On Wednesday 18 April 2018, to celebrate the Centenary of the RAF, personnel from RAF Brize Norton attended a special event at Nationwide Building Society Headquarters in Swindon, Wiltshire.
The day consisted of various stands and displays carried out by Regulars and Reservists from the Station, including the RAF Police Dog Demonstration Team, Number 501 Squadron personnel and a Physical Training Instructor. At midday, attendees were treated to an impressive flypast, which was conducted by a C-130J Hercules.
On 1 April 2018, the Royal Air Force launched RAF100, a national campaign to mark its 100th year. The centenary itself will feature events, activities and other initiatives running nationwide from April to the end of September 2018.
“In our 100th year we want to showcase the vital role the RAF continues to play in defending the British people and protecting our nation’s interests. Launched on April 1, the celebrations are a fitting recognition and thank you to the exceptional dedication, spirit and achievements of our men and women. They also encourage us to look to the future: the greatest legacy of RAF100 will be its ability to inspire a whole new generation so that together we can help shape our next century.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier
Chief of the Air Staff, RAF
Nationwide were proud to display their Covenant and what support they can offer to the Armed Forces community. A former Chief Executive of Nationwide (CEO) was Leonard Williams DFC, a former RAF WWII Spitfire Pilot and many of its employees today are RAF Veterans.
Of course, a birthday celebration could not be without a cake, which was beautifully designed and made by the Nationwide Chefs. An official cutting of the cake took place with the Station Commander Group Captain Tim Jones, CEO Nationwide Mr Joe Garner and Nationwide Chairman Mr David Roberts.
“It was fantastic to be able to celebrate the centenary of the RAF at Nationwide Building Society. An impressive flypast, displays and demonstrations made a for a wonderful day. Both organisations have such a strong presence in Wiltshire as local employers and we also share values, which is perhaps why so many ex-military personnel have joined Nationwide. We continue to support ex-service men and women through our Covenant and look forward to continuing this in future.”
Mr Joe Garner
CEO Nationwide
