THE week commencing 10th September is Battle of Britain Week Appeal from the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), which itself is part of their year-on-year Wings Appeal.

The 15th September is acknowledged as Battle of Britain Day, and let’s not forget that this year the Bomber Command Memorial was, at long last, opened by Her Majesty the Queen.

The RAFA receives no direct government funding so needs your continued support. It has been in existence for 90 years and is still going strong providing essential welfare services to all RAF personnel, past and present.

In 2011, the RAFA raised £10K in High Wycombe – perhaps we could try to do better this year. Your donations, money and or time help to provide: 50,000 welfare visits each and every year; provide sheltered and supported housing schemes for the veterans and give 3,000 people much-needed respite breaks plus many other services.

The RAFA provides for serving RAF personnel, such as help with the “Storybook Wings” which enables them to record bedtime stories for their children when they are away risking their lives on our behalf. There is also the “Miles More Minutes” initiative which allows RAF personnel overseas longer time on the phone to their loved ones at home. Please remember that, as in the past, we all rely on the men and women of the RAF protect us from our enemies abroad, and to provide resilience to our society at home.

Remember the London 2012 Olympics, where all the Armed Services pitched in so well. The UK came out of that with flying colours, thanks to them.

If you feel you could help with a donation or collecting during Battle of Britain Week, please contact the RAFA on 01494 529 189 or www.rafa.org.uk.

Richard JC English, Earl Close, High Wycombe