Royal Air Force Music Charitable Trust 20th anniversary concert to be held at Newark Palace Theatre, with Governor’s House afternoon tea for audience

A prestigious musical performance is set to mark 20 years of a Newark-based RAF charity, with celebrations extending into the community.

Newark has always had a very close relationship with the Royal Air Force, with links to the former second world war bomber command base at RAF Winthorpe, along with its close association with Royal Air Force Cranwell and the musicians of the Band of the RAF College — many of who live in Newark.

This year, the association is to become even more significant with another RAF celebration which will also include special invitation to take afternoon tea in the Market Square.

As the primary sponsor and organiser of RAF charity concerts, having raised over £100,000 to support the wider Armed Forces Community, the Royal Air Force Music Charitable Trust celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with various concerts around the country.

The national charity is based in Newark, and was founded in 2004 by Malcolm Goodman MBE whilst still serving in the RAF at Cranwell.

He is director and charity trustee, and the charity is run on a entirely voluntary basis with the support of its two other former RAF musician trustees.

Thanks to the generous support of Tanith Wesson, manager of the Governor’s House, whose husband also served in the RAF, ticket holders for the concert will receive a special discount when booking afternoon tea at the Governor’s House.

Malcolm said: “Though only a small but very significant RAF charity now permanently based in Newark, and with so much historical association with the Royal Air Force, I particularly wanted to bring this anniversary celebration to our local community.

“Consequently, knowing of the Governor’s House connection with the RAF, and its justly proud establishment of a new and importantly independent business bringing back to life another part of the town’s history, it seemed to be the perfect place to invite anyone who wishes to attend the concert to also enjoy another of the unique experiences that Newark can offer.”

The charity concert will be performed by the Band of the Royal Air Force College at the Palace Theatre on Friday, September 20.

Tickets are available directly from the Palace Theatre or through the website www.palacetheatre.com.

Ticket holders can book the discounted afternoon tea at the Governor’s House by phone on 01636 337732.