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IWM Duxford-based Catalina takes on a round-Britain trip

Commemorating a 100 year old flight in the aircraft’s own 70th birthday month.On Wednesday 21 August, Catalina G-PBYA, operated by Plane Sailing Air Displays Limited and based at IWM Duxford, undertakes a remarkable aviation challenge.

Honouring the daring flying expeditions of the pioneer aviators, the Catalina will undertake, in its centenary year, the 1913 Circuit of Britain flight, which was flown by pilot Harry Hawker and mechanic Harry Kauper, both Australians, in a Sopwith Waterplane.

The Catalina celebrates its 70th birthday this month, making it the oldest UK-based airworthy amphibian.

In 1913, the Circuit of Britain Race was the firstmajor British competition for seaplanes. It was supported by Lord Northcliffe, the proprietor of the Daily Mail, who was a great fan of aviation races. Shell Aviation provided the lubricants for the original race and will be doing the same 100 years on.

The route in 1913, as reported by Flight magazine, started and finished at Southampton Water, with eight control points en route. These were the Royal Temple Yacht Club in Ramsgate, the Naval Air Station in Yarmouth, the Grand Hotel in Scarborough, the Palace Hotel in Aberdeen, the Naval Air Station in Cromarty, the Great Western Hotel in Oban, the Royal St George Yacht Club in Kingstown, Dublin and the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in Falmouth.

While the airspace in 2013 is somewhatmore restricted then 100 years ago, the crew of the Catalina intends to follow the 1913 route as closely as possible. The full route is outlined below. The crew will take off from IWM Duxford onWednesday 21 August to complete the 1600mile route over approximately five days. They will be flying over some key historic sites, including Kingston, where the Sopwith Factory was based; Hook in Chessington, where Harry Hawker is buried and Brooklands Aerodrome (now Brooklands Museum), where Harry Hawker learnt to fly and tested aircraft for use in the First World War. The Catalina will also orbit the Classic Boat Museumat Cowes, which has on display a 1/8 scale replica of the Bat Boat tested by Harry Hawker in 1913.

The Catalina crew aspires to succeed where Harry Hawker and Harry Kauper did not.

Harry Hawker was the Chief Test Pilot for the Sopwith Aviation Company, while Harry Kauper was an experienced mechanic and Foreman of Works at Sopwith.

Although four aeroplanes were originally entered for this aerial challenge in 1913, of their competitors, Samuel Cody was killed in a flying accident on 7 August, while F K McLean withdrew his Short S.68 aircraft due to engine trouble. The Radley-England Waterplane was withdrawn for the same reason. Only the two Harrys took off on the day of the race.

Their first attempt ended at Yarmouth with a cracked cylinder head and pilot exhaustion. They started again on 25 August andmanaged to fly to just north of Dublin, but crashed in the sea when Harry Hawker’s foot slipped off the rudder while landing. The aircraft was destroyed and Harry Kauper broke his arm. Harry Hawker got a soaking, but was otherwise unharmed. While the Daily Mail prize money of £5,000 could not be given, a consolation award of £1,000 was donated. Shell commissioned Mappin & Webb to make amodel of the Sopwith Waterplane, which was presented to Harry Hawker.

The 2013 Catalina commemoration is led by pilot Jeff Boyling, who, like Harry Hawker, was born in Australia and shares a passion for aeronautical adventure. Bymarking this occasion, Jeff hopes to inspire younger generations with the wonder of flying and to keep the golden era of aviation alive today. Jeff said: “Flying the Catalina G-PBYA is a huge privilege and honour. It is wonderful that this historic aircraft can pay tribute to a great aviator who was a real pioneer. May the memory of Hawker live on.”

Why not come down to IWM Duxford and see Jeff and the Catalina team depart in grand style as they take off for this challenging aerial expedition on Wednesday 21 August?

We’ll be tracking the Catalina’s progress on the Imperial War Museum Duxford facebook page and also via our twitter feed at https://twitter.com/I_W_M

The Roaring Return of the Vulcan

The magnificent Vulcan will now be making an appearance at the 2013 Bournemouth Air Festival. The fantastic Cold War bomber is guaranteed to please the crowds with its deep rumble and impressive visual splendor.

