Some elements will not work without it!
WELCOME TO THE ASSOCIATION OF ROYAL AIR FORCE FIGHTER CONTROL OFFICERS
Bentley Priory - The Next Window
Thanks to the generosity of our members (including our "Dowding" veterans) and the many other contributors**, the appeal to raise funds for the first of the three stained-glass windows in the refurbished Bentley Priory exceeded its target. The "Dowding System" window arguably commemorates the Systems sub-specialisation of the Branch and we are now in the process of extending the appeal in order to raise funds for a second window that will be dedicated to the Control sub-specialisation.
That, though, is not all that is going on in the context of the recently-activated pursuit of our objective to further the recognition and identity of the Fighter Control (now Aerospace Battle Manager) Branch. With the help of our veterans, we are intimately involved in the design of the replica Filter Room at the Priory; furthermore, we are providing substantial support to the School of Aerospace Battle Management in developing a heritage theme for its training programme. Additionally, an opportunity has arisen that will permit Members to go on a private pre-opening visit to the Priory within the next few months. Many thanks to Members for their strong support of this new direction for the Association.
At the same time, the activities supporting the objective to unify and sustain a spirit of comradeship among serving and retired members of the Fighter Control Branch march on spiritedly, as do facilities such as the excellent website with its busy forums and interesting articles. The Christmas function did its usual excellent job of dispelling the winter gloom and we now look forward to a special Spring Reunion at Boulmer as it celebrates the 60th anniversary of its opening as a Signals Unit.
This is an especially invigorating time for the FCA – long may it continue.
Chairman, Association of RAF Fighter Control Officers
**
Thales Ltd
BAE SYSTEMS Ltd
The Association of RAF Women Officers
The Women's Auxiliary Air Force Association
The St Augustine's Mothers' Union of Penarth
The Royal Air Forces Association Mid Somerset Branch
The Association was formed in 1990, with the general aims of (i) furthering the recognition and identity of the Fighter Control Branch and (ii) unifying and sustaining a spirit of comradeship among serving and retired members of the Fighter Control Branch.
Nevertheless, the unofficial aims of the Association are to get together twice each year, meet up with old friends and have a good time!!