MHAS 3rd Anniversary Open Day

The weather was excellent and this contributed towards yet another record turnout, estimated at over 2500 visitors over the whole day. Robert Dunnett and his team did it again. Thanks once again to all the unnamed helpers.

There was a good display of vehicles (military and civilian), radio controlled model aircraft and a model tank. Uniforms abounded, including Kevin from Peterborogh with his full USAAF flying kit (including parachute, mae west etc).

Music from Martlesham Brass with an unexpected demonstration of the "Jitterbug" from Angela and friends.

There was a fly past by two Boeing Stearmans from Old Buckenham and to close the show Sq Leader Paul Day of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight entertained us with three passes of the Supermarine Spitfire (you can hear the flypast, here). It seemed as though if his undercarriage had been down he would have trimmed the tops of the trees!

There were several ex Martlesham Heath personnel present, including Peter Biggs who had travelled from Nuneaton especially. Peter had been a navigator on AVRO Lincolns and can remember the experimental jet engines being used instead of two of the piston engines.

Bennington and Edmondson provided sponsorship. Bennington used Bob Moore's 1950s Civil Defence wagon as a stand.

The trade stands, including childrens rides, also had a rewarding day.

We hope to have an Open Day 12th September 2004.
Robert Dunnett. Co-ordinator

click small images to enlarge

	Angela and Jim from Little Blakenham with their 1940 Buick, General Staffs car, with Tarkey Barker on parade.
	Martyn Cook (right), chairman of the MHAS, talkng to Peter Biggs and his wife, from Nuneaton. Peter was stationed at MH in the early 50s and was a navigator on AVRO Lincolns. The display is from a sponsor, Benningtons.
	Angela and friends doing the Jitterbug on the green in front of the Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum.