The Huddersfield branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) has won one of the association’s top awards – for its communication with members and the wider community.
The Sir John Baker Trophy – named after an RAF Air Chief Marshal of the mid-20th century – is awarded annually by RAFA to the branch “judged to have the best communication process.”
The Huddersfield branch came out ahead of 200 others at the association’s annual conference at Wyboston Lakes in Bedfordshire.
The trophy and certificate were presented to Brian Leonard, Huddersfield branch’s representative on the gala evening, by Air Marshal Sir Baz North, President of the RAF Association.
Mr Leonard said: “Whilst the RAFA organisation boasts over 65,000 members worldwide, the Huddersfield RAFA branch – a charity in its own right – has 170 members, over half of whom are serving.
“We are fortunate at this time to have around 50 veteran and associate members in our branch whose relationships with our activities range from being actively involved to keeping an interested following. Hence the reason for our committed communications programme.
“The branch has its own website branch.rafa.org.uk/huddersfield/, as well as a Facebook page at Huddersfield RAFA | Facebook.
“Our monthly evening branch meeting at Lindley Liberal Club is presented as a hybrid event, allowing members at home to join in our online Teams session.
“However, it is realised that not all our members are computer literate, for which reason we take pains to ensure that printed copies of our minutes are made available where needed for postal or hand delivery.
“The minutes themselves are formulated in a comprehensive manner, taken from the meeting recording, to give non-attenders a taste of what happened, almost as if they were there. We find that this approach helps to keep all our members feeling involved.
“For similar reasons, the branch produces a lengthy newsletter three to four times a year, aimed at reporting branch activities and featuring interesting stories from our group.
“For example, one of our senior members was on the troopship HMT Empire Windrush when it caught fire and sank in the Mediterranean in March 1954. A fascinating tale, a copy of which can be found on our website menu.”
RAFA provides aid to RAF veterans and their dependants through a programme of befriending, camaraderie, wellbeing and welfare initiatives locally.
Many of the Huddersfield team have received certified training from RAFA in navigating dementia and mental well-being, backed up by the support of the branch’s prize-winning Welfare Officer.
Mr Leonard added: “At the Huddersfield branch we are always on the lookout for potential new members and, most importantly, RAF veterans needing our help.
“You don’t have to have served in the RAF to become an associate member of our branch. All that we ask is that you share our aims and values.
“As concerns veteran status, like other military charities, we use the ‘one day’s pay’ definition to guarantee acceptance of support.”
For more visit the website or email rafasec.hud@gmail.com
