Further to the note in 550 ex-aircrew (for 550 Squadron ex-crew intending to go to the 
BBMF Visitor Centre at RAF Coningsby this year) the following opportunity is possible for Association members.

If you are travelling to North Killingholme on Friday 1st July for the July reunion, or indeed returning home on 
Monday 4th July from the reunion, you may consider taking the opportunity to see the BBMF Lancaster BQ-B (ex-550 Squadron) 
at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on the way. The first opportunity will be at 2.0pm on Friday 1st July and there will 
be another tour on Monday 4th July at 10.30am.

One of our members, Arthur Punchard, works part-time as a guide for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby;  
he will do his level best, operational conditions permitting, to make the "550 tour" special.
For 550 ex-crew there is the chance of being allowed on board the Lancaster. 

Just to be clear, in case there is any confusion with the note in the May Newsletter: the offer to attend on those dates/times 
is open to Association members, but it is only ex-crew that have a chance of being allowed on board the Lancaster.

However, it should be pointed out that there is no absolute guarantee that the aircraft will be available, 
all visits are governed by operational needs. As it is the weekend of the nearby RAF Waddington Airshow BQ-B 
maybe in a 'prepared for flying' state on the Friday and it may not be possible to take ex-crew on board. 
So in essence you 'pays your money and takes your chance'.

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the offer should contact Arthur Punchard either by using the link/form on the 
Association website below, or by e-mailing him direct off this link.

If you are interested in a visit to RAF Coningsby on the Friday/Monday then you can use the form provided below 
to submit your details. 

		coningsby visit form

The above details also appear in the May edition of the Association Newsletter.