BFF Panto Bus back on the road

8th December 2020

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Despite the challenges of Covid 19 the BFF Panto Bus hit the road to spread some much-needed Christmas joy.

This year's Cinderella tour, supported by the Veterans' Foundation, was severely affected by Tier restrictions putting pay to many bases being able to host a visit - but the show went on!

Families at Northwood Headquarters were delighted that the pantomime was able to go ahead at their local theatre. Mum Kay McCallum wrote on Facebook: "We had the pleasure of seeing you all on Monday night and you were fantastic! My kids thoroughly enjoyed it - they clapped and laughed and danced. It meant so much to us as their dad is away until February on deployment and we thought Christmas wouldn't be special. You made this week amazing for them - thank you."

Northwood's Community Support Officer Clare Smith said: "Thank you so much for the panto we were treated to yesterday. It went down a storm with the families and I have had some lovely emails this morning with people expressing their thanks."

It was a similar tale for 21 Engineer Regiment in Ripon. During this visit there were three performances of Cinderella to enable as many families as possible to enjoy the festive fun safely.

Community Development Worker Michael Bailey was inundated with messages of thanks for those lucky enough to see the show. One said: "Thank you for organising this year’s (Covid safe) panto! With so many festivities cancelled this year due to Covid, it was great to be able to come along. The show was brilliant and we hope they come again next year.”

The Commanding Officer of 21 Engineer Regiment and his children were also able to attend, and he said: "Making this event a reality was a huge challenge for Michael, but he pulled it off brilliantly – with all COVID-safe measures in place. It was just what the doctor ordered - little bit of fun and ‘normality’ before Christmas.”

The BFF would like to thank the Veterans Foundation for their support of the tour, and also those community workers who worked against the odds to pull off something special for the military families they serve.