Every year the Association organises a reunion for ex-RAF musicians. These are usually held at either RAF Northolt or RAF Cranwell as guests of one of the current RAF bands, by kind permission of the Principal Director of Music of the RAF. We are immensely grateful for the generous and unstinting support we receive from the members of the bands concerned, without their help the events could not take place, or would be very much duller occasions.
The reunions are usually held on a weekend in the early part of July. The activities start on Saturday evening with a dinner at a suitable venue near the RAF station where we enjoy a good meal in the company of old friends and colleagues. Then on Sunday we gather for the main reunion, usually in the bandroom of the host band. After the initial ‘meet and greet’ with tea and coffee, the members assemble for the Association’s Annual General Meeting. This is followed by lunch and more opportunities to renew old friendships. After lunch we are treated to a concert by the host band which is always greatly enjoyed, as we admire the skill and professionalism of the currently serving musicians. This is followed by one of the most popular events of the day – the “Vets’ Blow”, where the older generation get out their instruments and play again as a band.
If you were once a musician in the RAF, either full time in the established bands or in one of the Voluntary Bands, join the Association and you will receive details of each year’s reunion and booking information. Members of the Association can also log in and see galleries of photos taken at previous years’ reunions.