The Prince and the Vulcan
L-R: WO Parkin, FS Lowe, Jim Vinales, Monty Montgomery, Mel James, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Simon Baldwin, John Laycock, Hugh Prior, Martin Withers, Barry Smith and Wg Cdr Suzi Wall.

It will be clear from the above photograph that our most famous Vulcan XM607 will feature strongly in this edition. In fact, it opens and closes this newsletter. Other highlights include a report on how the 2023 reunion went, the proposed plan for the next one, the assumption of a new Life Vice President, Fredericia revisited, memories of Exercise Northern Wedding 1978 and an unusual tribute to Operation Chastise. also an intriguing story of wartime romance, which has only recently come to light. To allay any fears that your editor has finally lost the plot and gone the full Barbara Cartland, I’ll quickly add that this story of love and tragic loss is a true one and the lady in question, though of advanced years, is still with us.
 
In this issue we have taken the unusual step of appealing directly to our members for donations to help fund the refurbishment of 44 Squadron’s Memorial at RAF Waddington. Readers will be aware that we have been at pains to keep the annual subscription down to its present level of £10. However, the Waddington memorial is in urgent need of restoration. The quote we have received for the work is not outrageous but the Association’s coffers have been hit recently with both the spiralling costs of our annual reunions and those associated with the production and distribution of newsletters. We therefore now seek contributions from our members to help defray the cost of returning our memorial to its original condition. However, modest the contribution, it will be greatly appreciated.

Membership Matters

Annual Subscriptions

Annual membership subscriptions of ￡10 are due on 1st November. Payment may be made by BACS to the association's bank account.
We are struggling to keep the annual membership down to a modest ￡10, despite rocketing costs. For those members still tenaciously paying a mere ￡4 per year, (and there are six of you), please update your Standing Orders to the current ￡10 per year.
 
Newsletters

On the same theme, it will no longer be possible to mail newsletters to members whose membership payments have lapsed. The cost of mailing continues its relentless upwards trajectory and overseas rates are now truly eye-watering. A number of members have kindly agreed to receive their newsletter by email. Anyone else wishing to do likewise, please advise the Newsletter Editor as soon as possible.
 
44 (Rhodesia) Squadron Association Ties

Over the past year or so I have received two requests for Squadron ties. Unfortunately our stock was exhausted quite a while ago and the supplier’s stipulation for a large minimum re-order has meant that to re-stock is not economically feasible in view of our Association’s dwindling membership. If anyone should be in possession of a Squadron tie which has become surplus to requirements, or no longer needed, please let the Membership Secretary know.
 
The Association’s Email Address

For geeky reasons too boring to go into, it has been necessary to change the Association’s email address to news44sqn2@icloud.com. The old addresses, ending in mac.com or me.com no longer function. Please amend your contact lists accordingly.