Aircraft heritage in the spotlight

Wartime aircraft, model helicopters and classic cars brought back memories of when Wolverhampton made planes to protect Britain.

Hundreds of people were at the Boulton Paul Association aircraft heritage museum for an open day with perfectly preserved planes built in Wolverhampton on display, including the Second World War Boulton Paul Defiant fighter.

Visitors could also go inside the cockpit of a Blackburn Buccaneer bomber to see the Wolverhampton-made control panel and see remote control helicopter displays.

The event was hosted at GE Aviation, Wobaston Road, yesterday. Organiser Cyril Plimmer, aged 80, worked at the site between 1942 and 1989 as a hydraulics engineer.

He said: "This museum is an important part of Wolverhampton's heritage and we want to share and celebrate our history with as many people as possible.

"Boulton and Paul aircraft were around in the First World War when they were made of wood. It was here that the first research into metal frames took place."

Artist Jon Westwood, 37, of Solihull, has painted pictures of Boulton Paul aircraft for years. His father, David, was a corporal in the RAF in the 1950s.

He said: "I'm particularly fond of the Balliol aircraft. They have a great colour scheme with the streak of blue on the tail."

John "Skip" McDowell of Goldstone Heli-club brought model helicopters. Entertainment included wartime songs and music, while home-made cakes and other refreshments were available.

The next open day is October 26.