LAST COPYRIGHT SHROPSHIRE STAR JAMIE RICKETTS 17/05/2021 – The RAF Cosford Museum reopened today as the lockdown restriction in England was eased. In the picture; Bryony Owen 4 from Codsall.
The Free Entry Air Force Museum at RAF Cosford is one of the most iconic attractions that has finally been given the green light to reopen this week as the government eases Covid restrictions.
Monday, the first day under the new rules, couldn’t come soon enough for some families who had put Cosford high on their list for a family getaway.
Although the ghost of Covid is still big – pre-booking is essential to free up space, one-way walking trails and hand sanitizing stations are ubiquitous – the iconic attractions such as the impressive airplane, the fascinating Cold War exhibit and the new Battle of Britain display still delight fans young and old.
One of the youngest enthusiasts to enjoy her visit was two-year-old Bea Barber, an airplane-crazy toddler who had been promised a day trip by her parents Kat and Sean.
At the RAF Cosford Museum
The Shrewsbury family, which includes Bea’s younger brother Fox, had never been to the museum before the coronavirus, but they wouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore and see the variety of aircraft.
“It’s nice to be able to come and do normal parenting,” said a visibly relieved Kat.
“I think it’s normal to wear masks now, we’d feel weird if we didn’t. It’s not a big deal to wear.
“It’s nice that the children’s group has started again, that made the biggest difference for us.”
Cinema is next on their wish-list – they haven’t had a chance to see a movie on the big screen since Fox was born six months ago.
The Barber family was enjoying their day. From left: Sean, Bea, Kat and Fox
One of the most popular attractions is the new playground in front of the museum’s visitor center. It was extensively tested by children from Albrighton prior to the reopening date.
On Monday, Roxann and Edward Swift took 22-month-old Charlie to a game on the airfield-inspired playground device.
Roxann said: “It was great to be back to normal.
“We came here just before they were banned for the first time, the little one was very small back then.
“We’ve been trying to find a place outdoors for so long that I don’t mind spending some time indoors again!”
Edward, Roxann and Charlie Swift enjoy the museum
Mark and Eva Dyson came all the way from their Yorkshire home to admire the Cold War exhibit. Eva was on a retreat in nearby Herefordshire.
Mark said, “We’ve never been before, it’s our first time.
“It’s been on our list for a long time.
“It’s well organized, I don’t think the overall experience was diminished by the restrictions. I don’t feel like we were betrayed in any way!”
Eva and Mike Dyson are from Yorkshire
Barry Smith, the museum’s commercial director, said, “We’ve been closed for five months, we’re a visitor attraction – it’s not the same when there are no visitors.
“It was busier than we expected. We had almost 500 visitors [on Monday]. At this time of year we expect a value around the 200 mark. “
When asked if he expected the attendance numbers to remain high, he said, “It’s very difficult to predict. One thing I can say is that it’s halfway through and it’s almost booked up.
Barry Smith Museum Commercial Director
“Sure, family times are very busy, the kids are locked up and it’s time to get out and they want to take advantage of that.
“We expect a really good summer.”