New airport events space hosts Remembrance Day service

A Remembrance Day service took place at East Midlands Airport - the first ever service in a specially created outdoor space there

The service was led by Baptist minister Roy Monks, the airport’s senior chaplain, alongside ecumenical colleagues on 11 November. 

It was both well attended and appreciated, with members of the airport laying wreaths under the Union flag, and a two minute silence observed.

The purpose built space next to the arrivals hall and short stay car park was part of the airport's recent £120m upgrade to its facilities.

Roy, local pastor at Castle Donington Community Church, said, ’This was the first time a service has been conducted in this new space and I was honoured to lead it with support from fellow chaplains the Revd Dr Moira Buggins and the Revd Bryan Spence.

‘The space is ideally placed easily accessible to staff, passengers and visitors to the airport. Being surrounded by buildings it carries any speaking voice clearly and will be an advantage to the airport for any outside services or broadcasts that need to be undertaken.’



Roy said he and colleagues had supported an airport employee who first suggested this outside space be created. ‘We encouraged him to talk to management to make it a reality,’ he explained, ‘and we are looking to use it for many more events to come.’ 

Roy added there was a ‘great turn out’ from airport staff for the Remembrance Day service, and he had since received appreciative comments. One email read:

‘I wanted to personally thank you, Dr Moira, and the other members of the clergy for the truly moving Act of Remembrance service on Tuesday.

‘Several colleagues have since approached me to express how deeply touched they were by the service. Many shared that it helped them pause, reflect, and regain a sense of balance between work and life — a powerful and much-needed moment of perspective.

‘Thank you again for your time, care, and thoughtful words.’

As part of the recent upgrade, the airport also opened a prayer room for staff and visitors. 

East Midlands Airport marked its 60th anniversary earlier this year after opening in 1965. It had started life as RAF Castle Donington in 1943.