When the U.S. Army Air Forces first arrived at RAF Duxford in 1943, they decided to hold a Christmas party for 500 local children.  Sixty-eight years later, Duxford is now a museum, and the Air Force is still hosting a Christmas party for children sponsored by the 492nd Fighter Squadron from RAF Lakenheath. Every year the Children’s Heart Federation takes families to this fantastic party.

The party included:

• carol singing
• face painting
• games
• fashion show
• Santa
• tour of the museum

Zak’s Diary of the day

Zak who attended the  chronicles the event: “We arrived for the CHF party at Duxford, parked the car and walked into this enormous hanger where the Lakenheath Air Force men and women were getting the party ready for us, as we were a little early we went to the café and met the other CHF guests and I made friends with some other children who have heart conditions, Scott, Aidan and Lily. Then we went into the hanger for some American style lunch and joined other children to meet Santa.  It was great fun, there was carol singers, a band and I also helped them out playing the drums!  Father Christmas came on a big red Fire Engine with two Elf helpers and he gave everyone a present and I received a ‘Bop it Bounce’ which I was really pleased with.  Afterwards with my new friends we went and played games, got my face painted and had a balloon hat made for me. Then we explored the Air museum and all the planes. It was awesome and the best day of my life! Thank you I really enjoyed the party and meeting the other children.”

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