Having been grounded for the past two years, it’s “chocks away” for us on The Beaujolais Run®️ 2021. Supporting the Royal Air Force Benevolent
Fund and commemorating the 80th Anniversary
of the Battle of Britain (80 +1) which also coincides with the 50th centenary of
the Beaujolais Run itself. The primary objective of the Beaujolais Run is fundraising for the RAFBF, which for over100 years, has been providing vital and wide-ranging
support to people who served or completed their National Service within the RAF. In 1919
the first assistance RAFBF provided was a shilling for a night's lodging
allowing young service personnel an opportunity to seek work and integrate back
into society. Today they provide a much broader range of financial, practical
and emotional support to more than 55,000 members of the RAF family. 

History of The Run.

The Beaujolais Run®️ was conceived in 1970 by Hotelier and Restauranteur Joseph Berkmann & wine critic, for ´The Sun’, Clement Freud.
After a long lunch with numerous bottles consumed.... a challenge was made for
the first person to get their case of 1970 Beaujolais back to London. In 1972
it was all about speed and the RAF won the event using a Harrier Jump-Jet. Unsurprisingly they still hold this record. The Beaujolais Run®️ has now developed into an annual challenge raising funds for
the RAF Benevolent Fund. To be clear All costs incurred taking part in the
run are entirely met by the individual entrants and our sponsors with
100% of all donations going directly to the RAFBF charity.

In 2019  following  the  theme of 
‘The Great Escape’ James and I took
our  race car , a semi lightweight  1963 E-Type Jaguar, from RAF
Benson  through occupied France to neutral  Switzerland and then on to Beaune for the release of the wine . Bringing our
precious cargo of Beaujolais Nouveau safely back to Blighty winning the GT 1
Classic Trophy for shortest distance using map navigation
only.

This year celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain we will be
departing once again in the old race car from a secret historic location in the South of England, our destination
being France, for a series of challenges and tasks; then onto Beaujolais country to collect our bounty before returning home. The car
will carry the name of Wg Cdr H Manuel James late Grandfather a stanch
supporter of The RAF BF from its very earliest days.   

This is a great opportunity for you to help with supporting
the airmen and airwomen, and their families, that have served this country and those that are still
serving to honour their dedication, commitment and bravery particularly in
these extremely difficult times. Your donation no matter how modest will be
gratefully received.

Wg. Cdr . H . C. Manuel   ( Harold Cecil Manuel)  .
 Known affectionately as “Don” in the RAF   

Born 1897 Dorset  son of a coachman died 1989  . Joined Royal
Flying Core  just before its transition to RAF .Was commissioned and
 Served in Middle east North Africa , retired in 1955.  Was appointed
private secretary to 11 Duke of Argyll  at Inveraray Castle. 

Team "Ginger" call sign:

Sqn Ldr James Harry Lacey one of the top scoring Royal Air Force fighter pilots during world war two

https://www.beaujolaisrun.com/