Alconbury Weald Heritage Open Day hits new highs
With a focus on its role during World War II and the Cold War, Alconbury Weald paid homage to its military past in this year’s Heritage Open Day. From information panels and artefacts, to talks and tours, flypasts and vintage vehicles, there was lots to discover about the people, buildings and missions carried out by both the British and American Air Forces based at Alconbury Airfield.
Highlights from this year’s event included a flypast from the Red Arrows, followed by a Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britian Memorial Flight, which flew over the United States Air Force (USAF) Honour Guard. Representatives of 423d Force Support Squadron based at RAF Alconbury raised their colours to celebrate the historic ties between Britain and America.
Dews Coaches vintage bus transported visitors back in time to explore the Avionics Building, a unique Cold War facility used to maintain the TR-1 Dragon Lady (TR-1) spy plane’s sensitive reconnaissance, radar and navigational equipment.
Jeff Hawley, Chair of the Airfield Research Group, introduced a pre-recorded interview with Greg Spark and Bob Shaeffer, USAF veterans who served at Alconbury Airfield during the Cold War. They shared some of their memories, insights and experiences during their time at the base.
The Brampton & District branch of the Royal British Legion also came along to meet residents and visitors, talk about the different squadrons based at Alconbury Airfield and celebrate the area’s local and military heritage. Lest we forget.
“I think what makes this event so lovely is that it isn’t just about looking back at history. It’s about celebrating the story of the airfield, the people connected to it and the community that has grown around it today.”
Alongside the Heritage Open Day, Alconbury Weald Community Association organised a family fun day with food, entertainment and live music on Watch Office Green.
This included Wildlife Wonders’ exotic animal encounters with opportunities to pet or handle snakes, a bearded dragon, tortoise, blue and yellow macaw and a lemur. The Active Lifestyles Team from Huntingdonshire District Council also brought an array of games including toy tomahawks, archery and croquet, and children enjoyed a police car experience with a chance to sit in the driver’s seat and turn on the siren and flashing blue lights. There were also food trucks, scones and Pimms, ice creams and stalls showcasing local groups and activities as well as face painting and hair braiding.
“The Heritage Open Day is a highlight of the Alconbury Weald event calendar, and we’d like to thank everyone who came along to find out more about the former airfield’s fascinating past and how it is helping shape the future development. A special thanks go to the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for this year’s fantastic flypasts, a real treat for all ages!
“The Community Association pulled out all the stops for the family fun day, and it was fantastic to have so many options for visitors of all ages to stay refreshed, entertained, educated and amused.”
Alongside the way new spaces are being brought forward to reflect their heritage, the vision for Alconbury Weald sets aside an area for the Cold War listed buildings to continue to tell their story. This will be included in the third phase of the development, as a heritage parkland area. Residents, local communities and partners will continue to be engaged on the design and delivery of this area in future years.
The Heritage Area will contain listed buildings that reflect the exclusive role of RAF Alconbury as the only permanent UK base for the Lockheed TR-1 Dragon Lady (TR-1) spy plane. This includes the Avionics Building, four hardened aircraft shelters that were adapted to provide bombproof accommodation for the TR-1’s 103ft wingspan and a refuelling shelter.
