decided to do something a bit different for our 'Birthday Bash'. We had a beach party at Chris's Blue Beach Tavern on Curium Beach. and 133 people can't be wrong! After the dedication and social notices some of our stalwart lady members used their charms to sell raffle tickets and raised over two hundred pounds for our Wings Appeal! After the dedication our chairman, Gordon Boam, read a message from our immediate Past President, Group Capt Nick Randle, thanking us for our hospitality and warmth and wishing us well in the future. It was then time for the food which was very good and quickly served and it was good to see plenty of restaurant staff to see to our needs. Then it was on with the dancing to the 'Wicked Willy' disco which went on till midnight, apart from a short break for the raffle prize draw. Apart from the Branch celebrations we had one member, Margaret Edwards, who recently married Graham and is now Mrs Simpson; and two other well established long standing members, our Vice President Jim Beveridge and his wife, Beth, celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary this month. All in all it was a most enjoyable evening. Email your pics of this event


Jim Beveridge sent these photos below of the Beach Party.

Valentines Party 2005

Our annual Valentine's Day party was held at the Navarria hotel in Limassol on 12th February. There were fifty nine members and their guests present.

The hotel put on an extensive buffet meal with both hot and cold dishes.

The music was provided by a versatile Duo and they kept us on the floor till late. Sheila Baker had done a wonderful job of decorating the tables and organised an excellent raffle. The hotel provided 'floating' balloons which we were not allowed to keep as they wanted them for another party!

It was a very enjoyable evening.