Essex Wildlife Trust is holding the grand opening of Ingrebourne Visitor Centre in Hornchurch on Saturday 3rd October from 11am.

We’ll be there with refreshment from the Brentwood Brewery beer tent.  Thousands of visitors are expected to join the day of family entertainment and celebration.

There’ll be an historic Spitfire flypast marking the 100th anniversary of Suttons Farm becoming a military airfield.  At the time of the First World War, it was home to the Royal Flying Corps which flew early bi-planes of canvas and wood, shooting down German airships attacking London.  From the 1920s to 60s the airfield was known as RAF Hornchurch.  Spitfire squadrons were based there in the Second World War fighting over France and in the Battle of Britain.

The Visitor Centre Grand Opening will be conducted by BBC Springwatch presenter IoIo Williams.

Entertainments include:  childrens activities, guided walks, displays, entertainment in the ring, a variety of community organisation stands, bouncy castle, live music, beer tent, food stalls and more.

A park and ride bus service will operate on Saturday 3rd October from Harrow Lodge park to Hornchurch Country Park running until 5pm.