St Georges chapel - RAF Biggin Hill
So we will protect the chapel, and will do all that we can to protect it for future generations.
Sorry, Dave: "Could do better if tried", as my Latin master was oft wont to write in my report - usually after passing low flying Hunters had grabbed rather more of my attention than had 'gerundive attraction'.We need to hear "We will protect the chapel for future generations". Nothing less will do!
It is reported that Biggin Hill Airport has stepped in to make up the shortfall of £50K per year in the running costs.
Battle of Britain chapel saved from closure by Biggin Hill Airport - Telegraph
Battle of Britain chapel saved from closure by Biggin Hill Airport - Telegraph
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Memorial Chapel
As said, there are certain things that bind a nation, apologies if this has been quoted earlier.
Winston Churchill at the dedication in 1951
..... as a nation we have short memories, and it is as well [this memorial] should bring to our remembrance the cost of victory in the days when one of our fighter pilots had to be worth ten. They died without seeing the reward for their efforts; we live to hold their reward inviolate and unfading...
Politicians and beancounters should pay heed to the first and last words ?
Winston Churchill at the dedication in 1951
..... as a nation we have short memories, and it is as well [this memorial] should bring to our remembrance the cost of victory in the days when one of our fighter pilots had to be worth ten. They died without seeing the reward for their efforts; we live to hold their reward inviolate and unfading...
Politicians and beancounters should pay heed to the first and last words ?
I see the Mail on Sunday online is claiming that it's article about the chapel is what saved it! What a load of tosh! It was the rate at which the petition was gaining ground and the support of senior wheels in the MOD which caused the retraction!
Let's now see what really happens!
Let's now see what really happens!
Newt
I agree, this was a multiple outrage and not one single action 'saved' the Chapel - if indeed it really is saved! I'm still uneasy about the current plan of ditching, sorry gifting, its upkeep to the airport (honourable their intention might be at present, but that could change in the future if things take a turn for the worse for the company in future).
LJ
I agree, this was a multiple outrage and not one single action 'saved' the Chapel - if indeed it really is saved! I'm still uneasy about the current plan of ditching, sorry gifting, its upkeep to the airport (honourable their intention might be at present, but that could change in the future if things take a turn for the worse for the company in future).
LJ
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BGAD
Not sure whether to start a new thread or add to this one. It all appeared quite emotive at the time with a lot of support for the Chapel.
Anyway here goes: I received an invitation this morning to register for the Business and General Aviation Exhibition. This year being held at Biggin Hill on 15th September. In keeping with the occasion there will be some Battle of Britain commemorative flying. I don't have the detail. I thought fellow PPRuNe ers may be interested. The event is free to attend. Clearly there are some eligibility criteria and pre registration on line is essential. (You can't just turn up on the day)
Last year the event was held at Cambridge and I supported the RAeS stand which was next to the Biggin Hill "International" Airport stand. Clearly you engage in conversation. It was evident that the folks running the airport majored on the historical significance and heritage of the site. They appeared very supportive of the local Air Cadets. I was extremely pleased to hear they are contributing to the upkeep of the chapel. I hope they have been true to their word. They gave me the impression of being a good bunch of aviation minded people.
The exhibition does not cater for military at all but may be something those living locally may be interested in. Perhaps a meet up of PPRuNers (pink carnation and copy of Aviation Week under left arm) Be good to pay ones respects at the Chapel at least.
Unfortunately I am not available on the day. I gather there may be other BoB events that day.
Drag
Anyway here goes: I received an invitation this morning to register for the Business and General Aviation Exhibition. This year being held at Biggin Hill on 15th September. In keeping with the occasion there will be some Battle of Britain commemorative flying. I don't have the detail. I thought fellow PPRuNe ers may be interested. The event is free to attend. Clearly there are some eligibility criteria and pre registration on line is essential. (You can't just turn up on the day)
Last year the event was held at Cambridge and I supported the RAeS stand which was next to the Biggin Hill "International" Airport stand. Clearly you engage in conversation. It was evident that the folks running the airport majored on the historical significance and heritage of the site. They appeared very supportive of the local Air Cadets. I was extremely pleased to hear they are contributing to the upkeep of the chapel. I hope they have been true to their word. They gave me the impression of being a good bunch of aviation minded people.
The exhibition does not cater for military at all but may be something those living locally may be interested in. Perhaps a meet up of PPRuNers (pink carnation and copy of Aviation Week under left arm) Be good to pay ones respects at the Chapel at least.
Unfortunately I am not available on the day. I gather there may be other BoB events that day.
Drag
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RAF Biggin Hill, St Georges Chapel
Ladies and Gentlemen
Many of you will be aware of the campaign to realise an appropriate - if belated, 'Heritage Centre' at Biggin Hill.
The freehold of the chapel passed from the MoD to L.B. Bromley and the Council contracted a 'renowned' Architect to bring the project to life.
