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Stowmarket RAFA branch to celebrate 75th anniversary




A Royal Air Force branch will soon be celebrating its 75th anniversary.

On 24 November the Stowmarket Branch of the RAF will commend their 75 years in a ceremony attended by Town Mayor Nick Gowrley and parish vicar Michael Eden.

Reverend Eden will officiate the ceremony and bless the new 75th anniversary tassels which will be attached to the branch Standard by Mayor Gowrley.

Stowmarket RAFA assembled for the Battle of Britain dinner. Picture: Stowmarket RAFA
Stowmarket RAFA assembled for the Battle of Britain dinner. Picture: Stowmarket RAFA

Nigel Bailey, honorary secretary of RAFA Stowmarket, said: “On the Friday we will have a dinner at the Royal British Legion Club for members and guests. Members can attend for free, whilst there will be an £8 cost for any guests that wish to attend.

“We have been gifted some gold and silver tassels for the 75th anniversary, which the mayor will tie to our standard and Reverend Eden will bless.”

There will be a choice of stew or curry available for the supper event.

The Standard which Mayor Gowrley will tie the tassels to. Picture: Stowmarket RAFA
The Standard which Mayor Gowrley will tie the tassels to. Picture: Stowmarket RAFA

An application made in 1945 to the RAF Associations headquarters to start a branch in Stowmarket was refused due to proximity with the Ipswich branch, although after consulting with their members a second application was accepted in 1948.

The Stowmarket branch was first housed in the 601 club at Fox Hotel, before changing to other venues including the Railway Tavern and the Constitutional Club, before finally settling at the RBL Club in 1998, where it has been ever since.

Those wishing to join the Stowmarket branch should log on to www.rafa.org.uk

Stowmarket RAFA collecting at Combs Ford Co-op. Picture: Stowmarket RAFA
Stowmarket RAFA collecting at Combs Ford Co-op. Picture: Stowmarket RAFA

The event will be starting at 7:30pm at the Royal British Legion Club, Tavern Street.