Furniture Makers take flight at RAF Valley Families Day

Members of The Furniture Makers’ Company enjoyed an unforgettable day at RAF Valley after receiving a special invitation from XXV (Fighter) Squadron to attend its Families Day.

The visit, which took place on Friday 7 August, provided an opportunity to experience life at the RAF base, get up close to an impressive array of aircraft and enjoy a spectacular five-hour flying display, while further strengthening the Company’s valued affiliation with XXV (F) Squadron.

The Furniture Makers’ party received a warm welcome from the Squadron before being taken to the XXV (F) Squadron Mess. Following coffee and introductions, members were given 90 minutes in the Squadron’s flight simulators to practise their take-off, flying and landing skills.

Members were then given the freedom to explore RAF Valley, viewing a wide variety of aircraft at close quarters, stepping aboard some of them and speaking to the personnel who operate them. A five-hour air display provided the centrepiece of the Families Day, with aircraft on the ground and in the skies above RAF Valley.

Reflecting on the visit, liveryman Paul James said: “Throughout the day, our hosts from XXV (F) Squadron could not have been more welcoming, generous or hospitable. What struck us most was not simply the excellent flying and impressive aircraft, but the genuine warmth and friendship with which we were received. We were made to feel very much part of the Squadron for the day.

“It was a great privilege to spend time with the Squadron and experience a little of life at RAF Valley. The day was enormous fun and hugely interesting, but most importantly it gave us another opportunity to strengthen the relationship between XXV (F) Squadron and The Furniture Makers’ Company.”