Walk the Squadron 99 - RAF Charities
Donation protected
Walk the Squadron 99 – RAF Charities
The future of former RAF Britannia 496 is now assured thanks to the wonderful generosity of donors, and I now move on to fund raising for the RAF Charities: the Benevolent Fund and the Charitable Trust.
Both Charities have seen increased calls for financial assistance from former RAF personnel affected by job loss resulting from Covid-19. However, simultaneously, both are experiencing significantly reduced levels of donations for the same reason. Equally, The Charitable Trust has suffered the loss of its annual revenue from the International Air Tattoo held at Fairford which is closed. Further monies are required urgently now if the Charities are to fulfil their primary functions.
I will continue The Walk for a further 99 miles to raise funds for both The Benevolent Fund and the Charitable Trust as a token of help for those in less fortunate circumstances.
Please donate to the extent you are able in these difficult times share out with your family, friends and social networks.
With my humble thanks
Brian Weatherley
Royal Air Force 1950 to 1982
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Help Save “Regulus” ex RAF Britannia XM496
Since 1997 an all-volunteer team, consisting mainly of former RAF personnel, has been dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the world’s last full airframe Britannia built for The RAF; XM 496. The team’s achievements over the years are nothing short of a marvel. For full background and history please see the website: www.xm 496.com
Further activity is severely jeopardised now that the almost sole source of revenue, visitor contributions, has ceased with the closure of Cotswold Airport (formerly RAF Kemble) due to Covid 19. Consequently, an urgently needed pre-arranged second painting due now is at risk. Sadly, without it, after 23 years of exposure to ever changing weather conditions, 496 will go beyond saving within 10 years; a thought I cannot countenance.
I first flew a Britannia in 1959 while serving on 99 Squadron and last flew XM 496 in 1966; hence, my soft spot for her. Our preservation work is denied Charity status and, therefore, is unattractive as a tax proposition for a large company: nil donations to date.
To raise funds I am, therefore, undertaking a sponsored activity - “Walk the Squadron” or 99 miles (the other Britannia Squadron was No. 511!!). With a pacemaker and recovering from a recent severe leg wound, at 88 years of age I propose to complete my final mile on 13 September (Battle of Britain- 15 September) in front of XM 496. I will wear a pedometer to be verified daily by an NHS podiatrist. Foolish? For sure, but can I do otherwise?
I am appealing to the like-minded, including ex Armed Forces and Families who were once passengers, and their kind hearts and generosity to sponsor me by donating to “Walk the Squadron 99”. My initial target is £5,000 simply to cover the immediate costs of painting. Excess donations (of which I hope there will be many) will then be used for further restoration and shared with The RAF Benevolent Fund and other Service Charities.
May I thank you in advance for your donation and ALL are very gratefully accepted. As a wise man once said "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." so here goes......
The future of former RAF Britannia 496 is now assured thanks to the wonderful generosity of donors, and I now move on to fund raising for the RAF Charities: the Benevolent Fund and the Charitable Trust.
Both Charities have seen increased calls for financial assistance from former RAF personnel affected by job loss resulting from Covid-19. However, simultaneously, both are experiencing significantly reduced levels of donations for the same reason. Equally, The Charitable Trust has suffered the loss of its annual revenue from the International Air Tattoo held at Fairford which is closed. Further monies are required urgently now if the Charities are to fulfil their primary functions.
I will continue The Walk for a further 99 miles to raise funds for both The Benevolent Fund and the Charitable Trust as a token of help for those in less fortunate circumstances.
Please donate to the extent you are able in these difficult times share out with your family, friends and social networks.
With my humble thanks
Brian Weatherley
Royal Air Force 1950 to 1982
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Help Save “Regulus” ex RAF Britannia XM496
Since 1997 an all-volunteer team, consisting mainly of former RAF personnel, has been dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the world’s last full airframe Britannia built for The RAF; XM 496. The team’s achievements over the years are nothing short of a marvel. For full background and history please see the website: www.xm 496.com
Further activity is severely jeopardised now that the almost sole source of revenue, visitor contributions, has ceased with the closure of Cotswold Airport (formerly RAF Kemble) due to Covid 19. Consequently, an urgently needed pre-arranged second painting due now is at risk. Sadly, without it, after 23 years of exposure to ever changing weather conditions, 496 will go beyond saving within 10 years; a thought I cannot countenance.
I first flew a Britannia in 1959 while serving on 99 Squadron and last flew XM 496 in 1966; hence, my soft spot for her. Our preservation work is denied Charity status and, therefore, is unattractive as a tax proposition for a large company: nil donations to date.
To raise funds I am, therefore, undertaking a sponsored activity - “Walk the Squadron” or 99 miles (the other Britannia Squadron was No. 511!!). With a pacemaker and recovering from a recent severe leg wound, at 88 years of age I propose to complete my final mile on 13 September (Battle of Britain- 15 September) in front of XM 496. I will wear a pedometer to be verified daily by an NHS podiatrist. Foolish? For sure, but can I do otherwise?
I am appealing to the like-minded, including ex Armed Forces and Families who were once passengers, and their kind hearts and generosity to sponsor me by donating to “Walk the Squadron 99”. My initial target is £5,000 simply to cover the immediate costs of painting. Excess donations (of which I hope there will be many) will then be used for further restoration and shared with The RAF Benevolent Fund and other Service Charities.
May I thank you in advance for your donation and ALL are very gratefully accepted. As a wise man once said "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." so here goes......
Fundraising team (2)
Brian Weatherley
Organizer
Sarah Peto Bostick
Team member
Raised £10 from 1 donation
Kevin Peto Bostick
Team member
