Last weekend saw the RAF Manston History Museum hold their Open Cockpit weekend where members of the public enjoyed sitting in various historic aircraft cockpits, as well as having the chance to drive a truck, operate a digger, see a real live Rolls Royce Merlin engine in action and take a ride in a tank and fire engine. There were also funfair type stalls and classic cars on show, with refreshments provided by the Naafi Café and wagons Lottie and Dottie.
The museum saw just over 3,000 entries to the event over the weekend, Saturday not as busy as Sunday due to poor weather and fog, but Sunday more than made up for the previous day!
The Museum’s Directors have thanked all of the people and organisations that came together to make the event possible, including the RAF Manston History Museum Volunteers, RSP, Polar Helicopters, Cobweb, LAA, Train for Group, Police Cadets, Needhams, Marsh Vintage Amusements & Merlin Heritage in raising funds for the museum would be appreciated.
Jeannene Groombridge added: “We could not do it without all of them. There was a fantastic community spirit at the events and the reward from seeing so many happy faces is priceless.”
RSP Manston made it possible for the Light Aircraft Association to fly in and support the event too, with all visiting aircraft paying landing fees towards museum charities. A big thanks goes out to Polar Helicopters for the handling of visiting aircraft.
Check out the gallery below:
