Castletown D-Day Centre has opened its doors for 2022 with volunteers and new Curator Chris Webb at action stations for a busy summer season ahead.

The centre's team got off to a busy start on their first day open by welcoming a coach group of 50 ex-Royal Navy medics, along with on-the-door admissions.

For the first time the centre will open every day of the week from 10.30am – 3.30pm, with more groups and schools booked to visit and an Easter Egg Hunt taking place from Friday, April 15 to Monday, April 18.

The team spent last winter updating and introducing new displays, including a fully renovated Second World War United States military ambulance. The centre also features fascinating stories of real life local characters from the era, including Lt. John Stone from Weymouth who was awarded the Military Cross for exemplary gallantry.

Castletown D-Day Centre brings to life the important role that the Port of Portland played in the D-Day landings, and pays tribute to the incredible sacrifice of thousands of US troops whom left for the occupied beaches of France on June 6, 1944.

The D-Day Centre includes an impressive array of authentic Second World War artefacts and vehicles, including a full-size replica Spitfire, a Bofors 40mm gun and even a restored Sherman tank, plus interactive audio-visual displays, tank tours and a D-Day bunker.

New Curator Chris Webb knows the area well after spending 20 years working with Coastguard helicopter operations on Portland. Prior to that Chris spent 13 years serving with RAF search and rescue teams in the UK and abroad, including the Falklands Islands.

Chris said: "The great thing about Castletown D-Day Centre is that as well as being incredibly hands-on and interactive, it's educating visitors, many of them families with young children, about what happened all those years ago and why it is still important to remember in today's world."

As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, the centre relies on volunteers, admission income and community goodwill to deliver an incredible immersive experience for thousands of people every year.

Chris added: "We're looking for volunteers from all walks of life to join our team. No experience or knowledge is needed, just an interest in history and the significant role the local area played in D-Day."

Chris and the team hope to support local events, and welcome returning cruise ship passengers – many of them American – following an absence of two years due to Covid.

Visitors encounter a wartime harbour scene where men and equipment are being loaded onto a landing ship moored alongside the dock, making ready for its imminent departure for the occupied beaches of Normandy.

People are advised to check the D-Day Centre's Facebook page for any changes to opening hours before travelling. Find more details about the centre and contact details for volunteering at ddaycentre.com or Facebook @castletownddaycentre.

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