Archive for June, 2011

Saturday Night at the Movies at Airbourne

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Visitors to Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow are being invited to vote now for Saturday Night at the Movies with a choice of 12 films to be shown on a giant beachside screen on the Western Lawns during the spectacular summer event.Brand new for 2011 Airbourne TV is coming to Eastbourne from 11-14 August for the four day flying extravaganza providing a fully produced and interactive show of the event on three big screens along the seafront and one in the town centre.

With Eastbourne already hosting a successful big screen broadcast of the Royal Wedding and a screening of opera Tosca live from Valencia earlier this year, the Saturday evening of Airbourne promises another big screen event with the chance for visitors to vote for the film they’d like to see.

Starting this week, airshow fans, residents and visitors are being invited to vote for a choice of 12 films through the Airbourne and VisitEastbourne pages on facebook. The film shortlist includes musicals Grease, Hard Day’s Night and The Sound of Music, family favourites Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Jungle Book and Monsters Inc, and popular titles such as The Aviator, Airplane, Ghostbusters, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Back to the Future.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said “Saturday Night at the Movies promises to be another fantastic new addition to this year’s Airbourne extending the brilliant airshow atmosphere into the evening and bringing visitors together for a giant film screening. I hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to vote for their favourite movie from our shortlist and join us on Saturday 13 August for a magnificent free seaside film showing.”

Airbourne TV will offer visitors the chance to interact with Airbourne throughout the four days, including live streaming, pilot interviews and text to screen. It will also offer businesses the opportunity to promote themselves to the huge footfall that the event attracts with advertising spots available, contact Big Bear Events for details of packages on 0845 652 5586.

Other highlights coming up at Airbourne 2011 include a top flight of flying displays including the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers and new for 2011, displays from the Royal Navy Black Cats and Royal Navy Raiders Parachute Display Team.

The Marines Unarmed Combat team will make a welcome return to the arena displays, joining the popular Essex Dog Display Team and RAF College Band, while the RAF Exhibition and trade stands will offer plenty to keep visitors entertained on the ground.

For more information on Airbourne 2011 and to vote for Saturday Night at the Movies go to www.facebook.com/airbourneeastbourne or www.eastbourneairshow.com. The vote will close at midday on Friday 15 July.

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A Special Day for Sally B

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

B-17 Preservation and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to present Sally B and Friends Day on Sunday 31 July 2011.A celebration of B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B, in her 66th year, this special event offers 1940s nostalgia, fantastic flying and the opportunity to hear from the pilots and ground crews who keep historic aircraft in pristine condition for the enjoyment of future generations.

Duxford’s historic airfield will revisit the evocative days of the Second World War, with living history groups representing different aspects of Britain at war. Rangers Re-enactors represent the ‘Friendly Invasion’ of the United States Forces into wartime Britain, while the Pitsford Home Guard present demonstrations and displays in appreciation of the real ‘Dad’s Army’, the Local Defence Volunteers who were the first point of defence against invasion on British soil.

Fabulous forties music is provided by Room 21, a 21-piece Big Band who will be performing instantly recognisable Swing and Big Band classics from the wartime period.

There will also be a display of wartime military vehicles.

Duxford’s Wing Co Joe’s Cafe will be bedecked with victory bunting and propaganda posters, with a special wartime menu on offer – ration books not required!

Why not get into the Blitz spirit and arrive dressed in your 1940s finery? We’d love to see visitors in wartime uniforms or forties frocks, really becoming part of this special celebratory day! While this event is not an air show, there will be moments of superb flying during the afternoon of Sally B and Friends Day.

Sally B will fly three set pieces to the atmospheric sounds of Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn. She will fly a solo display and then will be joined by her ‘little friends’ – the North American P-51 Mustang, which escorted Flying Fortresses on their outward bombing missions from the East Anglian airfields, and the iconic Supermarine Spitfire IXB, the quintessential British wartime fighter aircraft.

Two de Havilland Dragon Rapides will display, representing the airliners of the golden age of air travel.

