ROYAL ARTILLERY MUSEUM OUTING

Members and guests met up for an organised tour of the Royal Artillery Museum in Larkhill on Thursday 12 June 2025.

A new purpose-designed museum is being established nearby but the collection of field guns and artefacts is currently housed in the former BCAC (Bristol & Colonial Aviation Company) hangars.  

The group enjoyed a guided tour of the collection of field guns dating from 1700 to 1945.

This was followed by a presentation about the history of the current hangar site. Though unremarkable in structure or design, the building is of historic significance and represents the remnants of the oldest airfield in the world!  This location was central to the exploration of aviation right from the earliest years.

One memorable intervention by our oldest member, Ron Collins, who enlightened everyone by recounting his time at Larkhill.  During his time in service the road we know as “the Packway” was merely a muddy track along which he would walk to a Post Office to collect his military pay!

Finally a tour of the workshop with many anecdotes about the challenges in restoring these ancient weapons.

The outing concluded with a most convivial jolly lunch at the Wheatsheaf in the Woodford Valley.

My thanks are extended to the Volunteer team at the museum for their insights and enthusiasm.  And, once again, I salute Karen and Phil Riley for organising the event and ensuring all went smoothly.  A very fun outing which was appreciated and enjoyed by all!

Godfrey Ball, President (2024-25)