Play parks re-open after £80k re-vamp

A new childrens play area is opened at West Avenue, RAF Cranwell. The AirPlay area is sponsored by the RAF Association and is for the benefit of all children at RAFC Cranwell.

Photo by: Gordon Elias

For further information contact RAFC Cranwell Photographic Section

Photographic Section
RAFC Cranwell
SLEAFORD
Lincolnshire
NG34 8HB
Tel: 01400 266598 EMN-201029-135149001 — A new childrens play area is opened at West Avenue, RAF Cranwell. The AirPlay area is sponsored by the RAF Association and is for the benefit of all children at RAFC Cranwell. Photo by: Gordon Elias For further information contact RAFC Cranwell Photographic Section Photographic Section RAFC Cranwell SLEAFORD Lincolnshire NG34 8HB Tel: 01400 266598 EMN-201029-135149001

The work at the station was funded by the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity.

High Dyke Play Park – the largest of the three parks – lacked equipment for older children, while West Avenue Play Park had little equipment for nursery-age children. At Lime Play Park, the equipment was in good condition, but the fence and flooring required replacing or repairing.

Group Captain Gordon Bettington, Station Commander at RAF College Cranwell, said: “Thank you to the RAF Benevolent Fund for transforming our play packs across the Station. Watching our children having so much fun on the new equipment has been a genuine joy in these difficult times.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families.

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Access to good quality play parks is key for young families based at RAF stations across the country, especially this year when we’re all spending more time at home.

“This grant reflects the fund’s commitment to supporting young people through its Airplay and Ben Club programme, so I’m thrilled the fund has helped improve facilities here at RAF College Cranwell.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund has launched and expanded a number initiatives to help support members of the RAF family throughout the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. Partners and spouses of RAF personnel can now get memberships for online mindfulness platform Headspace free of charge. Previously this service was available to serving personnel only.

The fund has also introduced a 24-hour helpline for veterans and serving personnel, as well as their partners, who may be in need of emotional support.

In addition to this, an online mental wellbeing zone has been created on the fund’s website where RAF veterans and personnel can access advice, support and find out where to go for more help.