Forum for residents of St Georges Park and Long Leys Road Lincoln

[john shipton]

To enjoy a ride in a tank is a thrill to most but to do so people have to travel afar for the worth while experience. However, on the bank holiday Sunday,1st May, the experience is coming to the Open Day organised by the Friends of Metheringham Airfield whereby an Abbott SV 433 tank, last used in Germany during the Cold War period, is on display and visitors will have the opportunity to ride in it. An added bonus will be rides in a Troop Carrier which has served the British Army in Afghanistan.

Not many know about buildings which remain and were part of former RAF Metheringham where the famous 106 Squadron was based during most of World War Two. Very few know that Wing Commander Guy Gibson was a former commanding officer of 106, then based at RAF Syerston, before he helped to form another famous bomber squadron called 617 (Dambusters) Squadron, which flew from RAF Scampton, near Lincoln. The old WW2 buildings, now on farm land, will be open to the public to view. To see them, a vintage bus will tour around the old airfield at various times to make its travels visiting these buildings and visitors will be invited to come on board.

The air raid shelter, the last remaining on the airfield, will be opened up and decked out to experience what it was like during a bombing raid by the German Luftwaffe. Come and hear the sound effects and feel the terror of not knowing what happens next!

There will be exhibitions together with classic cars and military vehicles on display.

A Prize Draw will take place with prizes galore some of which are £106 (representing 106 Squadron) in cash, and half an hour flying lesson, a dinner for two at the Lincolnshire Oak, and many more.

The Lincolnshire band called The Silver Sounds Band will be playing music to get people in the mood. Visitors will be taken down Memory Lane of the 1940s music played over the public address system. Refreshments will be made available all-day.

The topping of the cake to give the WW2 airfield it flavour will be, weather permitting, a display by the UK's only Lancaster bomber serving with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, based at nearby RAF Coningsby. What a thrill it will be to see this old timer flying in at 500 feet with its crew waiving the the crown!

Admission is £8.00 per car, for a single person £2.00, with the gates opening at 10.30am.

The venue is the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, Martin Moor, Metheringham, Lincoln. Telephone 01526 378270/378604

John Shipton,

Press Officer.

Friends of Metheringham Airfield.