On Wednesday, 19th July, the RAF Club was proud to host captivating evening in the Sovereign's Room as Club Members Sean Bell and Matt Tebbutt took center stage for a thought-provoking discussion on the War in Ukraine. The event, organised with dual objectives in mind, brought together attendees eager to explore the complexities of the ongoing conflict while also contributing to a charitable cause supporting the Royal Air Force Association.

Despite Ukraine being a fraction of the size and scale of Russia, the bravery of its soldiers and growing military support from the West have enabled the nation to stand resilient against the tide of Russia's advances, even liberating some of its lands. With the war unfolding at Europe's doorstep, media interest has been intense. However, due to international sensitivities, serving military personnel are not allowed to comment on the conflict.

To shed light on the situation, the audience had the privilege of hearing from Retired Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell, a distinguished "Talking Head" for the UK MOD and a renowned military analyst regularly seen on SKY News. Sean's wealth of experience, having flown Harrier fighter jets and served in various operational theatres worldwide, provided invaluable insights into the complexities of the Ukrainian conflict.

The discussion was skillfully facilitated by Club Member and celebrated Chef and TV presenter Matt Tebbutt, known for hosting BBC One's 'Saturday Kitchen' and 'Food Unwrapped' on Channel 4. Matt, who once contemplated a career in the Royal Air Force before pursuing his culinary passion, brought a unique perspective to the table.

The engaging conversation not only provided an informed perspective on the ongoing war but also supported a great cause. Both Sean Bell and Matt Tebutt are proud ambassadors for the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), and therefore for this event £10.00 from each ticket sold was donated to support RAFA's noble initiatives.

Following the talk, attendees were treated to a delightful drinks reception featuring a sumptuous array of canapes, allowing for further discussions and networking.

The event proved to be a resounding success, with attendees at the edge of their seats throughout the evening, eager to pose questions during the insightful Q&A session. Moreover, the collective efforts of all those present ensured valuable contributions were made to RAFA's charitable endeavors.

The evenings discussion left a lasting impact on the minds of those who attended, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support for a crucial cause. We sincerely thank all those who attended and contributed to this memorable evening.