ABOUT THE BARRY BRANCH
This Branch is the oldest in Wales and has been in existence since 18 November 1938 when the construction of RAF St Athan brought personnel from all over the UK into the area. In particular a group of civilian instructors, who had been members of the Henlow and Hitchin Branch, arrived on site. They formed a branch which was then known as the Cadoc, St Athan and Barry Branch of The Comrades of the Royal Air Forces, and members met at various locations including No 2 Wing NAFFI reading room at St Athan, the Barry Hotel and the West End Labour Club.
As membership increased the need for a home of their own became desirable. The branch, now under the auspices of RAFA, purchased their headquarters at 21 Porthkerry Road, Barry, in March 1949, a former doctor's house and surgery. After many alterations and furnishing the Branch HQ opened its doors to the licensed social club on 1 August 1949.
Through its welfare officer the branch receives many requests for assistance from local and Vale of Glamorgan RAF personnel. The commitment of the branch welfare service is to those who seek care and attention, and who are ex-RAF or serving personnel who need assistance, their immediate families, or those retired airforce servicemen who have fallen on hard times.
The branch headquarters is a focal point for all members and the many friends who support its charitable aims, including the Air Training Corps (Barry) 372 Squadron and 2300 (St Athan). Branch meetings, which are open to all members, are held regularly, and serving, retired RAF personnel or those interested are invited to attend.
When you see the Air Cadets collecting for the RAFA Wings and Battle of Britain charity please give generously as your generosity helps us to help others in their hour of need. Thank you. |
