Road To Discovery - RAF: The Military Issues Affecting Marham

In the final instalment of our general election road trips, Forces News is finding out about what issues are affecting the military community.

Tim Cooper is assessing how people feel about defence in the run-up to the vote, looking at each service individually.

He has now moved on to the Royal Air Force in Marham, they are set to undergo huge development as the home of the F35 Lightening II.

The first stop was to meet Greg Bagwell, he served as Head of Operations for the last three years. 

"There are some areas, particularly in the Air Force, where we have taken some of our people to the very limits of their endurance".

However, Marham is awaiting the arrival of the F35 B and will become the hub for that.

But is that good news for the RAF?

Simon believes it will bring a change in capability which the RAF have not seen in years.

This will also mean a huge amount to nearby towns, like Downham Market.

Simon Prior owns a picture framers there. 

He believes having RAF Marham down the road benefits the community, as it brings a lot of employment. 

Since the announcement of the F35 Bs arriving soon lots of contractors have also been interested in the surrounding towns which gives the area a secured future and growth. 

"People now want to settle and become part of the community here as well, with steady jobs which is vital for the area"

The area is imbued with the spirit of the RAF and along with looking forward to the future, they also remember their past. 

There is a current campaign running to fund a memorial to honour the airmen who lost their lives flying from former RAF Downham Market.

If £250 thousand pounds can be raised, it will be placed on a site by the A10, the former heart of the aerodrome.