Norfolk: Cold war plane transported to new home
A Cold War fighter jet has been transported across Norfolk to a new home where it will be refurbished. The Hunter F.6 jet, which weighs more than 8 tonnes, has been transferred 30 miles (48km) from the City of Norwich Aviation Museum to the Veterans Central charity at West Raynham near Fakenham. Veterans Central supports military and emergency veterans and the larger community in wellbeing, socialization and community activities.The F.6 will now be restored and repainted by members, including veterans who flew the same kind of aircraft.
The 12.8m (42ft) plane was transported on a low-loader along the A1067 before a crane was used to hoist it into position at its new home. Rob Baker, a former RAF engineer is the team lead for the Hunter project at Veterans Central, said the volunteers were looking forward to the refurbishment. "We are delighted that the jet has landed safely and is now ready to be worked on by the team of volunteers , who can barely wait to get started on the restoration. "It's going to be a fantastic centrepiece for the work we do here and a brilliant hands-on project for our veteran volunteers, including many worked on Hunters during their time in the RAF."
The plane is owned by the Coltishall Heritage Trust which has given Veterans Central a long term loan of the craft. It will take pride of place at the entrance to Veterans Central and work will now begin to restore and paint the plane. The group is currently renovating its Grade II listed building as a facility for veterans, serving personnel and families, to support activities, wellbeing and social engagement. They also have a therapy garden on their 3-acre (1.2ha) site. The Veterans Central charity has also been providing monthly breakfasts for armed forces and emergency services veterans on the second Saturday of each month since summer 2023 and in May reached the milestone of 1,000 breakfasts served.
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