I had intended to start this Blog during July 2021 which would have been the 80^th anniversary for the opening of RAF (GCI) Ripperston and thereafter would have added a monthly update of activities, “All Our Yesterdays”, as they happened 80 years ago from my comprehensive records of RAF Ripperston. However, events took a turn, which along with the Covid lock downs had left us unable to reopen the heritage site due to social distancing requirements which were unachievable due to the narrow corridors within the buildings. Furthermore, with no revenue coming in we still had to fund the upkeep, constant repairs and heating costs, from our savings. In May/June 2021 we renamed the Project to “The Radar Rooms” and made the decision to adapt the existing accommodation into two self contained facilities and the remaining space into an Art Centre for workshops. This required considerable work & time to set up successfully.

We are now into our fourth year of successful bookings along with giving many families the experience of staying in unique 1940s atmospheric accommodation and with gaining a historic insight into how the RAF operated GCI Radar Stations. This valuable additional revenue has provided funding to continue with repairs, maintenance and to help with the huge energy costs.

To see our 1940’s accommodation go to the Officers’ Mess and the Officers’ Quarters.