Enjoy a Warm Welcome at Stow As the Weather Gets Colder!

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Autumn events, warming winter lunches and Christmas fun are all on the agenda for Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome as the weather gets cooler.

At the end of the school half-term holidays, the Family Nature Day on Friday 30 October will make the most of our woodland conservation areas. In the company of our wildlife guides, families will explore the sights and sounds of autumn, including activities like leaf rubbings, exploring owl pellets, fungi hunting and woodland arts and crafts activities.

The autumn chill also means that our famous Sunday roasts in The Airmen's Mess café are back, along with a hearty menu of winter warmers on Fridays and Saturdays. So whether you fancy a cooked breakfast, a roast dinner with all the trimmings, or a steaming old-school pud with custard, this is the place to be. There is no need to book – roast dinners are served from 12 noon but they do run out, so it's wise to get here early.

Sunday 8 November is the Remembrance Parade – a time to pause in our busy schedule and remember the casualties of the two World Wars and more recent conflicts. The afternoon parade will be attended by dignitaries from around Essex along with assembled ranks of Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Force and RAF Air Cadets and Veterans from all services. Those wishing to take part in the Parade must be in appropriate uniform, while visitors need to book a free ticket online.

As the festive season approaches, we have Christmas lunches suitable for both families and large groups. Choose from two or three courses – and we don't just have amazing hand-carved turkey with all the trimmings, we will also be serving sea bass or spiced vegetable pie for those who prefer a lighter or a vegan option. Christmas lunches are available on Thursdays, 19 and 26 November and 3 December. Bookings should be made online, or to check availability for large groups email engagement@stowmaries.org.uk.

Christmas at Stow, on Saturday 28 November, will be full of fun and festivity. We have craft stalls, musical entertainment from Sabre Saxes, Chelmsford Male Voice Choir, Braintree Voices women's choir and the fabulous All Saints Church Handbell Ringers, playing carols and festive songs on bells dating back to 1870.Youngsters can enjoy making Christmas crafts, Father Christmas will be dropping in, and 10th Essex Living History Group, dressed in their Great War uniforms, lend a touch of WW1 authenticity to proceedings.Entry is £5 for adults and free for under 16s.

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: "Autumn is the perfect time to come and explore everything we have on offer – especially as there is plenty to see under cover. Find out how WW1 airmen escaped from the notorious Holzminden POW camp in our First Great Escape exhibition, learn about military communications in Words Without Wire or take a guided tour around our aircraft hangars – there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy."

2/… Finally, if you want to create some warm family memories on a cold or rainy day, why not enjoy exploring the exhibition halls and aircraft hangars at the best-preserved World War One aerodrome in Europe? Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackman's Lane, Purleigh CM3 6RN is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm, until 6 December, when we close for a short winter break. Children under 11 are free, and with fascinating exhibitions, historic aircraft, interactive cockpits, pedal planes and more, every member of the family will enjoy a great day out.For further details visit www.stowmaries.org.uk.

-ENDS-Images are from previous events, please credit photographer as shown. For more information contactcomms@stowmaries.org.uk