MEMBERS of the Ryedale branch of the Royal Airforces Association (RAFA) chose RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire for this year’s summer outing.

This is one of the RAF’s busiest stations as the hub of UK Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and the main operating base for airborne intelligence aircraft and systems like the E-3D Sentry AEW1.

Thirty one members, a few of whom had been stationed at Waddington during their careers, travelled with Fletchers of Malton to visit the station.

The group was met by Sgt Simon Sargeson, a branch member formerly of RAF Fylingdales and now stationed at Waddington.

Simon and his colleague Clare escorted member to their first stop, a tour of the E-3D Sentry aircraft that is part of the RAF’s “eyes and ears in the sky” where crew members explained their roles and the equipment on board.

This was followed by lunch in the Sergeant’s Mess and a tour of the RAF Waddington Heritage Centre with a short presentation about the history of the site.

A visit to the Vulcan with a blustery photo-opportunity provided a fitting finale to the visit.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day, which was extremely well organised by Sgt Sargeson and his colleagues who put a lot of time and effort into the programme for the day.

The Ryedale branch holds regular meetings at Malton and Norton Golf Club with lunches and other social events held both at the club and at other venues in the area.

For information about membership, which is open to serving and ex-RAF personnel and supporters, phone the membership secretary Allan Jones on 07747 825309. You don’t have to have served in the RAF to become a member.