THE community in Stanmore is rallying as a former air base prepares to open to the public for the first time in 80 years.

The spirit of the blitz has returned to the area, with residents coming together to hold an open weekend at RAF Bentley Priory, the spiritual home of “The Few” during the Battle of Britain.

For four days in September the public will be able to stroll through the historic rooms where Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding masterminded the country’s air defence during one of most dangerous periods of British history.

But there will be more on show than the Grade II* listed mansion. Everyone from residents to air cadets are volunteering their time to make the day a success.

Squadron Leader Erica Ferguson, of the RAF Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust, said: “It is open to the public for the first time in 80 years, let’s make it a party to remember.

“We want it to be an exciting day for everyone with more than just a chance to look around.”

Horticulturalists are teaming up with the Civic Trust to hold a market based on the theme “dig for victory,” a World War Two campaign aimed at getting people to grow their own vegetables during food shortages.

Veterans of the Battle of Britain will also be there, to share stories and sign autographs, and Ms Ferguson says she is also hoping to exhibit World War Two art.

A number of people who already volunteer as tour guides for St John the Evangelist Church, in Rectory Lane, will help show guests around the mansion house.

Air cadets will be working as stewards.

Ms Ferguson wants residents with memorabilia such as gas masks, from World War Two to contribute what they can for the weekend, so the trust can hold museum style exhibitions.

The trust is still raising funds for a project to set up a museum at the mansion, when some other parts of the base are turned into housing, and as a result money for organising the events is short.

The success of the open weekend will depend upon the support of volunteers.

But anyone who does give their time to the project will be working for one of the key memorials to a battle that turned the tide of British history.

Ms Ferguson said: “Without victory there would have been no foothold for the D-Day landings. If we had been invaded that would have been the end of that.

“Trafalgar saved England but the Battle of Britain saved the world.”

RAF Bentley Priory will open to the public from Thursday, September 11, to Sunday, September 14 with main events taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

Anyone who wants to get in touch with the trust to find out how they can help can contact Squadron Leader Erica Ferguson during office hours only on 07813 856 719.