It is very satisfying to report that we have now achieved the main objectives of the project. We have a memorial at Bircham Newton, with a new circular stone base and a donated stone seat; we have a memorial to commemorate the satellite airfield at Docking; and we have a Heritage Room containing a rich collection of photographs, records and other memorabilia. In addition, we have this website to allow you on-line access to historical information and our latest project news. The project will, of course, continue, albeit at a more relaxed pace. We shall continue to maintain and improve the Heritage Room and, with the support of the National Construction College, make it available to visitors and to the general public on a number of open days this year and, hopefully, also in future years. We will continue to promote the history of RAF Bircham Newton and its satellites by giving illustrated talks to interested clubs and organisations, by generating literature and by exhibiting at public events.
The Chairman of Trustees, Neil Grant, has taken over the additional duties of Treasurer from Keith Benn, who has performed these duties over the last two years. Keith will continue as a trustee, providing his valuable support to the project.
Open Days for 2008
The open days for 2008 are going well and have been well supported.
Earlier in the year, on the 22nd of June, we were privileged to receive a visit from three former members of the 46th Entry of Administrative Apprentices (Shay Foley, John Dyer and Peter Ralph), who presented the Heritage Room with a 46th Entry Shield on behalf of the RAF Administrative Apprentices Association. The training of the 46th Entry was split between Bircham Newton and Hereford. They began their training at Bircham Newton, but moved to Hereford with the Apprentice School after Bircham Newton closed at the end of 1962. The shield was originally created for the 46th Entry graduation from Hereford. The photograph shows John Dyer (left) presenting the shield to Neil Grant, the Chairman of Trustees.
We have enhanced the Heritage Room with several new exhibits, including information about the former World War One aerodrome at Sedgeford, which was a close neighbour to Bircham Newton during those early years. A new book about Sedgeford aerodrome is also available for purchase from trustee David Jacklin for £6.00, including postage. David's contact details are as follows:
Telephone: 01379 741884, Address: 2 Fairways, Stuston, Diss, Norfolk IP21 4AB
The Bircham Newton memorial has also been enhanced by a new stone base and, thanks to the generosity of the Clarke family, by the addition of a new seat dedicated to the late Flight Sergeant Turner.
The final open days for this year will be held on the 24th of August and 28th of September, respectively, so please come along if you are able.. As always, the project staff will be very pleased to see you.
Project Talks
As part of our ongoing effort to promote the unique history of RAF Bircham Newton and its satellite airfields, several illustrated talks have been given in local village halls and to clubs and other interested parties around East Anglia. If you would like the project staff to give an illustrated talk to your club or association, in return for a small project donation, please contact us.
© D. Jacklin 2006. This website is owned by the RAF Bircham Newton Memorial Project. Any unauthorised copying of the embedded artwork, photographs or textual material is strictly prohibited