Friday 10th May 2019
Featuring many of the aircraft from Royal Air Force Wittering’s hundred-year history, a new bench was installed at Castle Dyke in Stamford this week.
Two retired Royal Air Force Wittering photographers brought the project to life. Mr Don Lambert saw a similar bench when on holiday in Wales and brought the idea to Mr Tony Story, then the Mayor of Stamford.
The installation is one of three new benches designed with a historic military theme. They were funded by generous donations from townsfolk of Stamford, local businesses, Stamford Civic Society, town councillors and the South Kesteven District Council Community Fund.
Mr Story said:
“These visual and tactile reminders of the past century’s conflicts will be seen and used by all age groups including our younger generations, acting as a permanent reminder of sacrifices made to ensure our freedom today.”
Proudly displaying the RAF roundel, the bench also cleverly shows the distinctive silhouettes of aircraft from Wittering’s famous history.
Group Captain Tony Keeling is the Station Commander at Royal Air Force Wittering. He said:
“Well firstly, a big thank you to Don and Tony for bringing this project to life. They’re beautiful designs and I’m certain these benches will be very well used over the coming years.”
The Station Commander continued:
“What makes it special is the way that local people, businesses and organisations have funded this project. It is an expression of the genuine goodwill the people of Stamford have for the Royal Air Force. That goodwill makes a real difference to us at Wittering, thank you.”