I make no comment on his vision of what is an appropriate memorial to those who participated in our 'finest hour', save to ask that you read the petition below and search 'Protect Biggin Hill RAF Chapel' for more detail on the plans before hopefully adding your voice to the rising number of people who have an alternative view to that of Bromley Council.
http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance
I have posted below the text from an email I received a few days ago from the petition starter, in case any of you are in south London on Tuesday evening, or perhaps have contacts in RAFA or RBL who may wish to add their voices to the throng:
Thank you.
"To All of You who care about this Iconic Chapel,
Last Wednesday I was allowed just three minutes to present our case to Bromley Council's Executive Committee, but they are ignoring our 7,600+ voices. They are proceeding to a special Full Council Meeting for final verification on Tuesday next week, but so far are not allowing me to represent our case to all 60 Councillors, because they estimate local votes to be less than 4,000.
Please could you come to Bromley this Tuesday 25th July at 6.30pm for a show of 'People Power' in a last ditch attempt to change their minds?
The address is:- Bromley Civic Centre, Stockwell Close Bromley, BR1 3UH. Both Bromley South and North British Rail Stations are close by, and a large multi-storey car park is adjacent to the Civic Centre.
Despite all our pleas, no national newspapers have picked up on our campaign, despite this campaign being of such National (and International) importance, so you are are our last chance!! Please still keep spreading the word, just Google: Protect Biggin Hill RAF Chapel.
Thank you, Rita Radford"
Many of you will be aware of the campaign to realise an appropriate - if belated, 'Heritage Centre' at Biggin Hill.
The freehold of the chapel passed from the MoD to L.B. Bromley and the Council contracted a 'renowned' Architect to bring the project to life.
I make no comment on his vision of what is an appropriate memorial to those who participated in our 'finest hour', save to ask that you read the petition below and search 'Protect Biggin Hill RAF Chapel' for more detail on the plans before hopefully adding your voice to the rising number of people who have an alternative view to that of Bromley Council.
http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-biggin-hill-st-george-s-raf-chapel-of-remembrance
I have posted below the text from an email I received a few days ago from the petition starter, in case any of you are in south London on Tuesday evening, or perhaps have contacts in RAFA or RBL who may wish to add their voices to the throng:
Thank you.
"To All of You who care about this Iconic Chapel,
Last Wednesday I was allowed just three minutes to present our case to Bromley Council's Executive Committee, but they are ignoring our 7,600+ voices. They are proceeding to a special Full Council Meeting for final verification on Tuesday next week, but so far are not allowing me to represent our case to all 60 Councillors, because they estimate local votes to be less than 4,000.
Please could you come to Bromley this Tuesday 25th July at 6.30pm for a show of 'People Power' in a last ditch attempt to change their minds?
The address is:- Bromley Civic Centre, Stockwell Close Bromley, BR1 3UH. Both Bromley South and North British Rail Stations are close by, and a large multi-storey car park is adjacent to the Civic Centre.
Despite all our pleas, no national newspapers have picked up on our campaign, despite this campaign being of such National (and International) importance, so you are are our last chance!! Please still keep spreading the word, just Google: Protect Biggin Hill RAF Chapel.
Thank you, Rita Radford"
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Link not working !
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Firstly, a heartfelt thank you to all those who took the time to sign Rita Radford's petition. At the time of writing this (Friday 1730), the total number of signatories stands at 8,804.
My apologies to those of you for whom the link didn't work (this includes me too this evening) and to those residing in foreign climes whose postcodes flummoxed 38 Degrees software, thank you for your interest too.
The meeting took place on Tuesday as advertised and Rita Radford read a stirring statement to a packed Council chamber as to why the project should not go ahead in its current form. She cited amongst other reasons, the appalling design and the destruction of the chapel's Grade 2 listed vestry. She wondered also why a previous scheme promulgated by the (now defunct but still watching with interest) Biggin Hill Battle of Britain Supporters Club and which had already been granted planning permission, had been ignominiously dismissed in favour of this new stark and unsuitable edifice? 'This will not be a heritage centre, more of a visitor centre' she said.
One Councillor who spoke in favour of the design, caused some disbelieving mirth from the objectors in the public gallery, by insisting that the design blended seamlessly with the fabric of the original building and that the matter of approval - or otherwise was, in any event subjective. Exactly!
Having all been given a private 'pep talk' prior to the meeting, only three Councillors felt able to speak out against the motion, which was subsequently carried.
Both local Councillors and the local MP Jo Johnson support the project as it stands.
The haste with which this project is being pushed through is in order for it to be opened in time for Sunday 11th November 2018. So, is an unpopular and unsatisfactory scheme to be foisted upon the most famous fighter station in the world just to satisfy political vanity?
