I REFER to the viewpoint article by Bruce Kent about RIAT at Fairford.
I am ex-RAF World War II but I am against the RAF Benevolent Fund using the Tattoo to raise funds.
The Benevolent Fund appears to have become a huge commercial venture and providing many ex-RAF officers (always on good pensions) and others a good income.
As with all charities I would guess a small percentage of the huge income is actually available to pay ex-service personnel who require financial assistance.
Is it possible to establish just how much in the £1 is available?
However, the other aspect is the effect of the local community. We were basically trapped in our homes in Lechlade from 0700 to 1400 hours due to the extent of the traffic. The effect elsewhere was widespread and in spite of whatever an RAF spokesmen may say, it is impossible to get people to an event in the Cotswolds without a dramatic effect on local people.
They say they wish people to use public transport. This will have have little real effect on the 100,000 people who travel.
If it is worthwhile to hold RIAT to raise genuine funds, make it every two years to reduce the effect on all the local villages.
EC, Lechlade
(name and address supplied)
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