RAF RESERVISTS WELCOME THEIR EMPLOYERS TO THE BELFAST TATTOO

RAF reservists from 502 (Ulster) Squadron RAuxAF, based at Flying Station Aldergrove, invited their employers to join them for a night at the spectacular Belfast Tattoo, which this year boasted a strong RAF theme.

The event got off to a flying start with a flypast by two RAF Tornados, which swooped over the tattoo to mark the start of the RAF’s centenary celebrations in the UK.

The audience were then treated to a fantastic show, featuring highland dancers, massed pipes and drums and the Imps motorcycle team, to name a few.  The RAF theme was also continued, with performances by the RAF College Band, the longest established band within the RAF family and also, for the first time ever, The Queen’s Colour Squadron – the premier marching display team among all the armed services.

The RAF reservists of 502 (Ulster) Squadron RAuxAF made the most of the occasion by showing off the RAF’s talent to some of their employers – hosting a “Bring a Boss” reception so that their employers could see their reservists with their other “hats” on and enjoy some hospitality before and during the show. This provided an excellent opportunity for the reserve Squadron to explain the work that it does and the roles and trades that are involved and it was really well-received by the chosen employers.

Pictured above, preparing to welcome their bosses are, from left, SAC James Anderson; Sqn Ldr Martin Mayo; Sqn Ldr Richard Murray (Northern Ireland man and Director of Music for The Band of the RAF College); Mrs Carol Reid; Councillor Paul Reid (Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council); LAC Emma Morrow; Wing Commander Tara Scott (Northern Ireland RAF Community Relations Officer); Mr Noel Williams (Vice Chairman of the Royal Air Force Association Carrickfergus Branch); Wing Commander Gordon Ferguson (Officer Commanding 502 (Ulster) Squadron RAuxAF).