The SWIP Team of Peter Wells and Guy Westgate will perform stunning aerobatic routines in their graceful and agile Twister SA1100 aircraft.

A Douglas Dakota DC-3 and Beech 18 Expediter will perform a duo display, representing the United States transport aircraft of the Second World War. They will then join Sally B for a very special salute to the Sally B Supporters Club, without whom it would not be possible to keep Sally B flying.

Two T-28 Trojan aircraft, used by the US Navy for training purposes, will fly simultaneously, followed by aerobatic master Mark Jefferies in the Extra 330SC.

The grand flying finale will feature Sally B with the SWIP Team in their Twister SA1100 aircraft – a display that has never been previously performed!

Visitors can find out more about the passion and commitment needed to keep historic aircraft flying. Pilots and ground crew of the Sally B, together with representatives of many of the historic aircraft on display at the Sally B and Friends Day, will be available to chat to visitors about their individual roles in historic aviation.

There will be fun family activities on offer, with science and technology experiments in AirSpace and the opportunity to experience the 1940s Home Front with costumed characters and hands-on craft activities in Hangar 4: Battle of Britain.

There will also be tours of the American Air Museum, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the United States Army Air Force Bombing Campaign during the Second World War.

Join us to celebrate Sally B’s 66th year, and her 36th display season – an incredible achievement for an iconic aircraft that delights air show crowds and is a favourite with IWM Duxford visitors all year round.

Sally B and Friends Day is included in standard admission to the Museum. Children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by an adult. http://www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

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RAFs biggest Aircraft to Take Air Tattoo Bow

Saturday, June 25th, 2011

The first public appearance of the Royal Air Force’s largest and newest aircraft will take place at the Royal International Air Tattoo next month.The much-anticipated A330 tanker will feature on static display at the airshow at RAF Fairford on July 16-17 and will take part in an official naming ceremony to confirm its prestigious title, Voyager.

It will be the longest and widest aircraft in the RAF’s fleet with a wing span of 60 metres.

Voyager has been designed to carry a payload of up to 45 tonnes, which can include up to 291 passengers or 111 tonnes of fuel for its air-to-air refuelling or air transport missions.

Dave Mitchard, Managing Director for AirTanker Services Ltd – the company delivering the fleet to the RAF at Brize Norton – said: “We are delighted to have the Voyager aircraft on public display for the first time this year.

“The Air Tattoo provides the perfect showcase for the RAF’s future tanker and transport aircraft and we’re thoroughly looking forward to bringing it into service towards the end of this year.”

AirTanker’s contract with the Ministry of Defence will see them provide 14 purpose-built A330 tanker and transport aircraft, as well as the associated support services, including training, maintenance, infrastructure, flight operations and ground services.

Dave continued: “We’re going to provide a step change in capability for the RAF.

“We are using a new, modern aircraft, where traditionally the RAF has used existing aircraft and converted them for specific usage. Voyager will therefore have all the benefits associated with a new aircraft such as better fuel efficiency, greater reliability and quieter engines, which is particularly good news for those living in the local area.”

The first two aircraft within the Voyager fleet, which will replace the VC-10 and Tristar, have been converted by Airbus Military in their purpose-built facility near Madrid, Spain. Once the aircraft have been certified and qualified, they will be owned by AirTanker and leased to the Royal Air Force.

AirTanker has five shareholders – all well-known names within the defence and aviation sectors – who are also subcontractors for the programme. They are Babcock, Cobham, EADS, Rolls-Royce and Thales.

The A330 will also have an aeromedical capability, which will enable it to carry up to 40 NATO stretchers and three critical care patients.

The name Voyager follows the heritage of a number of RAF tanker aircraft, with the names beginning with V, specifically the Victor and the VC-10 Tanker aircraft.

