A founder member of the Wight Aviation Museum at Sandown Airport has been honoured with a prestigious national Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to preserving aviation history.
Helen Blake-Edwards, who is also Chair of the museum, received the award from Aviation Heritage UK in recognition of her longstanding contribution to the museum and her efforts to make aviation heritage accessible to future generations.
The award was presented by Allan Winn, Chairman of Aviation Heritage UK, during a ceremony in Poynton, Cheshire.
In a fitting coincidence, the ceremony took place in the same town where Helen grew up until she was 8 years old.
Helen has played a key role in establishing and developing the Wight Aviation Museum, helping to bring the history of flight to life through exhibitions and displays celebrating the people, aircraft and stories that have shaped aviation.
The national recognition comes as the museum prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027.
Helen Blake-Edwards, Chair of Wight Aviation Museum, has said:
“What an honour to receive this national and prestigious award from Aviation Heritage UK. I’m proud to accept this award on behalf of all the hours volunteers have put in developing the museum.
“To be recognised nationally is a huge honour. We’ve all worked so hard to build an island aviation museum. I’m so proud to receive this national award.
“We’re celebrating 10 years in 2027, which is a great achievement.”
Based at Sandown Airport, Wight Aviation Museum showcases the Isle of Wight’s aviation heritage, connecting the Island’s historic links to flight with modern aviation technology and experiences.
The museum is run with the support of volunteers, whose efforts have helped develop it into an attraction celebrating the Island’s contribution to aviation history.
Anyone interested in learning more about the museum or volunteering can email [email protected], call on 07949 704052 or visit www.wightaviationmuseum.org.uk.
