Village Lunch Group Visit to Biggin Hill Museum

Village Lunch Interest Group A Visited Biggin Hill Museum news on Thursday 16th January.

Thanks must be given to Eileen and Ken Vear and the Museum Staff who organised this enjoyable visit by the Orpington U3A Village Lunch Group A. Having been given coffee and a warm welcome, the group enjoyed a talk and conducted tour of the museum and Chapel of Remembrance (pictured left) dedicated to the very important role the Fighter Station played in the Second World War. The names of the 453 aircrew who died are engraved and displayed together with many of the flags of the Commonwealth and Allied countries who assisted. Three of the six Military medals awarded to the WAAFs for bravery were given to those serving at Biggin Hill.

There was free time to look at all the many poignant displays in the museum before the group took a short journey to The Kings Head Pub nearby for an excellent lunch.

Pauline Dawson

A poem inspired by the visit:

On a chilly day
We made our way
To the Village lunch At Biggin Hill
Where in the past air raid sirens were very shrill
We were greeted with biscuits and tea
Had a talk then went to see

The museum and Memorial chapel
Full of relics and bits of shrapnel
Bringing back thoughts of the war
Being bombed out when I was just four
A child's gas mask the same as I wore
Photos and medals galore
Won by brave people of yore

Many nations to be found
In all the memorabilia around
Stained glass windows abound
Depicting jobs done on the ground,
Packing parachutes, radio communications, plane maintenance, food and drink
For the people who kept us safe, they were all part of the link.

Brenda Wheatley, 18 Jan 2020

Click HERE for more information about the Village Lunch Interest Group.