COTSWOLD CHARITY FUNDS BRIGHT IDEA
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, based in Fairford, is funding a new energy efficient lighting system at the Royal Air Force Museum in London. The system, costing £20,000, will be installed later this month in the Battle of Britain Hall as part of a major refurbishment of the historic building.
Since 2005, the Charitable Trust has handed out more than £500,000 to a wide range of RAF-related projects and initiatives. The money is raised by its trading company, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, which organises a number of events each year including the Royal International Air Tattoo and a prestigious national tour by the Bands of the Royal Air Force.
Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire, said: "We are delighted to have been able to fund this lighting upgrade. The Charitable Trust aims to support the work of RAF charities and the museum is a great tool to promote the Service and its exciting history to a wide range of people, young and old.
"I am particularly pleased to support this project because it will help the museum to save money and become more eco-friendly at the same time."
Mike Gell, Building and Services Manager for the museum, said: "This new form of energy saving lighting can change colour and light intensity whilst still being cheaper to run and as it is kinder to the exhibits because it doesn't give out any UV light we will be able to increase the light intensity between each show.
"These improvements will further enhance the already fitting tribute to those young British pilots who gave their lives in this conflict and will ensure that their story continues to be told to future generations."
Work on the Battle of Britain Hall is scheduled for completion in July.
