20.04.18 Ben Griffiths
Historic Livery Companies of the City of London Mark Royal Air Force Centenary with Guildhall Banquet and Exhibition of British Aircraft and Engines
By the 1st April 2018, the first independent air force in the world, The Royal Air Force, had given the United Kingdom and the free world 100 years of Service.
To mark this anniversary, the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the Worshipful Company of Engineers of the City of London will host a formal Banquet in the Guildhall and display in the Courtyard a range of aircraft and engines representing British aviation achievements over the past 100 years.
These three Companies are active Liveries investing in young people and they are supporting a drive by the Lord Mayor to highlight Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths within the Square Mile.
The charitable aim of this evening’s event is to donate funds to support the education and training of RAF Air Cadets. Among the guests on the night will be World II RAF veterans and military officers, diplomats and industry leaders.
Aerospace companies have teamed up with the RAF Museum and Brooklands Museum to exhibit some of the significant aircraft and engines which together tell the story of the RAF’s first 100 years.
On display in the Guildhall Courtyard will be a Sopwith Camel and an SE5a, two biplanes from the First World War, alongside a Spitfire and Hurricane from the Second World War.
During Friday, Saturday and Sunday 19th-21st April, the Guildhall Courtyard exhibition will be open to schools and RAF Air Cadets to enhance their understanding of the RAF’s history and help inspire a new generation of ‘air minded’ youth.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff, said: ‘Our 100th anniversary celebrations give us a unique platform from which to showcase the character of the RAF and the opportunities we offer.
‘We want young people to be ambitious and realise their potential, so that we can continue to be a dynamic force for good and can continue to protect the nation, as we have done so successfully throughout our first one hundred years.’
Tony Edwards, Master of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, said: ‘In supporting the celebrations for the first 100 years of the RAF, The Coachmakers with more than 300 years’ experience of working with young people, continue to seek out and support those individuals whose ambitions are to contribute to the future excellence of the UK’s aerospace engineering community.’
Eur Ing Richard Groome, Master of the Worshipful Company of Engineers, said: ‘The Royal Air Force has been part of life from my earliest days, thanks to my father having been a serving officer. Accordingly, it gives me immense pleasure as Master Engineer to have played a part in arranging the City’s tribute to the world’s oldest Air Force. The Worshipful Company of Engineers salutes the Royal Air Force and thanks all members past and present for their service and sacrifice.’
Colin Cox, Master of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, said: ‘As Master of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, very much looking forward to joining with the Coachmakers and Engineers in hosting the City of London’s RAF100 Banquet this evening at Guildhall. This promises to be a splendid affair celebrating a century of RAF dedication and excellence in the service of protecting our country.’
For more information please contact:
Ben Griffiths ben.griffiths@powerscourt-group.com
Powerscourt 07753 464 637
Notes to Editors:
RAF 100
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. Reflecting on its proud record of serving the Nation, the RAF will commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who have gone before; thank its service men and women for their dedication and inspire the next generation so that together, we can continue to help shape our world for the next 100 years and beyond.
The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers
The Company was established by Royal Charter on 31 May 1677. Today, the Coachmakers is an active Livery Company investing in young people, with interests centred on the automotive and aerospace industries, coachmaking and the armed forces. Charitable funds are raised and distributed by the Livery for its supported industries and institutions within the City of London, along with deserving and disadvantaged members of society. The Coachmakers has long established links with all three branches of the armed services. It supports and engages with the UK’s armed forces through active participation with specific affiliated units: HMS Bulwark, The Royal Dragoon Guards, RAF Brize Norton, the Commando Helicopter Force and the Cadet movement.
The Honourable Company of Air Pilots
The Company was established as a Guild in 1929 in order to ensure that pilots and navigators of the (then) fledgling aviation industry were accepted and regarded as professionals. From the beginning, the Guild was modelled on the lines of the Livery Companies of the City of London, which were originally established to protect the interests and standards of those involved in their respective trades or professions. In 1956, the Guild was formally recognised as a Livery Company. In 2014, it was granted a Royal Charter in the name of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots.
The Worshipful Company of Engineers
The Company is a fellowship of leading engineers (and partners) who meet, socialise and exchange cross-disciplinary thinking at prestigious City venues and support the Engineers Trust in its educational, engineering excellence, and charitable objectives. Members are all Chartered Engineers or Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and are from all the professional disciplines of engineering, technology and business. Liverymen of the Company are Fellows at least one of the Professional Engineering Institutions. The Company works to promote and develop all aspects of the science, art and practice of engineering within a social and charitable ethos which is at the core of the Livery movement.
ENDS