RAF LICHFIELD ASSOCIATION REUNION 2002

On Friday evening  6th September 2002 the Association held their 12th Annual Reunion at Fradley Village Hall with 120 Members being greeted by a Guard of Honour from 1206 (Mercian) Air Training Corps Squadron. The Chairman Derek Smith presided over an A.G.M and announced that Mick Butcher who looked after our photographic records from the start of the Association was resigning from the Committee due to ill health and the members would like to express their appreciation for all his hard work. He then announced that Kay Sales had been awarded an M.B.E for services not only to the Lichfield Association but for the WAAF Association in Doncaster and her charity work. 

The entertainment was provided by Arthur Tipper accompanied by Adrian Bader and Kay Williams who sang a selection of wartime favourites and songs from the musicals. Adrian from South Wales appears frequently in productions with the Burton Operatic Society and the New Era Light Opera Company whilst Kay sings with the Nottingham Arts Theatre, Derby New Opera and the Buxton Opera House. She is the daughter of Jack Helyer a well known cinema organist and composer from Nottingham who was stationed at Lichfield during the war years. Arthur Tipper played one of his compositions 'Wings Over Lichfield' and his signature tune 'I'm Happy When I'm Hiking' other pages on this Web Site tell the story of Jack's life and shortly the Dance Bands of RAF Lichfield.  

An excellent buffet was provided by Mabels Tea Rooms of Curborough and our thanks to all those who helped out particularly behind the Bar.

On Saturday morning a Service was held in Fradley Village Church conducted by the Reverend John Allen followed by the laying of poppies on the graves of those who died whilst serving at RAF Lichfield. A Service of dedication was then held at the Memorial with wreaths being laid and the proceedings were concluded with refreshments in the Village Hall.

Double click on photos for enlargement