A museum which is home to Europe’s largest surviving first World War I airfield welcomed a special visitor and gave one of its volunteers a day to remember.
The Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, near Maldon, welcomed the High Sheriff of Essex, Charles Bishop, and his wife Nell Bishop, on February 27.
The high sheriff plays a key part in the community life of the county, often highlighting and supporting important causes all over Essex.
As an engineering enthusiast, Mr Bishop enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of the museum’s incredible exhibition galleries and was even able to get behind the wheel of a Ford Model T.
Mr Bishop also enjoyed walking round the historic site which was home to the B flight number 37 squadron of the royal flying corps, when it opened in 1916.
During his visit, the high sheriff awarded a special certificate to the museum’s volunteer, Ross Marland, who has dedicated over 750 hours of work over the last 12 months.
The museum’s vice chairman of trustees, John Aldridge, said: “Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a unique resource for the district, the county and the nation.
“The continuing support of such key figures as the high sheriff is a vital part of our work to ensure the survival of the museum.
“Their support and advocacy, at all levels of our community, is as important to us as our wonderful visitor and volunteer supporters and we are hugely grateful for it.”
The high sheriff closed his visit with in-depth discussions with the team about the future of the museum and its drive to pull in as many visitors as possible in the coming months.
Mr Bishop is the 843rd high sheriff, and the role dates back to 1,000 years ago.
The museum is dedicated to aviation history and celebrates the early air forces in World War One from 1914 to 1918.
It is still an active airfield and has over 100 dedicated volunteers working to support and maintain the site.
The Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm.
To find out more about the museum, head to stowmaries.org.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here