March 2002 Archives

Focus on Metheringham Airfield Visitors Centre

Many bomber airfields were built in Lincolnshire to augment those already there at the start of WWI I. 5 Group Bomber Command alone consisted of quite a number including:- Bardney - Coningsby - Dunholme Lodge - East Kirkby- Fiskerton - Fulbeck - Hemswell - Metheringham - Scampton - Skellingthorpe -Spilsby - Swinderby - Strubby - Waddington and Woodhall Spa. Most of these airfields were built on requisitioned farmland, RAF Metheringham was one where the land of five farms between Metheringham and Martin were taken over and the farm residents had to move from their homes at very short notice, some of the dwellings, farm buildings and woodlands were flattened to make way for runways and airfield buildings.

The families of Peter Scoley's father and uncle were amongst those who had to relocate when, West Moor Farm where Peter and his wife Zena now reside, was used as part of the airfields 'domestic site. When Peter and Zena took over the present farm in 1967, they found that there were some of the old RAF buildings still standing, the Gymnasium/Church, Squash Court, Emergency Generator station, an air-raid shelter and the old Rations Store.

Letter-box size: 32 pages x ½ A4
Enough for one through every door.
4 times a year the Newsletter is delivered
Even in Winter, when the deliverers shivered.
"The last one didn't come through our box"
"Sorry! Couldn't get in. The gate was locked."
"He won't hurt you, he just sounds gruff"
"No way! I'm wary of barks and woofs."
"Hallo pussycat! You're more my style."
Even so it spits and runs a mile.
Shiregate "adds on" every time.
We always need that extra nine.
At least the letterboxes are waist level;
We don't have to search and grovel.
The village streets have corners and nooks.
Apologies if you don't receive a book.
There are always extra in the shops.
They are free. Help yourself. Take the lot!
"It is so useful, all that information.
Thank you. The Newsletter is worthwhile. In appreciation-
For the Committee, who endeavour to deliver
A Newsletter to everyone in the Metheringham area."
P.S.
If you want to walk to become much fitter,
Contact Geoff and help deliver!

Jill Spooner

First published in MACLA News Magazine No. 6 Spring 2002