Published on 9th January 2018

War memorial in light coloured stone behind stone balustrades and urn containing pink and yellow flowers

Primary school children are being invited to remember the centenary of the Royal Air Force, with a trip to the Jet Age Museum.

The commemoration event, entitled Cheltenham Remembers the Centenary of the Royal Air Force will see a month long exhibition in April 2018 at the Staverton based museum. It will show the impact on the borough of the newly formed RAF, the birth of the aircraft industry and the close relationship with GCHQ .Local primary schools are being invited to the education days throughout April.

For schools wishing to find out more, contact the Jet Age education coordinator, on 01452 715165 or email [email protected]

A full programme of Cheltenham Remembers events which mark the centenary of the First World War is being rolled out this year. The programme follows the successful restoration of the Promenade war memorial in 2017. The borough council is working with a large number of partners, with others expected to participate later on, to offer a host of activities and events for people of all ages, throughout this year. The programme will be available soon.

Councillor Flo Clucas, cabinet member for healthy lifestyles said: ‘'The First World War affected every family in the land. It is right that we remember those who died, or were severely injured and those who suffered as a result of loss. We should not forget either those, who like the Voluntary Aid Detachments, including here in Cheltenham, helped servicemen and women to recover from serious injury and return to their families.

‘’We owe them a debt that can never be repaid.’’

Mark Sheldon, director of resources and project sponsor added:  ‘’2018 marks 100 years since the end of the Great War.  With our partners, we want to remember our local heroes and enable residents to gain a greater understanding of the impact the war had on their communities.’’

For press enquiries contact: Katie Sandey, communications and web team leader, telephone 01242 775037 or email: [email protected]

Notes

The Cheltenham Remembers project is supported by the following key partners:  Cheltenham Borough Council in partnership with The Cheltenham Trust, Everyman Theatre, Big Local, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham Ladies College, Cheltenham Local History Society, Royal British Legion and the Royal Air Force Association, with funding from Cheltenham Borough Council, Heritage Lottery Fund and War Memorials Trust.

Find out more at www.ww1cheltenham.org