RELATIVES of airmen who lost their lives in the Second World War are being invited to a special ceremony to remember the dead.

November 1 marks the 50th anniversary of the unveiling of the astronomical clock in York Minster, which is a memorial to 18,000 airmen who died during the 1939 to 1945 conflict.

It remembers those from Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland who served with the Royal Air Force, Women's Auxiliary Air Force and the Air Forces of the Commonwealth together with their allies.

To mark the occasion, there will be a service at noon when Lord Crathorne, the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, will rededicate the memorial.

It was officially dedicated by The Duke of Edinburgh on November 1, 1955.

A Book Of Remembrance in front of the clock names those killed in action including officers, non-commissioned officers, airmen and airwomen of many units and nations.

Most belonged to the RAF, but there are more than 3,500 names belonging to the Royal Canadian Air Force and many from the Royal Australian, the Royal New Zealand and South African Air Forces as well as continental allies who fell while serving in the area.

Ray Kidd, chairman of the York RAF Association branch, said many relatives may still live in the York area.

"We do believe that the names in the book will mean an awful lot to the families concerned and a good number of them were in attendance when the Duke of Edinburgh unveiled the memorial.

"We would like to give them the opportunity to attend what will be a special day where we have an opportunity to look at the book."

Minster staff turn a page daily and on four occasions a year a page is formally turned during a ceremony by the RAF Association and RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

York Minster's visitor reception

supervisor Isabel Bamford will be joined by her aunt, Dorothy Bassam, who is travelling from Blythe to attend the ceremony.

Dorothy's brother, George, is featured in the Book Of Remem-brance.

Isabel said: "I often have to turn the page for people who come to look at the book. It is a privilege. People come and get quite emotional. My uncle and aunt's parents were at the unveiling, and now my aunt will be at the 50th anniversary. It is important to remember the people who died to ensure we remained free."

The closing date for applications to attend the service is Friday.

Anyone who has a relative listed in the book and would like to attend should phone Margaret Duff, area administration and events manager, RAF Association, on 01772 458536, or email margaret.duff@rafa.org.uk

New members needed for RAFA

THE York branch of the Royal Air Force Association is appealing for new members to join its ranks to help support former airmen during difficult times.

There are about 390 members spread far and wide but active membership in York is much smaller and dwindling.

Chairman Ray Kidd said: "The spirit of comradeship that members experienced and enjoyed during their service still carries through.

"The RAFA is very much a working outfit. Although we have a social side we are in the business to raise money to dispense welfare to people who served in the RAF and their families when they fall on hard times or times of great sickness."

For further information, phone Mr Kidd on 01904 656525.

Updated: 10:41 Monday, October 03, 2005