1) What do you like most about Duxford?
The flying, the variety of exhibits and the chance that you will normally see something new. I am always very impressed with the quality of presentation in the Land Warfare Hall, the displays give a good context without distracting from the exhibits themselves. …..oh yes and ‘Legends….
The operators/restorers of the privately owned aircraft are also very accesible and helpful. For instance, in reply to a request for help with my University research project, I was treated to a full tour of the interior of the Catalina while it was ‘wintering’ under maintainence in the Superhangar. Thesegroups need to be given every help and encouragement from the IWM, although I suspect this is happily already the case!
2) What do you dislike most about Duxford?
Hard to pick out faults, so I wont! (Although I will add any little complaint I come up with later if I can think of one…)
3) What makes you return to Duxford? (When time and distance allows of course!)
Usually the shows, or to catch up with a restoration project.
4) What do we get right at Duxford?
Sympathetic use of the old hangars, and adventurous design with the new ones, I actually enjoy the contrast. After all, if Duxford remained a preserved Battle of Britain fighter station without any significant changes it could not serve half of the functions it does today.
So, going against what most have said, I think the architecture of Duxford has grown in an appropriate manner for its use (and everybody that moans about triangular/woodlouse shaped hangars ought to be pleased with the new, classically rectangular ‘Airspace’ which I can’t wait to see!)
5) What do we get wrong?
Not much, could more use be made of the buildings over the other side of the road maybe, as a display space/visitor attraction?
6) What changes or improvements would you like to see made at Duxford?
OK, this one is a bit of a selfish one aimed at making my job easier:
How about some kind of dedicated meeting place/minibus terminal for passengers flying in and out of Duxford on airshow days, rather than having to round up thirty people and get them through the same hut that the other private flyers use? Could Air Atlantique/Dutch Dakota Assoc. passengers not use the classic wings entrance, onto an aircraft already parked near the flightline, rather than having to be bussed to the far side of the airfield?
7) Should we put on more airshows? Or fewer? Quantity or quality – for example have fewer airshows with longer displays?
I think the number is about right, although I doubt many people here would object to having Flying Legends twice a year! Maybe keep the traditional Flying Legends and have another similar show the follows a similar format but concentrates on classic jets, just an idea…. swap the usual Spitfire tailchase for Hunters, that sort of thing.. !
On the subject of longer displays, probably not a great plan, there needs to be time for a good look around the museum in the morning before the flying kicks off.
8) If sometimes you are accompanied to Duxford by family or friends who are not particularly interested in aircraft, do they leave feeling they have at least had an interesting day out, or do they think that Duxford is for enthusiasts only?
Anybody who I have taken to Duxford with a vague interest in aircraft has left with a much stronger one, that about sums it up….
My sister really enjoys Flying Legends (and was also very impressed with the microlight/geese act a few years ago), and enjoys Duxford’s link to various movies….
..which got me thinking, film work has played such an important part in Duxford’s ‘modern’ history that it could surely be highlighted in some kind of exhibit. At first when this crossed my mind I thought it could be seen as a little irrelevant compared to the actual conflicts many exhibits represent, but when you think of how much movies have shaped the Duxford we know today, it would seem appropriate and not too disrespectful.
My girlfriend was impressed with the vartiey of archtecture, taking lots of pictures of the AAM, and found the battle of Britain exhibit very interesting.
9) How do you rate the catering outlets at Duxford? Expensive or good value for money? Enough variety?
Not too bad, I was actually quite impressed with the sausages in the cafe behind the Pucara and Sabre when I was there in the winter. Fairly pricey but, to be honest, could have been worse!
10) How do you rate the Museum shop? Is it well stocked for enthusiasts with something new to catch your interest each time you visit? What in your opinion could we sell that we don’t already?
I reckon it probably strikes a good balance between catering for the enthusiast and the general visitor, although the shops at Hendon/Cosford probably cater better for ‘our’ market.
It helped me out no end last winter looking for a Christmas present for my Gran, who I normally end up buying tedious grandmotherish presents for, but I found a fantasitc WAAF china mug for a very reasonable price that she was over the moon with, so thanks IWM shop!
Other things to sell…. how about vouchers for flights into Duxford, for future visits, I’m sure something could be arranged.
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