'Absolutely delighted' - Award-winning Second World War museum in Lincolnshire unveils new feature

We’ll Meet Again, at Freiston Shore, near Boston, officially opened its state-of-the-art Royal Air Force Events Building on Saturday (January 10).

Work began on the project two years ago, with a view to providing a home for the site’s rare Hawker Hurricane exhibit.

This life-sized aircraft replica was unveiled in 2023 following months of restoration work. A piece of cinematic history, it was used for the 1969 film The Battle of Britain, starring Lawrence Olivier and Michael Caine.

However, in addition to housing the Hawker Hurricane (as well as RAF artefacts), the building will allow the museum and others in the community to stage public or private events all year round, from parties and dances to fairs and weddings. Inside, features include a wooden dance floor, a bar, and heating.

The building – which measures about 62ft by 84ft – has been made possible thanks to generous donations from supporters of the museum.

A grant of £25,000-plus from UK Shared Prosperity Fund GRASSroots Grant scheme also helped the vision become a reality.

“The museum would like to thank everyone who has made this project possible and believe in the new building to be a huge asset to Lincolnshire and beyond,” a spokesman said.

We’ll Meet again is run by husband-and-wife team Paul and Linda Britchford, supported by staff and volunteers.

Paul said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ with the finished product.

“We managed to make it a reality,” he said. “We are thinking there is nothing else like this, certainly not in Lincolnshire.”

“It’s incredible,” he continued. “The rooms are huge – it’s like a cathedral inside.”

The project carries significant poignancy with it, as well.

Three years ago, Paul was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The construction of the events building has helped him keep going, he said, long beyond what was forecast for him at the time of his diagnosis.

Ahead of this project, the restoration of the Hawker Hurricane performed the same function, he said.

“I’m a worker,” he said. “It does me good to have a focus to work towards.”

“I refuse to give in to it,” he added.

He described waking up each day as a ‘bonus’, adding: “What you do with that day is up to you.”

Of the events building, Linda said: “We are over the moon that it is actually here and complete and Paul is still here to see it.”

The search for a new project for Paul would now begin, she added.

The couple gave special thanks to a number of Lincolnshire businesses involved in the project: Lindum, South Lincs Construction, and Witham Group.

Among those to attend the opening was the Mayor of Boston Coun Barrie Pierpoint.

He said: “It was my first time to the museum so I did not know what to expect. I was totally amazed at the amount of activity on the site and all the buildings full of World War Two collections and exhibits including an aircraft in the hangar.

“It is so impressive and such an achievement from a group of local enthusiasts. It was just like stepping back in time to the 1940s. I learnt so much and enjoyed every minute of my visit, as there is so much to do and see.

“There is something for everyone and so educational too. Definitely worth a visit.

“Congratulations and my sincere best wishes and thanks to everyone involved in such a fantastic project.”

We’ll Meet Again re-opens on January 30, after its short winter break for its usual Friday, Saturday, Sunday openings.

For more information on the museum, visit www.wma-ww2museum.co.uk/