Archive for January, 2020

In memory of ‘The Few’: Hurricane 80K Challenge

Wednesday, January 29th, 2020

Hurricane 80k Challenge Medal

Date: 21 April – 10 July 2020 (registration now open)
Cost: £20 per person

To commemorate 80 years since the Battle of Britain, the Royal Air Force Museum has launched the Hurricane 80K Challenge, encouraging keen runners and novices alike, to run 80K in 80 days.

The Hurricane 80K Challenge is a virtual race that commences on 21 April 2020 and runners have exactly 80 days to run, walk, swim or bike 80K in a location of their choice. Participants will have access to a downloadable log sheet to record their 80K before being rewarded with a bespoke, commemorative 80K Challenge medal.

As a virtual race, the 80K challenge can be completed anywhere in the world. Online registration is now open and runners from across the UK and as far as Germany and Norway have already signed up. Participants have 80 days until 10 July, poignantly the start of the Battle of Britain, to complete the challenge.

Entry costs £20 per person and all proceeds from the Hurricane 80K Challenge will go towards the RAF Museum, registered charity 244708. Limited edition Hurricane 80K Challenge t-shirts are also available to purchase when registering online.

RAF Museum London Public Events Manager, Ella Hewitt said:
“The Hurricane 80K Challenge is an opportunity for people across the globe to challenge themselves and pay respect to ‘The Few’ who served and lost their lives during the Battle of Britain 80 years ago. 80K in 80 days is quite a task, but it can be completed anytime, anywhere, and we’ve already had lots of interest from abroad and RAF bases across the UK. It’s great to see people getting behind the challenge.”

The Hurricane, often overshadowed by the Spitfire, was the number one fighter plane during the Battle of Britain, inflicting the most losses and causing the most amount of damage to the Luftwaffe during the engagement. Having fought in all major theatres of the Second World War and playing a crucial role in protecting Britain during the summer of 1940, the Hurricane 80K Challenge is giving the aircraft the spotlight it deserves.

 To register for the Hurricane 80K Challenge visit www.rafmuseum.org. Entry costs £20 per person, or £32 per person with the souvenir t-shirt. Additional booking and postage charges apply for overseas participants.

The annual Spitfire 10K will also be returning to the RAF Museum London on 29 August and RAF Museum Cosford on 30 August 2020. All runners will be given the name of a Battle of Britain RAF pilot to wear with their race number, in memory of those who defended our skies during the summer of 1940. Spaces are limited and filling up fast. For further details or to register you place visit www.rafmuseum.org.

2020 Events @ RAF Museum London

Thursday, January 23rd, 2020

RAF Museum London

RAF Museum London is proud to announce it’s events listing for 2020:

JANUARY

Wednesday 8, 15, 22 and 29 January
Fly High Yoga
Yoga underneath the Sunderland Flying Boat in H1, with Yogi Rakhee
7.30pm
£45

Friday 17 January
Vulcan and Cold War: Pilot Edition
Andrew Brookes will be sharing his story under the Vulcan he flew and operated. This is a chance to do the VCW experience in a very special way!
4.00pm – 8.00pm
£8 / £50

Tuesday 28 January
Vulcan and Cold War Experience (SOLD OUT)
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
10.20am – 2.00pm
£50

Saturday 8 February
Vulcan and Cold War Experience (SOLD OUT)
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
12.00pm – 4.00pm
£50

FEBRUARY

Thursday 20 February and Friday 21 February
Spitfire Adventure
Join us for the Spitfire Adventure! Play this interactive game and discover all the clues hidden around the museum. If you’re lucky you will graduate from the Spitfire Academy.
11.00am & 2.30pm
£12 / £15

Tuesday 25 February
Vulcan and Cold War Experience (SOLD OUT)
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
10.20am
£50

MARCH

Saturday 7 March
Pillows and Pilots (SOLD OUT)
Sleepover for groups with activities, a film and the chance to spend the night surrounded by our collections – now sold out.
6.30pm – 9.00am
£35

Wednesday 18 March
Vulcan and Cold War Experience (SOLD OUT)
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
12.00pm -4.00pm
£50

Thursday 26 March
First World War Flying Machines
Explore our First World War Aircraft and collections after hours and don’t miss your chance to step over the barriers
6.00pm – 9.00pm
£10 / £15

