THANK YOU: Express readers help save Battle of Britain memorial
THE head of the RAF has praised Daily Express readers for helping to save the Battle of Britain Memorial.
Our generous readers have donated more than £26,000 to rescue the centre from closure.
In June, the Express revealed the memorial near Folkestone, Kent, was running out of money owing to the coronavirus lockdown.
It has since reopened but has lost £80,000 because of the missing visitors.
Despite the losses, its annual running costs remain unchanged at about £240,000.
Now, the current and two former RAF chiefs have praised our readers.
Watched
Yesterday the current Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, said: “The memorial is a proud emblem of the courage and bravery of everyone who played their part in the battle.
“It inspires the men and women of the Royal Air Force to this day.
“I have watched the progress of the Memorial Trust appeal and the superb support of the Daily Express with admiration and enormous gratitude.
“I congratulate everyone involved and offer my sincere thanks to all the Daily Express readers who are helping the trust continue its fine work.” Predecessor Sir Michael Graydon, a former president of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust who was Chief of the Air Staff from 1992 to 1997, said he was present when the Queen Mother opened the centre in 1993.
He said: “I have watched the memorial grow into the wonderful, educational memorial it is today.
“The Daily Express has always been a great supporter.
“It has understood that vital lessons of the past can and should be powerfully presented to later generations and that the Battle of Britain is a moment in history of which we can all be proud.” Another former CAS, Sir Stephen Dalton, said: “The support of the Daily Express and their very generous readers has been tremendous.
“I would like to thank the Daily Express for their wonderful support, and their readership for their generosity.”