Fears grow for future of Battle of Britain memorial

The future of the Battle of Britain Memorial has been cast into doubt as trustees warn rising costs are forcing them to dig into reserves to keep the site running.

The national memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, in Kent, which honours aircrew who fought in the Battle of Britain, receives no direct government funding.

Wing Cdr Ian Woodhouse, honorary secretary of the memorial, said obtaining adequate funding was becoming an "increasing concern" despite the site's national significance.

The Ministry of Defence said it does not routinely fund museums or memorials but they can apply for grants through the National Lottery and Heritage Funds, adding fundraising help is available at the War Memorials Trust.

The memorial's trustees have said increasing day-to-day costs and limited funding opportunities have been putting growing pressure on the charity that runs the site.

The memorial costs about £240,000 a year to operate and relies on visitors, donations and legacies for much of its income, according to the trust.

Its trustees say they have introduced measures including admission charges and cost savings, but continue to draw on reserves as costs rise.

Woodhouse said: "Sadly, these contributions alone will make it very challenging to continue our invaluable role into the future.

"If we were able to access more consistent central support, this would most certainly help us to preserve the memory and legacy of 'The Few' for future generations."

Trustee Arabella Hastie, added: "The bottom line is we will close if we don't get more money, but not in the short term.

"We're not talking about shutting down tomorrow but we are talking about eating into our reserves year after year and costs just keep going up."

Hastie said sharp increases in everyday expenses were making the situation increasingly difficult.

"Heating has gone up, air conditioning has gone up, the cost for anything you need to mend has gone up, insurance, National Insurance - every single bill we have has gone up significantly," she said.

"Everything we have to pay for is significantly more expensive than it was two, three years ago and that means we are having to dig in deeper."

She said funding programmes often focused on new projects rather than helping charities meet ongoing costs.

"There are a few funds but they do it for museums not memorials," she said.

The trust is calling for more consistent support for nationally important memorials and wants ministers to consider how such sites can be funded in the long term.

Mike Tapp, Labour MP for Dover, said the memorial was "an important part of our community", describing it as "a breathtaking and poignant memorial dedicated to the brave RAF pilots who defended our great country".

"The situation they are facing is concerning", he said, adding that he was arranging a meeting with the memorial team "to hear about their situation first-hand, and to discuss the way forward".

The memorial, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1993, is preparing to mark Battle of Britain Day on Tuesday.

Kent County Council and Dover District Council have been contacted for comment.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.