the remaining wartime years, so that when demobilisation began in 1945 the Association was able to cope with the situation. Welfare officers , employment officials and legal advisers were appointed both at National Headquarters and at branch level and, at the Air Ministry's invitation, officials went" to Release Centres to tell those being "demobbed" how the Association could help them. In 1947 membership reached a peak with around 200,000 members and some 565 branches throughout the UK and in some overseas territories. During this time, membership enrolment reached as many as 10,000 a month. Gerald Boak was appointed to the position of Chief Executive in 1947. Boak did much to organise and lead the Association during a period when there was much uncertainty. That the Association was able to progress through the difficulties of those post-war years, that it was able to develop its Area structure and that its fund-raising potential began to be realised was due particularly to Boak who served the Association so well for nearly 30 years. In 1948, a policy of decentralisation was agreed whereby the United Kingdom was divided into nine Areas. Six Areas were formed in England and one each in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each Area had an Area Headquarters with a paid Director and staff, an Area Council elected by the Branches in the Area and representation on the Council of the Association. Overseas Branches were later formed into three groups for administration purposes. The South African Area has its own Area Council and looks after all Branches in that country. The European Area, comprising all the European Branches, also has an Area Council and is represented on the Council of the Association. Other Overseas Branches are classified as "Independent Overseas Branches". Welfare officers, employment officials and legal advisers were appointed at National Headquarters and at local branch levels. At the Air Ministry's invitation officials attended Release Centres to inform demobilised Air Personnel how the Association could help them. Following a 1950 Conference decision, a National Wings Day was held the next year and this, the first WingsF1939 Appeal, raised over £26,000. On 20 January 1953, the Association was granted a Royal charter. In February 1958, the Association's first convalescent and rest home was opened at Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire. It was named Richard Peck House in honour of Air Marshal Sir Richard Peck, who became President of the RAFA in