Thread drift, I know, but although a RAFA member I soon gave up attending my local branch as the endless quizzes and the usual reading of the minutes etc, held little appeal. Even as I write that I can see how snobbish and aloof it appears and probably is. I know good work is done and companionship ensured for those who would be otherwise entirely alone, but what does it offer the new breed of ex-RAF veterans? Still young, yet possibly dreadfully maimed both physically and mentally? If an ex Regiment Gunner turned up on his sticks or in a wheel chair would he meld in? In other words I sense that for his generation, let alone mine, the format of a Social Club is alien and irrelevant. To my mind the RAF Benevolent Fund is more to the point, does what it says on the tin and ensures money on the kitchen table within 48 hours, when the joint bank account is frozen awaiting probate following the loss of a loved one. I saw that when we lost an entire and augmented Herc crew at Fairford and was impressed.
Back to the thread, if that's their policy make a big fuss and ask them to change it. At least it should appear in the minutes!
