The present casualty rate suffered by the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan appears more than likely to accelerate next year. That being so, the importance of having adequate resources available to support the families of casualties became apparent and it was felt right to attempt to create a fund-raising programme that would attract financial support for those families, provide good publicity for the Regiment and, hopefully, assist future recruiting.

 

To that end the willing and generous support of Matthew Hudson, the owner of Old Sarum Airfield, Salisbury, Wilts, has been gained. Mr Hudson is providing the free use of his airfield (together with support services) on which to mount a ground and air display programme to be held on Sunday 25 May 2008. The Airfield will be open to the Public on an entrance-fee paying basis.

 

The project will be promoted under the title “SUPPORT OUR PARAS” and surplus funds generated will be used specifically to help the families of PARA casualties and a local Children’s Charity – ”Hope and Homes for Children”.

 

We are fortunate to have the support of General Sir John Reith, Colonel Commandant The Parachute Regiment and, as our Patron, General Sir Mike Jackson.

Via “SUPPORT OUR PARAS”, the Parachute Regiment Central Fund (Charity No: 249397) will receive and distribute all funds raised on our behalf, thus enabling the charitable status of that Fund to be used by those donating monies.

 

We have been able to enrol experts in the various fields (Project Director, Air Display Director, Director of Security etc) and now have in place an office with support services under the direction of Lt Col(ret’d) Banks Middleton in Browning Barracks, Aldershot, Hants.

As for the programme, attached is a draft being the preliminary results of the “asset gathering” work of the last few weeks. Much work is being done on this to enable the overall Project Director (Tony Higham) and Air Display Director (John Davis) to commence detailed planning as soon as possible.

So far we have been able to gain the support of the Air Squadron, the Bentley Drivers Owners Club, the Aston Martin Owners Club and the Aston Martin Factory with air displays provided by members of the Air Squadron, the “Tiger Nine” and individual pilots. We also have the support of many other parties with whom we are now working to finalise details of their participation, Space will be at a premium.

 

The Regimental Band will be available, as will the Red Devils and the display Recruiting Team. Major Nick Vischer PARA and Major Nigel Walker are in the process of confirming other military support.

 

Through the generosity of good friends, our seed-corn fund-raising has had an excellent start in that Matthew Hudson immediately offered us £10,000. Shortly thereafter two further sums of £10,000 each were donated by George House Holdings Ltd and the FIA, and then followed by a further generous donation of £30,000 from BAE Systems. Hence, we now have available £60,000 for initial necessary expenses – a great start. Since it is not intend to occur any debt that cannot be covered by cash-in-hand or ascertained sponsorship/ donations, it will be understood how vitally important this is.

 

As the project develops we continue to seek suggestions, ideas and, of course, donations, all or any of which will be warmly welcomed.

 

I hope you will find this of interest and that our programme is worthy of your support. If so, please help where you can.

 

Alan Curtis OBE
Honorary Elder
RHQ The Parachute Regiment
Flagstaff House, Napier Road
Colchester Essex                                                                                12 December 2007