Thanks to the substantial sponsorship of Adrian Gunner of Merley House and the generous contributions from Lord Stephen Young and the brilliant fundraising efforts of Maggie Keet of the Bournemouth Aviation Museum, we are thrilled to say that the Bournemouth Air Festival will welcome the Vulcan on Sunday 1st September.

There had been fears that Vulcan XH558 – the world’s last flying example – would not be visiting due the cost of a display, which is over £10,000. That triggered a fundraising effort from the Bournemouth members of Vulcan to the Sky, who set up a Just Giving page and collected donations via members of Bournemouth Aviation Museum.

Wimborne’s Merley House got on board and, alongside Lord Young’s contribution; they have secured enough to let the Vulcan fly at Bournemouth.

Maggie Keet, from Vulcan to the Sky, said: “It’s excellent news, in two weeks we hit the target. We’re looking forward to seeing her.”

Adrian Gunner, MD of Merley House, added: “When we learned that Maggie had undertaken some fundraising to have the Vulcan fly at the Bournemouth Air Festival, we just couldn’t resist the opportunity to help out to make sure that the beautiful plane graced the skies of Bournemouth once more.”

“The Vulcan is such an iconic aircraft with an enormous following and I knew from parents at a very early age what a special aeroplane it really is.

Lord Young said he had grown up near RAF Benson in Buckinghamshire and saw Vulcans regularly as a child.

“I’ve been passionate about aircraft from about 14 years of age. I’m just in awesome of the Vulcan,” he said.

Colston Nichols, who lives in Poole and flew on XH558, added: “It tugs at the old heart strings seeing it.”

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director, stated “It’s fantastic that through generous fundraising efforts the Vulcan will now be making an appearance. The Bournemouth Air Festival is built of the generous support of people like Adrian Gunner, Lord Stephen Young, Maggie Keet and David Bailey – Patrons Ambassador. The Patrons scheme has demonstrated the positive effect that such contributions can achieve with £15,000 being raised, funding this year’s Night Air displays in addition to over £20,000 raised for the Air Festival charities by both the public and the Patrons Scheme – thank you all so much’

The Bournemouth Air Festival will be taking place from Thursday 29th August to Sunday 1st September. For more information visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk

All aboard the 747 – destination Wings & Wheels!

Dunsfold Boeing 747

This summer reserve your space on the UK’s most famous Boeing 747 at Wings & Wheels 2013 as the Show throws open the jumbo’s doors for a very special tour. Book your place online, bring your boarding pass to the Show and enjoy a behind the scenes look and guided tour from our team of 747 aficionados.

Located in the Wheels Zone by the plane park, the 747 has made its name as the film set of major Hollywood Blockbusters including the recently released Brad Pitt movie World War Z and forthcoming Formula One themed film Rush with Chris Hemsworth. Visitors will be able to tour the set, learn more about its flying history, sit in the same seat as the meerkats, view the aircraft cock-pit and get up close to the 4 huge engines which were installed for the filming of Casino Royale.

Nancy Edwards, Wings & Wheels Event Manager comments; “Opening the 747 for the first time last year was a huge hit but we knew we could improve on it. This year we’re taking the experience to the next level and our hosted tours will provide even more information and stories on the illustrious flying and filming career of our resident 747. We want visitors to fully interact from the boarding process right through to disembarking and to help with the queues we’ve introduced a new online reservation system and on the day booking process so visitors can just turn up and tour!”

Wings & Wheels Volunteer Flight attendants will be on call throughout the day to ensure visitors fully enjoy their experience. Flights can be pre-booked online by visiting our shop at www.wingsandwheels.net or by visiting the check-in desk at the 747 over the Show weekend. Spaces are limited and a suggested donation of £4 per adult and £2 per child (aged 2 to 15 years) is requested on the day. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and both classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The 9th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2013, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 20:00.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £150 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Autumn events at Newark

Here at Newark Air Museum, a registered charity, we’re already making plans for our Autumn 2013 special events…

1 August to 31 August 2013 – Fuel Tank Trail

Throughout this August children visiting the museum will be able to take part in a Fuel Tank Trail around the museum to search for aircraft fuel tanks. Entry to the Fuel Tank Trail will be FREE to each child that has paid to visit the museum with their parents, grandparents and guardians. There will be a small sweet based prize for each correct entry received during this period.

