Dining In Southern Style
By SGT Paul (Blondy) Blondell
W/O Thomas and WOAF Gell
Following on from the success of last years Christchurch area Dining In event, it was decided to do it all again.
This year, the dinner was hosted by the region’s W/Os and SNCOs and, instead of using the RNZAF Museum’s aircraft hall as the dining venue, the Museum’s atrium, under the mighty Vampire, was used. This was a better location for the size of the group and it had a cosier feel to it. Sherries were served in the mezzanine, with the recently installed Sopworth Pup replica providing a spectacular backdrop.
CAF and WOAF were present again this year, and the dining in address was provided by W/O Gell. One of the main events of the night was the presentation of the CAF’s commendation to Mrs Margaret Dillon, for her long and dedicated service to the Air Force in looking after the engineering standards. The evening was attended by Air Force personnel from the Museum, Air Movements, Recruiting, Cadet Forces, SCE, LSV Company, JSHS, and other blue dressed people who, for one reason or another, work in the Canterbury and Southern region. Thank you to SQNLDR David Brensell and SGT Bruce Nolan, for leading the organisation of the event, W/O Dan Thomas, for being CMC for the night, and to everyone else who made it a great night for us southern-based personnel.