1949, succeeding Lord Trenchard and Lord Newall. In 1962 the Association acquired "Sussexdown" in Storrington, Sussex as part of a plan to provide a dual-purpose home in the south of England. Within a couple of years .Sussexdown was to have a Residential Wing as well as providing convalescent facilities. The difficulties of obtaining suitable housing for elderly, and often disabled members, had long concerned the Association. The Norwest Housing Association completed a project involving the construction of 22 self-contained flats at Bolton in 1976, initiating thereby an important addition to the Association's range of welfare facilities. Later the Central Housing Association was given approval for the construction of 32 double flats on vacant space at Sussexdown. Construction work began in 1978. The next major project to be undertaken was that at Dowding House, Moffat. This scheme was completed in October 1988, and included the creation of a complex of self-contained flats, a communal lounge, conservatory, laundry facilities and a guest room. A care-call system was installed in all the flats and a resident warden appointed. At the start of the 21st century, the RAF Association underwent a complete reorganisation and the National Headquarters relocated to Leicester. The Association's Areas were amalgamated into five. In 2003 Areas in the UK were merged into: Northern; South East & Eastern; and Wales, Midland & South Western followed by Scotland & Northern Ireland in 2004. The Association has continued to be at the forefront of providing support to the RAF family. As well as continuing to help those who served in World War II, it has given assistance to vast numbers of Service personnel including veterans of the conflicts in Korea, The Falklands and The Middle East, and those affected by the campaign in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The Association continues to operate a wide network of over 422 branches worldwide, and has a membership of over 61,900. Its Welfare Officers continue to seek out those in welfare need and provide a range of services. Wings Appeal The Wings Appeal is the RAF Association's on-going fundraising campaign that runs throughout the year. The RAF Association's fundraisers come in many forms; including RAF Association Branch members, members of the serving RAF, RAF Cadets, employees of companies who support the Association and individual members of the public. The types of activity which volunteers undertake include: Holding charity collections in town centres, supermarkets and other public venues House-to-house