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Military families celebrate the opening of revamped community centre




The Wattisham Flying Station Community Centre was officially reopened after a �160,000 makeover. Picture by Corporal Andy Reddy. ANL-160207-144917001
The Wattisham Flying Station Community Centre was officially reopened after a �160,000 makeover. Picture by Corporal Andy Reddy. ANL-160207-144917001

Families at Wattisham Flying Station celebrated the re-opening of the base’s community centre following a £160,000 revamp.

The renovation has breathed new life into the Valley Road facility, which serves some 500 families of soliders who work at the base and is hailed as the ‘heart and soul’ of the community.

It now boasts a new conservatory and outside play area. Meanwhile, internal decoration and remodelling has provided a youth club area, new kitchen and computer suite to allow for the running of adult education courses.

The work was paid for by military welfare funds and grants from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Suffolk County and Mid Suffolk District Councils.

Gemma Bojko, who is married to Sergeant Mark Bojko, was at the opening with her son Ethan. She said: “The community centre is the heart and soul of the Wattisham community, as a place to bring families together.

“The renovation is a big improvement on what was here before, with facilities for both older and younger children.”

The Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston and Colonel Jason Etherington, Commander of Wattisham Flying Station joined families at the unveiling.

Colonel Etherington said: “Our families have a building that is truly fit for purpose and I would like to thank all who have contributed to the project.

“Combined with the Wattisham Airfield Childcare Centre that opened in 2014 we have greatly improved the welfare facilities for families living in an isolated and rural location.”