A community-led initiative to honour the service and sacrifice of local Armed Forces personnel has successfully reached its fundraising goal.
Project organiser and Royal Air Force veteran Barry Swallow announced that all fundraising targets have been met for the Royal Air Force in Rutland Memorial Bench project.
Thanks to the generosity of individual donors and local organisations, the independent project spearheaded by Barry Swallow and fellow veteran Ian Reynolds will now become a permanent fixture in the county.
The initiative began after the organisers noticed a lack of a dedicated, public space in Oakham to recognise Rutland’s deep, historic ties to the aviation community and the wider Armed Forces.
What started as an idea quickly gained momentum, drawing widespread community backing, administrative advice, and crucial financial support.
The project will celebrate a major milestone next Wednesday, September 23, at 10:00 AM, with a formal unveiling ceremony.
The memorial benches have been installed near The Queen's Statue in Oakham.
A short service will be led by local dignitaries, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness; the High Sheriff of Rutland, Susannah Fish; and Air Marshal Philip Sturley, President of the Rutland RAFA & RBL."What started as an idea has only been possible because so many people got behind it," Barrow Swallow said, expressing gratitude to the community.
"To everyone who donated, shared the fundraiser, offered advice, helped behind the scenes, or simply encouraged us along the way thank you.
"Members of the public and local veterans are warmly invited and encouraged to attend the short unveiling service next week to mark the occasion.
The memorial benches will be formally unveiled on Wednesday 23rd September at 10am in the gardens adjacent to the queens statue in Oakham by Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, the Rutland High Sheriff and Air Marshal Sturley.
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