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RAFCTE’s Trading Operations Director, David Higham, offers an insight into what’s new on the merchandise front for the rest of 2008.

Every one is aware that we all now operate in a global marketplace and sourcing products can, in many cases, be at the touch of a button. RAFCTE is no different and has already launched a range of aircraft instrument coasters, key rings, alarm clocks and fridge magnets through its spring edition of the AIR TATTOO gift collection – all of which were sourced from Canada. At the Royal International Air Tattoo on the 12th & 13th July this year, a brand new Red Arrows baseball cap, made in the Far East, will be launched, together with a new range of vibrantly coloured black T-shirts sourced from the United States of America.

Wherever possible, however, the RAFCTE try to source products from the UK and, in particular from local suppliers if at all possible. At RIAT this July we will also be launching a new range of UK produced china mugs and featuring the impressive aviation imagery of Philip West – including moody images of the Avro Lancaster and Vulcan, Spitfire, Lysander, dH Mosquito, Tiger Moth, etc. Our new Best of British range of T-shirts and earthenware mugs – featuring the Red Arrows Hawks, Avro Vulcan and Typhoon – all of which are quite stunning.

2008 has also seen the major launch of a brand new range of high quality artist grade canvas, as well  as standard mounted, aviation prints. Some of these are quite literally breathtaking and include aircraft images from legendary aviation photographers Geoffrey Lee, Charles Toop and Peter March. Prices range from £25 to £125.

As we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Royal Air Force this year, a number of specially produced commemorative products will also be available in 2008. Already selling extremely well are the commemorative first day covers and stamps from the Isle of Man Post Office, crystal whisky glasses and  a number of related publications by Geoffrey Lee, Jamie Hunter and Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork.

As usual, the RAFCTE’s new range of charity Christmas cards and 2009 aviation wall calendars will shortly be available and will include an RAF 90th anniversary calendar by Guild of Aviation artist, Patricia Forrest, as well as a specially produced calendar by Anthony Cowland GAvA and featuring both civil and military aircraft. Our Concorde photographic calendar, by Geoffrey Lee, is also sure to please. We will also have a new calendar for 2009 featuring the work of 13 different Guild of Aviation artists and which offers a variety of stunning Guild paintings of different aircraft. This year’s new RIAT calendar – featuring photographic images of FRIAT member Chris Gee will also have many aviation aficionados salivating!

So, don’t forget to check out our official RIAT 2008 dvd which will be available around the beginning of October, and happy hunting in the coming months. We will definitely have something for everyone this year!