Two World Wars in Two Weekends - Living History Events at SMGWA

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Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, the largest surviving World War One aerodrome in the world, will be recreating events from both World Wars just a week apart, with three packed days of living history on Sunday 15 June and on Saturday and Sunday 21/22 June. Weather permitting there will also be a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on the second weekend.

On Sunday 15 June, the Aerodrome will be firmly in its core years of World War One, with the Royal Flying Corps Living History Event. Set in the days when the pilots of RFC Stow were battling Zeppelins in the skies over England, visitors will be able to see and interact with living historians from The Lufberys RFC Living History Group who will be presenting as pilots and members of the Armed Forces who would have been based at, or training at, Stow Maries during the Great War. Wilkin & Sons will be on site with a roadshow and tasters of the fabulous Tiptree jams, and Nick Wickenden, Curator of the Wilkin & Sons (Tiptree) Museum, will be speaking about the history of the 140-year-old jam company, events from World War One, and the link with Stow Maries.

The clock then fast forwards to World War Two, for a whole weekend of living history on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June linked to Feeding the Nation: Fighting Without Flying, the Museum’s latest exhibition. Back to the WW2 Farm celebrates Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome’s role in World War Two, when the RFC and RAF were long gone, and the site had reverted to its role as Flambirds Farm. Visitors can interact with living historians presenting as members of the Women's Land Army, the Women's Volunteer Service and the County War Agricultural Executive Committee of Essex. Local historian and author Stephen Nunn will also be presenting an illustrated talk based on the book Maldon, the Dengie & Battles in the Skies (1939-1945). Overhead, we are delighted to be welcoming a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, showcasing the iconic Supermarine Spitfire on Saturday and the Avro Lancaster on Sunday (weather permitting).

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: “Our role at Stow changed dramatically between WW1 and WW2, and these authentic living history events capture the heart of our vital wartime service both as an Aerodrome and later as a farm.”

All three events are included in the standard admission, and visitors who buy an advance ticket for Saturday 21 June receive free admission for Sunday 22 June. If you wish to attend in period attire (WW1 or WW2 as appropriate) email info@stowmaries.org.uk to qualify for reduced admission! Please note there is no free entry to The Airmen’s Mess café during these events, and Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome and café are completely closed for a private event on Saturday 14 June.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackman’s Lane, Purleigh CM3 6RN normally opens to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm and has a packed programme of events. For more information and bookings visit www.stowmaries.org.uk.