Today marked the official opening of the Tom Marsden Memorial Hangar, or as it will be known, 'Tom's Place' at the Air & Space Institute (ASI), Newark.
Dedicated to Lincoln College’s former Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Tom Marsden MBE, it recognises his integral work in bringing the vision for the ASI to life as well as making Newark a growing learner destination.
Joined by Tom’s family were friends, colleagues and external guests, including Air Commodore Mark Lorriman-Hughes CBE, Commandant of the RAF College Cranwell, and John Robinson, Chief Executive of Newark and Sherwood District Council. The short memorial service took place below the ASI’s own Airbus A318 and was introduced by Lincoln College Group Principal & CEO, Mark Locking, who praised Tom’s warmth, kindness and determination.
Chris Hives, of Quiet Tiger Aviation, also announced a new learner prize named in Tom’s memory, he said: “Tom was always determined and never wanted to be told he couldn’t do something. He was always saying to me ‘I need to break these barriers for students down’ and so it is with that mindset and that will to succeed that we announce the first winner of The Tom Marsden MBE Flying Scholarship.
The inaugural winner was Jenny May Banyward, who won 15 hours of free flying tuition at Quiet Tiger, as well as all the course books needed. Runner up, Mia Bristow also received 5 hours of flying.
A plaque, revealed at the ceremony by Mark and John Robinson, will take pride of place at the entrance to the hangar.
An apple tree and an engraved stake were then planted outside the front of the ASI, with a commemorative engraved shovel presented to Tom’s wife, Dr Merla Marsden.
