IT WAS a pleasure to attend The Penarth Branch RAFA Annual Wreath Laying Service at the War Memorial, Alexandra Gardens on Sunday, September 18, with national memorial services shortly running throughout the constituency for the armed forces it is easy to forget the air force support past and present.

The Wings Appeal is the RAF Association’s on-going fundraising campaign that runs throughout the year. It serves as the fundraising arm of the Association and helps raise the vital funds needed to support serving and ex-RAF personnel and their families, whenever they are needed.

The RAF Association offers friendship, help and support to the RAF family. This includes current and former serving RAF personnel, their spouses, widows, widowers and other dependants.

From something as simple as a visit to chat to financial support in a time of need, the Association is there to help. The majority of this support is delivered by local branch members, on a voluntary basis.

Branch chairman, Tich Taylor, said: “Our Wings Appeal is a vital part of the Royal Air Forces Association’s ongoing fundraising efforts to support the local community. I urge everyone in Penarth to look out for people collecting as part of this appeal.

"Whether it’s an injured airman fighting to get back on his feet, a young child missing their parent away from home due to work, or a Second World War veteran needing a shoulder to lean on, the Royal Air Forces Association is here to help all generations of RAF Service personnel and their families.

"We offer welfare and family support, much needed short breaks, pension and compensation guidance as well as individual support to help injured personnel realise their potential.

"The RAF Association receives no government funding and depends entirely on the generosity of the general public".

If you’re interested in finding out more, contact the Penarth RAF Association branch on 01446 730894 or email linda.49taylor@tiscali.co.uk.

The Penarth branch also support the local Air Training Corps who also take part in the Battle of Britain service.

It was an honour to host a “Brew for the Few” a few years back when I was first elected and meet with the organisers of the RAF association Linda and Tich Taylor their on-going commitment to fundraising is an inspiration.

I was also introduced to Eileen Younghusband a Penarth constituent who sadly died recently and who told me of her adventures as an 18-year-old recruit to the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.