A Message From Lady Montagu

Following Henry Goodall’s farewell letter as chairman of FONFA, I would like to pay tribute to him,
on behalf of all FONFA members, for his 10-year tenure, and to wish him well as he continues as life
president.

The résumé he himself gives in his letter shows just how much was packed into that term of office,
and how far the charity has come in that time. Henry and others have worked tirelessly to tell the
story of the WWII airfields, recruit Management Board members with relevant skills and hugely raise
the profile of FONFA. The Heritage Centre, which he and his team helped to fund, rebuild and equip,
now showcases all the valuable information the charity has at its disposal. It is a fitting and
permanent home for the history of the New Forest airfields, just as the Holmsley site is a fitting
memorial to the airmen and women who fought and died to preserve our freedom. Both have
acquired new relevance in these challenged times.

The story of the New Forest airfields is a remarkable and important one. On behalf of all FONFA
members and the wider New Forest community, I would like to thank Henry for his years of
dedication to it, and to wish Sam Ruddy all the best in taking over as chairman.
Lady Montagu of Beaulieu