Thursday, February 12, 2009

HIGH FLYERS


There's a meeting next Wednesday (Feb 15) of the Brigg-based Lincolnshire Branch of the National Service RAF Association. It's at the Ancholme Inn, Grammar School Road, starting at noon. Guest speaker will be Ken Duddell, of the Elsham Wolds Association.
Our picture - courtesy of Brian Emerson - shows members on an earlier visit to RAF Waddington.

1 comment:

Ken Harrison said...

Nige,

I don't want to distract from the group's activities and etc....but
I'm a bit confused about how this groups uses its title.
There is an asociation called:
National Service (RAF) Association,
or NS(RAF)A formed in 2002.
It restricts it membership to 1939 -63 (roughly conscription/national service period)

There is, however, a much bigger Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) and that has a much wider membeship. And is a recognised charity.

The two associations are not officially linked.

However, on Remembrance Sunday, the NS(RAF)Association was carrying the RAFA's standard (Brigg).

I asked why and was told it was available, so they thought they would parade it. It is not their's to use.

The RAFA (Brigg) Branch ceased some years ago and it normal that such branch standards are laid-up in the local church.

Secondly, I am concerned that without clarification, some needy ex-RAF could approach the NS(RAF)A, mistakenly thinking it was RAFA - a charity that has convalescent homes and can offer financial support for those in need. Although the local (Brigg) branch has closed, RAFA's voluntary welfare officers, or regional offices can be contacted and cases reviewed.

Nigel, please can you ensure that NS(RAF)A is not confused with RAFA.

I need to establish why NS(RAF)A is using the RAFA (Brigg) standard. It should have been laid-up and no-one should access to it, unless of course RAFA (Brigg) re-forms - which is possible if NS(RAF)A disbands and reforms as RAFA - this would creat a much wider and much increased membership.

Ken Harrison (ex Fg Off now grounded)