A FORMER airman has called for RAF veterans in Newport to get in touch in a bid to re-establish a presence for ex-air force members in the city.

Brynglas resident John Sherman, 78, said that veterans used to get together in Newport, with meetings being held at St Patricks church in Newport, and before that at Raglan Barracks, but these had stopped a couple of years ago.

John, who served in the RAF during the 1950s, said he was hoping to arrange meetings of former RAF members as a social occasion where veterans can meet new friends, organise outings and get advice and information.

The former RAF fireman believes such get-togethers serve a valuable purpose.

"It's important for us who've shared the experience of our RAF service to stay in touch, to keep our memories alive and maintain that camaraderie we enjoyed in the service," he said.

John said he was "disappointed" that there were no events organised in Newport for Armed Forces Day, although the proud ex-serviceman went into the city centre on Saturday wearing his medals, RAF beret and blazer.

"I got lots of people who came up to talk to me, with some saying 'thank you',” he added.

“It's important that we stay in the public eye, and hopefully getting a group of RAF veterans together will help us do that."

Welfare officer for the RAF Association Alan Goudge said that there were a number of ways RAFA could help Mr Sherman.

“If they don’t want to create a full-blown branch and just want to meet up, they can set up what we call a ‘Registered Members’ Group’ which doesn’t involve the accounting and paperwork of a branch,” he said.

"We've also recently started setting up virtual RAFA branches where people can stay in touch online even if there isn't a physical premises where they can go to.”

If you are an RAF veteran living in Newport or across Gwent and would like to get in touch with other ex-airmen and women, call John Sherman on 01633 777551.