Tuesday 31 March
Vulcan and Cold War Experience (SOLD OUT)
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
10.20am – 2.00pm
£50

APRIL

Saturday 4 April
Pillows and Pilots (SOLD OUT)
Sleepover for groups with activities, a film and the chance to spend the night surrounded by our collections.
6.30pm – 9.00am
£35

Saturday 4 April to Sunday 19 April
Easter Animal Trail
Trail through the Museum to find all the animals in our collections – there’s a tasty treat at the end!
10.00am – 3.00pm
£3

Wednesday 8 April Thursday 9 April
Spitfire Adventure
Join us for the Spitfire Adventure! Play this interactive game and discover all the clues hidden around the museum. If you’re lucky you will graduate from the Spitfire Academy.
11.00am & 2.30pm
£12 / £15

Wednesday 15 April Thursday 16 April
Spitfire Adventure
Join us for the Spitfire Adventure! Play this interactive game and discover all the clues hidden around the museum. If you’re lucky you will graduate from the Spitfire Academy.
11.00am & 2.30pm
£12 / £15

April 21 – 10 July
Hurricane 80K Challenge
Walk, run, cycle or even row your way to 80K! Commemorate the Battle of Britain 80th anniversary with our new challenge. Enter and when you complete you will be sent one of our unique medals.
£20

Wednesday 22 April
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
12.00pm -4.00pm
£50

Tuesday 28 April
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
£50

MAY

Saturday 2 May
Pillows and Pilots (SOLD OUT)
Sleepover for groups with activities, a film and the chance to spend the night surrounded by our collections – sold to one group of brownies
6.30pm – 9.00am
£35

Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May
VE Day Party **
Join us at our street party to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day. Book your celebratory tea and join in on all our fun activities!
11.00am – 3.00pm
Free – picnics available in advance

Wednesday 13 May
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft
12.00pm -4.00pm
£50

Friday 15 May and Saturday 16 May
Spitfire Adventure (Museums at Night edition)
Join us for the Spitfire Adventure after hours for Museums at Night. Bring a group of friends and play the game, find the clues and solve the escape room challenges.
7.00pm
£18

Tuesday 26 May
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
10.20am – 2.00pm
£50

Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May
The Hendon Pageant
The Hendon Pageant is back, this year we will bringing to life the 1940s. Living History, Talk, tours, Fairgrounds and Music all weekend. Possible flypast
10.00am – 5.00pm
Free

JUNE

Wednesday 17 June
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
12.00pm -4.00pm
£50

Saturday 27 June
Armed Forces Day Service
Service and Parade in partnership with London Borough of Barnet. With flypast
10.00am – 11.00am
Free

Tuesday 30 June
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
10.20am – 2.00pm
£50

JULY

Saturday 4 July
Night Flight
Spend the night at the Museum and get the chance to see our collections up close, food, drink a film and loads of activities all night!
7.00pm – 9.00am
£75

Friday 10 July
Battle of Britain at Night
Explore our Battle of Britain era Aircraft and collections after hours and don’t miss your chance to step over the barriers. It’s also the chance to see our new exhibitions after hours.
6.00pm – 9.30pm
£15

Saturday 11 July
Vulcan and Cold War Experience (SOLD OUT)
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
12.00pm -4.00pm
£50

Tuesday 28 July
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
10.20am – 2.00pm
£50

Thursday 30 July Friday 31 July
Spitfire Adventure
Join us for the Spitfire Adventure! Play this interactive game and discover all the clues hidden around the museum. If you’re lucky you will graduate from the Spitfire Academy.
11.00am & 2.30pm
£12 / £15

AUGUST

Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August
Family Festival of Flight
Annual festival working with the Access and learning team to deliver activities based around STEM.
10.00am – 5.00pm
Free

Thursday 6 August Friday 7 August
Spitfire Adventure
Join us for the Spitfire Adventure! Play this interactive game and discover all the clues hidden around the museum. If you’re lucky you will graduate from the Spitfire Academy.
11.00am & 2.30pm
£12 / £15

Thursday 13 August and Friday 14 August
Spitfire Adventure
Join us for the Spitfire Adventure! Play this interactive game and discover all the clues hidden around the museum. If you’re lucky you will graduate from the Spitfire Academy.
11.00am & 2.30pm
£12 / £15

