Heritage workshop
Our Heritage Workshop occupies a former Cold War Hardened Aircraft Shelter on Wattisham Airfield. Volunteers restore airframes and components that cannot fit inside the wartime chapel: canopy work, panel repairs, and careful cleaning of cockpit fittings before pieces return to public view.
Because the shelter sits away from the chapel, visitors only enter with a museum escort. Groups are small, flooring can be dusty, and high-visibility rules apply when station traffic is nearby. Ask at the chapel desk on arrival if a workshop walk is available that Sunday.
Workshop log
Logged 11 February 2026: Scout XT617 panel clamps checked after a cold snap so paint edges stayed sound. In July 2025 Lynx XZ605 cabin foam samples were bagged for humidity notes. Through 2024 Gazelle XX444 rotor-head covers were dry-fitted after rain leaks were sealed. In autumn 2023 spare Hunter canopy blanks were stacked on pallets with aisle gaps wide enough for a small van if spare parts needed a short off-station trip.
Restoration work often means borrowed tools, temporary crates, and the odd research loan of manuals or fittings. Keeping packing lists and doorway clearances written down means Sunday guests still see a tidy shelter when they arrive, even if a crate left midweek for measurement or conservation advice.
Read more about the aircraft types on our History page, or see Plan a visit for escort timing.
