ROYAL Air Force members have commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Barry RAF Association.

The group hosted an event on King Square, Barry, on Saturday, September 7 with more than 30 women opening proceedings with the harmonious sounds of the Rock Choir followed by the Corps of drums from 372 (Barry) Air Training Corps Squadron.

RAF Instructors from the London area moved down to the South Wales to start RAF St Athan, in 1938, and formed Friends of the Royal Air Force, which was later amalgamated into the start of the RAF Association across the UK.

Ade Pitman, from the Barry Island Heritage Museum brought along items from the World War Two era and, dressed as an officer, brought back memories for those who stopped to chat.

Barry branch chairman Geoff Horton said: “Seeing his “hairy Mary” rough material uniform of those bygone days brought many a smile to those who remember wear that material.”

Barry RAF Association vice chairman, Jim Doyle, organised the event and welcomed Vale mayor, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, Town mayor, Cllr Claire Curtis and Vale MP Alun Cairns.

Geoff said: ”It was pleasing to meet many of the ex RAF Veterans who stopped to recount many of their Service memories.

“WWII RAF Veteran Bob Froud shook hands with our dignitaries as he bathed in the Barry sunshine. “It was pleasing to see were some RAF Trainees from St Athan who had come along to assist and mix with their counterparts of years gone by.”Branch honorary welfare officer, Geoff Horton, said he encouraged those who served in the RAF and / or their partners, now living in the local community, to make contact should help or advice be required.Call 01446 740522 or email geoff@horton.co.uk