07 Dec 10. We would like to thank all our guests at our BATTLESPACE Businessman of The Year dinner on Tuesday for their very generous contributuions to our charity Raffle which raised a staggering £2000 for BLESMA and SSFA, more than treble last year, no doubt, in part due to Steve O’Leary’s excellent Auction!
We have two more items which you can bid for on line and we will deliver to your address.
1. One 0.5L bottle of Flagship Premium Russian Vodka, plus six month free subscription to Defence News Analysis (by e-mail), starting January 2011
2. A D-Day landing photograph donated by Thales Inc. at AUSA.
Just send us an email with your bid. raffle@battle-technology.com
04 Dec 10. The Editor was lucky enough to attend the new British Military Tournament with his son, with many thanks to Boeing for providing the tickets. This comes after an eleven year gap following the demise of the Royal Tournament during the time of anti-defence policies spearheaded by Gordon Brown amongst others. The British Military Tournament is a new, exhilarating military spectacle which reinstates the much–loved tradition of military display by the British Army. In aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and taking place with four performances at Earls Court over the weekend of 4th–5th December 2010, this magnificent event will bring together all the best elements of the world famous Royal Tournament incorporating them into a new show for the 21st century. The Tournament presents a fantastic opportunity to marvel at our heroic soldiers in all of their glory during an exciting two hour show of unrivalled military action and precision. It will feature battle re-enactments including a cavalry charge, parades, marching bands, period uniforms and modern military vehicles, as well as an incredible 500 troops, over 145 horses and massed bands. In addition, a gripping and realistic re–enactment of a combat incident in Afghanistan by troops recently returned from Helmand Province is sure to be a highlight of the Tournament. With narration by Anthony Andrews and recorded contributions from Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry and Dame Judi Dench, the show will dazzle audiences with famous and iconic performances including the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry, the Musical Drive of The King’s Troop (Royal Horse Artillery) and the world-famous Field Gun Run, this year proudly supported by Aegis, featuring two crews from Wellington College battling it out in a dramatic, nail–biting contest over the walls and chasms of an obstacle course. The audience will also witness breathtaking expertise such as high horse gymnastics, mounted Skill at Arms and ceremonial drills, as well as a live performance of a scene from the critically acclaimed West End production “War Horse”. The British Military Tournament is a thrilling and unmissable experience and a unique opportunity to admire first-hand the magnificent skills, weaponry, dedication and proud history of the British Army – the brave men and women who are the envy of the world. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our lead sponsor Boeing and associate sponsor Aegis.
13 Dec 10. The Aviator’s Ball, a glamorous annual event in the aerospace industry calendar organised by the flying charity Aerobility, was held on 27th November at the Sofitel Hotel at Heathrow’s Terminal 5. Aerobility is pleased to announce that the ball was a great success, raising £82,000 for the charity. Over 400 people attended the evening, with notable guests including Gerald Howarth, Minister for International Security Strategy, TV entertainer Jon Culshaw and the RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team. After a gourmet three course meal guests had the chance to bid on some incredible auction prizes, from a high speed taxi run in the Vulcan XH558 to a Breitling Aerospace watch. A key moment in the evening came when Mr Howarth read out a personal message of support for Aerobility sent to him by the Prime Minister. John Culsh