Thursday 19 August Friday 20 August
Spitfire Adventure
Join us for the Spitfire Adventure! Play this interactive game and discover all the clues hidden around the museum. If you’re lucky you will graduate from the Spitfire Academy.
11.00am & 2.30pm
£12 / £15

Wednesday 12 August
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
12.00pm -4.00pm
£50

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August
The Big Tea Party (VJ Weekend)
Family tea party with loads of activities, storytelling and more! Includes flypast
11.00am – 2.00pm
£8

Tuesday 25 August
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
10.20am – 2.00pm
£50

Saturday 29 August
Spitfire 10K and Family Run
Chocks away for the annual Spitfire 10K and Spitfire Family run to commemorate 80 years since the Battle of Britain. Includes flypast
8.00am – 12.00pm
£22.50

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September
Battle of Britain Festival
Vintage, food, drink, and much more! This festival will be great fun for the whole family. Includes flypast.
10.00am – 5.00pm
Various (adult admission at £7)

Wednesday 16 September
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
12.00pm -4.00pm
£50

Tuesday 29 September
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
10.20am – 2.00pm
£50

OCTOBER

Saturday 17 October
Vulcan and Cold War Experience (SOLD OUT)
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
12.00pm -4.00pm
£50

Saturday 24 October
Pillows and Pilots (Family Edition)
A chance for families to spend the night at the Museum with activities, games and a film!
6.30pm – 9.00am
£45

Tuesday 27 October
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
10.20am – 2.00pm
£50

Wednesday 28 October and Thursday 29 October
Spitfire Adventure
Join us for the Spitfire Adventure! Play this interactive game and discover all the clues hidden around the museum. If you’re lucky you will graduate from the Spitfire Academy.
11.00am & 2.30pm
£12 / £15

Thursday 29 October and Friday 30 October
Spitfire Adventure (Museums at Night edition)
Join us for the Spitfire Adventure after hours for Museums at Night. Bring a group of friends and play the game, find the clues and solve the escape room challenges.
7.00pm – 10.30pm
£18

NOVEMBER

Sunday 8 November
Remembrance Service
A remembrance Sunday service set in front of our Fighter Four with readings from local schools, poppy displays and a performance from the North London Military Wives Choir.
10.00am – 11.30am
Free

Wednesday 18 November
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
12.00pm -4.00pm
£50

Saturday 14 November
Photography Workshop
Learn how to take photos of our collection in this one day workshop with Lee Chapman, Airscene photographer.
10.00am – 5.00pm
£75

Saturday 21 November
Night Shoot
Photographers are given the unique opportunity to take photos of our collection. We’ve teamed up with Threshold Aero.
5.00pm – 10.00pm
£25

Tuesday 24 November
Vulcan and Cold War Experience
Unique cockpit tour of the Vulcan, Phantom and a ground crew tour of our amazing Cold War Aircraft.
10.20am – 2.00pm
£50

28 November – 3 January
Christmas Trail
Complete our Letter Home and get your chocolatey reward.
10.00am – 3.00pm
£3

DECEMBER

Friday 4 December 2020
Christmas Gin & Swing
After hours event with music, dancing and lots of gin!
6.30pm – 10.30pm
From £10

Saturday 18 – Sunday 20 December 2020
Christmas Grotto
Your chance to meet Father Christmas at the RAF Museum!
10.00am – 5.30pm
£8

www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/events.aspx

RAF Museum Spitfire receives Engineering Heritage Award

Tuesday, January 14th, 2020

Heritage Award

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1 K9942 displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has been presented with a prestigious ‘Engineering Heritage Award’ by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). The awards, established in 1984, celebrate the contribution of mechanical engineering past and present, recognising artefacts, sites and landmarks of significant engineering importance.

The Spitfire was recognised for the contribution and vital role it played both in terms of protecting our nation and its pioneering engineering. The award was presented to RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton by current Chair of IMechE’s Engineering Heritage Committee John Wood, with fellow IMechE members in attendance.

Built in Woolston, Southampton in 1939 this early Mark 1 is the world’s oldest surviving Spitfire. Designed by R J Mitchell, the Spitfire combined strength, lightness and streamlining with the powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. From the beginning pilots recognised it as a thoroughbred combining a perfection of design with superb handling characteristics.