Squadron Leader Kevin Latchman, 30, who will be one of the first pilots to operate Voyager when the first of 14 A330s come in to service in the autumn, said: “This is a completely different way of doing business for the Royal Air Force and it has the potential to revolutionise an existing capability. The aircraft is brand new and being one of the first pilots to fly it is a very exciting prospect.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the Voyager at RIAT, especially because it will start to focus the mind on the fact that the aircraft will soon be entering service.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40th anniversary and hosting a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

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Duxford counts down the days to Flying Legends 2011

Saturday, June 25th, 2011

With only weeks to go until Flying Legends on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July, The Fighter Collection and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to announce that over 55 aircraft will be participating at this year’s warbird spectacular.

In the 30th anniversary year of The Fighter Collection, Flying Legends promises to be a memorable celebratory occasion.

Highlights include:

For the first time since the filming of the famous Battle of Britain film in 1968, three Second World War Hispano HA-1112 MIL (Buchon) fighter aircraft will display in the skies over Duxford.

The Aer Lingus DH-84 Dragon Iolar will make its debut at Flying Legends this year. Built in 1936, the Iolar was acquired by Aer Lingus in the 1960s, as the airline’s original DH-84 was destroyed during the Second World War. The original Iolar was Aer Lingus’ first aircraft that flew the airline’s inaugural flight from Baldonnel to Bristol in May 1936. The Iolar will be flown alongside a second DH-84 Dragon and a de Havilland Dragon Rapide.

In a rare air show appearance, there will be three Skyraiders displaying at Flying Legends.

As previously announced, The Flying Bulls’ Lockheed P-38 Lightning reg. N25Y and Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair reg. OE-EAS will perform a stunning display as part of an unrivalled programme of aerial excitement.

The Horsemen, the world’s only P-51 Mustang formation aerobatic team, will perform at Flying Legends as a two-ship team with pilots Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley showcasing the aircraft that made America great.

On the ground, there will be fun activities for all ages.

The Airfix Make and Paint Zone will give families the opportunity to make their own Airfix model and paint it with the accompanying paint colours. Once complete, the finished model aircraft is placed into a hanger box so that visitors can take their aviation masterpiece home as a souvenir of their day at Duxford.

Tank Heroes will be offering mini tank rides for children. Hands on History will be giving visitors of all ages the opportunity to dress as a British Army private or a Royal Air Force airman from the Second World War (no additional charge). There is also the opportunity to have a go at shooting paintballs at a mock-up of a ruined Normandy village with three-dimensional tank and soldier targets (additional charges apply).

Creating an authentic 1940s wartime atmosphere, the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Lindy Hoppers will be dancing up a storm on the Hangar Base on Saturday 9 July and encouraging toetapping visitors to join in.

On Sunday 10 July, direct from New York City, The Manhattan Dolls bring their Andrews Sisters style show to Flying Legends.

Performing on the Hangar Base, they’ll be taking visitors on a sentimental journey through those evocative songs of the 1930s and 1940s.

In addition, visitors will be able to interact with living history groups, who will be bringing the Second World War to life at Duxford’s historic airfield. Ops 1939-45 will be representing Battle of Britain-era RAF pilots and ground crew, while the 42nd Field Hospital portrays US Army medical personnel from the Second World War.

The Screaming Eagles Living History Group will be representing servicemen who served with the 101st US Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2ndBattalion, Easy Company during the Second World War.

For daredevil visitors, the Parachute Regiment will be offering jumps from their Parachute Tower.

The Royal Air Force Recruiting Team will be showcasing a replica Red Arrows Hawk and chatting to visitors about life in the RAF.

Without doubt one of the finest warbird air shows in the world, Flying Legends will again provide an unrivalled line-up of the classic propeller-driven combat aircraft from both the First and Second World Wars, many of which are now either rare or unique.

With legendary aircraft and superbly talented pilots coming from across the globe to display at Flying Legends, a spectacular performance of stunning aerial displays awaits. Coupled with fantastically fun ground activities and an authentic evocation of the 1940s, Flying Legends is a unique event not to be missed!

All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or by calling the box office on 01223 499 353.

