The first of our 90th anniversary events is more than simply an auction: it is an exhibition of high quality images from established and emerging talent, including contributions from iconic photographers like David Bailey and Tom Stoddart.

All photographs have been donated to the auction for free, and cover a wide variety of subjects, including, but by no means limited to, aviation photography. The only limitation is that all photographs fit one of four themes: Agile, Adaptable and Capable - the guiding principles of today's RAF - or "happy birthday", in celebration of our anniversary.

Guests will have the opportunity to place bids on prints that catch their eye, either through a silent auction or during the main auction in the RAF Club's prestigious ballroom. In addition, guests will be treated to drinks, a bowl supper and live jazz. All profits from the night will go towards helping members of the RAF family in need.

The Photographic Auction takes place on 14 May at 7:30pm at the RAF Club in London. Tickets cost £50 per person. If you would like to book tickets, or have any questions about the event, please contact Tano Rea on 020 7307 3307 or email tano.rea@rafbf.org.uk.

A major new youth project was launched at RAF Cranwell last week when Geoff Capes, athlete and strongman, cut the ribbon on a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), made possible by a £72,000 donation from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The MUGA is designed to provide a safe sports and leisure space for young people on the station, and will be a pilot for a broader youth support programme on RAF stations across the UK over the next few years.

Members of the David Sale Challenge team met with RAF Benevolent Fund Regional Fundraisers at the RAF Club in London recently in order to present a cheque for £19,000.

The David Sale Challenge was set up by family and friends of Flt Lt David Sale, who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash while on an RAF exercise in August 2007.
 
This epic challenge ran over the course of a week and included hockey, swimming, cycling and running. Helen Bain, the RAF Benevolent Fund Regional Fundraiser who received the cheque, said, "This really was an extraordinary piece of fundraising, from start to finish. On behalf of the RAFBF I offer our warmest congratulations to the team for all their amazing efforts."

Elijah Welsh, who flew 34 bombing missions as a rear gunner in a Lancaster in the Second World War, has died at the age of 93. The RAF Benevolent Fund recently helped Elijah to obtain an electric wheelchair, although unfortunately this wasn't a benefit to him for long, as his health began to worsen.

Elijah joined the RAF in 1939 and flew with 101 Squadron. His service as a "Tailend Charlie", manning the rear gun, earned him the Distinguished Flying Medal for bravery as well as four other medals. When asked about his medals he replied, "I was one of the lucky ones who came back. The ones that should have got all of the honour were the ones who never got home."

Sgt Tony Carlin has started to create a station "History Room" at RAF Lossiemouth in his spare time. This fascinating mini-museum focuses primarily on people's stories and experiences relating to the station. It's well worth a visit already, but it's a major project so there's plenty of work in progress as well.

Tony is always interested to hear stories from veterans who served at Lossiemouth - and anyone living nearby is very welcome to visit the History Room. All donations from visitors to the History Room go to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

In his new book, Bob's Crew, Gwynne Price records his experiences as a fledgling Flight Engineer in 35 Squadron during the Second World War. For every book he sells, he is donating a pound to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Bob's Crew, available now to buy online, is dedicated to the pilot of the Lancaster on which Gwynne was Flight Engineer. Bob was not only the pilot of the Lancaster, but also a record breaking Australian surf champion. Gwynne was just 19 years old when he became one of Bob's crew and flew his wartime missions. After the war was over, he went on the goodwill tour to the USA and also flew in the Victory Day celebrations.

A special charity screening of The Dam Busters took place in Stirling on 5 February to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The screening included an exclusive question and answer session with two members of 617 (Dambusters) Squadron, who made their way through the snow to attend. Also attending were local members of the OPS 1939-45 RAF Living History Group, who added an authentic feel to the evening by donning original 1940s uniforms and flying kit.

The screening raised £413 with the help of cadets from 1019 (City of Stirling) and 1333 (Grangemouth) Squadrons ATC, who acted as ushers and collectors on the night.

Do you have a mobile phone that's come to the end of its useful life? Or one that you've replaced with a newer model?

Rather than throwing the old phone away or leaving it at the back of a drawer, you can help support the work of the RAF Benevolent Fund, while at the same time keeping the planet green, by sending us your phone for recycling.

Just send us an email, together with your name and address, and we will send you a prepaid, pre-addressed recycling envelope.

Although there are 15 static Vulcans at airfields around Britain, only one remains that is capable of flying. After a £7 million investment in restoration, Vulcan XH558 took to the air in 2007 for the first time in fifteen years. But there have been fears that it would have to be sold to an American collector, as funding for the upkeep of the aircraft dryed up.

Now, thanks to a growing campaign to keep the historic bomber flying over British skies, lead by Sir Richard Branson, Frederick Forsyth and a number of other celebrities, enough money has been raised to provide a breathing space.

For more information about the campaign see www.vulcantothesky.org

All books sold via the link in this newsletter will help support the RAF Benevolent Fund. You can also order by phone, fax, post or email but be sure to mention the RAF Benevolent Fund and we will receive a donation from Tommies Guides for every book they sell. 

Launch of minibus appeal
Princess Marina House, the RAF Benevolent Fund care home in West Sussex, launched their Minibus Appeal at Sainsbury's in the local town of Rustington. The collection raised £518 towards a target of £45,000.

The next event will be a Grand Draw, with tickets priced at £1 for a first prize of £1,000, and a Charity Golf Day in the summer. For more information please call 01903 788970.

You can still support them at www.justgiving.com/100-hole-challenge

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