07 April 2009

Aviation in Lincolnshire set to soar after cash boost!

Aviation sites across Lincolnshire are set to reach new heights after receiving a much needed cash boost.

Representatives from Lincolnshire's Integrated Aviation Heritage Partnership (LIAHP) are celebrating after receiving an award of £436,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The money means that the Partnership can continue to enhance the visitor experience at the county's aviation sites.

Above: Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre's Lancaster

For years aviation has shaped Lincolnshire's county history and played a significant part in historical course of Britain's military.

Future plans for the project will ensure that individual museums use a shared approach to attract the visiting public. Money will be spent on developing new volunteer opportunities and giving members of the public a 'hands on' experience of the county's aviation attractions. Coordinated marketing and branding will also be used to promote education materials and heritage trails.

Key sites set to benefit from the new cash injection include Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre. The Centre presents the history of the national RAF College Cranwell that opened in 1920, when it became the first military Air Academy in the world. The College has seen many famous pilots graduating, including Prince William!

The LIAHP, which includes Lincolnshire's local authorities, Lincolnshire County Council, RAF aviation sites, Lincolnshire Tourism, Renaissance East Midlands, volunteers, historians and aviation specialists, will attract younger visitors to the sites by implementing a programme of work with local schools.

Leader of North Kesteven District Council, Councillor Mrs Marion Brighton, OBE, said: "With the Waddington Air Show attracting around 120,000 people to the county and generating an estimated £12 million income each year, it's obvious that aviation is not only a very popular attraction, but also a very important one.

"Additionally, North Kesteven boasts some hugely important and influential aviation sites. Lincolnshire is often referred to as 'Bomber County', and during WWII, North Kesteven's RAF Digby was the only fighter station, with Royal Canadian Airforce based there. Nowadays RAF Digby and RAF Waddington are two of the most prestigious working bases in the country."

"The LIAHP does a sterling job in promoting aviation sites and this new funding will attract even more people to enjoy the area's fascinating aviation history."

Penny Baker, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Tourism, said: "The Heritage Lottery Fund's award of £436,000 will be a great asset to the aviation heritage of the county. The LIAHP can continue to raise the profile of the county's interesting and diverse sites. There are many stories and threads to the rich history of our county including that of the famous Dambusters who were stationed in county for WW2. The award will ensure that we are able to work with younger generations and keep the history alive."