High Sheriff joins museum supporters to celebrate golden anniversary

10 May 2024

A remarkable range of guests and volunteers came together to mark the 50th anniversary of the de Havilland Aircraft Museum’s supporters’ society.

The mezzanine of the Geoffrey de Havilland hangar was filled to capacity, and especially welcome were those who were at its founding meeting on Cup Final Day in May 1974 (for the record, Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-0).

Their vision, energy and commitment enabled the museum to grow from a ‘cottage’ industry to an established legacy aviation centre, and their enthusiasm led to the acquisition of numerous de Havilland aircraft that would otherwise have been scrapped.

These early friends and supporters actually ‘built’ much of the museum. Farm buildings (some still bearing their wartime camouflage) were cleared and converted to display areas and workshops. Trenches were dug for utilities to be installed and the toilet block constructed. Much of the groundwork for the Walter Goldsmith hangar was done by volunteers.

Those who wielded shovels and paint brushes were represented by, among others, Bob Tattam, Philip Birtles and Alan Brackley. Their memories of those early days have been collected in a dedicated edition of the DH Gazette, which also includes a wide range of photographs taken over the past 50 years.

Ten Certificates of Honorary Membership and Friendship were awarded to guests, including John Romain and Mark Miller, both now based at Duxford. Sam Clark of Mix92.6 FM was on site to interview a selection of guests, including Flight Lieutenant George Dunn DFC, who flew Halifaxes and Mosquitos.

The official guest of honour was Annie Brewster, recently appointed as High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, who organised the party to pose around the Vampire for the commemorative photograph.

She was clearly impressed: “The de Havilland Aircraft Museum is simply incredible. I could not believe so many historic military and commercial planes are on display in Hertfordshire.

“My favourite is their 1939 yellow Mosquito, designed on the museum’s very site in secret. Made of wood, the Government doubted its ability but it was a triumph and, thereafter, nearly 8,000 were built.

“The museum, entirely run by volunteers, is so well looked after and has recently become a stunning event venue too. It was an absolute honour to attend the 50th anniversary of the museum supporters’ society and to thank the volunteers for the pleasure they are giving so many… I am telling everyone about it!”

The afternoon was a great opportunity to celebrate the remarkable progress of the museum from its modest origins and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of the next 50 years.