Step back in time and experience the unique atmosphere of two of Bedfordshire’s famous World War II airfields. Both have a unique history and a story to tell. Along with lunch at one of the old pubs nearby this makes a great day out for groups, coach parties and individuals. Small parties    ( 12 and under ) and individuals can visit at Week-ends and Bank Holidays 10-30 ‘til 4-00 without appointment. Both venues charge £3 admission with children free ( total £6 per adult for both museums ) . Larger groups and coach parties should book in advance and we can discuss your individual requirements with regard to extra entertainment and catering. Such parties can be accommodated any day of the week.

TWINWOOD CONTROL TOWER, THE GLENN MILLER MUSEUM, TWINWOOD AIRFIELD AND ARENA

Twinwood airfield was a night flying training base during World War II and it was also used by many of the wartime entertainers as their setting off point to boost the morale of the service men and women throughout the UK and Europe. Such stars included Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, David Niven and the Legendary Band Leader Glenn Miller. All of these and many more were based alongside the BBC at Bedford, which during the War was the entertainment and broadcasting centre for our nation.

On December 14^th 1944 Major Glenn Miller stepped from the Control Tower and took off from RAF Twinwood in a small aircraft bound for Paris. He was never seen again.

Last year the owners ( Twinwood Events Ltd ) restored the Control Tower and established a museum dedicated to Major Glenn Miller and the RAF personnel who were stationed there. There is a collection of military vehicles, an aviation art gallery, gift shop and refreshments and many untouched wartime airfield buildings.

Listen to the music as you view the large collection of Miller wartime photographs and enjoy memorabilia and the art of Keith Hill ( Official 8^th Airforce artist ) and unique Miller pencil art of Alex Bernham. Then step back in time as you go upstairs to experience the unforgettable World War II RAF Twinwood Control Tower. Stroll along the winding road through Twinwood itself amongst the airmen’s billets, bomb shelters, and various other wartime buildings until you reach the other end and the magnificent Twinwood Arena opens out before your eyes. This is where superb summer concerts are held to celebrate the Miller Era of Big Band and Swing Music. Return back through the wood and inspect the collection of military vehicles and see where the many Hangar Dances and events are held throughout the year.

Finally don’t forget to book your tickets for the Annual Glenn Miller Festival on August Bank Holiday week-end. The 2004 dates are August 28th, 29th & 30th.

For more information and photographs of this venue visit www.twinwoodevents.com

THE 306^TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP MUSEUM, THURLEIGH

Work commenced in July 1940 to build a Bomber Command airfield north of the village of Thurleigh.  An RAF group arrived in July 1941 to open the airfield.

In the early days of January 1942 RAF 160 Squadron was re-formed on this far from complete airfield, they departed for the Middle East in early February.  Following the departure of 160 Squadron, the airfield assumed a different role when on the 16 February No. 18 Operational Training Unit arrived with its Wellington Bombers and Polish crews.  The unit departed for RAF Bramcote in early June.

By this time the long-term future of Thurleigh had been established, it was to accommodate one of the American heavy bomber groups.  The 306^th Bombardment Group arrived in September 1942.  On 9 October a formation of B-17s left the airfield for what was to be the first of 341 daylight bombing missions over occupied Europe.  Their final operational mission was flown on 19 April 1945, during that period they lost 177 aircraft.  The last members of the 306^th left Thurleigh for their new base in Germany on 15 December 1945.

To ensure the country had adequate aviation research facilities, Thurleigh airfield underwent massive development.  In the early 50s it became part of The Royal Aircraft Establishment.  It was finally closed for flying in 1994.

Visit the airfield today and you may well hear the roar of powerful engines.  However it will be the sound of the Jonathan Palmer Motorsport Complex rather than the Wright Cyclones of 60 years ago.  It was Jonathan who donated one of the wartime buildings enabling us to establish a museum depicting aspects of those unforgettable wartime years. 

The 306^th are commemorated by a large collection of memorabilia, photographs and displays, including the social impact of the “friendly invasion” showing a G.I. bride scene.  A unique area set aside for quiet reflection contains a remembrance book to the 800 Americans from this base who made the ultimate sacrifice.  160 Squadron and 18 O.T.U. each have small displays. 

Move to the Home Front room to bring back memories of the Home Guard, ARP and the Women’s Land Army.  Visit the wartime home and recall ration books, powdered eggs and evacuees.  This evocative collection will bring back the memories and probably the tears as history comes to life.  Audio and visual systems are there to recapture the sight sounds and atmosphere of those times.

To complete your nostalgic visit a small gift shop and light refreshment area are being established.           

TO BOOK A GREAT DAY OUT OR TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE TWO AIRFIELD VENUES YOU CAN CONTACT US IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING WAYS:-