Historic aircraft will return to wartime base (From Western Telegraph)

Historic aircraft will return to wartime base

CAREW Airfield is preparing to welcome back one of the aircraft most closely associated with it throughout its operational life in the Second World War - an Avro Anson.

The twin-engined aeroplane needs considerable renovation, but the Carew Aviation Group is confident it can successfully complete the work.

The arrival of the Avro Anson follows extensive work by the group to restore the former wartime airfield control tower.

Councillor David Neale, vice-chairman of the group, said the acquisition of the Anson was thanks to a lucky twist of fate while he was working for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority in Carew.

"I had a picture of the control tower behind me and I was chatting to a visitor about it, when he asked if I knew anybody who might be interested in buying an Avro Anson," he said. "My heart just stopped!"

The visitor had connections with the Gloucestershire Jet Age Museum, which negotiated a price of £3,350 for the Anson with the Aviation Group. The group then went on to secure the same amount through a grant from Awards for All Wales.

Said Councillor Neale: "Pembrokeshire County Council's community regeneration unit was very helpful with information on the various grants available, and assisted us with the grant application process."

The regeneration unit advised the group on the development of the airfield as a community project, and has spoken to several groups interested in taking part in the restoration of the Anson.

The Aviation Group has also worked in conjunction with Pembrokeshire County Council's museums officer, Mark Thomas, to establish a schools visiting programme.

The restoration of the Avro Anson links up with two other major historical projects in South Pembrokeshire - Chapel Bay Fort in Angle and the Sunderland flying-boat project of the Pembroke Dock Museum Trust.