AN award-winning museum is giving prospective volunteers the chance to enjoy a 'behind the scenes' experience, inspired by popular programmes such as The Repair Shop.
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is the only surviving Great War Aerodrome that was not redeveloped for other use in Europe.
Situated between Chelmsford and Maldon, it features the largest collection of Royal Flying Corps (RFC) buildings in the world.
From 1917 until 1919, it was a key part of the defences of London and the East of England from the airship and bomber attacks of Imperial Germany.
On Saturday, April 6, at 10.30am, the museum will invite potential volunteers to explore areas which are usually off-limits.
They will also have a chance to meet some of the dedicated team responsible for the growing collections.
The normal fees involved are being waived completely for the first 25 people who register online for tickets.
The chance to see some of the rare objects is not available to all visitors.
Some are in the process of being restored and awaiting placement in exhibitions including documents and photographs.
Chief executive Ian Flint said: “Our aerodrome has so much to offer and by opening up these rarely-seen areas, we hope to encourage everyone that visits us on April 6 to join our band of volunteers.
“They all do such a vital and wonderful job of preserving this site and I’m sure they would welcome more colleagues.”
He added: “Our Queen's Award-winning volunteer scheme offers many diverse and fascinating opportunities, from joining our researchers, who continually add to our stories, to cataloguing and caring for our precious objects.
"Keeping our historic buildings and grounds in tip-top shape keeps our maintenance volunteers busy, too, as you can imagine.
“You might be the first to meet our visitors at our entrance, guide them around the exhibition or serve them in our Airmen’s Mess Cafe. We can offer you the chance to develop your love of history by learning all about Stow Maries and passing on your enthusiasm to our visitors.”
The 90-minute tour will be led by a volunteer coordinator, and start at 10.30am from outside the Welcome Shop.
The session will finish with a cup of tea or coffee at the Airmen’s Mess café and the chance to discuss volunteering opportunities.
For more information, go to stowmaries.org.uk.
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