Weekend of remembrance for RAF Locking veterans in Weston

The Beer Call reunion was hosted in the Winter Gardens, bringing together 510 ex-RAF Locking personnel and their partners on May 11.

Attendees hailed from all corners of the globe including Australia, USA, Spain, Gibraltar, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Cyprus, Italy, France, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China and the Isle of Man.

The event was the third of its kind, catering predominately for those who served in RAF Trade Group 3.

These personnel were technically trained at RAF Locking, often returning in various capacities such as instructors or technical unit positions.

The RAF Trade Group 3 encompassed individuals concerned with airfields, air defence and telecommunications, roles that held significant responsibilities both home and abroad.

This year's Beer Call follows its inaugural event in April 2018, marking the centennial anniversary of the RAF.

On that occasion, it was held at the local football club, playing host to 600 ex-RAF Locking Trade Group 3 members along with their partners.

A subsequent reunion was initially scheduled for 2020, but due to the pandemic, took place in April 2022 at the Winter Gardens with a remarkable turnout of 720 participants.

In addition to the reunion, a further gathering occurred on May 12 where 29 colleagues convened at the Memorial in Grove Park as an auxiliary arrangement to the annual November Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph.

As many colleagues are unable to attend the main parade, this gathering provided an opportunity for veterans to pay their respects.

The focal point of this ceremony was the act of remembering RAF Locking veterans who are no longer with us.

Colleague Gary Armitage offered a few words in a poignant tribute that was well received by those present.

For many, the end of this ceremony signalled the end of a busy and emotional weekend, with non-local attendees subsequently departing for home.