The RAF Association (RAFA) City of Ely and District Memorial Garden at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely will be looked after by a team of Air Cadets from the City of Ely Squadron Air Training Corps from Sunday 12 September 2021.

Mark Robbins, Director of Resources, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust explained: “As the landlord of the hospital site, we share the local community’s commitment to the upkeep of the treasured RAF memorial garden. 

“Now that the restrictions placed on visitors to the hospital as a result of Covid have lessened, we are delighted to confirm that a team of Air Cadets will be regularly attending the Garden to ensure it continues to be a well maintained memorial to those who served our country. 

“I would like to thank local people who have helped care for the Garden in recent months for their kindness and support, and encourage them to email Jo Oakey, our hospital Site Manager via jo.oakey@nhs.net if they would like to continue to be involved with the Garden’s upkeep.”

Flying Officer John Donoghue, RAFAC, Commanding Officer of 1094 Squadron added: “Our cadets are looking forward to honouring the commitment we gave pre-pandemic to take on the responsibility for the Garden’s upkeep as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award commitments. 

“We know that local residents, like us, recognise the importance of honouring former RAF colleagues and we give our assurance that the Garden will be lovingly maintained by our cadets to provide a quiet place for contemplation and reflection”.