Her Majesty the Queen opened a new Multi Use Games Area as part of a trip to RAF Marham on February 2nd. The Games Area, which will be open to children and young people from the local community as well as those from families based at the station, has been funded by the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), the RAF’s leading welfare charity. Over 1000 local children are set to benefit from the new facility.
The games area at RAF Marham is part of a broader £10m Youth Support Programme which the RAFBF is rolling out across the UK in 2010, in line with its new charitable objectives. The objectives, approved by Her Majesty as part of changes to the charity’s Royal Charter in 2009, include a commitment to relieving stress on RAF families wherever possible. Multi Use Games areas will open at ten more RAF stations in 2010, with more to follow in 2011. In addition at selected stations play areas will be refurbished, new youth support workers will be trained and special new shelters provided for young people.
Paul Hughesdon, Director of Welfare and Policy at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:
“We are tremendously pleased that Her Majesty found time to inspect the new facilities we have funded at RAF Marham. We know from our consultations with RAF stations across the UK that this project is an effective, practical way in which the RAF Benevolent Fund can help relieve stress on RAF families, giving young people safe and modern facilities to enjoy on stations which are often a little isolated from local communities. We look forward to seeing the project prosper at Marham and offer our heartfelt thanks to all those on the station who helped so much in the planning of this development.”
To learn more about the RAF Benevolent Fund, visit: www.rafbf.org
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Notes to Editors
1.The attached image shows the Queen opening the Multi Use Games Area
Press contact: For more information, please contact Jon Wallace, RAF Benevolent Fund PR Officer, on 020 7307 3339 or at jon.wallace@rafbf.org.uk.
