Wings to the Past, started in 2019, we use the power of archaeology and heritage to support resilience amongst Royal Air Force personnel and their families.

What do we do, why and how.

What.

Wings to the Past in an innovative project that uses archaeology and heritage projects to support personal resilience amongst serving personnel and their families. Archaeology offers a unique opportunity for personnel to spend time together, learn new skills and more about the heritage of their area.

Why.

It all began with an idea. One of the Wings to the Past steering group sat with 2 other members on the side of a trench in 2018 and seeing the benefit to her son of spending time with her after long periods of separation Wings to the Past was born. We wanted more personnel to experience the benefits we had seen.

How.

In 2019 Wings to the Past worked with the University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire County Council, Network Archaeology and the Armed Forces Covenant to offer an 8-month programme of pre-excavation, excavation and post-excavation at Riseholme near Lincoln. In 2021 our project, like so many during COVID-19, went online.  Our 2023 and 2024 programmes saw us once again partnered with Bishop Grosseteste University, Professor Carenza Lewis and forming new partnerships with community groups .

Who.

Wings to the Past participants are Serving military personnel coming to the projects on their own or with their families, open to Regulars and Reserves and up to 1 year post exit from Regular Service. We aim where possible to open some aspects to the wider community and seek to support open days and exhibitions to promote engagement. We will partner with other agency’s for projects including professional archaeological companies to support professional standards.

Future.

Wings to the Past ran 5 projects in 2023 and 5 in 2024. We are then aiming to offer at least 4 projects per year working long term with our partners to evolve our sites and how we support personnel. We will seek to evaluate the experience of our participants and to develop future projects to reflect their feedback. We will work with our partners to ensure that our standards in all aspects of delivery are as per best practice in that area. We are currently completing the process to move from a community interest company to a charity.

So what.

So if you are a Serving military person or a family member then have a look at our take action and initiatives pages. If you are a member of the local community who wants to see what we are doing then look at our News page or Facebook page. We need funding to operate, we are currently entirely funded by our directors and through spaces offered by partners, anything you can give will help us to provide the benefits we have seen to more people - head over to our take action page to learn more.

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