Dig For Victory theme at Bentley Priory openday

[Mark]

Bentley Priory - the site of the RAF command during the Battle of Britain
- is opening its doors for the first time in 80 years this weekend.

Harrow in Leaf, a local horticultural charity, will be teaming up with the
Civic Trust to hold a market based on the theme “Dig for Victory”, as well
as demonstrating gardening techniques.



Historic Bentley Priory open weekend begins
by Jack Royston
The Harrow Times
Thursday 11th September 2008
Ref:
www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/localnews/3665693.Historic_Bentley_Priory_open_weekend_begins/
(Watch Short Video at this weblink to the article)

RAF Bentley Priory opened to the public for the first time in 80 years
this morning.

The first guided tour of the Stanmore air base started at 10am, with
residents strolling through the historic rooms and corridors of the former
headquarters of Fighter Command and spiritual home of “The Few”.

Neville Hughs, of Belmont Road, South Harrow, said: “I've enjoyed it very
much. Being born in the early thirties one is very much aware of history.”

“To come to Bentley Priory, which is the focus and centre of so much, is a
brilliant opportunity.”

 The RAF withdrew from the base in May this year after the Ministry of
Defence (MoD) sold the land to developer VSM Estates.

Some of the less historically significant parts of the grade II* listed
mansion house will now be turned into luxury flats while the rooms on the
ground floor will be turned into a commemorative museum.

Mr Hughs said: “We really do look forward to the museum because that is
going to be so important for the future of the building.”

There will be more tours this afternoon and tomorrow, but all places have
already been booked up.

The site will be freely open to the public again on Saturday and Sunday,
and there is no need to book a place on these days.