BRIDPORT: Local RAF Association searches for new chairman

The chairman, Mr John Hill, reviewed the past year’s major events in his report to the meeting.

He spoke of the various social events that the group had been involved in which included visits to Chivenor, Dartmouth and the canal at Tiverton.

There had also been parades at Weymouth, Bridport and at Alrewas in Staffordshire where the standard was paraded in front of the Princess Royal.

Fund raising for local welfare was a major part of the branches activities, with a new venture at the Salthouse, West Bay proving very successful.

The Christmas tree at the Christmas Festival in the United Church gained a very creditable amount for the cause.

Collaboration with the Royal Naval Association for social activities including the annual quiz and meals were other highlights.

The branch welfare officer, Gill Savage, had been on a symposium and welfare course to aid her with the sometimes difficult task of welfare visits and assistance.

The chairman passed his thanks to the many members whom without their help a lot of these items could not have been held.

With three officers standing down this year, the meeting was asked to vote on the nominations for secretary and treasurer.

The meeting unanimously voted in Mrs Dorothy Selwood who will take over as secretary from the long serving Mrs Kay Harding BEM, with David Bruce unanimously voted to succeed the retiring Alan Wotton as treasurer.

The position of chairman, however, proved to be a problem as no nominations were put forward.

This was a disappointment to Mr Hill, who had for sometime warned that without a chairman the branch would be in danger of folding. To alleviate this problem he reluctantly agreed to stay in the post until Christmas as acting chairman.

If by that time no person is found to take over then it will be likely that the branch will have to close.

The chairman put out a fervent plea for someone with the interest of the former, and current, members of the RAF at heart to come forward and help with all of the aspects that this branch has handled so well for 62 years.

With the numbers within the branch diminishing it is important to find new blood to revitalise the local RAFA.

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