RAF base celebrated during charity concert

PUBLISHED: 13:00 22 October 2017

Eleanor Young

Members of the Weston Branch of RAFA.

Archant

Cliff Watkins, Tony Horry and Alfred McKay who all served as apprentices, service personel and civilian instructors at the camp.

The Flowerdown Concert in Locking Parklands celebrated the former Royal Air Forces base in the village, which was open from 1939 to 1999.

The event also raised money for the tower appeal of St Augustine’s Church in Locking, as it needs £200,000 to be refurbished.

A free exhibition of photos and memorabilia from the base were on display and RAF personnel who lived and worked there were also there to meet and great people.

Weston MP John Penrose, alongside treasurer Richard Colkin, was also on hand to accept a cheque for £500 on behalf of the appeal from event sponsor Drive Vauxhall.

Mike Cooper who was at RAF Locking from 178-80 and 1984-86 with Iain Norris who was the last station Warrant Officer 1990-99 and Bill Martin 1971-73.

The event, which took place on Saturday, also featured a performance from the Parklands Singers and an evening show from the RAFA Concert Band performed to a packed marquee of 250 people.