The previous cache at this location was only my 5th ever find and as it was recently archived, I decided to replace it as the Showground is a site visited by many from around the country. The previous cache listing can be found here GC4NC33
The Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society purchased the former RAF Winthorpe in 1964. The site is around 200 acres. The Newark and Nottinghamshire County Show is held on the site every year on the second weekend in May. Many other events are held throughout the year on the Showground.
Newark Air Museum opened on 14 April 1973. The museum has 69 different aircraft on display including 4 currently on the British Aircraft Preservation Council Register.
RAF Winthorpe opened in September 1940. From 1942 until 1944, it was home to No. 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit, responsible for training Avro Lancaster crews with around 30 planes. No. 1661 was part of No. 5 Group before transferring in 1944 to No. 7 Group. On the conclusion of the war, RAF Winthorpe transferred to Transport Command.
During the time under Transport Command and before decommission, RAF Winthorpe housed at various points:
- No. 54 Maintenance Unit
- No. 61 Maintenance Unit
- No. 1331 Heavy Transport Conversion Unit
- No. 1333 (Transport Support) Conversion Unit
- No. 1333 Transport Support Training Unit
- Central Servicing Development Establishment