High-flying history at Lutterworth Museum

Anyone who likes to see the nuts and bolts of history should get themselves along to the ever-expanding Lutterworth Museum.
Right, Carol Hubbard unveils the Merlin engine with Geraldine Robinson Mayor of Lutterworth, Councillor Rosita Page, Geoff Smith curator and Bill Liqourish Chairman of Leicestershire County Council.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERRight, Carol Hubbard unveils the Merlin engine with Geraldine Robinson Mayor of Lutterworth, Councillor Rosita Page, Geoff Smith curator and Bill Liqourish Chairman of Leicestershire County Council.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Right, Carol Hubbard unveils the Merlin engine with Geraldine Robinson Mayor of Lutterworth, Councillor Rosita Page, Geoff Smith curator and Bill Liqourish Chairman of Leicestershire County Council. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

Two historic engines have gone on display there, both relating to aviation history.

And museum manager Geoff Smith told the Mail: “We’re actually outgrowing our site on Gilmorton Road now.

“We’re keeping our eyes open for new, bigger premises in Lutterworth.”

Cake cutting....Geraldine Robinson Mayor of Lutterworth, Geoff Smith curator, Katherine Dootson Semelab, councillor Rosita Page and Wendy Warren.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERCake cutting....Geraldine Robinson Mayor of Lutterworth, Geoff Smith curator, Katherine Dootson Semelab, councillor Rosita Page and Wendy Warren.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Cake cutting....Geraldine Robinson Mayor of Lutterworth, Geoff Smith curator, Katherine Dootson Semelab, councillor Rosita Page and Wendy Warren. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

If anyone can help with the search, contact Geoff on 07906 303643.

Pictured in the main photo is a Merlin Mark 3 engine, taken from a Hurricane which took part in the Battle of Britain. It was restored by local man, Bruce Hubbard.

And the museum now also has on display an orginal Frank Whittle and Power Jets jet engine - the W2/700.

The engine was successfully trialled in the Meteor, the first British jet fighter.

Cake cutting....Geraldine Robinson Mayor of Lutterworth, Geoff Smith curator, Katherine Dootson Semelab, councillor Rosita Page and Wendy Warren.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERCake cutting....Geraldine Robinson Mayor of Lutterworth, Geoff Smith curator, Katherine Dootson Semelab, councillor Rosita Page and Wendy Warren.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Cake cutting....Geraldine Robinson Mayor of Lutterworth, Geoff Smith curator, Katherine Dootson Semelab, councillor Rosita Page and Wendy Warren. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

The engines are part of a large collection of aircraft memorabilia, including a big collection from the Power Jet archive. Jet aircraft pioneer Whittle did much of his work in Lutterworth.

The museum, which has just celebrated its 25th anniversary, also has a fascinating family history archive and a popular local interest shop.

Museum open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am-4pm; Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am-1pm.

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