1970's campaign fund used for new benches on Greenham Common

In 1978, the UK government announced it intended to reactivate the airbase so that the United States Air Force (USAF) could fly KC135 tanker refuelling aircraft from the base.
However, the plans fell foul with Newbury residents who were concerned over the noise that would be created by the aircraft and the risk they posed to those living in the area.
An anti-reactivation campaign group was established, chaired by Dennis Smith, following which a number of protests were held.
The group also embarked on various fund-raising activities to allow them to send two representatives to lobby President Carter in America on the issue directly, however three days before the trip the government announced it would not be using Greenham Common and to site the aircrafts.
It was agreed by members of the campaign group that the funds would be put towards Newbury amenities, and last year, in agreement with the original members, the council placed three benches around the common.
When asked why the money had been left unspent for 35 years, council spokeswoman Joanne Basset said: “The money belonged to the Campaign Group, not the council, and it had been sat in the account since 1978.
“They decided they wanted closure and to do something nice for the community with the money.”
Each has a plaque which reads: “One of three benches, presented by the 1978 Greenham Common Campaign against the KC135 refuelling tankers, in the Summer of 2012.”
The benches, handmade by Colin Underhay, cost £1616.40 - the total amount raised by the group.
In the Newbury Weekly News on June 1, 1978, following the announcement that Greenham Common would not be used, it was reported: “Friday, May 26 will forever be remembered by Newbury residents as the day they won their fight to keep KC-135 tanker aircraft away from Greenham Common air base.”
In the report, then MP for Newbury Michael McNair Wilson is quoted as saying: “This will be a campaign that people will look back on.
“Most people thought we did not have a hope of stopping it but this decision has shown the power of public opinion.
“This has been a cool and determined campaign.”
In 1997, Greenham Common was returned to full public use and is now an area of Special Scientific Interest.