7 September 2013 – Autumn Aviation Book, Die-Cast & Model Sale

Following several recent bequests and donations of aviation books the Newark Air Museum has decided to host a special Autumn Aviation Book, Die-Cast & Model Sale on Saturday 7th September 2013 from 10am until 5pm in the Dambusters Hut at the main museum site. {Special discount admission rates apply}

12 October 2013- Indoor Aeroboot Table Top Sale

46 sellers tables all hosted inside Display Hangar 2 amongst the aircraft at the museum site in eastern Nottinghamshire. {Special discount admission rates apply}

Full details about these and other museum activities can be found on the news pages of the website, which is regularly updated www.newarkairmuseum.org

Airbourne welcomes Disney’s Planes with the Matadors!

Airborne welcomes Disney Planes with the Matadors

Celebrating the new feature film release of Disney’s Planes, in UK cinemas 16 August 2013, Disney and the Matadors Aerobatic Team present Team Dusty and Team Ripslinger to Eastbourne’s skies for an out of this world display at Airbourne.

Airbourne 15-18 August is just weeks away and the line up is phenomenal this year. The Matadors are undergoing a Planes makeover and will be entertaining crowds with a movie inspired display!

The two fully Planes branded Sbach XtremeAir XA41s are piloted by air racing champion Paul Bonhomme (Team Dusty) and Steve Jones (Team Ripslinger).

From above the world of Cars and Cars 2, Planes is an action packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty, a plane with dreams of competing as a high flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing and happens to be afraid of heights. Dusty turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps him qualify to take on the defending race circuit champ; Ripslinger. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “It is very exciting to have Disney here in Eastbourne at Airbourne and during the launch of the new movie Planes. The Matadors’ Team Dusty and Team Ripslinger display will be great to watch for all the family!”

Visitors should look out for the Disney Racing Hangar near the arena, where they will also have the chance to meet the pilots, test their flying skills and participate in other fun activities! More details including meet and greet times can be found in the Airbourne Programme.

To find out more about Disney’ Planes and to share your photos of the display, check out DisneyMoviesUK on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on Eastbourne Airbourne go to www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

History in motion at Wings & Wheels

Dunsfold Wings & Wheels 2012

Wings & Wheels has an interactive, explosive Military Zone this year as the Show brings over 80 military vehicles, re-enactors, a living history zone and 1940s DJ and dancers together for visitors entertainment. Displaying on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome near Guildford, Surrey is an incredible line-up of military history.

Amongst the vehicles is a 1942 Diamond T Wrecker brought to the Show by Peter and Lyn Read and boasting an incredible pedigree. It was one of many trucks involved in the Red Ball Run, a famous World War II truck supply route that originated in Normandy in the autumn of 1944. The Red Ball continually re-supplied allied troops advancing swiftly across France toward the Siegfried Line in Germany. This trucking supply mission ran around-the-clock for some 90 days. During that period the Red Ball delivered over 412,000 tons of much needed supplies to the allied troops that ultimately overwhelmed the enemy.

Brian Irving’s Chevrolet Town Sedan was used by Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd, an American naval officer who was the recipient of the highest honour for heroism given by the United States – the Medal of Honour. Byrd used this vehicle between 1947 and 1952.

Only one of 18 built and in service until 1996, John Bailey’s Landrover FC101 Intercept and Comms Trailer was used by the British Army 14 Signals Regiment. The vehicle is a rare example of the electronic warfare Vampire body variant of which less than half survive today.

And finally, Nick John’s US Military Officers Staff Car, a Dodge D11 Luxury Liner, was imported from Kentucky USA for the Marvel Comics Hollywood blockbuster Captain America.

