A RECENT survey has found enough support to re-establish a Royal Air Force Association Branch (RAFA) in South Lakes.

Brian Harrison, vice chairman of Kendal BID and veteran of the Royal Air Force was already a RAFA member when he was asked by the RAFA Area Office to investigate whether there was enough public support to re-establish a local support group.

It can now be confirmed that there was, which means a signed petition can now be presented to RAF Association Offices in Preston today requesting a ‘Kendal & South Lakeland Branch’ be formed.

There is already a RAFA Branch within Barrow but another branch further into South Lakes will help expand their reach.

A RAFA Branch would mainly support the national work of the Wings Appeal, but it would also establish a social and welfare infrastructure that would be for the benefit of the RAF Family in South Lakeland.

This would include a social program of coffee groups, speaking events and other meet up opportunities and a welfare program that supports people associated with the RAF who may be experiencing financial or health related difficulties.

Brian said: “The support for the new branch has been really satisfying and it has come in from members across the RAF family and from different areas of South Lakeland.

“It gives people a direct access for support.”

He said although much of the support is intended for people associated with the RAF it is also for people who share an infinity with the air force.”

If you would like to know more about the Kendal & South Lakeland RAFA Branch or would like to become a founding member of the branch, please contact Brian Harrison at kendalrafa@gmail.com or on 07739 467574.

RAFA membership applications can also be found at Relish Café & Deli in Kendal.