We're supporting the 100 Voices Trail

The 100 Voices Trail is a series of Lincolnshire walks that tell the fascinating story of the RAF in first-hand accounts, models and pictures.

Designed to mark the RAF’s 100th birthday, the eight 100 Voices Trail showcases models of well-known plane wings including the Lancaster, Spitfire and Sopwith Camel. Stories and pictures complete the experience.

Lincolnshire Co-op, sponsors of the Hawk trail, sent Andrew Phillips to find out more.

“Like many Lincolnshire-born folk I’ve always had a keen interest in planes, war stories and the RAF bases across the county. Exploring the mile-long Hawk trail in Lincoln city centre gave me the chance to discover the stories of service people past and present.

“The Hawk aircraft which the trail ‘wings’ are based on has been in production for over 40 years and is regularly seen in the skies over Lincolnshire. They are most famously the aircraft of the Red Arrows, based at RAF Scampton just north of the city.

“What strikes me first is the diversity of the fascinating stories on each wing, from visits by King George V during the First World War to the spectacular aerobatics of the Red Arrows. The wings take you on a journey through time around the city, with many of the referring to stories that occurred near where they are based.

“I knew they were something to be proud of, but the Hawk trail gave me a better understanding of the great sacrifices and selfless acts people made during conflict.

“One features Operation Manna – a massive ten-day effort to drop food to starving civilians in the Netherlands. Harry Parkins was just 20 when he took part in this mission. That’s four years younger than me and I’m still afraid of flying.

“What I wasn’t expecting was the hilarious stories of pranks and banter that wouldn’t be out of place today. The story of the Battle of the Hats involves toilet roll, falling hats and a pitchfork. Intrigued? Then take the trail and find out more – you won’t regret it.”

For more information on the 100 voices trail go to www.visitlincoln.com/100voices