The Royal Air Force Physical Training Instructors Association does not take responsibility for, endorse or guarantee products or services of the business’s illustrated on the association website.
The following sponsors kindly support the association 2026 reunion:
Karuta, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our diverse team of eight is equally split between male and female employees, and we are proud to have a team member who is blind. Using specialized software, he conducts in-depth research into sports clubs and organizations, that have helped Karuta expand in major sports and enter new markets. At Karuta, we believe that business is not just about profit—it is about making a positive impact. Whether it is through sustainable practices, charitable partnerships, or supporting our diverse team, we are dedicated to doing our part for the community and the environment.
A Message of Support from our Sponsor
“Becoming a RAF PTI is a honour and a substantial achievement, the role of the association is key to extending that honour past military service.”
– Martin Longden, Karuta Sportswear
Golf Links Stuart Waddington
We focus on golf and people first, business second. We’re not a hard-sell platform or a transactional network. We’re a space where people can show up as they are, enjoy great golf, and make meaningful connections. Four hours on the course offers something few settings can: time to be present, have real conversations, and build relationships that last — whether for business, personal growth, or simply the love of the game.
As we grow, we’re taking a data-driven approach, expanding carefully based on member interest. We’ve built a solid base in the Northwest but have ambitions to expand across the UK. We’ve also launched our membership offering and have exciting plans in the pipeline: an online golf shop, a caddie experience, and major sponsorships to elevate the GolfLinks experience.
And importantly, we’re committed to giving back. We proudly support the On Course Foundation, the veteran golf charity helping wounded, injured, and sick service personnel use golf as a way to rebuild their confidence and future. Supporting veteran causes will always be a part of what we do.
At the heart of it all — whether in GolfLinks, TDL Future, or TDL Performance — one belief drives everything: people first, business second. Just like we knew from our PTI days, the real impact isn’t in the event or the session itself — it’s in the mindset people walk away with, the relationships they build, and the ripple effect it creates.
A Message of Support from our Sponsor
To the RAF PTI Association and everyone reading this: I hope to see you on the fairways or tuning into the podcast’s next chapter soon. Here’s to keeping that spirit of connection, growth, and shared experience alive, wherever we go next.
Best, Stuart Waddington
M: 07834039686
W: www.tdlfuture.com W: www.tdlperformance.com W: www.golflinks.club
SPOR Group Ltd – Chris Gore,
SPOR Group is a leading provider of innovative audio-visual (AV) and workplace technology solutions for enterprise clients worldwide.
Our mission is to transform workspaces into smarter, more connected environments that enhance productivity and collaboration. From AV design and installation to ongoing support through our SPORTAL platform, we deliver end-to-end solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Trusted by global brands, SPOR Group combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional service, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
A Message of Support from our Sponsor
“Biggest memory is being based at Cranwell with Andy Morris, Dave Waldie, Khameel Spence and Mark O’brien (Amongst others). We were tasked with clearing out the stands in the sports hall and it was a mess. The FS (Jai Henderson) told us that whatever we find in the locked locker underneath the grandstand, we could have. We only found a full Olympic style archery kit. Well guess what we did? Straight out onto the sports field and started shooting archers as far as we could. We upped the game a little by standing next to your arrow whilst the other lads tried to beat your distance. How one of us was not killed I don’t know.”
Chris Gore, SPOR Group Ltd
Appollo Recruitment – Paul Collins
Apollo is about giving back to sports clubs and teams. We work hard with clubs, members and their sponsors to save them money and simultaneously create passive income for clubs. Sport gave us all what we are today, so we must support the next generation.
A Message of Support from our Sponsor
“I am a firm believer that if you served in the R.A.F and had mates who were PTIs and since left and retain contacts with PTI friends then you had a great time while you served. Sport wins!”
– Paul Collins, Apollo Procurement
Bob Abbott Association Member
As a devout Christian Bob Abbott believes that he was destined to join the RAF and in 1959 he trained as a Physical Training Instructor. He served at numerous stations and is grateful that he was posted to RAF Saxa Vord in Shetland, where he met Elma Leask, the love of his life. He unhesitatingly acknowledges that all that he has achieved is down to his Christian faith and his training as a PTI. In 1977 he applied for a commission and was offered a branch commission in the Physical Education Branch. He was awarded the MBE in the 1980 Queen’s Birthday honours list, for his service at RAF Wattisham and in 1989 he was promoted Squadron Leader. He completed his RAF service as the Chief Instructor at the RAF School of Physical Training. On retirement from the RAF he was the Head of Physical Education and Adventure Training at the Headquarters Air Cadets. His main sport is Basketball, and he represented the RAF, played for Collegians of Belfast in two European Cups and was selected for an All-Ireland team for the four home countries tournament.
A Message of Support from our Sponsor
“One of the highlights of my service was the two years that I served at RAF Saxa Vord. As a digital post I was the first Secretary of the Unit Badminton Association and the competition to be selected for one of the station teams meant trips away from the island to play stations in Scotland in the RAF Inter Station competitions. It was there that I met Elma Leask the love of my life.”
Bob Abbott
A Message of Support from our Sponsor
“Having served as a PTI for 22 years, these were some of the best years of my life working alongside some legends of the PTI world. I’m very proud to have served and worn the Badge with honour.
And Dani says PTIs make excellent marriage material!”
– Cameron and Dani MacKinnon,
Distant Hills Guest House
PROMAX Systems Ltd is a Global Consultancy delivering Customer Success Programmes for the Fitness Industry with specialist experience in Digital Solutions and Customer Experience.
A Message of Support from our Sponsor
“My time as a PTI was formative in my approach to business and life. From great mentors (my former SNCOs) to my qualification as an ERI, the lasting influence has been applied every day since. After the dream job, my ‘second career’ journey has been exciting, challenging but rewarding. I believe when we succeed in life we should ‘send the elevator back down’ for the next person and be willing to give back to the next generation. Organising Reunion26 is part of the same ‘Giving Back’ philosophy.
I am proud to have been a PTI, but also of what I have gone on to achieve in my second career.”
– Dominic O’Sullivan, PROMAX Systems Ltd
UK Parachuting was established 35 years ago and for the last 22 years has been owned by Grant Richards (ex PTI/PJI) and Jason Thompson (Ex Parachute Regiment). We have two British Skydiving (BS) Parachute Training Organisations (PTO) at Beccles and Sibson airfields also owning and operating with 3 Cessna Caravans. We offer skydiving courses, and tandem skydives working alongside over 100 charities helping to fundraise for important causes. We also have a thriving club membership and organise events throughout the year.
A Message of Support from our Sponsor
“It is difficult to share just one memory from 22 years of service, however as a PTI the time served at RAF Gutersloh in Germany playing rugby and attending the RAFG Ski scheme rate above the best. Then as a PJI the many trips on overseas detachments teaching and meeting such a wide range of personal from all 3services was defiantly another highlight, but overall meeting and serving with some great individuals and hopefully will share many memories this evening.”
– Grant Richards, UK Parachuting
PENCILART
pencilart creates unique original artworks for charities and renowned individuals. Each piece requires background research, concept options, planning, preparation, and execution – the actual drawing itself – and is mainly done in graphite, pastel, or oil-based pencils. The artworks are usually presented as a surprise, and to date every recipient has, in their own words, been blown away and delighted with the gesture. All work is carried out for charitable purposes with no costs involved. Recipients have included key charity workers, MOBO award-winning musicians, university chancellors, RAF musicians, Beefeaters, opera singers, and other renowned individuals. If you know of a possible worthy recipient, come and speak with me.
A Message of Support from our Sponsor
“The youngest of 8 children from a working class area of Leeds – I made more progress than I ever believed possible. My time as an RAF PTI was the best starting point of a very steep career curve. I will always be grateful to the RAF (and now the PTI association) for the journey I have had.”
– Graham Holmes
RAF PTI Association 