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World Record-Breaking Pilot Drops into Duxford

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

On Wednesday 15 June, world record-breaking round-the-world pilot CarolAnn Garrett flew into Duxford in her Mooney aircraft.CarolAnn has circumnavigated the world twice and set a world record by completing a round the world trip in 8.5 days, at an average speed of 115.35mph.

CarolAnn was born in the UK and emigrated to the USA as a child in 1964. Her father passed on his passion for aviation to the whole family and it was whilst flying her father to visit his sister in New Zealand, who he hadn’t seen for many years, that the idea of a round the world trip was born. The first world circumnavigation was undertaken as a fundraising exercise for DASH for a Cure, supporting ALS Research (www.alsworldflight.com), while Carol’s second round the world trip resulted in her record-breaking achievement.

This wasn’t the first time that Carol had visited Duxford, as in 2004 she brought her father to see the Valentine, the type of tank that he drove during the Second World War under General Montgomery’s command, which is on display in Land Warfare.

Visit www.iwm.org.uk/duxford for details of our events and activities.

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75th Anniversary of the first Wellington Flight

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

Wednesday 15th June 2011 marked the 75th Anniversary of the first flight of the Vickers Wellington. Part of the Royal Air Forces bomber strength during World War II, the prototype Wellington (K 4049) first took to the skies on the 15th June 1936.The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is home to the world’s only complete example, Vickers Wellington B.X MF628. The Wellington is currently undergoing restoration work in the Museums award winning Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, where it will spend the next four years being carefully restored, before going back on display at the RAF Museum London.

The Wellington went into active RAF service in 1938 and played a significant role in the RAF during World War II. This twin-engined, long-serving, medium-range bomber was utilised heavily within Bomber Command at the outset of World War II, and was affectionately known as the ‘Wimpy’ by its crews. Flying on many of the Wars defining bombing operations, the ‘Wimpys’ last mission with Bomber Command was in October 1943. During WWII the Wellington served in other theatres including the Middle East and Far East and as a maritime patrol and anti-submarine craft in Coastal Command; some also served with Transport Command illustrating what an incredibly versatile aircraft the Wellington was. As an aircrew trainer it served with the RAF until1953.

With a wingspan of 86ft, over 60ft in length and a height of 17ft, the Wellington had a bomb carrying capacity of 4,500lb. In total 11,461 Wellington’s were built, the bomber typically carried a crew of five or six which would vary depending on the operation.

The Wellington is famous for its unique geodetic construction, built up from a number of strong channel-beams that were formed into a large geodesic-based network. Originally designed by Barnes Wallis, the geodetic construction gave the aircraft tremendous strength because any one of the stringers could support some of the weight from even the opposite side of the aircraft.

The Museums Wellington B.X MF628 will be on display to visitors during the Conservation Centre Open Week taking place from Monday 14th to Saturday 19th November 2011. Open each day from 10.15am -1.00pm, a range of aircraft and other artefacts in various states of restoration will be on display, including the Centre’s largest project, the Wellington Bomber.

The Museum will open daily from 10am – 6pm (last admission 5pm). Admission is FREE of charge. For further information, please contact the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.

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Rare Cold War Jet Coup for Air Tattoo

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

One of the world’s most potent Soviet-built jet fighters, rarely seen in the UK, will make a welcome appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford next month.

The Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 ‘Flanker’, which can fly at speeds of up to 1,550mph, was first developed in the 1970s to counter the US Air Force’s new F-15 Eagle. It is often considered to be the best and most successful Russian-built fighter of the Cold War era. The Eastern European fighters were last seen at the Air Tattoo 12 years ago, having made their debut at the airshow in 1996. When it returns for the airshow on July 16-17, the aircraft will be accompanied by a large Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the Ukrainians’ participation underlined the airshow’s global reputation built up during the past 40 years.

He said: “We regularly receive wish lists from enthusiasts hoping to see specific aircraft and on almost all, the Su-27 ‘Flanker’ comes either top or close to the top. It is an incredibly large and distinctive looking aircraft with immense manoeuvrability and power.

