AIM Biffa Award to support new exhibition at Biggin Hill Memorial Museum

Biggin Hill Memorial Museum is delighted to announce that they have secured £68,530 of funding from AIM Biffa Award History Makers, as part of the Landfill Communities Fund, which will fund a new exhibition to bring together material to showcase the acts of service and personal perspectives of ATA female officers and women who served in the WAAF, along with present-day voices and interpretation to help visitors critically engage with the role and legacy of these History Makers and inspire future generations.

Thanks to funding through the AIM Biffa Award History Makers programme, this new exhibition will explore the role of women during the Battle of Britain. The exhibition will explore the work of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) and the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce (WAAF) at Biggin Hill. The exhibition will examine the roles and duties carried out, recognition and pay and perceptions of women during this time.

Women in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) played a critical role in Biggin Hill’s operations during this period and this project gives a platform to their lesser-known stories.

This exciting project will bring these stories to life through film, interpretation, hands on learning, family engagement and through a VR experience.

Katie Edwards, Director Biggin Hill Memorial Museum said:

“Throughout this exhibition we have the opportunity to explore social expectation and stereotypes throughout history and as a museum, we have the opportunity to break down barriers through inspirational experiences.

This exhibition will allow us to delve into new stories to inspire young people with the lived experiences of women in WWII. It will provide an exciting opportunity for new programming and partnership opportunities. We will bring to life the stories of women such as Flt Off Elspeth Henderson MM, Sgt Joan Mortimer MM, and Sgt Helen Turner MM and other serving WAAF’s at Biggin Hill and explore how their work shaped our future.”

Ann Galley, WAAF serving at RAF Biggin Hill during World War Two said:

“By sharing the personal stories of the people who comforted and touched people’s lives during the darkest of days we can understand and really connect with the past”.

Rachel Maidment, Biffa Award Grants Manager, said:

“It is a privilege to be able to fund this new exhibition at Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, exploring the vital role that women played during the Second World War. The AIM Biffa Award History Makers’ Programme is committed to helping tell the stories of some of our lesser known, but incredibly influential historical figures, like the courageous women who served during the Battle of Britain. We can’t wait to see the finished exhibition.”

The new exhibition will be launched in summer of 2022.

Click here to visit the Biggin Hill Memorial Museum website>>

Click here to find out more about the AIM Biffa Award History Makers scheme>>