RAF Veterans Unveil Two New Memorial Benches in Oakham Library Gardens

 

Two new memorial benches were officially unveiled this morning in the Oakham Library Gardens, offering a permanent space for reflection behind the Queen Elizabeth II memorial statue.

 

The poignant addition is the result of a dedicated four-month fundraising campaign led by two local Royal Air Force veterans.

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Veterans Barry Swallow and Ian Reynolds successfully raised nearly £4,000 to fund the project through a combination of private donations and vital support from community partners, including the Oakham Memorial Institute, RAFA Rutland, and the Oakham Tesco store.

  

The unveiling ceremony brought together prominent community leaders and military figures. 

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The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland and the Rutland High Sheriff jointly unveiled the benches alongside Air Marshal Philip Sturley, a former commander at RAF Cottesmore who now serves as the President of RAFA Rutland and the RBL Rutland Branch.

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The installation features two distinct tributes. One bench pays tribute to the three former RAF bases in Rutland, the aircraft that operated from them, and all the personnel who served. The second serves as a dedicated Remembrance bench honouring members of all the armed forces.

The new seating provides residents and visitors with a serene space to honour local military heritage and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the armed forces community.

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