If you're looking for something to do this summer that involves meeting and greeting the public, rich history and being surrounded by passionate people when it comes to aircraft, you might want to consider joining the volunteer team at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM).
Volunteers are needed in most every department, from the reception desk to their library, from grounds keeper and general duties to aircraft and vintage vehicle restoration.
The museum and its programming have grown since it opened its doors to the public in 1982. And now they're calling out for volunteers.
But first, some history!
The museum is located on the Brandon Airport grounds just north of Brandon. It's mandate: to collect, preserve, restore, and display artifacts of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) and to commemorate the 18,039 who gave their lives while in the R.C.A.F. between 1939 and 1945.
The CATPM started in 1980 when a local group became concerned that several trainer aircraft owned by Hartney resident, Wes Agnew, would be sold to foreign interests. Mr. Agnew was a flight instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the BCATP and had a desire to see a museum formed to honor the many men and women who trained under the Air Training Plan. A deal was struck between Agnew and Ed Baker, who led the interested party, and the five aircraft formed the nucleus around which the museum was formed in Hangar No. 1 at the Brandon Airport.
This is the very airfield that was the site of No. 12 Service Flying Training School operated by the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during World War II.
"One of the things that we've been working really hard on is redoing our exhibits and redoing our signage," shares Executive Director Stephen Hayter. "It's kind of exciting to see the museum improve its displays and how it tells the story. So, we're looking for volunteers who want to help improve the museum, work at our front desk. We certainly always need people to greet visitors and tell them about the story."
"Volunteers are the lifeblood of our museum," adds Hayter. "Things would not happen here if we didn't have engaged people doing the work out here. It's what makes the museum as good as it is!"
Please listen to more with Stephen Hayter below!
The museum will be opening their doors for the 2025 tourism season on Tuesday, April 1st and will continue their spring hours from 1-4 pm daily (including Saturday and Sunday). May 1st officially begins summer hours 10:00 am-4:00 pm, 7 days a week till the end of September.
For more information visit the museum's website HERE! or call 204-7272-2444.
For more information specifically on volunteering and the areas where they could use extra help please click HERE!