Royal Air Forces Association needs you!

THE local branch of the Royal Air Forces Association is looking for volunteers to help with its annual Wings Appeal and its other charity work. 

“Those of you who were in the town centre during the weekend of HM The Queen’s Jubilee in June, will have seen a stall manned by the Melksham Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association offering merchandise for sale and collecting for the association’s Wings Appeal to help fund our charity work,” said Roger Jones, chairman, Melksham Branch, Royal Air Forces Association. 

“Also, you may have seen our members collecting at various locations in the town during our Wing’s Week in September in each year and at other events, again to support our charity work. 

“Our work makes a real difference to people’s lives as we provide support for ex-members of the Royal Air Force, for those still serving in the RAF and in both cases for their dependents.  Life after service can sometimes be difficult and we offer help in a variety of ways from help in transition from service to civilian life to help with welfare problems of all kinds.  Equally, service in the RAF can put a strain on families and we can help by providing a focus to keep them strong and connected in many ways. 

“Melksham has long been known as an RAF town ,not only because of the RAF Station which was located where Bowerhill now is, but also because of the proximity of RAF Lyneham for so many years which led to many serving RAF personnel buying houses in or near the town.   

“The work of the Royal Air Forces Association relies heavily on its members and their efforts in fund-raising and volunteering. As the local branch of the national organisation, we endeavour to continue the RAF connection which Melksham and district has had for so long.   

“There is much that can be done but the association and the Melksham Branch in particular, needs volunteers whether ex-serving or currently serving personnel to carry out our commitment to the RAF Family.   

“If you feel you could help, why not join us?  You will find us a helpful bunch of like-minded people who will welcome what you can give of your time and comradeship to help others and to enjoy the company of those who have a similar interest in the Royal Air Force.  

“But it’s not all work!  While our most important focus is on fund-raising and welfare work, we try to maintain a social element to our meetings and activities as well. 

“If you would like to know more, why not simply come along to one of our meetings on the last Tuesday of the month at 8pm at the Foresters Arms pub on Sandridge Road, Melksham, SN12 7BN.  Or you can contact me on 01225 709434 or our secretary, Mike Pickering, on 01380 721018.  We look forward to meeting you.” 

Above: Trevor Paterson and Roger Jones.