At a ceremony held at the Ramada Hotel Heart of Kent Suite, Maidstone on Sunday November 25 2007, the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society were awarded a ‘highly commended’ award for their work in heritage volunteer work.
The award scheme is a joint initiative between Kent County Council and the voluntary sector and business representatives in Kent. Compered by Radio Kent’s Pat Marsh, recipients received a framed scroll and a solid glass table weight inscribed with details of the award.
Competing against considerable opposition, it was felt by the judges that MAPS work in preserving wartime aircraft to both static and flying condition was heritage on a different scale to the normal. In order for future generations to see how Britain and in particular Kent, the cradle of aviation in the country, became a leading light in aviation, it was necessary to preserve at least one example of every aircraft of British design.
The awards are held each year in recognition of volunteering excellence, this being the first year that MAPS have entered. It is therefore even more significant of the good work that the group undertake in preserving the aviation heritage of the country and in particular of Kent, the cradle of aviation.
MAPS undertake work from the Imperial War Museum, RAF Museum and the Science Museum as well as private individuals. Their present project is the restoration of Fairey Battle Mk1 L5343 for the RAF Museum which is progressing well and is due to be returned to Hendon by mid 2008 where a hand-over ceremony will be held.
Robin J Brooks – Publicity Officer MAPS.
Chris Aylmer - Malcolm Moulton - Lewis Deal MBE - Robin Brooks