The Museum and Association owe their existence to the efforts and enthusiasm of both Service personnel and civilian members.

The founding of the Club/Association was timed to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Station in May 1986. Since then successive Station Commanders have given their support and encouragement, whilst club members have worked at gathering material and setting up the displays.

Over Christmas 1997 the History Association moved its museum into what was the Station MT Section situated next to the Memorial Museum Building Car Park at the B2050/B2190 road junction. The Club has acquired a Meteor Mk11 which is being refurbished for exhibition later this year.

Other recent acquisitions include a Hawker Typhoon cockpit, a Chipmunk cockpit, a partly built BE2c replica, and a Lancaster Link instrument trainer all of which need much work before they will be in full exhibition state. The Typhoon is thought to be one which flew from Manston during World War II and, when restoration is complete, will be only the second of its type on display in the world. It is hoped to obtain a F-86 Sabre in the near future. The original collection of photographs, models and memorabilia relating to the airfield has been moved across and is being set up in purpose built display galleries and dioramas.

As well as the aircraft under restoration, also on display are a 1940's sitting room, a Battle of Britain Intelligence room, a Cold War Fighter Controller Ops room and the vast photographic collection. The Museum is open Mondays - Saturdays 1pm - 5pm, Sundays & Bank Holidays 10am - 5pm. Entry is free but donations are always welcome. Prior notice for school parties would be appreciated.

The Association has members overseas and in this country. A meeting is held in the club building on the first Monday of the month at 7pm. New members are welcome. In keeping with its recently changed aspirations and enhanced facility, membership categories have been amended and now fall into four types:

• Full Membership for those who regularly work for the museum or on the exhibits or who contribute usefully to the Association’s work. £10 per year.
  
• Provisional Full Membership on a probationary basis for those who intend to become Full Members. £10.
  
• Associate/Overseas Membership for those that cannot work for the museum but who support its aims or wish to attend the monthly social evenings and talks. £8 per year.
  
• Junior Membership for children aged 6 - 16 years. £5 per year.

Subscriptions are payable to RAF Manston History Museum NONPAS and sent to:

Treasurer
RAF Manston History Museum
MOD Manston
Ramsgate
Kent CT12 5BS

Enquiries regarding the History Museum should be addressed to:

Sgt Jack McFarlane
Medical Centre
MOD Manston
Ramsgate
Kent CT12 5BS

Tel 01843 823351 ext 6296