Wartime heritage centres re-open with message of hope

The war against Covid-19 may not be over yet, but heritage centres across Lincolnshire are re-opening to inspire us that Britain has won battles before and can again.
By Chrissie Redford
Published 17th Jul 2020, 18:07 GMT
Updated 20th Jul 2020, 11:18 GMT
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Aviation centres welcome thousands of visitors each year who wish to explore Bomber County and hear stories of the heroes who fought for our freedom.

Unlike the Second World War, our new battle with the invisible killer has brought the world together but, as Covid-19 restrictions continue, a reminder of past victories is an important lesson - according to Andrew Panton, of the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre.

Andrew is one of the third generation of the Panton family keeping the legacy alive - and grandson of the late Fred Panton, who established the centre in 1987 with his brother Harold.

Visitors can visit the Lancaster at the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre once again.Visitors can visit the Lancaster at the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre once again.
Visitors can visit the Lancaster at the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre once again.

The centre - home to the Just Jane Lancaster which is undergoing to 10-year renovation to fly again - re-opens its gates to the public on Saturday, July 18, for the first time since March 23, when the government lockdown forced them to close and staff were furloughed.

"We normally only close for three or four weeks over the Christmas period and it has been very hard," said Andrew.

"The whole purpose of the centre has been to share it with the public, to educate them about the servicemen and women who fought for their country, so we can be free and live our lives.

"That is why, as well as the exhibits, we show the pictures of the officers who were stationed here.

Darron Beeson and Paul Mason, part of Lincolnshire Military Vehicle Trust, at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.Darron Beeson and Paul Mason, part of Lincolnshire Military Vehicle Trust, at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.
Darron Beeson and Paul Mason, part of Lincolnshire Military Vehicle Trust, at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.

"Their sacrifice shows us that even in struggle, we can come out of the other side.

"Not being able to share those stories during lockdown has been very deflating."

Lincolnshire Aviation Centre at East Kirkby spreads over five acres with plenty of opportunity for social distancing. It is the only place in the country to see a Lancaster Bomber on an original wartime airfield

Closing the centre during lockdown has been costly. Having spent £170,000 on the winter renovation of the Lancaster's wing tips, it is unlikely the next part of the project which is the fuselage section, will go ahead later this year.

High flyers Theo Grinstead, four, and Ollie Grinstead, six, in original MK5 Auster served in Holland 1944 at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre..High flyers Theo Grinstead, four, and Ollie Grinstead, six, in original MK5 Auster served in Holland 1944 at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre..
High flyers Theo Grinstead, four, and Ollie Grinstead, six, in original MK5 Auster served in Holland 1944 at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre..

"This work was scheduled to cost £200,000 but we have already lost our income for a massive part of the season, as well as having to cancel Lancaster runs for the public because of social distancing. Apart from the furlough scheme and rates relief we have not qualified for any grants, so unless we get an unexpected cheque, our plans will have to be put back a year," said Andrew.

"But we will never give up. I was one year old and in my mother's arms when the Lancaster arrived at the centre. Seeing it fly again has been Fred and Harold's dream and their family are now carrying on the legacy."

Maintenance work has continued, though, and visitors will experience a new exhibition in one of the original buildings which has developed the Hampdon display with other early bombers from the Second Word War.

Like other aviation centres in the county, visitors are limited and pre-booking is essential, which also helps eliminate track and trace form filling on arrival.

Staff outside the new Hampdon exhibition display at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.Staff outside the new Hampdon exhibition display at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.
Staff outside the new Hampdon exhibition display at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.

The Centre opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm..

For more details visit https://www.lincsaviation.co.uk/

CRANWELL AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM

Royal Air Force College Cranwell (the first Military Air Academy in the world) and is probably the most famous landmark in Royal Air Force (RAF) history. Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum opened on Saturday and portrays the fascinating story of this historic establishment from its early days as a Royal Naval Air Service base to the current day.

At the museum you can discover the history of RAF Cranwell/RAF College Cranwell through artefacts, story boards, displays and exhibits.

Exhibits Include courtyard area with Jet Provost on display, Vampire cockpit and shop selling aviation souvenirs.

Tammy and Grant Pickering with Bobby, three, and Eadie, one at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.Tammy and Grant Pickering with Bobby, three, and Eadie, one at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.
Tammy and Grant Pickering with Bobby, three, and Eadie, one at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre.

Light refreshments are available

Opening times are: 10am to 4pm

For more details visit http://community.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Cranwellaviationheritagemuseum/

BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT (BBFM) VISITOR CENTRE