Latest News
[Archived News at foot of page]
Memorial Art Sale
One of our longest standing and most supportive members, Dr W S Hossack, passed away at the end of last year. Bill was a keen artist and also collected work by others.
During his lifetime he amassed a collection of around 200 pictures, including over 150 of his own paintings or sketches.
These have been donated by Bill's family to raise funds for the Friends of his local hospital, on the Moray Firth coast. Items can be purchased either in person at an Exhibition or by email,
as detailed in the catalogue. It includes Terms of Sale and guide prices for the 41 works "for sale by bid” (and may be slow to open
or download).
Souvenir copies of the catalogue will be available at the exhibition or can be requested at a cost of £4 (plus postage and packing) by e-mailing
drhossackartsale@gmail.com. If required, higher resolution images of particular sketches or paintings can also be obtained from the same e-mail address.
The Exhibition is being organised by the Friends of Chalmers Hospital on 20 to 22 October in Banff Parish Church Hall, with all proceeds from sales going to their charity.
Added 30 September 2022
Newsletter 64
The latest Newsletter (with colour throughout) has now been circulated to Members. Electronic versions were transmitted and hard copies sent to UK Members last week and should have been received by now.
Unfortunately, those to Overseas members were not posted until earlier this week and will take up to 10 days to arrive (allowing for current postal disruption in the UK).
Added 30 September 2022
166 Sqn Memorial Service and Wreath Laying
This year's 166 Squadron Remembrance Service is on Saturday 10 September and will be followed by a wreath laying following at the nearby Memorial.
The service commences at 11.15 am after a Flypast by a Spitfire and Hurricane from the RAF Memorial Flight at 11 am. Further details can be obtained from Wg Cdr Tony Lark RAFVR(T) (retd) by email
at:- adj.866@rafac.mod.gov.uk.
Please confirm if you plan on attending, as it helps with organising refreshments. Please also advise Tony if you wish to lay a wreath, so that you can be called forward during the ceremony.
If the wreath is dedicated to a particular person or group, this can be mentioned.
Added 22 August 2022
Allan Holmes
It is with great sadness news was received that Memorial Room stalwart and longstanding (Honorary) Member Allan Homes passed away, earlier this week. Although not enjoying the best of health over
recent years, with ever more frequent hospital visits, he continued to be involved in Association activities (limited as they were) throughout the pandemic and will be much missed.
Allan's connection to 103 Squadron and Elsham Wolds came from his uncle, Frank Holmes, who was Mid Upper Gunner in Australian Geoff Maddern’s crew which completed a tour in April 1943, as documented
by their Navigator, Don Charlwood (RAAF) in the book 'No Moon Tonight'. Frank went on to join the Pathfinder crew of W/O C O’Neill with 582 Squadron, but was killed on 4 May 1944 during a raid on
Montdidier airfield in NE France.
Added 11 June 2022
Reunion Booking Open
Members are advised that details of the 2022 Reunion Weekend have been circulated electronically and by post, to those we didn’t hold e-mail addresses for. If not received or a hard copy is required,
please contact the Association.
Updated 10 June 2022
Annual Reunion Weekend
After missing the last two years due to the pandemic, our Annual Reunion is back!
With plans for events at the Hilton Forest Pines falling through, alternative arrangements have been made for this August. The programme at
venues in the Elsham area includes:-
- Saturday dinner and fabulous entertainment
- Sunday Buffet lunch (after the Association AGM)
- Open-air Service of Remembrance at the airfield Memorial Garden to remember all who served and honour those who didn’t return.
The Memorial Room will be open during the weekend, although detailed arrangements have yet to be finalised.
Subject to weather and aircraft availability there will be a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster.
The Weekend is for Association members only and Membership is available for twenty pounds per year. Further details and the Application Forms can be found on the Membership Pages.
Why not join the Association to attend the Reunion Weekend and meet friends from the Facebook groups, renew acquaintances or make new friends. Amended 12 June 2022
Dr William Hossack
A few days ago the Association learned that long-standing Scottish member, Bill Hossack, passed away on Hogmanay in Aberdeen, after a short illness. He lived on the Moray Firth coast and
was often the furthest travelled 'regular' at reunion weekends, excluding overseas attendees. A former RAF Doctor, Bill had a keen interest in the medical aspects of Elsham Wolds, including
principal MO Robert Henderson and was instrumental in helping document the latter's contribution. An complete gentleman in all senses, he will be much missed.
Added 9 January 2022
Seasonal Message
Thanks to all who have visited the website over the last 12 months and our members for their support over another difficult year.
On Christmas Eve, the Homepage counter showed over 11,000 'Hits' since the site relaunch in September 2020 and average visitor numbers continue to rise week-by-week. Although the pandemic has
curtailed our activities and there has not always been much to report, the website will be updated when there is news to share, with new content continuing to be added periodically.
The Association sends very best wishes to everyone for the Festive Season and 2022. Although Covid still brings some uncertainty, it is sincerely hoped this year will see
a greater return to normality and allow more of us to meet again in person.
Happy New Year to All.
Amended 3 January 2022
(First Posted 23/12/21)
!! Watch This Space for More Updates !!
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