43(F) Squadron Association 2024 Reunion
The 76th Reunion of No. 43(F) Squadron
took place on Saturday 27th April, 2024 in the Officers’ Mess
at the former Royal Air Force Leuchars, now known as Leuchars Station.
(Thanks to those who have sent photos)
Association Dinner 2024
Jim Campbell, Secretary
The dust has settled, the skirl of the pipes has drifted off in the wind and the excited hub-bub of multiple conversations has ebbed. One week on and the 2024 Association Dinner has been and gone.
Saturday 27th April saw the Fighting Cocks assemble at their old hunting ground as the Army Commandant at Leuchars Station allowed us to resurrect RAF Leuchars for the night.
The Officers Mess, suitably adorned with a RAF theme, was the venue where large numbers of Squadron personnel, including partners, gathered. We were welcomed by the RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums who kept the musical greeting going until every guest had arrived.
Arrival drinks consumed, we were piped into the dining room by Pipe Sgt Willie Tait and after a brief welcome from the Chairman, Derek Johnston, Keith Boyd read the Airman’s Grace. Menu cards, once again generously provided by Gill Howie and Squadron Prints, detailed the meal and as an added bonus Gill had donated specially engraved coasters as a memento of the evening. Meal finished, Sam Jones cited the Loyal Toast, Steve Smith gave the Toast to 43(F) Squadron and Jim Campbell led us in the Toast to Absent Friends.
The President, Air Chief Marshal Sir Simon Bryant KCB CBE then gave his address, neatly segueing into the presentation of the Beedle Trophy. This year’s most deserving recipient was Alan Johnstone who, after tragically losing his young wife to this devastating illness, has gone on to raise over £100,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity. A worthy winner!
After the applause had died down the Chairman then introduced our guest speaker, Wg Cdr (retd) Mandy Singleton. Mandy recalled her time on 43(F), starting out as an Avionics Technician and ‘Liney’, having to battle outdated thinking as she strived to prove herself in a predominantly ‘Mans World’. She enjoyed her time on the Squadron and her experiences, positive and negative, gave her the ability and determination to succeed in her chosen career.
After Mandy, the Gavel came down to conclude the formalities and the bar then became the focal point. Myriad groups sprung up as folk met up with old acquaintances, new friendships were formed, and the air was heavy with the sound of laughter and reminiscence. Everybody had the chance to sample a “Fighting Cock”, concocted by The Mixologist (Tina Campbell) ably assisted by the Sorcerer’s apprentice Steve Smith, as the familiar call “Is there a Fighting Cock in the house was answered with a resounding “You bet your sweet ar*e there is”.
Sadly, the evening finished all too soon and as people drifted off many said that they would love to meet up again. To help facilitate that, the next reunion will be held in May next year. Please keep an eye on the Website for further details as they become available.
Gloria Finis
Sunday 28th April, 2024
An act of Remembrance took place at 11 am in St Michael’s Leuchars Cemetery. Conducted by The Reverend Tim Flowers CF
The President and Chairman along with partners and guests attended the service and at the conclusion white roses were laid at the graves of many. Single roses were laid on the Memorial Cross in Remembrance of more recent absent friends. At the end of the service Pipe Major Ian Hughes marched off site playing a poignant lament leaving not a dry eye in the group.
There will be a more formal update forthcoming hopefully soon.
SAVE The DATE for 2025 - 77th Reunion in The Royal Air Force Club 17th May, 2025
Jim Campbell, Secretary
The dust has settled, the skirl of the pipes has drifted off in the wind and the excited hub-bub of multiple conversations has ebbed. One week on and the 2024 Association Dinner has been and gone.
Saturday 27th April saw the Fighting Cocks assemble at their old hunting ground as the Army Commandant at Leuchars Station allowed us to resurrect RAF Leuchars for the night.
The Officers Mess, suitably adorned with a RAF theme, was the venue where large numbers of Squadron personnel, including partners, gathered. We were welcomed by the RAF Central Scotland Pipes and Drums who kept the musical greeting going until every guest had arrived.
Arrival drinks consumed, we were piped into the dining room by Pipe Sgt Willie Tait and after a brief welcome from the Chairman, Derek Johnston, Keith Boyd read the Airman’s Grace. Menu cards, once again generously provided by Gill Howie and Squadron Prints, detailed the meal and as an added bonus Gill had donated specially engraved coasters as a memento of the evening. Meal finished, Sam Jones cited the Loyal Toast, Steve Smith gave the Toast to 43(F) Squadron and Jim Campbell led us in the Toast to Absent Friends.
The President, Air Chief Marshal Sir Simon Bryant KCB CBE then gave his address, neatly segueing into the presentation of the Beedle Trophy. This year’s most deserving recipient was Alan Johnstone who, after tragically losing his young wife to this devastating illness, has gone on to raise over £100,000 for the Brain Tumour Charity. A worthy winner!
After the applause had died down the Chairman then introduced our guest speaker, Wg Cdr (retd) Mandy Singleton. Mandy recalled her time on 43(F), starting out as an Avionics Technician and ‘Liney’, having to battle outdated thinking as she strived to prove herself in a predominantly ‘Mans World’. She enjoyed her time on the Squadron and her experiences, positive and negative, gave her the ability and determination to succeed in her chosen career.
After Mandy, the Gavel came down to conclude the formalities and the bar then became the focal point. Myriad groups sprung up as folk met up with old acquaintances, new friendships were formed, and the air was heavy with the sound of laughter and reminiscence. Everybody had the chance to sample a “Fighting Cock”, concocted by The Mixologist (Tina Campbell) ably assisted by the Sorcerer’s apprentice Steve Smith, as the familiar call “Is there a Fighting Cock in the house was answered with a resounding “You bet your sweet ar*e there is”.
Sadly, the evening finished all too soon and as people drifted off many said that they would love to meet up again. To help facilitate that, the next reunion will be held in May next year. Please keep an eye on the Website for further details as they become available.
Gloria Finis
Sunday 28th April, 2024
An act of Remembrance took place at 11 am in St Michael’s Leuchars Cemetery. Conducted by The Reverend Tim Flowers CF
The President and Chairman along with partners and guests attended the service and at the conclusion white roses were laid at the graves of many. Single roses were laid on the Memorial Cross in Remembrance of more recent absent friends. At the end of the service Pipe Major Ian Hughes marched off site playing a poignant lament leaving not a dry eye in the group.
There will be a more formal update forthcoming hopefully soon.
SAVE The DATE for 2025 - 77th Reunion in The Royal Air Force Club 17th May, 2025
