WELCOME
When VE Day dawns on 8th May 2025 it will be 80 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. Years of carnage and destruction had come to an end and millions of people took to the streets and pubs to celebrate peace, mourn their loved – ones and to hope for the future, but not forgetting those still in conflict until 15th August when it was announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II.
The 80th anniversary provides our nation, and our friends around the world, with an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of people from all walks of life who saw us through this dark and terrifying period. Celebration are being organised throughout the country and we are sure you will be able to find one in your local area but below are some events running in and around Biggin Hill
https://www.communitylinksbromley.org.uk/calendar/item/55737399
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/chartwell/events/f1a33e0e-ddd4-4462-b838-c15b9beb4ffd
I was exploring the internet to find information on RAF links to Biggin Hill when one of the many websites I came across was that of the ACA. How disappointing is it that this and other links are being used almost entirely to complain about the building currently being constructed.
It was Sir Winston Churchill who strongly supported the building of the RAF Memorial Chapel in Biggin Hill. How disappointing is it then, that the importance of this building is being forgotten by those who only wish to complain about the building currently being constructed around the Chapel.
My wife (and I) and a number of other volunteers have been working to keep the Remembrance Gardens tidy, cutting grass and even removing old roses and replanting new. There have been a number of ashes interred in recent times too. As well as this, a group of volunteers have been in the Chapel at various times cleaning, and removing wax from carpets.
It is the hope of many that services will eventually be able to continue in the chapel as well as the occasional musical event organised for the community. The historical nature of the Chapel is still there, with all its ‘other windows’ and RAF information for all to see.
This is what should now be the focus of our energies, not continuing a campaign of endless complaints about a building that will inevitably be completed and used by the public, despite having no aesthetic appeal.
What a waste of all the efforts of the volunteers it will be, if the chapel is allowed to be incorporated into a museum, albeit a ‘free part’ of the museum, rather than for the purpose which I am sure Sir Winston Churchill intended.
There are those who are walking away from the heritage of Biggin Hill and walking away from those to whom the Chapel was built, many who gave their lives for peace and freedom. Why?
Because they object to the building and the processes that led to the situation we now have and can do nothing about.
It is my personal view that The Archdeacon Paul Wright should be personally fighting for the Chapel and growing its links to the community and keeping its links to the memories of the RAF personal who died for their country.
Retired RAF personnel who are deciding to retreat and wave a white flag by giving up on the fight to keep the Chapel a living place of worship, do not have my respect. The building being constructed may not be to their liking but what about fighting for maintaining the Chapel that is after all the real Memorial.
It is my understanding that there is to be a service at the Chapel on Sunday 11th November 2018 to mark the 11th hour, the 11th day and the 11th month and, what is more, to commemorate 100 years of the RAF; turn up if you are able.
You give up if you wish, but I and many others will go on fighting until the Council, the Trust and the Church force us into total retreat!
Hi I am the group scout leader in biggin Hill
Please can you change the details from Les to myself
my number is 01959509247
07983447721
bhsg1@hotmail.com
Just to let you know that your link to the Biggin Hill allotment association’s website is now incorrect. The chairman (Basil Courtman) mentioned is, sadly, now dead and the contact e-mail address is also now defunct as it belonged to Basil and his wife, Peggy, who has also passed away. There is now a new Biggin Hill Allotment website – maybe the current chairman or secretary could be contacted to see if a link could be set up to the new site.
Thanks.
Fantastic site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get responses from other knowledgeable people that
share the same interest. If you have any recommendations,
please let me know. Bless you!
Hi Bob, if you are referring to BigginHill.co.uk, there are some broken links and old content. This will hopefully be updated over time. Please bear with me on this. I am trying to update the community on important items as and when they occur like the recent addition to the homepage regarding the future of the Airport.
Good morning
As Chairman of the Green Street Green Village Society I am interested in the views of the BH Residents Association with regards the Airport development Plans.
I can find little on the subject on the web site, despite a few headlines saying that there is a Discussion Board as the link does not produce a page.
A couple of links that do work – for example the Termination of the Air Displays International lease for the Air Fair – do not produce information on that point, but give me the opportunity to buy tickets for 2011!
The latest Committee Minutes merely say there is no update, but do not give me the opportunity (as far as I can see) to go back to previous editions and the only real comment I can find anywhere is one on the ‘Streetlife’ facility.
Can you help further, please?
Thanks
Breaking News: Biggin HIll AIrport it seems have agreed to make up the shortfall to preserve the St George’s Chapel at Biggen Hill