Urgent Call for Volunteers to Keep Charity’s Fund-raising Cafe Open

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Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a unique part of aviation and military heritage – the best-preserved World War One aerodrome in Europe, with 23 Grade II* listed buildings dating back to when the Royal Flying Corps defended the country from Zeppelins.

Now an Accredited Museum and a Registered Charity, it needs £760 a day just to survive, which is where The Airmen's Mess café plays such a vital role. Set in the original, atmospheric building where the pilots and crew of 37 Squadron relaxed between missions, The Airmen's Mess café now serves delicious home-cooked food to raise vital funds to keep the Museum open to the public.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has over 100 dedicated volunteers and has been formally recognised with the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service – but it is currently desperately short of volunteers able to assist the two paid staff in The Airmen's Messwho prepare and cook everything from hearty fried breakfasts to luxurious celebration meals.

Volunteers at The Airmen's Mess café are the cheerful, customer-facing heart of the operation, taking orders, preparing drinks, serving food and clearing tables as part of a friendly, welcoming team. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of 10 hours a month, with help mainly required during the day at the weekends – especially at major event such as the Stow Maries Air Show.

Amy Marland, one of the volunteers, says: "Working in the Mess has been one of the best experiences! Yes, it is hard work, but the rewards have been amazing. I love meeting new people and I have met some wonderful people, kids, and dogs! The mess staff are a great group of people to work with, especially our chef, Rosie.It is exciting to be a part of preserving Stow's history. I call it the best hidden gem in Essex --i t is so peaceful and calming, you can just feel the presence of the past."

For those who are planning to start a career in hospitality or are looking for experience to improve their CV, volunteering offers a fantastic foot in the door, with a chance to learn all kinds of practical skills in a busy, professional environment, sure to help with finding work. Meanwhile, if you want to make new friends, do something worthwhile on your days off or start something new in retirement, we can promise a friendly, supportive environment at our beautiful rural location at Purleigh, near Maldon and Chelmsford.

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: "The Airmen's Mess café is not just a superbly well-preserved piece of World War One history, it's also has a great reputation for the high quality of its food and drink and the warmth of its welcome. As we are coming into the busiest time of the year, with some great events on the horizon, it's vital that The Airmen's Mess café is fully staffed, so we can make the most of its fundraising potential."

2/… Volunteers at the Aerodrome need to be 18 or over and have their own transport, as unfortunately there is no public transport in the area. Full training will be given and temporary placements for students over 18 will be considered.To find out more, email info@stowmaries.org.uk or sign up for a no-obligation Volunteering Morning, visit www.stowmaries.org.uk/events for details.