ANNUAL REUNION of
43(F) SQUADRON
"The Fighting Cocks" Association
The RAF Club
 on Saturday 13th May 2023

Another splendid evening held in the RAF Club Piccadilly.  Although numbers were quite heavily affected by train strikes over the weekend, those who were able to make it had a great evening. Reduced attendance allowed people to strike up longer conversations with old friends and colleagues. Most pleasingly, we saw some faces from out-with the usual cohorts joining us.
The meal was, once again, up to a very high standard and the service from the Club staff impeccable.  The usual toasts were made with both Karl Byrne and Keith Boyd being co-opted into speaking parts.
The Presidents address focussed on the importance of youth to the Royal Air Force and society as a whole.   He was particularly impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the youngsters who attend Air Cadets, much to the delight of Steve Richards and Alan Shaw who are Cadet instructors of many years standing.  No 43 Squadron ATC is still going strong and regularly represented at the Association doo by these stalwarts.
Unfortunately, Mandy Singleton who was to be the guest speaker had to withdraw at the last minute, so the Chairman had the wonderful idea of getting a nominee from each table to say a few words on their foremost memory of their time on the Squadron.  The stories were varied and hilarious, and in my opinion this idea is well worth carrying forward.
Post meal we retired to the bar where The Mixologists, Tina Campbell and Steve Smith were awaiting us with copious amounts of ‘Fighting Cocks’.  
“Is there a Fighting Cock in the house?” was heard numerous times; always followed by a resounding “You bet your sweet arse there is” and a rather loud smacking of lips as the liquid gold was downed in one.
As the evening drew to a close, I think that everyone present could reflect on another very successful night with all looking forward to the next one.