Highest RAFA voluntary award for Barry man Arnold (From Barry And District News)

Highest RAFA voluntary award for Barry man Arnold

4:00pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

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A BARRY man, who has been a member of the Royal Air Forces Association for almost 40 years, has been honoured by the Association for his dedication and commitment to the local RAFA branch.

Mr Arnold Close was awarded the National Presidential Certificate and badge at a ceremony at the RAFA 2009 Annual Conference held in Bournemouth recently.

The certificate is the highest award given to members of the Association in recognition of their voluntary services. He was accompanied to the event by his wife Maureen.

He served his national service with the Royal Air Force from 1951 to 1953 and originally joined RAFA at the Penarth branch whilst working as a typesetter with the Penarth Times. He later moved closer to home and was elected to the committee at Barry.

Last year he retired from the position of Barry branch secretary after serving 21 years in that office and at present he sits in the treasurer's chair. He had also held the position as chairman and was a "Wings" co-ordinator for the branch assisting with the Battle of Britain charity collections.

Although the branch building in Porthkerry Road has closed and is being prepared for sale, the branch is still active holding their meetings at the ATC 372 Squadron headquarters at the rear of Adams funeral home.

Contact for branch details can be made through the chairman and welfare officer Geoff Horton on Barry 740522.

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