The RAFA (Thurrock branch) adoption of 1582 (Stanford-le-Hope) Squadron

    "On Sunday 19^th January 2003, 1582 Squadron were formally adopted by the Royal Air Force Association Thurrock Branch. The adoption means stronger ties between RAFA and the squadron, and will give RAFA a presence in the whole borough. A lot of people who live in Stanford and Corringham probably don't know Thurrock has a RAFA branch. It will be a case of us supporting RAFA and RAFA supporting us.

    The Squadron all met up at the RAFA club in Grays at 1300. We were led in to the room at the top of the club and left to get on with our own thing. About 20 minutes later we all went outside, including all the members of RAFA, and the presentation took place. We were given a Shield of the RAFA Emblem to put up in the HQ and also a certificate of adoption. A copy of this is at the HQ of 1582 and also the HQ of RAFA. We had lots of pictures taken (some can be found on this website) that are in the Thurrock Gazette and also in the RAFA magazine. The RAFA also told us that we were allowed to use their club any time that we want, as long as we tell them in advance, so now, once a month, we will be having a games night there and invite 106(Orsett Hundred) Squadron on the odd occasion as well.

    After the formalities were over we had the rest of the afternoon to do what we liked in the club. There was quite a bit that we could do including chess games and pool. The pool was on one condition; we ate the food that was on it!"

Corporal Bagshaw