This September marks the 70th anniversary of the Wings Appeal.
From its beginnings in 1951, the Wings Appeal has gone on to raise £173 million (allowing for inflation and valued at today’s rates). This is an incredible amount that has allowed the RAF Association to offer vital welfare support to so many within the RAF community.
Thank you to everyone at our branches, their families and friends, and all of the organisations that have supported you over the years. Without this network of people who care so much for the RAF community we would not be the Association we are today.
We hope that you are able to enjoy celebrating this significant milestone, helping make Wings Appeal 2021 another huge success.
Whatever your branch is doing – whether you are out collecting, hosting a Brew for the Few or doing something completely different – we would love to hear from you. Please capture the day and email us using the button below, with any pictures, videos and information on what you are up to. We will then add these activities to this page to document branch contributions to our Wings Appeal 70th Anniversary celebrations.
We have heard from some Wings Appeal Officers about their experiences and why they support the RAF Association’s Wings Appeal.
Roy Knox of the Newcastle and Gateshead Branch said:
“I have been a Wings Appeal Officer for about 10 years and my favourite part of the role is meeting the public and ‘blowing the trumpet’ for the Association. I also enjoy counting the donations after an event and letting my volunteers and venues know how much they have raised.
“One of my best Wings Appeal moments was in 2017 when we collected in Newcastle Central station. There were branch members and serving personnel from RAF Boulmer collecting that day and I remember it was very cold, as the wind blew straight up the platform but everyone did very well. An added bonus was the staff from the Royal Station Hotel inviting us all in for a buffet at the end of the day, which was enjoyed by everyone!”
Marion Wells, Wings Appeal Officer for the Nottingham Branch for the last seven years is supporting a cause close to her heart.
“Both my Dad and uncle served in the RAF, but sadly when my parents needed some support they were not aware of the Association and how it could help. This has spurred me on, as I want as many people as possible to know about the Association and the welfare support available. By fundraising I am helping to provide that support at the same time.
“My favourite aspect of the Wings Appeal is the camaraderie experienced at events by achieving a common goal with likeminded people. My favourite event was during the RAF 100 centenary year in 2018. The branch were in Market Square, Nottingham, alongside lots of RAF gadgets and plenty of uniformed support from serving personnel. We received a lot of donations that day, but it was also excellent to see local people enjoying the presence of the RAF family.”
Ken Watt, Glasgow Branch’s Wings Appeal Officer, has held a number of branch roles over the last 12 years. Talking of his fundraising role, he said:
“Over the years I have seen people struggling to cope with things that happened to them while they were serving or found that leaving the service led to problems afterwards. Knowing that our collections support people in their difficult times really pushes me on. It’s also great to see how fundraising is a motivation to bring the members together and build up the social network within our branch.”
One of his favourite events was in 2019, when the branch attended the World Pipe Band Championships held in Glasgow Green city centre park. Ken continues:
“Over 1,000 pipe bands from all over the world competed to win the title of the best band. Taking place over two days with around 30,000 people in attendance each day the Glasgow Branch was able to have our fundraising stall within the grounds. The atmosphere was amazing to be a part of and we raised a fantastic £2,000 during the event. We would all love to go back when we are able to do so.”
Give Support
As well as branch fundraising, there are a number of other ways you can contribute to the RAF Association‘s vital work supporting the RAF community, from joining us as a member, playing our Wings Lotto or by taking on a challenge event.
For more information on how you can get involved simply click the button below.
