A RELIC from Southend Airport’s golden era is set to find a temporary home to stop it being battered by wind and rain during an ambitious restoration programme.

Marc Willmott, 62, from Hadleigh, has been refurbishing the last surviving Carvair cockpit in a field since rescuing it from a Suffolk industrial estate in August, but it has been exposed to the elements. 
Echo: Home - Marc Willmott (L) and ex-British Air Ferries engineer Richard Walker (R) after bringing the last surviving Carvair cockpit back to south EssexHome - Marc Willmott (L) and ex-British Air Ferries engineer Richard Walker (R) after bringing the last surviving Carvair cockpit back to south Essex (Image: Marc Willmott)

The relic formed part of the Douglas DC-4 air ferry that chartered from Southend to Calais in 1954, with a capacity of about 22 passengers in a rear cabin, and five cars loaded in at the front.

Marc has been working with the Carvair in a field covered under a tarpaulin but has been pushing for a temporary base to be found. 

Echo: Restoration - Carvair cockpit under tarpaulin Restoration - Carvair cockpit under tarpaulin (Image: Marc Willmott)

Now, Stephen Aylen, Belfairs ward non-aligned councillor, has said talks have been going on for a “couple of months” to find an empty council-owned unit for Marc to finish the restoration, which are “heading in the right direction".

Mr Aylen said: “Talks have been going on for a couple of months, and it’s positive at the moment.

“We’re progressing forward and if talks reach a positive outcome, the keys could be handed over pretty soon.

“The Carvair cockpit is an important part of Southend Airport because it’s a big chunk of its history where people could once fly their cars to Calais.

“I hope the site can be secured.”

Marc added: “We’re in ongoing conversations with Stephen about a possible site.

“He is negotiating with the council and if all things going well, we could get the keys.

“It’s unclear if we’ll be there permanently or for only a couple of years but nevertheless, it’s exciting.

“The council is willing to help, and I really appreciate it.

“I look forward to hearing the outcome.”

At last Thursday’s full council meeting, Mr Aylen called on Derek Jarvis, Conservative councillor responsible for arts, culture, heritage and leisure, for the council to “support and assist this important project”.

Mr Jarvis responded by saying the council is “committed where possible” to supporting the ambition and is “happy to try and connect any potential partners” to find a venue or a position in an aviation museum.