|
|
see a larger version 
|
By the early evening on Friday 10th July 2009, the RAF Tempsford veterans, friends and relatives began
to arrive in Wyboston, ahead of the 2009 Summer Gathering of the T.V.A.R. A very enjoyable evening ensued in
the Crown, Wyboston, with the added bonus of the new Vicar of Tempsford, Revd Margaret Marshall,
making a brief appearance, to meet with the veterans for the first time, ahead of her taking the service of
Remembrance and Thanksgiving in St Peter's Church Tempsford the next day. Rain was always a threat on Saturday morning, but by 10.30, with the kind permission of the Countess of Errol, people were arriving at the airfield to visit the small, private museum and to gather at the "barn". At 11.00, Edwin Bryce greeted all those who had come from Greece, South Africa and all parts of the U.K. Edwin unveiled the plaque that had been specially made and which was to be given to No.22 (Sandy) ATC Squadron, for them to keep as an annual prize for the most improved cadet. In this way, the name of RAF Tempsford will live on with the local younger generation for many years to come. After an hour at the "barn", the gathering slowly made their way to St. Peter's Church, Tempsford, where the short 30 minute service was to be held. The choir of the local neighbouring village of Blunham, conducted by Mrs Kath Tipping, were already there, along with the organist, Mrs Jean Amos. A delightful service conducted by Revd. Marshall included an address that recalled the need to trust in eyesight and to navigate by faith - two essential requirements when flying over occupied Europe at night. After the service, many then gathered in the "Wheatsheaf" over the road (rather swamping the place !) for lunch and a time for reminiscences. In all, we estimate that the gathering numbered over 75 people this summer, with many first-timers, as well as some who have not been back to Tempsford for some years. We were especially delighted to see Mrs Audrey Verity and family this year. Please click on some of the small thumbnail pictures to see larger versions, which you are free to download. If anyone has other photos they would like to share, please e-mail them to me and I can add them to this page. |
see a larger version 
|
| 
| 
|