About
The April Fools Club was founded in 2008 at RAF Linton-on-Ouse by John Fay MBE, Tony Hambleton, and Phil Peters. The name honours the date of the formation of the Royal Air Force on 1st April 1918, when Lord Trenchard, the Father of the RAF, brought the Service into being.
What began as a small group of like-minded friends has grown into a thriving fellowship of around 180 members, with a unique mix of serving and former RAF officers (around 40%) and leaders in business (around 60%). This blend ensures the Club remains rooted in RAF values while building strong and meaningful links with industry and the wider community.
At its heart, the April Fools Club is about fellowship, service, and legacy. We exist to foster trusted relationships between the Royal Air Force and business, to promote knowledge of Air and Space Power, and to raise funds for RAF charities and causes close to our mission. To date, the Club has raised nearly £900,000, making a tangible difference to the lives of RAF personnel, veterans, and their families.
The Club is also defined by its spirit of adventure. Since 2014, we have organised annual Club Tours, visiting places of historical and operational significance such as the Falkland Islands, the Normandy and Arnhem battlefields, RAF Lossiemouth, the US Marine Corps, the White House, the US Congress, the Indy500, and Flanders. These tours are more than just trips — they are opportunities for members to share experiences, strengthen friendships, and honour those who served before us.
Membership of the April Fools Club is about more than events and fundraising. It is about belonging to a fellowship that is always there for each other, carrying forward the pride, humour, and resilience that the name April Fools embodies. We balance tradition and respect for the RAF with camaraderie, good spirit, and a shared commitment to being a trusted force for good in and around Defence.
Fundraising is a major part of the Club. We have raised just short of £900,000 so far. We have won the RAF Benevolent Fund Fundraising Team of the Year Award a record three times and in 2022 we were awarded the Special Achievement Award by the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Our Goals
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Develop understanding of Air and Space Power within our membership.
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Raise funds for key RAF charities, including the RAF Benevolent Fund, RAFA, and the Jon Egging Trust.
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Support serving members in their transition to civilian careers.
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Strengthen ties between Defence and business through fellowship and shared purpose.
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Promote a culture of integrity, loyalty, and mutual support among all members.
Our Vision
To be a leading fellowship community where RAF
Heritage and business leadership come together to create lasting impact — for members, for Defence, and for society.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
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Fellowship – building strong, lifelong bonds between members.
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Charity – raising funds and awareness for causes that support the RAF family.
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Integrity – upholding the highest standards in all that we do.
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Service – helping members transition, thrive, and give back to Defence and industry.
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Inclusion – welcoming people from all walks of life who share our passion and values.
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The April Fools Club is more than a network — it is a community of trust, purpose, and pride.
