The Aircrew Association Costa Blanca celebrated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, 8th May with a special luncheon held at La Cumbre Restaurant in Benitachell.
Over 100 Members and guests attended this special occasion including: RAFA, North Costa Blanca; The Royal British Legion, Jávea Branch; the Royal Society of St George; the Levante Council of the Navy League of the USA; the Rotary Fellowship of the Costa Blanca North; the Chaplaincy of the Holy Spirit, Costa Blanca; the Benitachell Christian Fellowship (BCF); the LIONS Club of Teulada and Moraira; NARPO (National Association of Retired Police Officers) and many personal guests of Association Members.
Following the CAVA reception on the picturesque terrace of La Cumbre, Members and guests were welcomed by the Association Chairman, Max Maxwell, before a special Grace was said, written and read by Association Life Vice President Peter Langley DFC. Peter was 100 in July 2024 and has recounted his fascinating memory of VE Day 1945. This began with an exhilarating meeting in Piccadilly Circus and ended in the early hours of the 9th May in the east end of London!
After an exceptional meal, a raffle and a competition to generate support for the Wings Appeal for the RAF Benevolent Society, John Othen, the Association Treasurer, gave the Dedication to the Comradeship of Aircrew (The Aircrew Exhortation). Then followed loyal toasts to the King of Spain, King Felipe, proposed by Terry Waldron, Chairman of the RBL, Javea Branch and to King Charles III, proposed by Diana Pringle, President of the Levant Council of the Navy League of the USA.
The Chairman of RAFA, North Costa Blanca Branch, Wg Cdr Robert Hunt MBE, then gave an excellent talk on ‘The Implications of VE Day’. This absorbing talk concluded with the toast to ‘Those Who Fell and Those Who Survived’, proposed by Wg Cdr Hunt!
After closing remarks from the Chairman, this special occasion was closed with the Aircrew Toast, to Absent Friends and Fellow Aircrew, proposed by Association Life Vice President, Tom Brown.
A memorable occasion, suitably and appropriately organised and executed in memory of a momentous day in our history.