Administered by Bentwaters Aviation Society

Registered Charity No: 1124197     Accredited Museum No: RD2222

Thursday 1st July 2010, saw another aircraft arrive to join the growing collection at the museum, Hawker Hunter XE707 was purchased again with the very generous help from Society member Brian Smea, and with some very fast planning for the logistics to move the aircraft, it was moved just over 2 weeks after we first went to view it. Again our friends at Capel Plant were superb with their help with the planning and the hard work on the day.

Above some photos of the Hunter loaded up ready to depart Derbyshire for Bentwaters

XE707 safely arrives at Bentwaters and is placed outside the museum, where it will be re-assembled over the next few weeks.

Museum expansion for 2010 season

Work is continuing on the expansion of the museum for this season, unfortunately we did not complete the work in time for our Easter opening, mainly due to the winter weather that delayed work by about 10 weeks during December, January and early February, however we are working hard to catch up.

 The first stage of work which has been completed has seen the grass area around the museum fenced in, to allow for display of current and future museum aircraft and other large exhibits outside the museum building.

The next stage which sees a portacabin building put in place, which will become the entrance to the museum, and allow for a large area for use as the museum shop, this building will also allow room for a small cafe facility which will enable us to serve hot & cold drinks and a small selection of snacks. The portacabin was lifted into place on Monday 26th April, and work can now continue to build the ramps for the cabin access and also the fit out the cabin.

The photos above show the cabin being lifted into place, with thanks to Capel Plant       www.capelplant.com for all their assistance with this project.

Bentwaters Cold War Museum achieves MLA Accreditation

November 20th 2009 saw the Bentwaters Cold War museum achieve the Museum, Libraries, Archives Council (MLA) accredited museum status. The aim of the MLA accreditation scheme is to ensure that museums aspire to and achieve the very best in management of the museum and its collections.

The MLA aims to raise standards for all museums by highlighting best practice, and supporting improvement.