RAF memorial granted new lease of life by David Wilson Homes and Shinfield Council

Shinfield’s RAF Flying Training Command Memorial in Shinfield Park has received a new lease of life from local developer David Wilson Homes and Shinfield Council. Originally laid in 2013, in recognition of airmen and women who trained during World War Two at the site, the refurbished roundel now sits proudly on a purpose-built plinth, allowing residents and passers-by to more easily interact with the memorial.

The unveiling was widely attended, with representatives from Shinfield Parish Council, Wokingham’s Mayor Councillor Beth Rowland, Andre Francis the Representative of RAF Shinfield Group, as well as Parry Batth, whom David Wilson Homes worked closely with over the past year to design and complete the installation. Former RAF Officer Angus Ross, Air Commodore Rick Peacock-Edwards RAF (Retd) and local resident Mrs Doreen Couzens who were instrumental in organising the roundel in 2013 also attended the ceremony and met with representatives from David Wilson Homes.

The roundel marks the site of the Flying Training Command Headquarters, which was located from 1940 to 1968. The site was also home to the headquarters of RAF Technical Training Command during the Second World War, and was responsible for organising the training of all aircrew during and after the Second World War. The renovated memorial aims to encourage residents to pause to remember those who were involved in the activities at Shinfield.

Phil Hurring, Marketing Manager at David Wilson Southern Counties, commented: “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.”

David Wilson Southern Counties’ will be launching its Finchwood Park development on 24th June where a range of three and four-bedroom homes will be available