A project has big plans to breathe new life into the Station Headquarters building at the former RAF West Raynham
It hopes to make the historic building available as a location for military charities, giving organisations and veterans a space to support their activities, as well as providing display space for military heritage collections from all three services.
The SHQ building has been abandoned since the RAF left West Raynham, in Norfolk, in the mid-1990s – it was operational during World War Two and throughout the Cold War. It’s believed the project is unique in providing a single location at which military charities and veterans groups can hold meetings, including one-on-one and small group sessions. It’ll also support NHS in its outreach programmes, make veterans and relatives aware of the types of support that are available, enable businesses owned or run by veterans and relatives to promote their activities, and provide history-based charities with display space.
The interior will include a Veterans Hub with meeting rooms, events room, a military research facility (including a library of over 2,000 books and searchable databases), and heritage display rooms. The latter has already received interest from the Canberra Heritage Trust, the RAF Heraldry Trust, No.100 Group, and East Anglia Military Aviation, among others.
It should also provide a Military Charity Information Exchange – where veterans can find information and contacts for support – and a Veterans Business Exchange – supporting businesses operated by veterans. The plans extend to external areas too – there are plans to create a memorial garden, plus sensory and mindfulness areas.
The project to revive the West Raynham building will require significant volunteer support during the restoration phase, plus continuing support during its operation. It’s being seen as a medium-term project of 2-3 years, and has been divided into a number of phases. The start date and duration of each phase will depend on the success of fundraising and the number and expertise of volunteers. The first phase is due to start this summer.
The project is therefore looking for volunteers who can help with the interior and garden aspects. Support from companies (with donations of materials etc) is also very welcome. For further information or to volunteer, please email: info@veteranscentral.co.uk
The project can also be followed on Facebook
