ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION, CARRICKFERGUS BRANCH (481) CHARITY NUMBER 108086 TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The Trustees submit their annual report and the audited financial statements of the Branch for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Governing Document
The Charity (also known as the Carrickfergus Branch) is a branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) which is a Royal Charter body registered as a Charity in England and Wales under number 226686.
The Carrickfergus Branch is a Charity registered with the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) number 108086. RAFA has many branches, all of which share the same charitable object as the Association and are subject to the same Constitution and Royal Charter.
Charity Purpose
The object for which RAFA is established is to promote through comradeship engendered by its members, the welfare by charitable means of all serving and former members of Our Air Forces, their spouses and dependants, together with the widows and widowers and dependants of those who died whilst serving or subsequently.
Public Benefit
The direct benefits flowing from our purpose are improved wellbeing, reduced social isolation, relief of individual needs and increased resilience of vulnerable beneficiaries.
Private Benefit
Private Benefit to Associate Members, who are not beneficiaries, may accrue in the form of comradeship and social events organised by the Branch. Whilst any private benefit is incidental, participation is essential to enable the charity to raise funds and thereby achieve its charitable purpose.
Beneficiaries
The Branch’s beneficiaries are all serving and former members of Our Air Forces, their spouses and dependants, together with the widows and widowers and dependants of those who died whilst serving or subsequently. Members of the public who fall outside the aforementioned groups may be eligible for Associate Membership, however they will not be beneficiaries.
Access Policy
The Trustees are very clear that access to our charity cannot be restricted by the cost of our membership fee. Membership costs are set by our Governing Body and are deemed affordable to all.
Achievements in 2025
The Branch continued to provide welfare assistance to beneficiaries throughout our area. Our annual Wings Appeal Campaign was very successful, providing income for the Charity.
Engaged in successful educational and remembrance events.
Continued to promote friendship and wellbeing amongst members via successful social events including a Dining-In-Night, Musical Suppers and Quizes.
The Branch’s annual Battle of Britain Act of Remembrance was held during the month of September and members laid wreaths at a number of locations; namely Carrickfergus, Larne, Ballyclare, Whitehead, Whiteabbey and Belfast on Remembrance Day in November as well as participated in funeral services for late members.
Recruitment and Training of Trustees
Trustees of the charity are elected in accordance with the Royal Charter and Rules and Byelaws of the Association and are designed to be representative of all members of the charity. The Trustees are part of the wider Branch Committee and are elected on a two-year tenure by the Branch Membership at its Annual General Meeting which is normally held in February. The next election will take place on 3 February 2026.
Training is provided for new Trustees by the RAFA HQ, Leicester. This outlines the roles and responsibilities of being a Trustee of the charity. The Association’s accountant provides training in the financial structure and management reporting of all aspects of the charity’s financial accountability.
The Trustees of the Charity are legally responsible for the overall management and control of the Association and meet on a quarterly basis.
Assets and Liabilities
The charity has no property or assets.
Risk Management
The Trustees of the charity are responsible for the management of risks faced by the charity. Through the risk management process the Trustees are satisfied that the major risks have been identified and have been adequately mitigated where necessary.
Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees Annual Report for the period 1 January 2025 to 31December 2025.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees,
Wg Cdr R N Williams BEM RAF(Retd) Chairman 31 December 2025