Jo Churchill is a member of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, this is a programme that allows MPs, to participate in various on the ground experiences and talk to men and women of all ranks serving in our armed forces. This visit was part of her 15 day commitment to the scheme.
Of particular interest to Jo Churchill was the site visit to the mobile meteorological unit. Staffed by reserves giving real time information across the RAF and Army to assist in the effective deployment of equipment and personnel.
Jo Churchill was also impressed with the new Barnes Wallis Community Centre which officially opened its doors on Monday 13 April 2015. The Centre was been funded by the RAF, Annington Trust, SSAFA, RAF Association and the RAF Central Fund. The Community Centre offers many activities and facilities for Service personnel and their families and includes provision of fitness classes, toddler and youth activities and clubs and is the venue for their own Military Wives Choir rehearsals.
Jo Churchill said: ‘my visit to RAF Scampton gave me a fascinating insight into RAF history within the Heritage Centre situated at this historic base. It was great to talk to service personnel at RAF Scampton and to find out more about the wide range of Trades available as careers within the Airforce and to meet some private sector providers. The Barnes Wallace Community Centre, opened by Mary Stopes-Roe and provides some excellent services for the Service personnel and their families’.