THE manager of RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre at Gulliver’s World has paid tribute to popular guide Neil Jupp, who has retired.

Neil began his career at Gulliver’s World 10 years ago as a ride operator and five years ago became a guide at the heritage centre, which is next to the theme park.

The largest airfield in Europe during World War II, RAF Burtonwood opened in January 1940 and was transferred to the US in 1942, becoming home to 18,000 US servicemen at the end of the war. After the war, it was transferred back to the RAF and finally closed in 1993, with the runway and most of the buildings demolished since then.

John Cotterill, manager of RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre, said: “Neil’s diligent approach as a ride operator was appreciated by guests and employer alike, and after moving to the heritage centre, he took to his new role with a dedicated approach and was very quickly up to speed with the demands of the job.

“Neil displayed a fantastic level of empathy towards visitors to the centre, listening intently to their stories, and he had a special gift of being able to get them to open up and share their memories of RAF Burtonwood.

“It was a pleasure to work alongside Neil and he was an absolute asset to RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre and Gulliver’s World as a whole. I, for one, will miss his wisdom and mischievous sense of humour. Enjoy your retirement, Neil.”

The heritage centre helps keep alive the memory of all those who served on the airbase and educate visitors about the role it played in the town’s development. The entrance to the centre is situated in the car park of Gulliver’s World, which is built on part of the former airbase.

The centre is a charity, funded by donations. While entrance is free, it also offers guided tours, educational packages, and presentations.

John, who lives in Burtonwood, has been associated with the Heritage Centre for 37 years.

He said: “It’s about upholding the memory of the many thousands of veterans who served on the airbase, the part they played in World War II, and the aircraft that were based here. It is such a privilege to meet veterans when they visit, and to hear their stories.”

Craig Clews, resort director at Gulliver’s World, said: “Everyone at Gulliver’s World wishes Neil a long and happy retirement and we thank him for his wonderful service, first as a ride operator and then as a heritage centre guide. He was a tremendous asset and will be missed – although we hope he will continue to call in and say hello.”

Until April, the heritage centre is open 2.30pm to 5pm from Wednesday to Friday. After April, it will open 2.30pm to 5pm Wednesday to Sunday. Visits outside of these hours can be arranged, and you don’t have to visit Gulliver’s World to access the centre.

If you are interested in learning about being a volunteer, email John.Cotterill@rafburtonwood.co.uk