A GROUP of RAF veterans who were forced to find a new meeting venue after they were given their marching orders from the space they used for 14 years have found a new place to hold their monthly meetings.

President and chairman of the Ryedale branch of the Royal Air Force Association, Cyril Shreeve, said that he was overwhelmed by the support he had received since The Old Lodge, Old Maltongate, told the group they could no longer use the dining room where they were used to meeting.

“Everyone I have spoken to has been incredibly supportive towards us,” he said.

“We had to hurriedly find somewhere else to hold our meetings and we are hoping that this will be our meeting place for a long time now.”

The Malton and Norton Golf Club will be the group’s new home for the meetings, which they hold on the first Wednesday of the month 10 times a year.

Cyril said The Talbot Hotel had also offered him space to hold the meetings, which are usually attended by about 40 members.

The group were told they could no longer use the dining room in The Old Lodge following complaints from diners who said they felt that their lunch was being disrupted as members of the association met in the dining room while they were still eating.

Cyril said: “We are absolutely delighted that the golf club have said we can use their facilities, and we have booked our meetings there right up until next March, including our Christmas lunch this year.

“They seem delighted to have us as well.”

91-year-old Cyril also wanted to thank Eden Camp, who hosted the group’s annual general meeting last week.

The group’s next meeting will be held on April 2 at the earlier time of 2pm. For more information phone Cyril Shreeve on 01904 762699.