A TRAFFORD social group has installed a Second World War veteran as its president. Former RAF crewman Frank Tolley, aged 92, has taken the helm at the Hobblers and Wobblers and Friends of Trafford. The group aims to unite the generations - its oldest member will be 100 this year, while the youngest is seven. Frank, from Sale, called into group founder ‘Scary’ Mary Blackburn’s Bowdon home after taking on the role. Mary showed Frank, pictured, a pencil drawing she has of an Avro Lancaster bomber - the ‘plane that he was a bomb aimer in during the Second World War. Frank’s wartime experiences included taking part in a landmark food drop over occupied Holland in April and May, 1945 - Operation Manna - to save civilians from starvation. Frank and Mary are looking forward to heading to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire for the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight this summer. Mary said: “It has always been a desire of my heart to take Trafford people to Lincolnshire to see the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.” Anyone who is interested in joining the group should call Mary on 0161 941 1470.
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