JANUARY'S meeting took place in the Railway Club, this was a talk by Sqn Ldr Paul Scott from RAF Innsworth. Paul a member of the RAF Regiment had spent time in Afghanistan during the restoring of democracy to the country as a Force Protection Advisor. He was based at Bakram Aerodrome with high surrounding mountains, especially to the North. It was the main centre in the war against the Taliban. The airfield had been heavily mined, as each of the combatants added their own mines. It was a risky place, especially off the marked areas. There were 17 different nations involved difficult to get a common plan. Recreation included visits away from the aircraft and generators at the otherside of the airfield. One feature was the use of a rugby ball for games in the Armament Compound. The Afghanistans are a friendly people, ruled by warlords in a feudal manner. There was evidence of the fact that the country had been a major producer of raisins before the troubles started, large vineyards were still to be found. After several pertinent questions, Mike Wigmore thanked Paul, saying it was good to be included back in the world of the Royal Air Force, and that several other RAF Speakers would be visiting the branch. Bob Craig, the membership secretary, had a busy evening receiving subscriptions from members, he was assisted by Dave Craig. Previously seven members of the branch had been invited to RAF Innsworth to hear the RAF Presentation Team give the first of their talks. It was a nostalgic night for Mike and Sheena Wigmore who had been stationed there, also for Eileen King who was a WAAF there in 1941. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, February 21, at the Railway Club at 7.30pm. Hereford are hosts. Further information on dates of meetings, which are held at the GWRSA (Railway) Club, Hereford each third Wednesday of the month, at 7.30pm, and the work of the RAFA can be obtained from Mike Wigmore 356756 or Harvey Small 268259.