The Army Flying Museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The museum, based at Middle Wallop, first opened to the public in November 1974, but quickly outgrew its premises.

In 1983, the decision was made to erect a purpose-made museum of 16,000sq ft on the airfield perimeter.

The Museum of Army Flying was opened in 1984 by patron, Prince Michael of Kent.

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Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Ian Jeffrey, was in attendance at the celebration event (Image: Army Flying Museum) In 2014, visitor numbers were declining, and the museum was in urgent need of redevelopment. A project committee was put together, with the appeal named ‘Project Eagle’. Its purpose – to bring the museum up to date and safeguard its future.

The museum reopened in 2019 and saw its biggest growth in over a decade with visitor figures rising by 20 per cent that year.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, volunteers, staff, supporters, and sponsors were invited to a celebratory evening at the museum.

The team also launched their silent auction to raise funds for the independent charity.

Funds raised will enable the museum to continue to care for and grow their nationally significant collection, with prizes donated to the museum for the auction including an aerobatic flight in a Pitts Special, a day’s filming with TV presenter and motorcycle enthusiast Henry Cole, and a visit to Anthony Honeyball Racing.

The auction will run until Friday, October 11, and lots can be viewed through the museum’s website at armyflying.com.

The chief executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people coming together at the museum to celebrate the last 40 years.

"It has been an amazing year so far at the museum and we are excited to see what the next decade brings."