'Air museum has just grown and grown since 1985'

Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington, York, celebrated its 40th anniversary

An aviation museum has celebrated its 40th anniversary with an aerial display featuring the same aircraft that first flew over the site when it opened in 1985.

The flyover by the Blackburn B-2 biplane formed part of the Yorkshire Air Museum's birthday celebration, alongside a vintage car showcase and an exhibition exploring the airfield's history.

Chair of the museum's board of trustees and the attraction's founder Rachel Semlyen MBE played an integral role in transforming the previously derelict site into a museum and Allied Forces Memorial.

"The original open day was amazing because we had no idea if people would be interested, and year by year, it's just grown and grown," she said.

The museum is located on the former site of RAF Elvington, a World War Two heavy bomber base.

Until 1944 it was home to 77 Squadron, flying Handley Page Halifax bombers on operations over occupied Europe.

French and American air force personnel also operated from the site during its lifespan.

In 1982, Ms Semlyen was inspired to form a group to restore the base to its former glory, as a way to preserve the history.

"It was important to save it from being turned into just another industrial estate," she added.

"I felt it would be a fantastic as a museum to tell the next generation about what happened on these airfields during the war."

Rachel Semlyen MBE played an integral role in transforming the previously derelict site into a museum

The team negotiated with the owners for a temporary lease before later fundraising to buy the site, clearing away debris and restoring the buildings.

Rob Donley was part of the clearance team, and said his shovel was amongst the first to hit the ground at the RAF base.

He was also on duty on the museum's inaugural day in 1985, and remembered that the event had nearly been a write-off due to the weather.

"We'd put all the work into clearing most of the site and then it absolutely poured down," he said.

"But on the other hand, you could see the future of the Yorkshire Air Museum was just beginning."

Mr Donley has volunteered at the museum since it opened, working as part of the fire service and engineering teams.

Admission prices in 1985 were just £1, compared to £17 for an adult today.

Rob Donley was part of the clearance team in 1985, and later worked for the site's fire service

Looking ahead to the next 40 years, he said it was important that the museum "didn't stand still" and kept exploring ways to develop.

"People can get stuck in ruts with various different ideas, but you must be able to think outside of the box.

"Hopefully there is a new plan for development in the future for the hangars, and other buildings," he added.

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