Latest News

Sad to learn of the recent passing of Jeff Worrall in February. Jeff worked his way through the ranks in supply at Finningley, finishing as WO and later Mr. working in Families. 15/3/08

The Tornado navigator who recently lost his life when he was ejected whilst flying inverted, was former Finningley Nav student and later Nav instrutor Mike Harland. Our sympathy goes out to his family. 20/11/07 See tributes to Mike.

Sad to inform you of the recent death following a long illness of Mrs. Macfarlane who worked in the Sergeants mess. 9/9/07

Thank you for signing the petition on the No.10 website calling for the maintenance of the Red Arrows. It is a sign of the place they hold in the national affections that so many people have joined you in signing it - one of the highest numbers since the e-petition service began. That's why I wanted to reply personally. It's also why I am replying before the petition officially closes, in order to reassure people who are clearly concerned.

I am pleased to be able to give you good news. There are no plans to change the funding for the Red Arrows, let alone to disband them.

It is important, of course, that the MOD looks at the full range of its spending plans as part of its routine financial planning, to ensure that taxpayers' money is spent where our Armed Forces most need it. Obviously it is this review which prompted fears that the Red Arrows might be scrapped.

However, like you, the Government recognises just what an important role the Red Arrows play in our national life. As the world's premier aerobatic team, they have thrilled millions of spectators over many years. I was lucky enough to see their extraordinary skills myself only last year at the Farnborough Air Show.

More importantly, the Red Arrows have maintained public support for the Royal Air Force, encouraged recruitment, acted as ambassadors for Britain in the world and promoted British industry for many years. So I am pleased to assure you that this government fully intends to keep the Red Arrows flying.

Thank you for signing this petition, and I hope you get a chance to see the Red Arrows yourself soon.Yours sincerely,
Tony Blair

Save the Red Arrows Click here

Officers Mess to become school.
Hill House St. Mary's Independent school has acquired the Officers Mess building from Peel, it is to become the site for their new school, they hope to relocate from their present Thorne Rd. and Bawtry Rd. premises in 2008.

Pledges and donations of over £1m have been received enabling work on XH558 to continue. 4/9/06

Happy birthday Finningley. It's 70 years today since the official opening of RAF Finningley air base. 3/9/06

Work on renovating ex Finningley Vulcan XH558 is likely to grind to a halt if a further £1m can't be found before the end of August. Restoration is currently taking place on XH558 at Bruntingthorpe airfield in Leicestershire. 16/8/06

Website has been upgraded to get rid of the adverts, also some pictures added. 21/7/06

Been to the east coast this weekend, on the way home I called in to see WO Roy Williamson at Beverly, he is in good health and sends his regards to all who remember him. 1/8/05

New link added 'Aircraft at Finningley' 11/5/05

New link added on Links page, See 'One for the aviation buffs'.

IT HAPPENED, FIRST COMERCIAL FLIGHT FORM FINNINGLEY THIS MORNING 09:25 28/4/05

After trying to contact many of you from the visitors book it has become obvious that there are a lot of you with redundant e-mail addresses. If you have changed yours since placing your entry, please contact me with your name and new e-mail address and I will amend it rather than you making a new entry. DEREK. 15/4/05

If you encounter any difficulties with the new look website, please contact me. 29/3/05

Please note, my AOL e-mail address is no longer functional, to contact me use the link on the left. 29/3/05

The first commercial flight from Finningley, now Doncaster Robin Hood Airport, is due to take place on Thursday 28 April 2005. It is Thompsonfly, Flight number TOM521 to Palma, the ETD is 09:15. (I'll believe it when I see it). 29/3/05

Sad to inform you of the death last year of Les Morris. Les was a PBX operator at Finningley until his retirement in 1979. He was 89 years old and although blind since his 30s he had over 30 years service with the RAF both at RAF Doncaster and Finningley. 30/10/04