Light aircraft swoop into treasured local museum

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Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has enjoyed a lovely day of flying, as it threw open its doors to welcome pilots and aircraft from across the region.

The popular local heritage venue is the only remaining Great War period site built as an Air Station, untouched and still operating over 100 years later. While pilots flock to the site every weekend, twice per year the Arts Council England-accredited museum extends an invitation for aviators to visit to catch up with each other and the team on the ground.

Ian Flint, CEO of the museum, said:

“We love our pilots. We’re always hugely grateful to them for their support and we like to show them that! On these fly-in days, we always attract some great aircraft and some long-standing flying supporters. It’s a great chance for them to meet, share a coffee and discuss the flying season.”

Dozens of aircraft took up the invitation, with flyers from as far afield as Hampshire making the trip. The aircraft ranged from classic 1930’s De Havilland Tiger Moth to more modern Robins and Sports Cruisers – but all enjoyed a sunny blue sky, a warm welcome in the popular Airmen’s Mess café and a lot of laughs with their fellow pilots.

One special visitor was Jasmine, 14, a budding Air Traffic Controller. Following a lot of planning with the museum, Jasmine was able to sit in with the Ground-to-Air radio team, chat to the North Weald Marshals team and get up close to a number of the aircraft.

Nigel Kemp, Air Traffic Controller, said:

“We always enjoy spending time encouraging young people who are interested in this exciting world. Jasmine had a great time and we were very happy to give her a taste for the work involved in becoming an Air Traffic Controller.”

The Museum is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 4pm. The new family-friendly pricing structure for 2026 means that children aged 0 to 10 are now free on all standard admission days, and prices for adults and concessions have been frozen.

For more information visit www.stowmaries.org.uk.

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