The Value of a Club Chronicle for the RAFA Club

Introduction

A club chronicle is a historical record of a club’s activities, members, and events. For the Bognor RAFA Club, a well-maintained chronicle would be a powerful asset, serving not just as a repository of memories, but as a strategic tool to strengthen community and drive all future communications efforts.

The Value of a Club Chronicle

1. Preserving Legacy and History The Royal Air Forces Association is founded on a rich history of service and remembrance. A chronicle documents this legacy at a local level, preserving the personal stories, achievements, and sacrifices of its members. This ensures that the club's contribution to the armed forces family and the local community is not forgotten, providing a tangible record for future generations.

2. Fostering Community and Belonging By regularly documenting club activities, from weekly social gatherings to major events, the chronicle creates a shared narrative. When members see themselves and their friends featured, it reinforces their sense of belonging and strengthens the club’s community spirit. It reminds every member, old and new, that they are a vital part of the club’s story.

3. Providing a Foundation for Membership Growth For potential new members, a chronicle serves as an in-depth, authentic showcase of the club. Instead of a simple brochure, they can see photos, read stories, and understand the camaraderie and social activities that define the club. It demonstrates the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere in a way that promotional material alone cannot.

Using the Chronicle to Drive the Communications Plan

A well-organized chronicle is a content-generating machine, providing a constant source of material for your communication channels.

• For Social Media:

  • "On this Day..." Posts: Share photos or stories from events that happened on the same date years ago. This creates an engaging, nostalgic feel.

  • Member Spotlights: Profile long-standing members or volunteers, using anecdotes and photos from the chronicle to tell their story.

  • Event Promotion: Use photos from a past quiz night or live music event to promote the next one. For example, "Remember how much fun we had at the last quiz? Join us for the next one this Friday!"

• For the Website & Newsletter:

  • Dedicated "History" Section: Create a simple photo gallery or blog on the website using key moments from the chronicle.

  • Newsletter "Throwback": Include a "From the Archives" section in the monthly email newsletter, featuring a specific photo or story from a past event.

• For Local Media & PR:

  • When approaching local news outlets for coverage of a large event, the chronicle can provide rich, personal details and historical context. This makes the club’s story more compelling and newsworthy than a basic announcement. For instance, you could say, "This year's fundraising dinner will honour the legacy of a founding member, as documented in our club chronicle."

By actively creating and using a club chronicle, the RAFA Club can ensure its communications are not just about what's happening now, but are deeply rooted in a proud history, which is its most valuable asset.