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Pam St Clement supports appeal to save Battle of Britain Memorial

16:28, 14 August 2020

updated: 17:00, 14 August 2020

Another British actor has come out to support an appeal fighting to keep Kent's struggling Battle of Britain Memorial going amid the coronavirus pandemic.

There are fears the memorial at Capel Le Ferne will be unable to carry on in the long term having lost all usual income after it temporarily closed in March due to the outbreak.

In June, Only Fools and Horses actors John Challis and Sue Holderness - who played married couple Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce and Marlene Boyce in the series - released videos as part of a public crowdfunding appeal for the museum.

Now, Pam St Clement - Pat Butcher from Eastenders - has stepped up to support the fundraiser.

In a video, she said: "Having experienced the amazing and evocative atmoshere at this remarkable memorial on the cliffs of Capel Le Ferne on memorial days, I urge you to join me in supporting this appeal and ensure that the trust can keep alive the memory of what the Few did to keep the free world safe from tyranny in 1940."

Ms St Clement played earring fan Pat Butcher in the soap for 25 years before leaving in 2012.

The memorial at Capel is a tribute to the men, known as the Few, who fought in the Battle of Britain in 1940.

As well as being home to the National Memorial to the Few, the cliff top site also hosts a replica Hurricane and Spitfire, the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall and The Wing, a modern visitor centre featuring The Scramble Experience.

A public appeal has been launched to help keep the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, just outside Folkestone, afloat
A public appeal has been launched to help keep the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, just outside Folkestone, afloat

The Trust behind the museum is hoping to reach their target of £50,000 in the next two days, when the crowdfunder ends.

So far £27,000 has been raised.

A spokesman said: "To date we have been supported by more than 770 people, many leaving heartfelt messages telling us how much they value the work we do to highlight the bravery and sacrifice of the Few.

"It has been truly humbling to read such kind words and to know that the work we do is valued.

"While the response is amazing, we need to keep fundraising as we estimate that the Covid-19 shutdown has reduced our revenue by £80,000 over the past few months.

John Challis and Sue Holderness from Only Fools and Horses have also supported the fundraiser. Picture: Tony Flashman
John Challis and Sue Holderness from Only Fools and Horses have also supported the fundraiser. Picture: Tony Flashman

"We are now open again from Friday to Monday each week and we would love you to come and visit us, to see at first hand what your generosity has helped to protect.

"In the meantime we hope you will continue to spread the word to your friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to help, too."

Supporters will receive a 'reward' depending on how much they donate, ranging from a Battle of Britain Propeller Lapel Pin to a private guided tour.

To donate, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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