ALAN RUSLING

MEMORIAL AWARD

2008

I am pleased to announce on behalf of the North West Area Branch that in recognition of his outstanding contribution to RAFPA, at both an Association & Branch level, the recipient of the Alan Rusling Memorial Award for 2008 is Mr Steve Lamacraft.

When making their decision the Adjudicators considered the following to be relevant:

1.      Having been a Founder Member of the Essex & Sussex Branch Steve became its first Branch Secretary serving for 4 years during which period he devoted incalculable time to the establishment and development of the Branch to the benefit of its members.

2.      In 1997 he assumed Editorship of the Association Newsletter transforming it from a two columned single sided A4 sheet into an informative magazine naming it “The Griff”.

3.      Whilst a member of the Association Executive Council he became the unofficial Deputy Association Development Officer assisting in Branch Formations and providing an experienced guiding hand at Branch IGM.

4.      In February 1998 was asked to organise that year’s Annual General Meeting & Reunion. Within 24 hours he identified a suitable venue in Westcliffe-on-Sea and within one week of the initial request the membership had been circulated and the first bookings received. It is on this weekend format that current day AGM & Reunions are based.

5.      He was one of the co-organisers of the 2008 QPD Reunion held at RAF Waddington to which over 200 former Dog Handlers & Kennelmaids attended. Whilst not an Association event many members did benefit and new members gained. In excess of £3,500.00 was raised at the event to the benefit of “Help the Heroes” and other charities.

Neil Rusling.