The Plymouth Branch has a membership of 23, including 3 associate members. Of the total membership, 8 are over 80, 12 are over 70 and 3 others somewhat younger. The Branch membership is spread over a large area, with some people as far as 60 miles away and in rural areas. This, together with their age, tends to put people off attending meetings. We have a nucleus of 8 members (including the 3 associate members) who attend meetings fairly regularly and numbers are made up with partners of members as well as past members which brings the attendance at meetings up to 18.
About three years ago we changed our meeting from evening to lunch time. This was prompted by people having to drive down country lanes in the dark plus the increasing numbers of young people coming out of pubs at the same time we went home. The daytime meetings have been a success because now people can order food and sit and socialize before going home in daylight.
The Branch is heavily involved in the Allied Airmen’s Parade which takes place on Plymouth Hoe on the third Sunday in June each year. This event attracts foreign dignitaries from all over the world.
We try to get a couple of trips in mini-coaches during the year, although this year, for a variety of reasons, we have not had an outing.
We are, by and large, a very happy Branch with everyone getting along together really well and we are now looking forward to Christmas.