April marks the 99th anniversary of the RAF, giving hordes of volunteers and workers just one more year to prepare for their centenary celebrations and grand opening of the renovated Colindale museum.

Barnet Times was given an exclusive tour of the grounds on Grahame Park Way, where renovations began in January to add a new green space, improved visitor centre and new exhibition space.

The RAF Museum London will also be introducing new projects as part of “Historic Hendon” which will engage with the community in neighbouring Grahame Park estate, which currently stands on what was previously a group of runways from the old airfield.

Centenary project manager Rebecca Dalley described the renovated space as replicating the original shape of the airfield, including a green space in the centre for people to use at any point.

She said: “We are also refurbishing a spitfire and placing it so it looks like it is taking off into Grahame Park. It will help people to get a really good idea of what has gone on here.”

Heritage Outreach Officer Joe Sullivan said that as part of the celebrations, residents have been consulted about all the renovations as well as brought on board to volunteer, design walking tours, and discover the heritage of the site.

He said: “Lots of new people are coming in the estate and I think it is really important that there is something that that knits that change together and underpins the community.”

One of the initiatives launched is a partnership with Colindale Primary School, which will include activities such as publishing blogs from the schoolchildren on the Museum’s website, STEM talks and tours of the developing site, as well as designs for hoarding banners to brighten up the museum.

For more information visit http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/