Annual Wings Appeal to take off

The annual Wings Appeal marks the anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

At the launch, branch secretary Robin Hooper said that 2012 marks the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

He added that members of the branch of the RAFA and other volunteers, including staff and cadets of the Air Training Corps, will be out and about in Battle and the local area seeking the support of members of the public for this year’s appeal.

Robin said: “In September each year, throughout the UK the RAFA raise funds in local communities to support veterans of the Second World War.

“Wings Week remembers the bravery, and in many cases the ultimate sacrifice, by those members of the RAF involved in the Battle of Britain – popularly known as ‘The Few’.

“In Winston Churchill’s words of tribute “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”.

“Continuing conflicts, such as in Afghanistan and other commitments reinforce the need to provide friendship, help and support to serving and ex-serving members of the RAF and their dependents in their time of need.”

As part of this year’s Wings Appeal, house to house collections have already begun in the Battle area.

A street collection will take place in Battle on Saturday September 15.

This will be followed by the Battle of Britain anniversary church service which will take place in the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Battle, on Sunday September 16 at 3pm, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial in the churchyard.

Robin said: “RAFA receives no direct funding, so relies upon the Wings Appeal to ensure that the RAF Association may continue with its work.

“I urge the public to support the Wings Appeal.”