A RENOVATED monument was unveiled at a ceremony held at Shinfield Park on June 13.
Around 20 councillors, RAF personnel and representatives from local organisations were present to catch a glimpse of the new RAF Flying Training Command Memorial, which had been redesigned after concerns were raised about its positioning.
The roundel was installed 10 years ago, but many believed it had since been overlooked by passersby owing to the fact it originally lay flat on the ground a few metres away from the footpath.
Talks were held between residents and then-Shinfield North councillor Parry Batth, and David Wilson Homes, who carried out the Shinfield Park housing development, were happy to fund the refurbishment.
Phil Hurring, marketing manager at David Wilson Southern Counties, and former councillors Angus Ross and Mr Batth delivered speeches at the opening.
They were joined by former RAF Air Commodore Rick Peacock-Edwards, Wokingham mayor Beth Rowland and Doreen Couzens, a resident who played a key role in organising the 2013 memorial installation and represents Fields Neighbourhood Action Group.
Mr Batth said: “It’s a fitting memorial to remember the RAF officers who were present here during the Second World War and it deserves the position it is in at the moment.
“Before, it was on the floor and no-one recognised it. I’m really pleased and want to thank David Wilson Homes for bringing this about.”
Mr Ross had been present for the initial unveiling a decade ago and commented on the contrasting weather, with Tuesday’s sweltering heat a far cry from the bitterly cold conditions that day.
He described the new fixture as a ‘far better and clearer’ representation of the RAF’s presence in Shinfield, which will help future generations understand its significance.
Mr Hurring said: “We are incredibly proud to be a part of the restoration, especially with Armed Forces Day taking place at the end of this month.
“We’d like to thank all those involved in organising the renovation of this memorial, most notably Parry Batth and Doreen Couzens who have been key partners with us in raising awareness of the memorial’s condition and facilitating its new plinth.”
The monument marks the site where the Flying Training Command headquarters (HQFTC) was located from 1940 to 1968.
During the Second World War, it was also the headquarters of RAF Technical Training Command.
It went on to become the Meteorological Office College in 1971, where British meteorologists were trained, as well as TV weather presenters from across Europe.
Seven years later, it turned into the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, which stands today.
The memorial can be visited at Shinfield Park, RG2 9FR.
