A big welcome goes to the Jersey branch of the Royal Air Force Association, who will be using the Jersey Aero Club as their
official headquarters in future.

The association, who have around 70 members in Jersey including a band of World War Two veterans, do great work fund-raising for the RAFA Benevolent Fund. They also organise social events.

They have been offered the use of the Aero Club facilities for their gatherings, which this year will include a series of talks by aviation specialists.

For many years retired RAF personnel enjoyed their own headquarters at the popular Adastral Club in Bond Street, but the building was sold four years ago.  RAFA vice-chairman Martin Willing explained that since then they had used a first-floor room at the Devonshire Pub at First Tower as a base for their activities.

The move to the Aero Club presents some exciting new opportunities for the association, who have been invited to display their official plaque on the building.

‘It means a lot to us,’ said Martin, who served in the RAF for 16 years.

RAFA members already enjoy a monthly tea party at the Aero Club.  They will now be able to use our facilities for their committee
meetings and AGM.

‘And we hope to join with the Aero Club in organising the odd social event,’ said Martin, adding that they would be supporting the club through an annual stipend and joint fund-raising where appropriate.