By Martin Brookes
For a county with deep, historical roots tied to the Royal Air Force, Rutland holds a quiet but deeply significant place in Britain's aviation heritage. Yet, despite the generations of servicemen and women who have called this county home and the many who ultimately gave their lives Rutland currently lacks a dedicated public memorial to honor their sacrifices. Two local RAF veterans have now stepped forward on a personal mission to change that, launching a community-backed initiative to bring a permanent tribute to the heart of the county.
The campaign is spearheaded by Barry Swallow, an RAF veteran and the current Standard Bearer for the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Rutland Branch, alongside Ian Reynolds, a fellow veteran and the branch’s Treasurer. While the pair are undertaking this project as independent individuals outside of their official RAFA roles, they carry the full enthusiastic backing of the Rutland Branch Committee and prominent local dignitaries, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, and the High Sheriff of Rutland, Susannah Fish.
Barry's Swallow’s inspiration for the project came from observing similar tributes across the country, noting that many other towns and villages have long possessed beautiful spaces dedicated to remembrance. Recognising the distinct lack of such a monument in Rutland, he realised how appropriate and deeply meaningful it would be for the local community to establish a landmark of its own.
To bring this vision to life, Barry Swallow and Ian Reynolds have partnered with the Roll & Scroll Company based in nearby Grantham, a specialist manufacturer renowned worldwide for crafting high-quality, lasting military memorials. The intended design centers on a striking, bespoke black metal memorial bench featuring intricate scrollwork, dedicated plaques, and the iconic RAF insignia. To make the tribute truly meaningful to the local area, Reynolds is currently conducting extensive research to ensure the final design incorporates distinct elements unique to Rutland’s specific aviation history.
The immediate goal of the campaign is to secure enough funding for a flagship bench to be placed in Oakham. However, the ambition doesn't stop there. If the fundraising drive exceeds its initial targets, the organisers hope to purchase multiple benches, potentially introducing a broader theme to honor the wider Armed Forces community across the county.
As a strictly private fundraiser, the organisers offer a total guarantee to the public that 100% of all donations will go directly toward the purchase, delivery, and secure installation of the benches on a suitable base. No administrative fees or overheads will look to diminish the community's generosity, ensuring every penny honors a legacy.
Ultimately, this bench is intended to be far more than just a place to sit—it is a long-overdue thank you to the personnel who shaped the region. By supporting this venture, the community will help secure the memory of all those RAF personnel who once, even temporarily, called Rutland home, including those who left the county to never return.
To make a donation please visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-royal-air-force-in-rutland
