The Trust said a huge thank you on Tuesday evening (14 Sept) to supporters who helped turn a potentially disastrous year into one that saw a number of exciting improvements at the site.
Volunteers and staff joined donors, supporters and those who provided practical help during 18 months that saw the Trust emerge from the Covid-19 lockdown stronger than ever and ready to continue its objective of remembering 'the Few'.
Supporters included businessman Alastair Kerr, who has funded the floodlighting of all the major items at the clifftop site, and Kent County Councillors whose generosity allowed the Trust to install new, low energy laser projectors in The Scramble Experience, a move that will also save the Trust a considerable sum of money in future.
The evening also saw the unveiling of the new Graydon Gates named in honour of the support provided over the years by the former President of the Trust Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon GCB, CBE. The gates used to stand at RAF Biggin Hill and were renovated using funds donated to a special 80th anniversary appeal.
There was a tribute, too, to the Trust's marketing team for setting up a hugely successful online appeal, backed by video messages from well-known celebrities and supported by the Daily Express, that raised a remarkable £80,000.