MHAS 4th Anniversary Open Day

I would like to thank all those who helped to make September 12th such a marvellous day. We were so lucky with the weather again -very important for an event such as ours.

The excellent day started with Mark Murphy and Lesley Dolphin of BBC Radio Suffolk (right) officially opening the stairway to the roof, and the underground bunker.

We also welcomed Nancy Hough and her cousin Carol, Steve Richason and his wife , representing the 356th Fighter Group, and Lieutenant Nichelle Brokering (left) from RAF Mildenhall, pilot of one of the USAF refuelling tankers. Nichelle is the niece of the late Lt. Eldon Slanker who flew with Don Strait in the 361st F.S. from Martlesham during 1943/45 and who unfortunately lost his life in a flying accident over Hintlesham in 1945.

There were many different stalls and side shows again this year, and Wally Mutimer looking after the Model Aircraft, although flying was restricted due to high winds.

The support of Geoff Pleasance is always appreciated and I was pleased to welcome Derek Vanstone with his aviation book stall for the first time. Unfortunately Ashley Gant with his historic stall regarding Lt Slanker's life in WW 2 was unable to be with us due to illness.The Chuck Wagon and Ice Cream stall were up to standard again and kept us happy with quality food and ice cream.

I must make a special mention of thanks to Allan Stimpson who owns Laser Sound and Lighting. He loaned us the P.A. system, which was superb.

A very BIG thank you to all of our members who helped on the day, and those who worked so hard on the Control Tower and surrounding area before the day.

The wives,girl friends and family who support us is wonderful. Thanks to Don Kitt for manning our 'shop' in the Museum, Maggie and Alan Smith for doing what Museum archivists do best, and Ethel and Roy looking after the NAFFI.

There are many more people I could mention. They know how much we all appreciate their support. Congratulations to all who help to make our MHAS such a friendly and successful Society. Maybe next year we will welcome the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, we are already working on this so,' watch this space '.

Bob Dunnett (Museum Co-ordinator)

click small images to enlarge

	Gordon Kinsey performing the opening ceremony, with Mark Murphy of BBC Radio Suffolk and a very smart "Squadron Leader" Colin Whitmore in the background.
	Remember the Jitterbug? Whether you did or not, there was an excellent display of period-dressed dancers showing how it should be done.
	Them and us - a "German" Luftwaffe pilot and and "USAF" officer get into the spirit of the day. [ The people who dress "appropriately" make these occasions so much more interesting and really evocative the period - a great effort by so many. Web Site Administrator ]
THE MOVIE	And now, to see the day in glorious moving colour, click on THE MOVIE link on the left! WARNING: this link contains a large, 10Mb, file. With broadband, it should take under a minute for the video to start, because it starts playing after 7% loaded. Then the loading and playing' continue simultaneously. It takes a little over 3 minutes to download, and runs for about 3 mins 40 seconds. On dial-up, it might take well over 30 minutes to download. But it is still well worth the wait!! Thanks to Felixstowe TV for this link.