The Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness is preparing to join hundreds of cyclists taking on RAFA Rides at Kendrew Barracks on 13 June.
Dr Furness will tackle the new 12-mile route through the picturesque Rutland countryside alongside RAF Air Cadet Flight Sergeant Amy Ormandy.
"As Lord-Lieutenant I am keen to support the Association, which does so much to help serving and retired members of the Air Forces – so RAFA Rides seemed a great opportunity to raise funds, have fun and get some exercise," said Dr Furness.
"It is a cause that means a lot here in Rutland. I want to take part in RAFA Rides because I am very conscious of Rutland's strong sense of identity and history with the military, particularly the RAF. Rutland has a very significant number of RAF veterans. Many who served here chose to retire to our lovely county. The Rutland RAF stations also played a major part in the Second World War.
"Historically there were two major RAF stations in Rutland. RAF Cottesmore opened in 1938, only closing 75 years later when it became Kendrew Barracks, now a major army centre. RAF North Luffenham opened in 1940 and closed 58 years later when it became the home of the Army First Military Working Dogs Regiment. The army presence in Rutland means that Rutland remains a military county."
Dr Furness believes that supporting the military community through events like RAFA Rides is essential.
"It's very easy to take our Armed Forces for granted but I think recent events in the last few years have actually alerted most people to the fact that the military is absolutely necessary for the existence of our democracy," said Dr Furness.
"Events like RAFA Rides are so important. It not only raises funds but awareness too, and for those taking part a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie. I look forward to 13 June and am so pleased that a young RAF Cadet will be joining me – another generation sharing concern for our military and veterans."
The event at Kendrew Barracks is part of the wider RAFA Rides season with other events taking place at RAF Marham, RAF Leeming and RAF Brize Norton throughout June.
