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Large cash boost to create Tri-Service veterans hub
17/03/2025
The plans include a lift, kitchen and convert rooms into offices and confidential consulting rooms
A project to turn the Royal Air Force Club in Banbury’s Broad Street into a Tri-Service veterans hub for welfare, advice and social activities has received a boost, thanks to a large donation organised by two local county councillors.
£30,000 has been given to Project Astra from Oxfordshire County Council’s Councillors fund, organised by Councillors Kieron Mallon and Tony Ilott.
Councillor Mallon, a former member of the Irish Guards of Easington Division, said: “The building desperately needs a lift installed as many veterans can’t tackle the stairs which means some interviews discussing confidential or personal matters have to be conducted in the bar downstairs, sometimes within earshot of others waiting for advice. This can impede the service they receive.”
The latest donation follows an earlier contribution of nearly £5,000 from the Guard Association.
Chris Adams, President of the Royal Air Force Association, said: “We desperately need a lift, kitchen and to convert upstairs rooms into offices and confidential consulting rooms. We can’t thank the councillors enough for their donations, but we need a lot more to achieve our aims and ask other organizations to contact us if they can help.”
The money will be used to refurbish the club to cater for the needs of veterans, offering drop-ins for advice in areas such as health, benefits, pensions, housing and mental health.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam