THE Royal International Air Tattoo 2003 is being staged at RAF Fairford over the weekend of July 19 and 20 in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
In today's uncertain financial climate, the Tattoo assumes even greater importance in our determination to meet ever-growing demands on fund resources.
In 2002 we spent over £22 million taking care of members of Royal Air Force family, from elderly veterans to the young families of serving personnel.
At the same time, I am acutely aware that the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) makes its own demands on the communities around RAF Fairford and on routes leading to the airshow. This was especially true in 2002 when traffic tailbacks reached unacceptable proportions. A great deal of work has been done by the RIAT organisation to ensure that any disruption to ordinary life is kept to the very minimum for this year's event.
I also hope that many of your readers will attend the Tattoo to celebrate 100 Years of Flight and to see the many other attractions of Europe's biggest airshow.
Air Chief marshall Sir David Cousins, Controller Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
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