You will be visiting Stow Maries Aerodrome in Purleigh, near Maldon, in Essex where you will have
a delicious afternoon tea and wonderful live entertainment. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome was established in September 1916 as a base for 37 (Home Defence) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, which also operated from aerodromes at Rochford (today London Southend International Airport) and Goldhanger (long since disappeared). For two years it played a pivotal role in helping to defend the British mainland from attacks by German Zeppelin airships and Gotha fixed-wing bombers during World War One.
Your War style afternoon tea will consist of sandwiches, tea or coffee, sausage rolls and cake. The afternoon tea will take place in the 1940's Mess Hall at the aerodrome, to add to your experience. You will also have a fascinating guided tour of the aerodrome, with an experienced volunteer guide. The tour will consist of an introduction and the showing of 2 films in the Mess Hall, one about the history of the aerodrome and one about the ecology and wildlife at Stow Maries. The guided tour also includes a tour of the aircrafts in the hangers and the restoration project.
The entertainment for the day will be the multi-award winning artiste, Lorrie Brown, as Vera Lynn. Endorsed by Dame Vera Lynn herself, Lorrie Brown will transport you back to the 1940's as she sings songs you all know so well.