Carew Airfield is preparing to welcome back one of the aeroplanes most closely associated with it throughout its operational wartime life - a 1947 vintage Avro Anson. The twin-engined aeroplane needs considerable renovation, but the Carew Aviation Group are confident they can successfully complete the work. The arrival of the Avro Anson follows extensive work by the group to restore the former World War Two airfield control tower. Clr. David Neale, vice-chairman of the group, said the acquisition of the Anson was thanks to a lucky twist of fate while he was working for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority in Carew. "I had a picture of the control tower behind me and I was chatting to a visitor about it, when he asked if I knew anybody who might be interested in buying an Avro Anson," he said. "My heart just stopped!" The visitor had connections with the Gloucestershire Jet Age Museum which negotiated a price of £3,350 for the Anson with the Aviation Group. The group then went on to secure the same amount through a grant from Awards for All Wales. Said Clr. Neale: "Pembrokeshire County Council's Community Regeneration Unit were very helpful with information on the various grants available, and assisted us with the grant application process." The Regeneration Unit advised the group on the development of the airfield as a community project, and has spoken to several groups interested in taking part in the restoration of the Anson. The Aviation Group has also worked in conjunction with Pembrokeshire County Council's museums officer Mark Thomas to establish a schools visiting programme. The restoration of the Avro Anson links up with two other major historical projects in the South Pembrokeshire - Chapel Bay Fort in Angle and the Sunderland part of the Pembroke Dock Museum Trust.
