A little Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) punching well above its weight was recognised for its outstanding service.

The Bridport & Lyme Regis branch has just 37 members, many of whom are serving RAF personnel and stationed away from the area, with others over 80 years of age or housebound, so the group effectively operates with a dedicated core of just ten active members. Despite these limited numbers, the team manages to visit housebound and hospitalised members, provide vital transport to hospitals and support those recently bereaved, including guidance on pensions and access to further help.

The group actively promotes recognition of veteran status with GPs and supports members pursuing MOD compensation claims. Members also support the Connections for Life programme, helping combat loneliness among RAF veterans.

The group has also raised more than £2,000 for seven consecutive years for the annual Wings Appeal, with supermarket collections, an August Bank Holiday bric-a-brac stall, quizzes, lectures, online sales, and collection boxes.

Its monthly Veterans’ Breakfast brings together veterans from all three services.

Members play a prominent role in commemorations, including Remembrance events and the London Cenotaph parade. When the annual town Remembrance Parade was at risk, group members stepped forward to take over.

To contact your local RAFA call Bill Davies 01308 281200 or email buccbill@hotmail.com