The battle however is not yet over. Rita Radford and her supporters are still out there campaigning for what, whether you are currently serving, went through the OASC or, like me, just an old 'Biggin Hillbilly' who remembers the Hunters, the 'Open Days' and playing footie on the artificial pitch in the hangar, one of the most important places in the world, at one of the most important times in history and must be commemorated accordingly.
Please follow Rita's thread on the next page and if there is ANYTHING you feel you can do to help her campaign, I know just how grateful she and everyone else who cares for St George's, the memory of all those who have served at Biggin and the history which oozes out of every inch of that old airfield, will be.
Update: The campaign features on BBC1 London News this evening
Thank you.
My apologies to those of you for whom the link didn't work (this includes me too this evening) and to those residing in foreign climes whose postcodes flummoxed 38 Degrees software, thank you for your interest too.
The meeting took place on Tuesday as advertised and Rita Radford read a stirring statement to a packed Council chamber as to why the project should not go ahead in its current form. She cited amongst other reasons, the appalling design and the destruction of the chapel's Grade 2 listed vestry. She wondered also why a previous scheme promulgated by the (now defunct but still watching with interest) Biggin Hill Battle of Britain Supporters Club and which had already been granted planning permission, had been ignominiously dismissed in favour of this new stark and unsuitable edifice? 'This will not be a heritage centre, more of a visitor centre' she said.
One Councillor who spoke in favour of the design, caused some disbelieving mirth from the objectors in the public gallery, by insisting that the design blended seamlessly with the fabric of the original building and that the matter of approval - or otherwise was, in any event subjective. Exactly!
Having all been given a private 'pep talk' prior to the meeting, only three Councillors felt able to speak out against the motion, which was subsequently carried.
Both local Councillors and the local MP Jo Johnson support the project as it stands.
The haste with which this project is being pushed through is in order for it to be opened in time for Sunday 11th November 2018. So, is an unpopular and unsatisfactory scheme to be foisted upon the most famous fighter station in the world just to satisfy political vanity?
The battle however is not yet over. Rita Radford and her supporters are still out there campaigning for what, whether you are currently serving, went through the OASC or, like me, just an old 'Biggin Hillbilly' who remembers the Hunters, the 'Open Days' and playing footie on the artificial pitch in the hangar, one of the most important places in the world, at one of the most important times in history and must be commemorated accordingly.
Please follow Rita's thread on the next page and if there is ANYTHING you feel you can do to help her campaign, I know just how grateful she and everyone else who cares for St George's, the memory of all those who have served at Biggin and the history which oozes out of every inch of that old airfield, will be.
Update: The campaign features on BBC1 London News this evening
Thank you.
Last edited by whisperair; 28th Jul 2017 at 21:46. Reason: Overtiredness and update
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The link I hope:http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petition...of-remembrance
2017 Heritage Open Days events at St Georges Chapel
Two events taking place during the September Heritage Open Days and worthy of support ;
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/.../Biggin%20Hill
HOD website to check for events in your local area ;
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/.../Biggin%20Hill
HOD website to check for events in your local area ;
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
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Whisperair
I don't remember an artificial pitch in the hangars - I do remember an indoor 5-a-side pitch with a concrete floor (the hangar floor) where we used to play 'off the walls'. I've also played badminton, volleyball and indoor cricket in the hangar and cricket outside on the grass, ..........
Or is my memory playing tricks with me re: the artificial pitch ?
I used to live at Valley View BTW.................and like you have fond memories of Battle of Britain 'At Home' days and the early 'Biggin Hill Air Fair' displays. I can certainly remember the Low Flying Aircraft signs on the main road by the Salt Box Café - although jets had long gone by then...........
I have been to many services in the chapel and some of my friends have been married there. It's a very atmospheric place for me.
Arc
I don't remember an artificial pitch in the hangars - I do remember an indoor 5-a-side pitch with a concrete floor (the hangar floor) where we used to play 'off the walls'. I've also played badminton, volleyball and indoor cricket in the hangar and cricket outside on the grass, ..........
Or is my memory playing tricks with me re: the artificial pitch ?
I used to live at Valley View BTW.................and like you have fond memories of Battle of Britain 'At Home' days and the early 'Biggin Hill Air Fair' displays. I can certainly remember the Low Flying Aircraft signs on the main road by the Salt Box Café - although jets had long gone by then...........
I have been to many services in the chapel and some of my friends have been married there. It's a very atmospheric place for me.
Arc
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Why on earth are they aiming for the project to be completed by for 11 Nov 18? The BoB Chapel has nothing to do with the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. They should be aiming for 15 Sep 20 if they want a significant date and a round number of years.
I think that Rita Radford and those wishing to preserve the dignity of the Chapel have been side-lined in an inexcusable fashion by know-nothing councilors pushing a half-arsed project.
I think that Rita Radford and those wishing to preserve the dignity of the Chapel have been side-lined in an inexcusable fashion by know-nothing councilors pushing a half-arsed project.