Nancy Edwards, Event Manager comments: “These vehicles are just a tiny sample of what we have on display at Wings & Wheels. The Military Zone is shaping up to be really exciting thanks to the overwhelming support of military vehicle owners and re-enactors. The Zone is set to make a real impact this year with battles, trenches, air raid sirens and tours of the DC-3 – a part of the Show visitors won’t want to miss.”

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Its more than just an Air Show…

The Bournemouth Air Festival is more than just an air show, and this year’s Night Air programme extends the true festival feel of the event long into the evening. The electric atmosphere of Night Air, sponsored by Corona and supported by the official Night Air radio partner Wave 105, sees entertainment and events taking place throughout the town, from Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, the Lower Gardens and town centre.

This year will see the return of dynamic dusk air displays and for the first time ever they will be on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The remarkable SWIP Team Twister Duo return to light up the skies with their swishing and swooping displays, O’Brien’s Flying Circus are back with a crazy routine, and, in a Night Air first, the Red Devils are performing three amazing night jumps, complete with glow sticks and dazzling pyrotechnics. There will also be spectacular fireworks on the Saturday night to finish things off with a bang.

The Corona Night Air stage, in association with Wave 105, will host a selection of fantastic popular performers on both Friday 30th August and Saturday 31st from 6:35pm. From the brilliant Blue to The Feeling, Stooshe, Lucy Spraggan, Diana Vickers, Kodaline, Johnny Hates Jazz, Neon Jungle and Gabriella Cilmi – there is really is something for everyone! Don’t miss out on this spectacular event. Tickets are just £7.00 and can be purchased by contacting BH Live Tickets on 0844 576 3000 or by visiting bhlivetickets.co.uk and searching ‘Night Air at the Piers’.

Bournemouth Pier will be showcasing some terrific tribute acts including The Beach Buoys who will be spreading good vibrations across the crowd and Elvis tribute act Ben Portsmouth, who is keeping the king of rock and roll very much alive. Plus Derek Sandy will be performing his funky flow of reggae rhythms on Friday night, which will ease you into a relaxing summer vibe, perfectly set to the backdrop of the beautiful Bournemouth beach.

The East Overcliff will come to life in the evenings when the Band of HM Royal Marines Collingwood brings regal rhythms and visual splendour to entertain the crowds. The Royal Marines Combat Display Team will also be located on the East Overcliff demonstrating their impressive fighting skills with specialists participating in unarmed combat.

The Lower Gardens will be filled with family entertainment – from traditional Punch and Judy performances to stiltwalkers and face painting. Get your creative juices flowing with plane & craft workshops for children of all ages and abilities or enjoy some Jazz and Swing music performed by some fantastic artist in the Pinewalk Bandstand. So join in the festival feeling and make sure you’re part of this year’s Night Air.

Visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk for more information.

A fantastic day of nostalgia at Spitfires, Merlins and Motors today

Duxford IWM Merlins & Motors 2013

Thousands of visitors enjoyed a day of thrilling nostalgia today (Sunday 28 July) as IWM Duxford celebrated the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, the unmistakable Merlin engine and the golden age of motoring.

Visitors were able to get up-close to a number of Spitfires on display this morning and have their burning questions about all things Spitfire-related answered by members of the Spitfire Society.

Visitors were also able to see Aircraft Restoration Company’s Spitfire Mark V and the Old Flying Machine Company’s Spitfire IX MH434 take off for air displays at Silverstone and land back later in the day.

Old Flying Machine Company’s Spitfire IX MH434 is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and is also celebrating 30 years of being based at IWM Duxford. It also took to the skies in the afternoon as part of a series of Spitfire flying displays.

Visitors could also see Merlin engines running in a dynamic display, and meet a range of costumed characters, including an authentic Second World War ground crew, a Squadron Leader in 1940, a Sergeant Pilot in 1944 and a female Air Transport Auxiliary pilot. There was also the rare opportunity to sit in a real Spitfire!

Glorious classic and contemporary cars gleamed in the summer sunshine, including a wonderful display of vintage Rolls-Royce cars. Burma Star veterans chatted to visitors about their wartime experiences in the Forgotten War exhibition in Land Warfare.

