On Friday, 9th August, AFD hosted its first-ever Summer Social at our offices on the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone. The event was a long-anticipated occasion, providing a fantastic opportunity for our staff, customers, and various business partners to come together in a relaxed and informal setting. This event wasn’t just about socialising; it was a celebration of our collective success, a chance to strengthen relationships, and a way to thank everyone involved in our journey.
A Networking Event to Remember
This year marked the first time we’ve held such an event at AFD. While we’ve organised team-building days in the past, this Summer Social was unique in its focus on bringing together everyone who plays a part in our success. The day was meticulously planned to offer a perfect blend of relaxation and networking, allowing attendees to mingle and enjoy each other’s company away from the usual pressures of the workplace. It was a chance to connect on a more personal level, which we believe is crucial for fostering stronger professional relationships.
Supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund
In line with the theme of the Blackpool Airshow weekend, we dedicated this event to supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund. This charity holds a special place in our hearts, as it provides invaluable support to current and former members of the RAF, along with their partners and families. Given our work in the aerospace sector and the direct impact our projects have on the RAF, it was fitting to align our fundraising efforts with a cause so closely connected to our industry.
The fundraising activities were centred around a raffle, with prizes generously donated by local businesses. The response was overwhelming, with everyone participating enthusiastically. We’ll be sharing more details about the funds raised and thanking the businesses involved in an upcoming article, so stay tuned!
A Day of Sunshine, Music, and Aviation
We were blessed with glorious weather on the day, with bright sunshine that perfectly matched the upbeat mood of the event. The Boogie Bros (featuring Dean Kelly on guitar and Ray Williams on saxophone and vocals) provided live music that truly set the tone for the day. Their performance was a highlight, transforming our office into a lively venue, especially as the sound of the baritone saxophone reverberated through the office during the sound check, instantly putting everyone in a party spirit.
A memorable moment was when our CEO, Jerrod Hartley, presented his wife Elaine with a bouquet of flowers to mark their wedding anniversary—a thoughtful touch that added to the day’s special atmosphere.
As the event progressed, we were treated to a front-row view of some incredible aviation treats. Our office, overlooking Blackpool Airfield, provided the perfect vantage point to witness the arrival of the Red Arrows and the iconic Catalina flying boat. Seeing these aircraft up close was a fantastic experience for everyone present, and the sight of the Catalina’s crew waving to our guests as they taxied past was great moment.
A Feast for All
While we won’t go into too much detail about the catering, it’s safe to say that everyone was well-fed. The menu included classic BBQ fare—juicy burgers and hot dogs, both topped with mouth-watering pulled pork, and a sweet finish with rich chocolate brownies. The food was a hit, and it added to the overall enjoyment of the day.
Looking Ahead
The success of this event has set a new standard for future gatherings at AFD. As our CEO put it, “The Summer Social was more than just a day of fun; it was a powerful reminder of the community we’ve built here at AFD. It was wonderful to see everyone come together, share in our success, and support such a worthy cause.”
We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and exploring more ways to bring our community together. In the meantime, keep an eye out for our next article, where we’ll reveal the total amount raised for the RAF Benevolent Fund and extend our thanks to the businesses that contributed to the raffle.
