The branch president Don Mabey gave the loyal toast and the branch chairman Ken Davies welcomed all the visitors.

The Mayor of Seaford, Councillor Carolyn Lambert responded on behalf of the visitors and the chairman of East Sussex County Council, Councillor Bob Lacey, praised the branch for keeping tradition alive and gave an amusing speech.

Reverend Ron Ward, the branch padre said Grace and Squadron leader Peter Bonfield acted as master of ceremonies.

Other key figures in attendance were Eric Taylor, Lord of Balneath and chairman of the South Downs Friends of St George, Squadron Leader and president of Lewes RAFA Jack Stapler, Major Bob Peedle MBE president of the Royal Military Police Association and Colonel Bob Newton.

Newhaven Mayor Councillor Graham Amy was in attendance with his wife Marlene and deputy mayor Councillor Lynda Hallett was also there on the night with Councillor Eileen Russell as consort. Seaford town Councillor Laurie Holland acted as Cllr Lambert's consort for the evening.

Nature gave guests a splendid start to the evening with a spectacular sunset that reminded them of how the sky looked when the dog fights took place in World War II.