Hawkinge

[cliveh]

Clive..

Without wanting to sidetrack this thread ( im sure the moderators would say) but I have been to the museum a couple of times and not had any issues. They 'voluntarily' ask you for cameras etc ( they have no power to search but right of admission). They informed me it was as certain people were taking pics of artifacts and putting them on ebay. When they got a buyer they go back and pinch the bits 'sold' ..Maybe I caught them on a good day lol!

Lee

Thanks Lee.

cliveh

[KO-B]

Clive..

Without wanting to sidetrack this thread ( im sure the moderators would say) but I have been to the museum a couple of times and not had any issues. They 'voluntarily' ask you for cameras etc

Have to say that was exactly the experience I had when I visited in 2011. Probably helped that I was already aware of their position regarding cameras before I went, so there were no nasty surprises or disappointments when I got there.
As you say maybe I got them on a good day, but the staff couldn't have been more amiable.
And far from finding the museum (to quote a previous poster) "a disgrace with dusty paper replica aircraft and a few bits of metal", I found the whole experience rather moving. The replica aircraft I think, add a lot to the atmosphere of the museum, and the "bits of metal" are well presented and all have a story to tell.

KO-B

[jael438]

Thanks for the interesting info on the airfield's defence Knouterer.

As for the museum I have to say I do not understand why they won't allow cameras. It certainly put's me off visiting too. Do they really search you for them?

cliveh

No they don't search but make it clear that until you turn out your pockets and hand over mobile,camera etc they won't let you in. Also on the website if you sign the guestbook, your entry is not put in if you have any thing critical to say.
John

[Another Number]

recall if I've had my say here but the museum is a joke, the staff are rude, reception is hostile, the attitudes there are appalling and nobody is willing to help you in anyway, most of the staff there have little or no interest either. No cameras is a joke too, while I understand it in the museum itself, why can't they let you take photos of the aircraft outside, completely ludicrous.

Surprised they are still open for business if I'm honest...,

[KO-B]

Sorry for repeating myself chaps, but that just wasn't the case for me.
When I went (July 2011) I was very politely asked if I was aware of their policy re cameras, I replied that I was and that it was locked away in the car, and no more was said on the subject. The staff on the day I went couldn't have been more helpful or chatty, which was a pleasant surprise as I'd heard all sorts of things about the place which initially made me a bit apprehensive about going.

And while I'm not for one minute suggesting that anyone here was going in the mood for a confrontation, I think that in these cases you just have to accept that it's somebody's collection, it's somebody's rules - they've had stuff nicked to order, so it's perhaps understandable that they're a bit touchy about that, and if you can't accept those rules, then perhaps its best to avoid going at all rather than risk being disappointed.

Personally I had a great afternoon at Hawkinge - just wish I'd had a chance to go when the airfield was still intact.

Certainly not wishing to ruffle any feathers here, but I do feel the need to put the other side of the argument. (Can't be the only one to like the place. Can I?)

KO-B

[jael438]

Thanks to Another Number that is exactly how I felt about the place, and KO-B it is good to hear your side of the argument, I will never go again as I believe it is any thing but a tribute to the Men & Women of Fighter Command (but we all see things differently) Capel le Ferne on the cliff top is a far better memorial well worth the visit very moving.
John

[Robin]

Sorry that people have had issues with their reception at Hawkinge, unfortunately, the volunteer staff are human, and like everyone else have off days. Thank you jael438 for your comments on our Memorial site at Capel le Ferne. Could I please inform everyone that our Spitfire and Hurricane replicas are away at the moment for a well earned period of refurbishment. Being stuck on top of a cliff overlooking the English Channel is not the best of locations given our climatic conditions, they will be back very shortly.

Robin.

[johnnyreb]

I must admit that I haven't been to the museum for a few years now but I used to visit on a frequent basis and never had an issue there. Yes, they are a touch paranoid about photography but with good reason by all accounts. I have always found them to be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the BoB and the exhibits and nothing less than polite.