Models Of Airport

A LEIGH man’s historic models, charting the history of Southend Airport, are being displayed by the Vulcan Restoration Trust.

The family of Peter Smith, who was a committed aviation enthusiast and model engineer, were behind the historic unveiling of the collection at one of the trusts open days held at Southend Airport.

Throughout the 1960s, Mr Smith had dedicated his efforts to crafting models of the Airport, after he and his wife Barbara relocated to Leigh in 1955.

The models illustrate the site’s evolution, from the late nineteenth century, to the mid-1960s.

Following Mr Smith’s passing in 2007, his family assumed responsibility for the pieces.

Despite attempts to interest museums, the models faced the possibility of disposal, which is when Vulcan Restoration Trust stepped in.

Following a grant from Rochford District Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the models gained new covers, enabling them to return to public display.

Mr Smith’s family were honoured guests at the unveiling, marking their first viewing since the refurbishment.

Dave Griffiths, Vulcan Restoration Trust vice-president said: “It was a pleasure to meet Peter’s family and to see how thrilled they were that his models have a new home and can now be enjoyed by everyone who is interested in the history of London Southend Airport.”

The models will be back on display at the Trust’s Visit the Vulcan on Fathers’ Day event at the airport on June 16.

Picture: Mr. Smith’s family with his models (Pic: Jason Gore).

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