14 May 2010
On Thursday 13th May representatives of the RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) attended the official reopening of the newly- refurbished Newcomers Club at the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton. The RAFBF is committed to reliving stress at main base and donated £23,000 to refurbish the upper floor of The Newcomers Club which provides a place of recuperation for Phase 1 trainees, where they can relax from the stresses of the training that they are undergoing.
The lower floor of the building was funded by Eurest Support Services and the RAF Association sponsored the project by providing all of the furniture required. The project took approximately 18 months to complete, in which Eurest Support Services tailored the final product to suit the customer in providing bar and coffee facilities, along with the inbuilt Spar Shop; in an all in one facility to cater for all of the recruits needs.
Paul Hughesdon, Director of Welfare and Policy at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:
“I am delighted to have been a part of this worthwhile project, and especially as we have been able to do it in cooperation with the RAF Association.I was last here in 2004 as a reviewing officer and the changes that have been made are truly remarkable. We like to be up front and personal in supporting the youth coming into the RAF.When they learn about both of our organisations - the Benevolent Fund and the RAF Association - as they go through their training, they can see first hand the support we offer in this welfare facility that they use every day.”
Squadron Leader Jan De-Vry, the Officer Commanding Recruit Training Squadron, said:
“In all honesty, this is the most superior of all facilities that I have seen of its kind anywhere in the RAF.The recruits now have a facility that fulfils all requirements to aid a comfortable decompression from the stresses of the training they undertake.”
In accepting the handed-over facility, Group Captain Garry Tunnicliffe, the Station Commander, said:
“This refurbishment has brought us into the 21st Century in providing an environment fit for purpose, which will enhance our professionalism in front of those coming off the street to join the RAF.”
At the ceremony, the RAF Benevolent Fund presented Group Captain Tunnicliffe with two hand- crafted books entitled ‘So Few’ and ‘So Many’. These books have been put on display at RAF Halton for all personnel to see.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Press contact: For more information, please contact the Media & Communication Officer (MCO) at RAF Halton on 01296 656210 or at hal-mco@halton.raf.mod.uk
