Long-term supporter becomes sponsor

The Trust’s forward-looking commitment to honouring the memory of the Few has been praised by one of our new business sponsors.

James Emson, managing director of Clive Emson Auctioneers, said he was proud to have signed up as a sponsor of the Battle of Britain Memorial because of the important work the Trust did to tell the story of the Battle to future generations without any public funding to support its work.

And he added: “What really impresses me is the way that the site continues to develop and progress, rather than just standing still as some attractions and museums seem to. The new Wing visitor centre and the Scramble Experience are examples of the Trust’s drive to keep moving forward and adding new interest.”

Clive Emson Auctioneers, which now operates right across the south of England, from Essex to Cornwall, was set up by Clive’s father James in 1989, with James himself coming on board two years later.

Clive Emson has long been a supporter of the charity and in 2018 conducted a charity auction in The Wing to mark the 25th anniversary of the unveiling of the Memorial. “Dad still does charity auctions now and again and is very fond of the Memorial here at Capel-le-Ferne,” James commented.

“As a business we like to support worthwhile causes, particularly those that commemorate historic events such as the Battle of Britain because they do such an important job in keeping alive our history.”

While generously supporting an RAF-focused charity, the family’s links are much closer to the Royal Navy. James great grandfather Sir Roger Backhouse GCB, GCVO, CMG, became First Sea Lord in 1938 and his grandfather, Commander David Kinloch, also served with distinction in the Royal Navy.

The Trust is continuing to invite local businesses to support the charity as a sponsor and has three attractive and affordable packages on offer. Email marketing@battleofbritainmemorial.org for details.

James Emson (left) with site manager Jules Gomez