Jersey Post has issued a set of six stamps, a souvenir sheetlet and miniature sheet in honour of the milestone anniversary of The Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) Jersey. The artwork is by the wonderful Harry Milburn who took inspiration from original RAF recruitment posters, bringing a sense of modern nostalgia to the stamps’ artwork.
Founded in 1925, the Royal Air Force Association of Jersey (RAFA Jersey) is proud to be the oldest branch in existence, prior to the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA UK) being formed in 1943. To celebrate RAFA Jersey’s 100th anniversary, Harry Milburn has illustrated projects and milestones this local charity has participated in over the last century.
RAFA Jersey takes great pride in assisting and offering support to past and present members of the air forces of Britain and the Commonwealth.
The £1.20 stamp is a good example of RAFA Jersey’s support for the community. Monthly tea parties and other luncheons are organised by RAFA Jersey to encourage networking and socialising between current and former RAF personnel and their families. The tea parties are also used to encourage members from different generations to learn more about the Royal Air Force Association.
Another example of how RAFA Jersey encourages the next generation is shown on the £3.00 stamp. During 2011 and again in 2016, the branch donated flight simulators to the Air Training Corps and Victoria College CCF (RAF Section), aimed at developing the practical skills of 12 to 18-year-old Air Cadets in Jersey. The Jersey Branch has also donated funds to both Cadet units for Flight Training locally and once a year sponsored two cadets from both units to go to Tayside in Scotland for flight training up to PPL standard and gain their ‘Wings’.
