18th June 1972 saw one of the worst disasters in the history of UK aviation.  British European Airways flight 548 crashed 3 minutes into its journey from London Heathrow to Brussels.  All 118 passengers and crew on board were killed.  JCI Belgium lost 7 members and 2 spouses, who were returning from the JCI European Conference in Edinburgh that year, many of whom were part of their national board.  Since this time there has been a close relationship between JCI London and JCI Belgium.

Every year a memorial service is held in Staines near the site of the crash. This year, which marks the 40th anniversary of the diaster will be particularly poignant.

As JCI London President this year, I will be attending to represent the Chamber. However, all JCI UK members - and JCI London members in particular - are warmly encouraged to attend the service, if available. A large contingent of JCI Belgium members and former members will be in attendance.

The ceremony will take place on Monday 18th June 2012.

10am - Prayers and Dedications in the Trident 'Papa India' Memorial Garden in the Moormead Sports Ground off Waters Drive, Staines TW18 4RP.

11am - Memorial Service at St Marys Church, Church St, Staines TW18 4YA.

Following the service, fellow Jaycees will likely be going for an informal lunch nearby.

*

The Staines Memorial Foundation

JCI Belgium set up the Staines Memorial Foundation after the crash to help support the education of the children of the victims of the crash.  Today it continues to support relatives of the crash victims, as well as being used to provide insurance for all JCI Belgium members when attending JCI events - which includes this year's European Conference to be held in Braunschweig, Germany from 13th-16th June 2012.