News (2015)

End of season signing event

November 11th, 2015

On Sunday 1st November 2015, the Museum was proud and pleased to welcome Squadron Leader Tony Pickering (32 & 501 Sqn’s during the Battle of Britain), Sqn Ldr Allan Scott DFM (1435 Sqn, Malta) and Flight Lieutenant Rodney Scrase DFC (72 Sqn, North Africa, Sicily and Italy).

Signing
Signing

We can’t thank these wonderful gentlemen enough for visiting Shoreham to meet ‘fans’ both young and old and help raise monies for Museum projects.

Thank you too to everyone who came along to support this event and show their appreciation for the service Tony, Allan and Rodney gave for our freedoms.

The Para and the Bomber Boys

October 7th, 2015

The Museum was privileged to welcome a group of veterans on Sunday 4th October 2015 who included ‘Jock’ Hutton of the Parachute Regiment – he was one of the first into action on D-Day and he subsequently saw action during the Battle of The Bulge, the Crossing of The Rhine (Operation Varsity) and the continued advance into Germany. Joining him at the table were ‘Bomber Boys’ John Waye, Ted Molyneux, Sid Beaver DFM and Harry Irons DFC.

Signing
Signing

In very fine weather a great day was had by all, so thank you to everyone who came along to support the event and the monies raised were shared equally between the Bomber Command Memorial Maintenance Fund and on-going Museum projects.

Battle of Britain Day in Dartford

October 7th, 2015

Dartford Council Leader Jeremy Kite really pushed the boat out to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, arranging for a Spitfire to be present outside The Victoria and Bull Hotel. It was very reminiscent of the Spitfire Funds of 1940. The museum had a stand next to the Spitfire, and a great day was had by all.

Battle of Britain Day in Dartford

Photo shows club member Roy Monk and friends!

Rodney’s Portrait Presentation

May 31st, 2015

The Museum was recently delighted to receive a visit from popular RAF Spitfire ‘ace’ Flight Lieutenant Rodney Scrase DFC. He has been a very supportive ‘Friend’ to the Museum for many years, so it was an added proud moment when Rodney and his dear wife Sue were presented with the original portrait painting of a younger Rodney, by Museum Curator and artist Geoff Nutkins. Both Rodney and Sue were delighted to receive the portrait and Sue in particular couldn’t wait to get it home to hang in pride of place.

Flight Lieutenant Rodney Scrase DFC

Rodney is due to attend the upcoming Ruxley Manor Garden Centre War Veterans Signing Day on Saturday 20th June 2015.

2015 Season guest of honour Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown – our Nation’s outstanding ‘star’

April 11th, 2015

To herald the start of the 2015 season on Saturday 4th April, it was a wonderful privilege for Shoreham to welcome the distinguished and record breaking veteran test pilot, Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown CBE DSC AFC Hon FRAes RN, as guest of honour.

Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown

Arriving to a much appreciated guard of honour from members of the Bexley & Lewisham Sea Cadets, Captain Brown soon settled in to greeting many visitors to the Museum and to sign their personal prints and books. After a spot of lunch, Captain Brown was presented with the original portrait of him painted by the Museum Curator and artist Geoff Nutkins and on his delight in receiving the portrait he remarked that, “It felt good to look young again!” Captain Brown then held an audience captive to hear several recollections of his remarkable aviation career as he kindly answered many questions. For those lucky enough to listen to this outstanding man, they all appreciated what a unique and privileged moment this had been.

Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown

The Museum cannot thank Captain Brown enough for being so generous with his time and not tiring in his warmth of greeting to members of the public both young and old. Thanks also go to members of the Erith Air Training Corps Squadron for helping out during the day alongside the band of Museum and Tearoom volunteers, which all contributed to a wonderful start to the new season at Shoreham.

Signed copies of the Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown portrait are available for purchase – please contact the Museum for more details.