Model and medals for Flying Boat Centre

　

John Weller (centre) show his model to volunteers Andrew McLean (left) and Allan Ross.
 

The Flying Boat Centre at Pembroke Dock only opened in late June but it has already attracted great public interest and visitor numbers this summer - together with significant donations of artefacts.

An impressive scale model of a Sunderland flying boat has been loaned for display by former RAF Pembroke Dock serviceman, John Weller, of Keeston, who served at ‘PD’ between 1953 and 1958. He built the model some 15 years ago.

"As soon as I heard the Flying Boat Centre was opening I went into my attic and retrieved my Sunderland as this is where it should be displayed," said John.

The model, with a wingspan of nearly 5 ft, will ‘fly’ from the ceiling of the workshop area of the centre.

A wartime Sunderlander’s campaign medals - including the Atlantic Star - his logbook and a crew photograph have been given to the centre. They belonged to the late Don Boorman, a wireless operator/air gunner with 201 Squadron.

Two years ago Don made a nostalgic return to ‘PD’. He died earlier this year aged 91 and his son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Maureen, decided that his wartime memorabilia should be donated to the new centre.

Said Terry: "Dad was delighted to find out so much information about his squadron and his crew when he came back to Pembroke Dock and we feel it is entirely appropriate that his medals and logbook and other items go there for display."

John Evans, Project Manager of the Sunderland Trust, which runs the new centre, said: "We are honoured to have these items for display and to add to our rapidly growing collection. There is tremendous interest in flying boats and the part Pembroke Dock played in aviation history, in peace and war."

The volunteer-run centre, located off Fort Road near the South Pembrokeshire Hospital, is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays inclusive, 10 am to 4 pm. Access is via Gate Four, Port of Pembroke.

This project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). This is administered locally by Pembrokeshire County Council.

 

Terry and Maureen Boorman and volunteer Mike Hurley (right) display the medals and other items.

PICTURES: Sunderland Trust.

　

From: John Evans, Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust office, 01646 623427.