Three RAFA branches celebrate 80th anniversaries at Carrickfergus Golf Club

Representatives of the Carrickfergus, Bangor and Newtownards and the Causeway Coast branches were was joined at the event by Co Antrim Deputy Lieutenant Mrs Jackie Stewart; the secretary general of the RAF Association (RAFA), Nick Bunting; the former Officer Commanding 502 (Ulster) Sqn, Wg Cdr Steven McCleery; the Officer Commanding the NI Air Training Corp Wing, Wg Cdr Chris Hodges and Stewart Dickson MLA.

Presentations were made to the Carrickfergus Branch for raising more Wings Appeal funds in 2025 (£30,000) than any other RAFA branch in the UK. Causeway Coast Branch was congratulated and presented with a certificate for raising £7,000 during the last Portrush Airshow, while Michael Morrison, Bangor & Newtownards Branch, was awarded the Safeguarding Award for his prolific and outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of veterans dealing with issues as a caseworker.

In her address Mrs Stewart said: “I am immensely proud of my local RAFA branch, namely Carrickfergus, and want to compliment the members for cumulatively raising over £700,000 for the charity’s Wings Appeal campaigns over the last 20 years.”

Branch chairman, Wg Cdr Noel Williams, remarked: “We pull out the stops by supporting beneficiaries, volunteering when required, raising funds, befriending those who are lonely, providing wellbeing opportunities and facilitating the core objects of our charity, the RAF Association, which is the ‘Charity of the RAF Family’. It is truly pleasing that people of Co Antrim appreciate what we do for our veterans and they demonstrate that by contributing financially to our funds, thereby allowing us to do such excellent welfare and wellbeing work.”

Branch president, Charlie Magill, concluded: “With this being the 80th anniversary of three of our branches we are making a special effort to ensure that we continue to provide a welfare and community service for serving and former members of the RAF and their families. We enjoy our social events at which we celebrate our successes. As branches we work hard whilst enjoying the camaraderie RAFA gives us.

Carrickfergus RAFA branch meets monthly on the first Tuesday at 7.30pm in Carrickfergus Golf Club. Any ex-RAF personnel interested in joining are asked to contact the chairman on 07739 191958.