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The National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne, on the famous white cliffs between Dover and Folkestone in Kent has been redesigned and updated with a stunning new building, shaped like an iconic Spitfire aircraft with its sweeping wings. The site is appropriately based in the area nicknamed ‘Hell-fire Corner’ due to the intensity of the dog-fights that took place during World War 2, in this part of Kent.
Maintained by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, the site at Capel-le-Ferne is dedicated to Churchill’s famous “Few” who fought in the skies overhead to keep this country free from invasion. The Memorial itself inspires quiet reflection on the bravery and sacrifice shown by the aircrew – fewer than 3,000 men – who flew, fought and sometimes died in probably the most crucial battle fought by this country in the whole of the 20th century.
The Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall lists the names of all those who took part in the Battle of Britain, while a replica Spitfire and Hurricane stand nearby as a reminder of the iconic machines they flew to victory. At the edge of the car park, greeting visitors to the site is a low wall bearing Churchill’s famous quotation: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed, by so many, to so few”.
The original plan for the memorial was on a bigger scale than the visitor will see today. Many would argue that the final design, by Harry Gray of the Carving Workshop, Cambridge, is moving through its simplicity. It features a striking sculpture of a seated airman looking out to sea, surrounded by the badges of the Allied squadrons and other units that took part in the Battle of Britain.
Independent LG distributor LGCC has had the privilege of supplying the air conditioning and heating services for the new state of the art centre, bringing together the latest Variable Refrigerant Flow technology and Heat Recovery Ventilation units in a unique energy saving combination.
Using the LG Multi V Series 4 heat recovery VRF system LG, through distributor LGCC, has supplied a 32HP (89kW cooling/ 100kW heating), two module, inverter driven outdoor unit connected to ten large ducted internal units and two four way air discharge cassettes, connected through five heat recovery distribution boxes. LGCC has also supplied cooling for the server room.
In addition there are three LG Heat Recovery Ventilation units (ECO V) installed for the supply and extract of fresh air. These are supplied with CO2 sensors.
Remote zonal control is included but overall building control is achieved by LG’s AC Smart Intelligent Centralised controller. Remote return air sensors are also installed in zones to ensure accurate control of space temperature.
All LG outdoor unit coils are treated with LG’s Gold-fin™ epoxy coating as standard to inhibit corrosion. This will be particularly relevant at this site due to the air’s salinity and the memorial’s proximity to the coast.
“We hope that LG’s equipment will make the visits of the thousands of visitors in the years ahead, that bit more comfortable – whatever time of year they choose to visit – to pay their respects to the quite extraordinary men and women who kept the invaders at bay and showed extreme bravery – up to and including giving their lives for this country” says LGCC Director Jez Smith.
“As M&E consultants, Steadman Environmental Control is proud to have been associated with this iconic project, especially in this Battle of Britain 75th anniversary year,” said Martin Steadman.
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