AVIATION enthusiasts were treated to a dining experience with a difference last night in Thornbury with a special Concorde themed evening.

The evening, a partnership between restaurant Ronnie’s of Thornbury and Thornbury museum offered guests a champagne reception with the chance to view the museum’s Concorde exhibition, before heading to the restaurant for a three-course meal inspired by the menu on the famous supersonic jet.

The exhibition, which is on display until the end of April, features a wealth of photos and items spanning the history of Filton airfield from its beginnings as the Bristol Aeroplane Company in 1910 to the supersonic jet’s final flight in 2003.

Among the items in the exhibit is the airfield’s guestbook, signed by an incredible array of public figures including Princess Margaret, Lord Snowdon and motor racing champion Graham Hill, as well as the nautical clock from the ops desk of RAF Fairford.

After the meal, the exhibition’s creator, Thornbury deputy mayor Cllr Bob Griffin (call sign “Technique”) gave a talk on his lifetime in aviation, with anecdotes from his joining the air cadets aged 11, through his national service in the RAF, to working in flight operations for the Bristol Aeroplane Company and British Aerospace at RAF Fairford and in Filton.

Cllr Griffin said after the evening how much of a pleasure it was to see so many in attendance, adding that he was “amazed that there was such an interest.”

“Having the museum open for everyone to enjoy the exhibition was lovely, the staff were amazing for giving us that opportunity and it is very much appreciated.

“There is a lot of very unique stuff on show at the museum and I think everyone enjoyed the chance to have a look around with a glass in hand.”

The restaurant’s owner and head chef Ron Falkner said how nice it was to “cook something a bit different,” adding how much fun it was “trying to put a modern twist on a classic menu.”

He said: “I really want to thank Call Sign Technique. Bob’s talk was great, I really think he made the evening.

“I genuinely enjoyed listing to his stories and it was clear that everyone else enjoyed them too. It was a privilege to have him here.

“Everyone had a good time and that for me is what it is all about. Being able to bring everyone together in a celebration.

“Concorde is engrossed so much in the community, it affected the area so much and it really shows in how interested people are tonight.

It is fascinating and wonderful to see that passion is still so strong with people of all ages.”