The Friends of Metheringham Airfield

This year’s open day was held on Sunday 6 May. The day dawned bright and sunny, and the weather held out for the entire day, ensuring several highly impressive flypasts from the newly refurbished Battle of Britain Flight Lancaster from nearby RAF Coningsby. The flypast formed a tangible link with the past when many of the type were based at RAF Metheringham, and also served to remind that Metheringham, along with Woodhall Spa, were once both sub-stations of RAF Coningsby.

One old gentleman, a wartime veteran of RAF service at several Lincolnshire airfields, graphically described to those listening, the time when several hundred Lancaster’s would pass overhead on a course for enemy territory. Of course many of these aircraft with their young crew members would ultimately fail to return, and it is these brave men that are remembered in the visitor centre and at the 106 Sqn memorial.

On site for the day was the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance, which was called out several times during the day, and Paul Flynn’s growing collection of Jet Provost aircraft, which are starting to look very smart after several years of dedicated effort. His main project aircraft has recently had several of the electrical systems restored. Joining Paul’s aircraft were a couple of cockpits from Aeroventure at Doncaster, which proved to be a big hit with the many children who visited.

Along with many stalls from organisations such as the Volunteer Fire Service and 2503 Sqn RAuxAF, one of the most popular attractions on open days are the vintage bus rides. These exclusive trips visit many of the remains of the old airfield, many of which are on private land. They serve to demonstrate the conditions where the wartime RAF operated, as well as demonstrating the huge expanse (600+ acres) of the airfield.

The museum open season runs until the end of October, so come along and learn a little of our local history. Entry to the museum is free, although for the very popular evening lectures there is a small charge which includes refreshments.

Future lectures planned are:-
27 Jun 07 - Marshall’s of Cambridge (Helping to restore the Vulcan to Flight) – Mr Terry Holloway
25 Jul 07 – Zeppelins at War – Mr Cliff Clover
26 Sep 07 – The World of ‘Flypast’ – Mr Ken Ellis
17 Oct 07 – A presentation by a member of the Red Arrows
29 Nov 07 - The Development of Long Range Flying at RAF Cranwell – Mr Peter Stevenson.

For further details contact Mr Peter Scoley on 01526 378270