THS visit to Brooklands Museum
A group of 26 members and friends of the Thursley History Society travelled from the village to visit the Brooklands Museum, near Weybridge, Surrey.
Transport being the theme for the THS this year made Brooklands an ideal destination. The visit gave us an opportunity to consider how changing forms of transport, in the air and on the ground, have shaped everyday life, connecting people with work, education services and the wider world.
To make the most of the museum's displays and stories, we divided into three groups for guided tours. Our three guides were enthusiastic and very knowledgeable and this allowed everyone to ask questions and gain a good understanding of Brooklands important place in the history of motoring and aviation. Brooklands was the Vickers factory producing many aircraft including the Wellington bomber and the VC10. (Vickers also built parts of the Concorde which were sent to Filton, near Bristol, where the aeroplane was assembled.)
Brooklands was also very famous for it's motor racing circuit including it's banked section, which allowed phenomenal speeds to be reached during the races. Part of the banked section is still in evidence today.
After the tours we gathered in the museum cafe for refreshments and a chance to share our
impressions. It was a very enjoyable and informative day out, combining local fellowship with a fascinating look at the remarkable ways transport has changed in our lifetime.
Simon Treadwell
