Veterans attend annual Christmas Lunch at RAF Wittering

Two 96-year-old veterans were among dozens of elderly invited to a Christmas Lunch at RAF Wittering last Friday.

RAF Warrant Officer Bert Salvage had worked at the base during the V-Bomber era of the 1950s and 1960s.

Margaret Haverfield, of Melton Mowbray, joined the RAF aged 16 and worked from 1941 to 1945 in signals and as a telephonist, rising to the rank of sergeant.

She said it was wonderful to return to RAF Wittering and wished she was 16 again.

Flying Officer Ben Stubbings, of Base Support Squadron, runs the Christmas lunches.

He says they take place to help local elderly people avoid loneliness at this time of year.

The mess kitchen was extra-busy, but RAF Wittering has many talented and experienced chefs to prepare the dinners.

Just before lunch the guests enjoyed signing from the children of Wittering Primary School.

After lunch, there was fun and games, including bingo and a raffle with prizes donated by Station personnel.

The afternoon ended with coffee and mince pies.

Wing Commander Maggie Boyle was the Senior Royal Air Force Officer at the lunch.

She said: “We have visitors here today who have lived and worked alongside us for many years. It is my privilege to welcome them, on behalf of the station commander, to enjoy good food, good company and good cheer at the start of the Christmas period.”

She continued: “Christmas can be a difficult time for some. I hope that by bringing this diverse group together here at RAF Wittering we can help to strengthen the ties within our community.

“This is one of the highlights of the station calendar for us, and if the singing and laughter are anything to go by, it has once again proved to be a great success.”

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