RAF Driffield LATEST URGENT

Hello Everyone

As you know the camp was recently sold and the new owners have been identified as being Strawsons Property. According to The Driffield Post, there is a strong possibility that most of the buildings will be demolished – to make way for new housing.

In 1997 this Retford based development company bought former RAF Swinderby (near Lincoln) and soon afterwards most of the domestic site was demolished, though the technical buildings and hangars remain. What is frightening is that ten years on and 50% of the site remains undeveloped. This could happen at Driffield, with the buildings demolished and the site left abandoned for many years to come.

The sixty-eight married quarters at Driffield probably represent the last opportunity to provide affordable housing in the area. These two-bedroomed houses were recently valued at around £80k (if refurbished). A recent inspection showed the buildings to be in good condition – and reusable. The accommodation blocks can also be converted into offices or spacious apartments, while the officer’s mess is crying out to be converted into a hotel or residential home.

The good news is that Strawsons Property are prepared (I am told) to work with other development companies, who share our concerns and aspirations for the site. On Friday I meet up with Adrian Sail who is from Strawsons Property. I get one chance to change minds and save RAF Driffield, but I need your help.

I would like to present Mr Sail with a folder – containing numerous letters of support, written by those who share my concern over former RAF Driffield. Please contribute by writing a letter (addressed to Mr Adrian Sail) and emailed to me. Explain – in your own words – why you think RAF Driffield is historically important enough to justify preservation. 400 words isn’t a lot to ask for but I’m sure it will make a difference. Be creative and honest (from the heart).

Deadline for letters (emailed to me) is Thursday 19th April.

This email has also been sent to a number of veterans and those related to those who flew from Driffield during the war – please feel free to pass on this email to those know you know also served at Driffield or who share our passion and concerns. Please read my articles (on my website) and if you agree that the site should be saved, then I beg of you to write in support of preserving RAF Driffield.

I will print them off and present them to Mr Sail on Friday 20th April.

I look forward to hearing from you all (via private message or email – [email]ondoloop@yahoo.co.uk[/email]) and thank you.

Best Wishes

Phillip Rhodes
Campaigner to Save RAF Driffield