RAFPA attendance at Southwick Park

For Initial Course Pass-out Parades

Introduction

Most of you will know that recently the RAFPA donated a silver plated cup and individual prizes which, until we run out, are engraved (RAFPA) silver plated travel clocks. These are for presentation to each chosen student on completion of every six months Initial Training Course throughout each year (There are about eight courses per year). During the time between each such presentation, the cup will be on display in the RAF Police Museum. The formal hand over of the cup from the RAFPA took place outside the Officers Mess at Southwick Park on 2^nd July between our Chairman Brian Flinn and the PM (RAF) Gp Capt. John Whitmell, followed shortly afterwards by the cup and a travel clock being presented to the nominated student. On this first occasion, there were some twenty RAFPA members present.

Purpose of our presence

Apart from the obvious pleasure of a gathering of this type, it would always be incumbent upon members to chat casually with the students and their family/friends attending, keeping in mind that the new students are the RAFPA’s future. During the course instructors will have already mentioned the RAFPA and the worthiness of joining at the reduced rate whilst serving. In no way should this be construed as a ‘hard sell’ tactic.

Formality of the occasion

In keeping with the agreed standard of dress when RAFPA members attend formal functions of this type, the following will apply :- RAFPA badge on blazer, white shirt, official RAFPA tie, grey slacks and black shoes. Authorised medals to be worn and, as appropriate, lapel badges/insignia etc.

Notification to members

For each graduation day, a specific timetable will be issued to those attending and will include the requirement to provide details of member name - passengers and vehicle details. Arrival time coffee/tea etc will normally be between 0900hrs and 1000hrs.

Who to contact

Until further notice, all those wishing to attend one or more of these parades or have questions to ask about them, please contact the nominated coordinator - Ted Hellewell Chairman South Downs Branch on 01323 449833 or te.hellewell@googlemail.com.

Planned pass-out dates for now are – 3^rd Sept – 29Oct – 17 Dec. At least seven working days notice to attend is necessary for admin to be completed.

Without doubt – the parade and events on 2^nd July were outstanding