“I’m absolutely delighted that visitors to the Air Tattoo next month will be able to see such an iconic aircraft along with another from the same era, the Vulcan bomber.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40th anniversary and hosting a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.

Nine aerobatic display teams from around the world will be performing in the flying display along with aircraft from countries including the US, Oman, Turkey, Sweden Italy, Austria, Denmark and Jordan. On Sunday, visitors will also be able to see a one-off lunchtime performance by X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

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Unique Bomber Joins Air Tattoo Stars

Saturday, June 11th, 2011

The legendary Vulcan bomber will be among the stars at next month’s Royal International Air Tattoo when it demonstrates its grace and immense power during the airshow’s seven-and-a-half-hour flying display at RAF Fairford on July 16-17.

The Vulcan, one of the most iconic warbirds of the Cold War era, was restored to flying condition in 2008 following a massive £7 million public campaign. Fundraising continues to keep the aircraft in the air each year and it remains one of the most popular flying displays during the UK airshow season.

Vulcan XH558, which was built in 1960, enjoyed a 33-year career in the RAF, including service during the Falklands War. Along with the Valiant and the Victor, the three aircraft comprised the Royal Air Force’s legendary V-bomber force, designed to protect the UK from nuclear threat from the 1950s to the 1980s. It is the only flying Vulcan bomber in the world. Next year will mark the Vulcan’s 60th anniversary after first flying on August 30, 1952.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Mr Tim Prince said few aircraft could rival the Vulcan’s iconic design and raw power.

He said: “Whenever the Vulcan displays there’s a tangible sense of excitement amongst the crowd. Like Concorde, you feel you are witnessing something quite special when you see it roar along the runway and start to take off. It’s simply awe-inspiring.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40th anniversary and hosting a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike, Attack and Reconnaissance.

Nine aerobatic display teams from around the world will be performing in the flying display along with aircraft from countries including the US, Oman, Turkey, Sweden Italy, Austria, Denmark and Jordan. On Sunday, visitors will also be able to see a one-off lunchtime performance by X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

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Fantastic Flying Kicks Off Air Tattoo Media Launch

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

A BEVY of fantastic flying machines touched down today (Wednesday June 8th) at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for the media launch of this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo, to help the event celebrate its 40th anniversary.The aircraft – from the swing-wing fast jet Tornado GR4, through the USAF’s MC-130P Combat Shadow and the Royal Navy’s tiger-striped Navy Merlin, to two ultralight EV-97 Eurostars, provided by the RAF Charitable Trust, and a Boeing Stearman biplane from the Breitling Wingwalkers – touched down at the home of the Air Tattoo to launch this year’s event, which takes place on July 16 and 17.

Sir David Jason, a great supporter of the Air Tattoo and an Honorary Vice Patron since 1999, arrived in an RAF Chinook HC2 from RAF Odiham to perform the official cutting of the Air Tattoo’s 40th birthday cake and to wish the event well. He said: “It’s a great pleasure to come to the media launch, as I like to feel it’s helping drum up the support that the RAF Charitable Trust needs.”

He added: “The Charitable Trust is close to my heart as it supports all the guys in the military who’ve fallen on hard times, as the money raised goes to help them and to make their lives more worthwhile. I feel very strongly about the role the RAF played in the Second World War, as I was born during the conflict and without them none of us would be here – so I feel duty bound, and proud, to support the Trust.”

The launch also featured three veterans from the first-ever Air Tattoo held in 1971 at North Weald, Essex. Spitfire Mk9 (MH434) which displayed at the first-ever Air Tattoo, flew in to join Tim Prince, Air Tattoo Chief Executive and a founder member of the airshow, along with aviation journalist and photographer Peter R March.

Recalling the Spitfire’s first Air Tattoo appearance (it will also be displaying at this year’s event), when it was piloted by former Red Arrows leader and legendary aerobatics display pilot Ray Hanna, Tim Prince said: “I can still recall the cold sweat I felt when Ray made his first approach: he was so low the tips of his propeller seemed to be touching the ground. But Ray went on to perform fantastically in MH434 and he helped cement the Air Tattoo’s reputation for staging spectacular aerial displays.”

