In 2003, the branch held a charity concert, marking the Diamond Jubilee of the RAF Association, and in the process raising funds for RAFA Wings Appeal. The concert was performed by the RAF Squadronaires, conducted by (then) Sqn Ldr Duncan Stubbs.
It was such a success that over annual concerts took place over the course of the following 7 years.
The subsequent concerts, performed by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force were equally well received and over the course of those eight years, £28,000 was raised for RAFA Wings Appeal.
Our thanks go to all members of the Squadronaires and Central Band who entertained us over those years, but it is worth mentioning what happened to two people who became familiar faces to us during that time:
Sqn Ldr Duncan Stubbs, who conducted both the RAF Squadronaires and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force at the majority of our concerts, became Wg Cdr Duncan Stubbs, during that period, and appointed Principal Director of Music. In 2017, he was awarded the OBE for services to military music.
Corporal Matthew Little, who sang for us with the “Squadronaires” concert, and in subsequent concerts is now (as at 2020) Sqn Ldr Matthew Little. He was appointed a Director of Music in the RAF in 2008, and “during his tour at RAF College Cranwell he was the Director of Music for both the Band of the RAF Regiment and the Band of the RAF College.”
Since his time performing for us, Matthew has gone on to perform with many famous names, notably providing backing vocals for Dame Shirley Bassie, Alfie Boe and Katherine Jenkins and others at Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations, and was Director of Music for the Dame Vera Lynn 100th Birthday Celebration Concert. “He was awarded two AOC Commendations as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his involvement with the Anthem in the Park events, performing with Hayley Westenra in 2010 and Brian May and Kerry Ellis in 2011”
(You can read Matthew Little’s full biography at https://www.officialmattlittle.com/bio)
The Branch extends its congratulations to both on their deserved recognition, and wishes them every future success.