The premier tanker squadron's 70th anniversary was a 2 day affair with an air display, static display of various aircraft (one of everything we refuelled, plus Canberra and Vulcan as ex-sqn types), an all-ranks dining-in night in the Officers' Mess (including an extra £500 worth of port....). Commemorative First Day Covers plus glassware were produced; I have 2 Irish coffee glasses engraved with the squadron standard and the 70th anniversary dates
The 75th anniversary didn't have a flying display, the static display was of sqn activities only plus bouncy castles and historic cars, but there was an aircraft available for families to look round. And the sqn management hadn't quite managed to get the dates right, so it was held in the 76th anniversary year. We had an all-ranks dinner but it was in the Gateway as the Stn Cdr wouldn't allow it to be held in the Officers' Mess. Special commemorative glassware was produced, I have 4 whisky tumblers engraved with the squadron badge and the 75th anniversary dates.
The 80th anniversary had neither flying nor static display, the all-ranks dinner was held in a tent behind the guardroom as the Gateway was too expensive. The sqn history room was opened up to visitors; no commemorative items were produced.
It was decided that there wouldn't be an 85th, the next will be the 90th next year. It will probably be a pay as you dine affair in the local MacDonalds - served by ex-navigators.
But the common factor will be that the sqn will still be flying the ageing Vickers FunBus!