Tim added: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome our guests, and this has really set the scene for an outstanding 40th anniversary Royal International Air Tattoo. The United States Air Force is firmly behind us, as shown by the participation of the MC-130P Combat Shadow from RAF Mildenhall, along with Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and civilian aircraft, and we look forward to them joining us again, with thousands of members of the public, for our anniversary Air Tattoo on July 16 and 17.”

Renowned aviation journalist Peter March from Bristol also attended the first ever Air Tattoo at North Weald. He said: “It’s been a marvellous experience being a member of such an outstanding team of aviation enthusiasts. I’ve been involved for 40 years, and I hope to continue producing the programme and taking photos as long as I’m able.”

First to touch down at the launch was the MC-130P Combat Shadow from RAF Mildenhall, representing and reinforcing the Air Tattoo’s long-standing links with the United States Air Force. It was quickly joined by a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron, Culdrose, sporting a grey striped livery and representing the Tiger 50 theme of this year’s Air Tattoo, which marks the 50th anniversary of the NATO Tiger Association.

Next in was a Tornado GR4 from XV Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth, which flew the 500-plus miles from North East Scotland (in a mere 40 minutes) and put on a fly-past for the assembled media. The fast jet display was followed by a fly-past by the historic Spitfire MH434, linking past and present as one of the aircraft which displayed at the first-ever Air Tattoo in 1971.

Two EV-97 Eurostars, funded by the RAF Charitable Trust and providing Air Experience Flights for RAF trainees then joined the runway display, with the final arrival being a Boeing Stearman biplane from the Breitling Wingwalkers base at nearby Rendcomb, complete with wingwalker Danielle Hughes who performed her daring display on top of the bright orange biplane.

• This year’s Air Tattoo takes place from July 16 to 17 at RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, when more than 155,000 visitors are expected to view around 250 aircraft from across the world.

• The event is staged in support of its parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which provides financial support to a wide variety of RAF-related projects and initiatives within the RAF family. Since 2005 the Trust has gifted over £1.56 million to a wide range of projects and initiatives.

http://www.airtattoo.com/

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Permanent Tribute to National Service Men and Women Unveiled at Parade

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Parade 11.00am

Spitfire Display 1.00pm (weather permitting)

The National Service (RAF) Association will be holding their annual reunion and parade at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on Sunday 3rd July 2011 from 10.00am.

The parade is expected to see hundreds of ex National Service men and women participate and will form up between two of the old airfield Hangars at 11.00am. The parade will be led by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, with additional music on the day provided by (Alsager) Sqn ATC Band and a Drill display by (Fordhouses) Sqn ATC. Visitors and guests will then be treated to a flying display by two Spitfires from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight scheduled for 1.00pm (weather permitting).

This year, as well as the parade the Minister for International Security Strategy, Gerald Howarth MP will unveil a permanent tribute to National Service men and women, consisting of three graphic displays and a video, funded by the National Service Association. The unveiling will take place before an invited audience within the National Cold War Exhibition at the RAF Museum Cosford at 2.00pm. The area will be closed to the general public for the unveiling at 1.00pm and reopen on completion of the ceremony at around 2.30pm.

This event first came to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in 2004 and has grown in strength each subsequent year. Last year, over 2,000 guests attended of which over 600 presented themselves for the parade. All Veterans who served in the Royal Air Force are welcome to participate and members of the public are invited to watch the parade.

National Veterans Organisations, as well as many training camp associations will be represented in Hangar 1 alongside displays of memorabilia and the Museum shop. On completion of the formal events, guests will have access to the whole RAF Museum site to catch up with old friends and colleagues, exchange news and view the exhibits.

The Museum gates will open at 9.00am on Sunday 3rd July 2011, although the Museum itself will open at 10am. Entry to the Museum is FREE. For further information, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

 
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