RAF group meetings are axed

A branch of the the Royal Air Forces Association in the West Midlands has been forced to end its evening meetings due to falling numbers.

The West Bromwich branch, formed in 1946, has been meeting on Tuesday evenings for 66 years, with members gathering at Hayes Social Club in Dudley Street, Carters Green.

But now in a bid to boost attendance, a new twice monthly Wednesday lunchtime meeting will take place starting next week. The final Tuesday meeting took place last week.

Branch chairman Mr John Sheldon, aged 79, said despite the branch having 48 paid up members, just 10 to 15 people were regularly turning up to the evening meetings.

From now on people can meet at the Hayes Social Club on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 12noon until 2pm.

The first meetings will take place on Wednesday May 9 and 23.

Mr Sheldon who served in the RAF for 24 years reaching the rank of sergeant, and later became a professional photographer, said: "There has been a lack of members attending our Tuesday evening meetings at the Hayes Social Club.

"Therefore the committee and members present hope by gathering a Wednesday lunchtime will encourage more members to join. We have 48 members listed to the branch and many of whom have never attended."

He added: "We would encourage people to come along because it is very social, we have discussions and we have buffets and film showings, bingo and raffles.

"We are hoping by doing this that we are going to bring in some of the members that we never see."

The Royal Air Forces Association is a membership organisation and registered charity that provides welfare support to the RAF Family.

It is completely funded by members and through vital donations from supporters in the general public and from businesses.

The RAF Family includes all serving and ex-serving personnel and their dependants.