In the afternoon, the Spitfires that had been on static display in the morning, took to the skies for solo displays.

It was a fantastic day of iconic aircraft, wartime nostalgia, stunning motors and some fabulous flying!

www.iwm.org.uk

(image copyright IWM)

Battle of Britain at Night with the RAF Museum

Dates: Sat 14th & Sun 15th September

Time: 6pm – 11pm

Entrance: FREE

Battle of Britain Weekend is held on the weekend of the 14th and 15th September and the Museum will have plenty of activities for visitors during both days including concerts, re-enactments and film showings. The Royal Air Force Museum is running its first evening Battle of Britain event themed with all things 1940s on the Saturday night – 14th September.

Guests will be able to wander around the Historic Hanger and Bomber Hall and gaze in awe at our Bomber aircraft such as the giant Avro Lancaster whilst enjoying listening to 1940s music.

The Museum will be offering guests the chance to dress up in RAF uniforms from the period and have their photographs taken. There will be drinks available from our Wessex Bar and guests are encouraged to dress from the period to make the event a really immersive experience.

We will be offering a Battle of Britain lecture for anyone that wants to separate the myth from the reality and find out about the personalities and the key events that shaped the battle. We’ll also be showing unseen Battle of Britain footage from our archive and guests will be able to experience a B-17 in our 4D Theatre.

Girls will also be able to attend a 40s Hair and Make-Up Class. Bringing their own make-up with them, our freelance artist will teach everyone how to do 40s hair and make-up styles and girls can try their hand at their new skill straight away, ready for the impromptu dance floor in front of the Lancaster.

Our last event, ‘Dambusters at Night’ in May welcomed nearly 300 visitors so Battle of Britain at Night is in response to a large number of attendees who begged for another opportunity to visit late, bring friends and have a jolly good time.

Entry to Battle of Britain at Night is free of charge to visitors but there will be a £10 charge for the Hair and Make-up Session which should also be pre-booked to secure a place. This event is for over 18s only. The event will start at 6pm and will end at 11pm.

www.rafmuseum.org

Dance the night away at Wings & Wheels

Not content with putting on the best air and motoring Show in the UK, Wings & Wheels has added evening entertainment to the weekend line-up with not one but three different sounds to get visitors dancing on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August.With big crowds and so much to see and do in the air and on the ground, the Surrey Show is extending the entertainment to 8pm on Saturday so visitors can relax and unwind at the end of the day with music, food and drink.

Down in the revamped Military Zone where military vehicles, re-enactors and the aerodromes history can be found, we’re introducing a live DJ from the 1940s Radio Station to recreate the sounds of the 40s from England and America. Swing, Big Band and Jazz will get our dancers jiving and the crowds jumping as they entertain visitors throughout the day until late.

Nestled on a stage of straw in amongst some kustom hot rods and vintage shopping, our popular Hot Rod Zone will be rockin through the night thanks to Lights Out. Influenced by The Jets, Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran and Johnny Cash, Dan, Craig and Lee have toured the UK and Europe as Lights Out with their mix of Rock n Roll, Doowop and Rockabilly.

And finally, taking centre stage in the middle of the arena, is local band Geneva. They’ve something for everyone thanks to their huge repertoire ranging from 50’s Rock’n’Roll, through 60’s Soul, 70’s Funk, 80’s Pop, 90’s Indie and the best artists of the present-day. Band members between them have played everywhere from Glastonbury Festival to Everest Base-camp, on TV shows including Later with Joolz, Top of the Pops and TFI Friday, and with legends such as Reef, Ronnie Wood, Kula Shaker, Procal Harem and Freak Power. They’ll keep playing if people keep dancing.

Sunday’s not been forgotten as we open the centre stage to a host of up and coming local bands who can’t wait to strut their stuff from 6pm to 8pm.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “As Wings & Wheels gets bigger and bigger its important the Show keeps up and anticipates our visitor’s needs. Evening entertainment is the Show’s next evolution and is our way of easing the big rush home by providing a place people can relax, drink, eat and socialize after the airshow. We hope we’ve got something for everyone with our three very different stages and can’t wait to start the party.”

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £65 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.