THE VALLEY AVIATION SOCIETY TROPHY
PRESENTATION OF THE VALLEY AVIATION SOCIETY TROPHY
The Valley Aviation Society Trophy was originally conceived in 1996 by Flight Lieutenant John Phillips, Community Relations Officer; with the intention of annually awarding it to an individual or organisation not directly involved with flying.
The trophy’s expense had been met by VAS, following the purchase of a Christmas card attributed to Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, whilst he was stationed at RAF Netheravon in 1937 and eventually received by the RAF Valley CRO. For many years, whilst in the possession of VAS, the card had been loaned and displayed in the station’s History Room. However, eventually the room was converted into what is known today as the Starbucks Café, with the card having been retrieved and now remains the property of the Valley Aviation Society.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, the trophy had been dormant since 2019. However, with the relaxation of the Covid-19 regulations, it had been agreed to once more commence awarding the trophy.
On Monday, 16 August 2021, it had been agreed, at the behest of the Station Commander and his executives; that the trophy should be presented to the station’s ESS staff, a member of the Compass Company, which is responsible for providing support services throughout the UK Armed Forces sites. It was therefore determined that having loyally supported the station throughout the past difficult times; the staff more than merited the recognition.
Accordingly, the Station Commander in the presence of RAF Valley’s ESS staff presented the trophy to Chris Simmonds, General Manager.
Photo 1 - The Valley Aviation Society Trophy (Jim Le Cras)
Photo 2 - (Left to right) W/O Loz Mcmillan, Station Warrant Officer; Sioned Roberts, Officers Mess Manager; Nathan Goodright , Retail Manager; Chris Simmonds, General Manager; Marian Jones, Accommodation Manager and Group Captain Andy Turk, Station Commander. (Stn Photographer)
Photo 3 - Assembled ESS staff. (Jim Le Cras)
Photo 4/5 - The Douglas Bader Christmas Card.
