Formal Opening of RAF Valley’s Refurbished Play Parks

13 November 2018 marked the successful renewal of several play parks on Valley, with the visit of Paul Hughesdon, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund’s Director of Welfare & Policy, and guests representing the project’s supporters.

The play parks are used to deliver Airplay and Ben Clubs, the RAF Benevolent Fund’s youth support programme for children and young people aged 5 to 18, across RAF stations.

1500 Serving RAF, civil servants and contractors currently work on RAF Valley. Located on the Isle of , North Wales with Isolated Unit Status, the Station provides flying training and is home to the Mountain Rescue Service.

Proximity to the sea, coupled with the weather conditions, had proven unkind to decaying play park equipment. Removed for safety reasons, restricted access prevented families benefiting from a community spirit in what had been pleasant, purpose-built areas.

Following a Board of Trustees visit and a Station Grant application, provision was approved for four of the Airplay play parks’ refurbishment in late 2017, and for a fifth in 2018. Each park has been fully renovated and can now be enjoyed by younger families at RAF Valley. Engaging new and existing supporters, fundraising contributions towards the project were received from Trusts and Major Donors.

These included a leading gift from The J.H. Bartlett Charity Trust, with generous donations made by The Annington Trust, SSVC Welfare Fund, The Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation, Ann and Colin Blowers, and The Edith Murphy Foundation.

The facilities provide a welcome recognition of families’ welfare on RAF Valley, with parents and guardians able to continue in their operational duties, confident in the knowledge that their children and young people are using equipment that meets high safety standards.

The opening of the play parks was featured across the worldwide radio networks of Forces Radio BFBS, from 13 November to 2 December 2018. 46 UK SSVC You can listen to the radio clip here: WELFARE FUND RAF VALLEY EXP021218.mp3

On behalf of the Serving Royal Air Force families on Valley, the RAF Benevolent Fund warmly thanks The Annington Trust for the Trustees’ wonderful support.

Geraldine Kay, Senior Trust Fundraiser RAF Benevolent Fund, 67 Portland Place, W1B 1AR Direct dial: 020 7307 3341 | Email: [email protected] Website: www.rafbf.org | Registered Charity No. 1081009