30th September
Sir John Whittingdale joined his colleague, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, who is minister for Arts and Heritage at DCMS, on a visit to Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in our constituency. They were shown around by CEO, Ian Flint, and Trustee, Sir John Aldridge. They also met with volunteers and members of the Nimy Company 4RF Living History Group, who teach young people about the First World War.
Stow Maries is a WW1 military aviation museum, located in an aerodrome used by the Royal Flying Corps (now The Royal Air Force) during the first world war. In 2012 the aerodrome was put up for a sale, and following a campaign by Essex County Council and Maldon District Council, was placed under the management of Stow Maries Great War Aerdrome Ltd, a purpose created charity, of which Sir John is a patron.
John said:
“I was delighted that Lord Parkinson was able to see Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome and the fantastic exhibits displayed there. We are lucky to have such a historic and atmospheric site in the District which is of national importance and we discussed how we can raise awareness and best support the Aerodrome going forward”.
