howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
full steam ahead for the new visitor/learning centre onsite, featured on local news last evening.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
I visited over the weekend and work clearing the ground had started with a large patch of bare earth. Should be great when it is done.
I noticed that the two fibre glass mock-ups of a Hurricane and Spitfire were in a sorry state. Some moron had slashed a tyre on the Spitfire.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
went past there on the buss yesterday,saw the bare patch and wonderd what was going on.just caught a glimce of the props of the two aircraft as i came past.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
hard to imagine such a tranquil place attracting vandals, one the best places to visit locally. the memorial with all those names on, the sculpture of the pilot and the wonderful views deserve only respect.
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
yes it should be respected.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Couldn't agree more Howard.
I think Patrick Tootal has another title. I used to communicate with him when I ran the Loyalty Scheme; they didn't charge any entrance fee so couldn't give a discount, but appreciated the marketing/promotions.
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
courtesy of their website, a bit more on him roger.
Group Captain
Patrick Tootal OBE DL RAF (Ret'd)
Hon Secretary
Group Captain Patrick Tootal served in the RAF for 33 years as a pilot. In 1977 he commanded LXX (70) Squadron flying Hercules at RAF Lyneham. He held various staff and command appointments including becoming the first Defence Attaché in Buenos Aires nine years after the Falklands conflict.
After retiring from the RAF in 1993 he was the first County Field Officer for the Royal British Legion in Kent supporting the many volunteers who raise funds and provide welfare for the ex-Service community in need. He retired from this post in May 2005. In 2004 he was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Kent. In addition to being the Hon Secretary of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, he is Hon Secretary of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, company secretary for the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust and President of his local RAFA Branch, the North Downs Branch of Royal Society of St George and 2374(Ditton) Squadron ATC. He is also Hon Treasurer of his local church.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Thanks for that Howard - obviously a good man with an interesting past.
Roger
Guest 767- Registered: 30 Aug 2012
- Posts: 458
With regard to the opening thread, The memorial is run by volunteers, and is curently only manned at weekends, that is until March 1st when the shop area will be open seven days a week. While the gates are locked to prevent cars/campervan etc getting on site the side gate is always open so access can be gained on foot at any time, day or night. CCTV is in operation 24/7.
Yes, the two airframes are tired now, but plans are afoot to refresh them this year, the wing is going ahead, to be opened to the public in 2015. Other plans are in the pipeline for the replica Spitfire, this involved my going to Manston and getting into both the Spitfire and Hurricane to photograph the interiors of both, but more of that later!
I will be there again this year, from March 4th, I work there on Mondays, so why not pop in for a cuppa and a chat?
I will keep you all up to date as and when there is something of interest to report, like the flying days!
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
do you know the timescale for completion of the centre phil?
i love going there for special days, last time i was there a 91 year old veteran gave a short speech that would have been creditable to a 50 year old.
Guest 767- Registered: 30 Aug 2012
- Posts: 458
Howard, the master plan is for building to start very soon and for the Wing to be complete and open for Battle of Britain day 2015, 75 years on from the battle. I will report more fully when I go back up there in March, hope this helps.
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
phil,i would like to meet up at some point in the next few weeks for a chat.starting a small project and need some back ground info.
Guest 767- Registered: 30 Aug 2012
- Posts: 458
Brian,
I return to the site on Monday 4th March, you will find me in the cafe/shop, I start around 10.30 hrs. We have a lot of info on site so if your project concerns the battle I feel sure we can help, look forward to meeting you!
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
will do phil,but might need somthing stronger after wards to.
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
just a foot note phil,the raf chappies at hawinge cemertry.got the photos but need some back ground info,who,what and why.
Guest 767- Registered: 30 Aug 2012
- Posts: 458
Brian, not a problem, all I need is a name!
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
ok phil.will e-mail you.
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
having trouble with your e-mail adress phil.
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
was there a week ago on Sunday stopped and had a cup of coffee or two as it was raining hard,great museum good coffee and cheap but a lovely peaceful place well worth a visit,and really helpful staff
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Guest 767- Registered: 30 Aug 2012
- Posts: 458
