THE Ryedale branch of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) is one of the most thriving in the country.

President and chairman Cyril Shreeve, speaking at the branch’s annual meeting at Eden Camp, said the branch was not only one of the most successful in membership, but had also won 13 branch efficiency trophies from RAFA.

Mr Shreeve said the branch’s plannedactivities for this year include a memorial weekend for Escapers and Evaders at Eden Camp on Saturday, April 26, the RAFA Veterans’ Day parade and service, also at Eden Camp, the Pickering Wartime Weekend from October 10 to 12, and helping with the RAF Wings Appeal Week in September. taking part in the Battle of Britain Day Service at York Minster on Septmber 14, and collecting in Pickering, Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Thornton-le-Dale, Malton and Norton.

Mr Shreeve said the branch now had a new headquarters at Malton and Norton Golf Club where it would be holding all its meeting in future following its decision to leave the Old Lodge Hotel, in Malton.