20,000 people turn out for unveiling of Strubby Airfield memorial

A memorial dedication ceremony at the former Strubby Airfield has been hailed a success, with over 20,000 people in attendance.
One of the Lancasters that flew overhead on the day.One of the Lancasters that flew overhead on the day.
One of the Lancasters that flew overhead on the day.

The event, which took place on Sunday, was centred around the unveiling of a £35,000 granite memorial in honour of those who served at the airfield, both during and after World War Two.

Spitfires and Lancaster Bombers made an appearance in a ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’ flypast, with the Red Arrows swooping overhead later in the afternoon.

Janet Stubbs, who organised the event on the former airfield, which is now owned by her family, said that the occasion was “absolutely splendid” and that she couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Janet Stubbs and her 13-year-old grandson Joseph lay a wreath at the memorial, which was unveiled at Strubby Airfield on Sunday.Janet Stubbs and her 13-year-old grandson Joseph lay a wreath at the memorial, which was unveiled at Strubby Airfield on Sunday.
Janet Stubbs and her 13-year-old grandson Joseph lay a wreath at the memorial, which was unveiled at Strubby Airfield on Sunday.

Janet said: “The Lancasters actually went over us as we were gathered around the memorial, which is more than we could have hoped for as we thought they’d have to go over the far side.

“The Red Arrows did the smoke for us too as they swooped over the airfield. It was absolutely fantastic.”

Although large crowds had been expected at the event, nobody could have expected that 20,000 would attend on the day.

Janet said: “I didn’t expect that many people to show up.

“Everything sold out, including the beer tent where there were a thousand bottles of Bateman’s commemorative beer.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day. People were so thrilled, and I’m sure Woodthorpe will never see another event quite like that again.”

Entertainment came from Marlaina Rube, who put on a fantastic performance and held the audience, and she also led the hymns at the service,

The Withern Singers and the Alford Silver Band also played their part throughout the memorial service.

Thanks go out to all involved.

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