RAF Museum Cosford Curator, Tom Hopkins said:
“The Spitfire is the most famous British fighter aircraft in history. It won immortal fame during the summer months of 1940 by helping to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain. Although Hurricanes outnumbered Spitfires throughout the Battle of Britain, it was the Spitfire which captured the imagination of the British public and enemy alike. The Spitfire was developed into many subsequent variants and continued to serve with the RAF until well after the end of the Second World War.”

Chair of IMechE’s Engineering Heritage Committee, John Wood said:
“The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is delighted to present this award to the Spitfire to recognise the huge contribution, its designers and pilots made during the Battle of Britain. The UK’s large aerospace industry is built on the rich heritage of engineering innovation which is a legacy of aircraft such as the Spitfire.”

Spitfires first went into service in August 1938 with No.19 Squadron and by the outbreak of war, a year later, nine squadrons were equipped. Production rapidly built up and by July 1940 there were nineteen Spitfire Mk 1 squadrons available. 1,566 Spitfire Mk 1’s were built and the example on display at RAF Museum Cosford is the oldest surviving example of its type. The aircraft can be viewed daily from 10am in the Museum’s War in the Air hangar. Entry to the Museum is free and further details can be found at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

This is the 129th Engineering Heritage Award to be presented by IMechE, which has over 120,000 members across the UK and overseas, with over 400 members based in Shropshire. By holding events and working on engineering initiatives, they aim to raise the profile of engineering across a broad spectrum of industries and offer practical guidance and support to engineers. Further details can be found at www.imeche.org.

RAF Museum Cosford 2020 Events Diary

Monday, January 13th, 2020

RAF Museum Cosford conservation centre

Forthcoming events taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford during 2020:

RAF Museum events 2020

Visitors can expect to see all the big favourites making a return, including the Cosford Food Festival, Outdoor Cinema, Spitfire 10K and Large Model Air Show as well as new events including a VE Weekend Street Party taking place over the first May bank holiday weekend.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Executive, Nathan Davis said:
“2020 promises to be another big year for the RAF Museum Cosford with the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain being a big theme running through this year’s events line-up. Not only will we commemorate this important milestone in Royal Air Force history with a brand new display arriving in the Spring, I’m excited to announce we will be holding a Proms in September with musical acts suitable for all the family, marking 80 years since the Battle of Britain.”
The busy schedule of events caters to the Museum’s wide and diverse audience and begins the year with a Photography Night Shoot where the British Aircraft Corporation TSR2 and British Aerospace Experimental Aircraft Programme (EAP) will be wheeled out of the hangars. Displayed outside and lit with LED lighting, this evening event will give photographers and aviation enthusiasts alike the exclusive opportunity to capture images of the aircraft like never before (limited places remaining).

The summer months will see many of the biggest events in the Museum’s calendar take place. Held on the airfield in July will be the Large Model Air Show packed with flying displays and family entertainment, followed by the popular Cosford Food Festival which this year will feature 2019 Master Chef: The Professionals winner Stu Deeley from Birmingham. The Vintage and Handmade Festival will be back for a third year in August and September will see two more Outdoor Cinema screenings where hundreds of films fans can enjoy watching classic movies under the stars and surrounded by aircraft.

Nathan Davis continues:
“We look forward to welcoming back repeat visitors, along with those just discovering us for the first time. Tickets are already on sale for many of our events and they’re filling up fast. The first Pillows and Pilots Sleepover date is already fully booked and we have just half the places remaining for the second date in March. One of our most sought-after events is the Spitfire 10K and over half the 1,500 places available have already been snapped up by keen runner’s eager to get their hands on the bespoke medal and the chance to race across the airfield.”

Later in the year visitors can expect to see much more of the aircraft on display during the Open Cockpits Weekend in October and the annual Conservation Centre Open Week in November where aviation fans can go behind the scenes and speak with the team who carries out the work.

Organisers are confident the RAF Museum’s great offer, combined with an exciting events programme will make a visit to remember!

For further information on the events taking place throughout 2020, visit the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Admission charges apply for some events and activities. Events may be subject to change and additional events may be added during the year. The Museum is open daily from 10am and entry is FREE of charge.

Keep a look out in 2020 for the RAF Museum’s Spitfire tour of the West Midlands, details coming soon…!