A HISTORIC venue has brought the curtain down on events held this year to secure its future. 

Stow Maries Great War Aerodome has seen rising costs and lower-than-usual visitor numbers in 2024, largely due to closures on their main access road.

This has resulted in the venue suffering financially and trying to find ways to best fund the historical aerodrome.

Throughout the year it has been staging events alongside an online fundraiser to help boost its coffers. 

On Sunday it hosted a festive craft fayre, to end a long run of fundraising events.

Their 1917 Airmen’s Mess building was surrounded by a number of traders, mingling ceramics and metalworks with art and crafts.

Gifts - Trevor and Karen bring their Christmas gift ideasGifts - Trevor and Karen bring their Christmas gift ideas (Image: David Davies) Smiles - volunteer AmySmiles - volunteer Amy (Image: David Davies) Inside the Mess, more stalls gave Christmas shoppers a chance to pick up a special something from a local creator and explore their award-winning exhibitions.

This event is the last of a busy run of events at the museum, as it fights to secure its future.

Showcase - Jacqui with her creationsShowcase - Jacqui with her creations (Image: David Davies) Impressed - artist Denise (left) showing Pauline and Steve her workImpressed - artist Denise (left) showing Pauline and Steve her work (Image: David Davies) After being devastated by road closures that prevented its visitors reaching it in the Summer, the team pulled together to recover.

Ian Flint, CEO said: “We love putting on fun, exciting events and our supporters know that.

Together - Padre Neil Bond and Sgt Andrew ByfordTogether - Padre Neil Bond and Sgt Andrew Byford (Image: David Davies) Decoration - Rob and Marlene with one of their decorationsDecoration - Rob and Marlene with one of their decorations (Image: David Davies) "Today is no different, you can always rely on the team at Stow Maries to have something interesting on.

"This year, we have ranged from big air shows to historical seminars, living history events to dog shows.

Handmade - Lynda and Geof taking a look at some handmade mugsHandmade - Lynda and Geof taking a look at some handmade mugs (Image: David Davies) "All of these have contributed to keeping us open and brought in new audiences and we’re very grateful to everyone for their support”.

“We faced the worst-case scenario this year. Through no fault of our own, we were looking at being forced to close permanently.

"Thanks to the team and some very generous donations, we are now looking forward to 2025.

"We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’re still here."

The museum is now closed to the public and will re-open on February 14.