RAF Association Stall, St Georges Day

RAFA Benalmádena Branch had a successful Day at the recent St.George's Day celebrations, held in Plaza Mesquita, Arroyo de la Miel.

Quite apart from the excellent stand, see below, and despite the foul weather, the event raised the profile of the Branch and promoted our cause here in Spain.

The press and radio stations gave us lots of good publicity and we are hopeful of a few new members.

We concentrated on the Welfare side of RAFA and what it does for both the retired and serving RAF personnel and their dependents.

What has to be said though is a big thanks to 2 members of our Committee, Reg Hayward our Treasurer, and Georgina Young our Public Relations Officer. They joined the St.George's Day Organising Committee, which was chaired by Dr. Martin Peters of The British Society, and took on the same roles with them. Between them they organised the event Sponsorship, Bank Account and finance management, Publicity, Stall Allocation, many prizes for the Grand Draw (and the Draw itself), and many other things too numerous to mention.

Live entertainment was provided throughout the event with some superb acts performing "on-stage".

The event was opened jointly by the Malaga British Vice-Consul, Dominic Jackson, and Enrique Moya, the Mayor of Benalmádena.

In 2011 two local charities will benefit from the monies raised by the Grand Draw, sharing around 2000€; the English Cemetery in Malaga, and ANABE, a local charity providing great help for physically and mentally disabled people.

RAF Association 70th Anniversary of the
Battle of Britain Dinner Dance

The Benalmádena Branch of RAFA held this special event at the Resort Sol Andalusi, Alhaurin de la Torre, on Saturday 11th September. This was as close to the actual date as possible and coincided with the start of the annual RAFA Wings Week during which a concentrated effort is made to collect money for the RAFA Wings Appeal.

The evening was attended by Stephen Jones, the British Consul and his Vice-Consul, Roslyn Crotty MBE, as Guests of Honour, and RAFA members and friends. During the evening, Stephen Jones accepted an Honorary Vice-Presidency of the Branch. This will bring our Branch relationship with the Consulate closer and further enhance the respect each party has for the other.

Following arrival Aperitifs on the Terrace, the Branch Standard was paraded by Reg Hayward into the dining theatre, the RAFA Dedication to those who gave their lives in the many conflicts was recited, and a minutes´ silence observed. A three course dinner was then served. The atmosphere was enhanced by film of the RAF past and present being projected to a screen on the stage and backed by music of the period. Following dinner and a short speech from the British Consul, the guests were entertained by the excellent Karl Knight. A raffle raised €242 for the cause. As is often the case, the evening was too short.

Remembrance Sunday

Held on Sunday 14th November 2010, in the presence of the Australian Ambassador and the British Consul (Malaga)

Gibraltar Trip

The RAFA organised visit to Royal Air Force Gibraltar on 21st May was very successful and enjoyed by all so much that it is hoped to make it an annual event.

Our party of 39 started with a bus ride to Gibraltar where we were met by the Gibraltar RAFA representatives. After a short break we were welcomed by the Station Commander who interrupted a very busy schedule to speak to us. This was followed by a demonstration by the RAF Bomb Disposal Unit which was extremely eye opening and informative. Lunch was then taken in the WO´s and Sgt´s mess after which we were treated to a visit round the Police Dog Section and then an entertaining demonstration of the dog´s capabilities. As if that were not enough, there followed a visit to the WW2 Tunnels after which everyone fell into the bus for the return to Benalmádena.

We cannot thank RAF Gibraltar and all concerned enough for being so accommodating, efficient and helpful in making this a memorable visit.

Summer Ball

The Summer Ball this year was held at Restaurant Valparaiso, Mijas, on Friday 26th June. We were graced with the presence of the new British Consul, Steve Jones, and his Vice-Consul, Rosslyn Crotty as our Guests of Honour.

All seats were taken although with earlier booking by members we could have accommodated more.

The evening went extremely well with good food, music and dancing 'til late.

The meal was served on the Terrace where we aere also entertained by a classical tenor singing popular arias. To be repeated soon we hope.

The Band of the RAF Regiment, Gibraltar

Following a very successful Wings Social on the Saturday (19th Sept) evening at the Galaxy (maybe someone has some pictures and more detail), we set off to Gibraltar on Sunday (20th Sept) evening for a Concert in the lovely setting of the Alameda Gardens performed by The Band of The RAF Regiment, hosted by RAF Gibraltar and the Gibraltar RAFA Branch.

44 of us crossed the border in the bus (Cedric went independently) where we were met by 2 smaller coaches which ferried us to the beautiful setting of the Alameda Gardens.

It is quite a difficult walk for the last part of the journey to get to the gardens but well worth the effort.

The concert itself was of the usual high standard and the programme was very varied to suit all tastes.

Reg and RAFA Gibraltar are to be congratulated for arranging this very pleasant end to Wings Week.

Rememberance Sunday

Sunday 11th November saw St Georges Chapel in Malaga the scene of focus for this year's Remembrance Day parade. For the 5th year Benalmadena Branch of The Royal Air Forces Association organised the event were joined again by the Royal British Legion (Torremolinos Branch) & the Royal Naval Association.

As the exact time of midday silence fell over this small part of Malaga and the bugler from the contingent from RAF Gibraltar sounded out the Last Post. This was mysteriously echoed seconds later by another albeit unknown bugler somewhere in the area also sounded the same notes. We would love to discover who else is partaking in the remembrance of those who have fallen whilst serving their country.

This year saw the Chairman, Mr Fred Briggs and the Hon Treasurer, Mr Reg Haywood laying the wreaths on behalf of the branch. Mrs Corinne Mudie read the RAFA citation. The branch standard was carried by Mr Pedro Groves who organised the first 3 parades starting back in the year 2000.

After the service it was discovered that with the RBL contingent there was one 85 year old gentleman who had joined up with one of those who is buried in one of the war graves here in Malaga, a truly personnel act of remembrance.

Around 100 people attended the service and were treated to wine & tapas provided by the Branch with monies raised going into the church funds and towards the upkeep of the English Cemetery.

Among those attending was a young lad of around 14yrs of age who has been attending the service at St George's with his father for the past few years. Talking with his father ("Pompey Gary" on REM radio) after the service he told me he had been to other services over the years but felt that our one in Malaga was by far the best and he made sure he attended each year and he bought his son so that he realised that after us "oldies" were no longer around there would still be people prepared to pay hom,age to those who gave so much and asked for so little.

One of the branch members asked me whether I realised that he had forgone watching the service from Whitehall to join us in Malaga. I replied I think the 4 lads buried here are grateful. He then discovered that there are 4 War Graves here in Malaga, a fact he was unaware of prior to attending. Me thinks that from now Whitehall will be recorded for watching later.

It would be nice to think that next year we could be joined by more and more ex service associations and their members to show to ALL those who are lucky enough to live out here in Spain that we fully understand the sacrifices so many people made and are STILL making so that we are able to live in a free world.

Mr Steve Mullis
Hon. Branch Secretary
RAFA Benalmadena Branch 1357