On the 30th of April 1980, six-armed men stormed the Iranian embassy in South Kensington in London, it was a siege that was to last for six days.
The gunmen took 26 people hostage including embassy staff, several visitors and a police officer who had been guarding the embassy.
By the sixth day of the siege, the gunmen, frustrated at the lack of progress to their demands, killed a hostage and threw his body out of the embassy.
The British Special Air Service (SAS) initiated Operation Nimrod to rescue the remaining hostages, abseiling from the roof and forcing entry through the windows. The raid, which was televised live on a bank holiday evening, became a defining moment in British History.
The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire are thrilled to give you the opportunity to hear from a veteran of Red Team, B Squadron, 22 SAS Regiment as he describes the events of the Iranian Embassy siege of 1980 at the Museum on Monday 9th March.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear and ask questions of the first-hand account of someone who was there. A Trooper of Red Team that entered the embassy on a caving ladder through the light well. A replica model of the embassy will also be on display for visitors to view.
This special evening at the Museum is set to be a real treat for visitors as they hear this account in the stunning surroundings of the Hayward Hall amidst the many aircraft in the Museum’s collection.
Sunday, 5th April, Easter Sunday (First open day) Sunday, 19th April Sunday, 3rd May Sunday, 17th May Sunday, 31st May Sunday, 14th June Sunday, 21st June Sunday, 12th July Sunday, 26th July Sunday, 9th August Sunday, 16th August Sunday 30th August Monday, 31st August (Bank Holiday Monday) Sunday, 20th September Sunday, 27th September Sunday, 11th October Sunday, 25th October Sunday, 8th November (Remembrance Sunday – Final open day)
The Centre is situated within the campus of the National Construction College East (NCC) at Bircham Newton, near King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6RH. The Centre is easy to find in West Norfolk, where there are many road signs giving directions to NCC. The Heritage Centre is located near the B1155 road, from Stanhoe to Great Bircham, which passes through the NCC site. It is close to CITB’s Conference Centre. Additional direction signs are displayed within the campus on open days. There is also a large external sign which will help you to locate the building from the car park. This open day schedule will also be pinned in the noticeboard outside the Heritage Centre.
Best way to find us by navigation is Google maps, simply search RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre. Or what3words: (///dime.highlight.turns)
If you wish to visit the Heritage Centre, but are not able to make an open day, we are open to arranging Ad Hoc Visits. This is subject to availability of Volunteers. Please contact us by email or ringing the number provided below.
If you need to contact the Heritage Centre team, please call Chairman of Trustees, Jamie Heffer: 07807098348 or email at: jamie_heffer@hotmail.co.uk
The next Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Sale at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire takes place on Saturday 18th April, 2026. This charity fund raising event has attracted interest from a wide range of sellers across the UK and is taking place as a standalone museum event.
The funds that the museum raises from organising the event will be used to support the development of facilities at its Gateway Aviation Site, which is located in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the Lincolnshire border.
Invitations to attend have been sent to previous sellers on our mailing list. These people come from around the UK and will be allocated pre-booked selling spaces on the wide expanses of our Southfield Site, close to the aircraft display line and the museum café.
Buyers / visitors who attend this fund raising event will have the opportunity to search through a varied selection of aviation and avionic items: including books, paintings, prints, DVDs, plastic kits, die-cast models, clothing, radio equipment and a wide range of aircraft parts.
Normal museum admission rates will apply: Adults £12.50, Over 65s £11.50, Children £6.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £35.00.
The museum opening times will be 09.00 to 17.00 hours; with the sale taking place between 09.00 and 14.00 hours; to get the best bargains we suggest that you get there early.
Further details are available on the Events Page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org or by telephoning 01636 707170.
Workshop barriers are removed, giving a rare chance to inspect historic aircraft and engineering in intimate detail
Activities including flight simulators and immersive VR
Temporary exhibition ‘In focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’ running 14-22 February
Old Warden, 29 January 2026 – For one weekend only, on 21 and 22 February, barriers will be removed at Shuttleworth’s engineering workshop, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to restore, rebuild and operate one of the world’s most extensive collections of working vintage agricultural exhibits, veteran and vintage vehicles, and airworthy aircraft from the earliest days of flight. A packed programme is scheduled, including talks and demonstrations from expert engineers, vintage bus rides, engineering-focused activities, and tours of the hangars and Shuttleworth House, amongst other activities.
A temporary exhibition titled ‘In Focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’ celebrating Sopwith and Hawker aircraft, featuring six of Shuttleworth’s own iconic Collection aircraft, including the 1918 Sopwith F.1 Camel (which will have an engine ground run on Engineering Open Workshop weekend) and the 1941 Hawker Sea Hurricane Ib, will also exclusively take place on 14-22 February – with barriers coming down around the exhibition during the Workshop event.
Featured exhibits
Visitors will be able to get up close to wartime fighters Supermarine Spitfire Vc and Bristol M.1C as well as the unique Southern Martlet which will be on display. Additionally on view in the workshop will be aircraft currently undergoing restoration including the Percival Mew Gull, English Electric Wren, and Deperdussin, offering guests a rare look inside the intricate mechanics that keep these historic machines flying. Shuttleworth’s in-house team of engineers will also demonstrate an engine ground run on the Sopwith F.1 Camel as well as the Hucks Starter on the Hawker Hind – which has recently undergone an extensive overhaul and is now repainted in the colours of 605 Squadron, serial K5533.
The workshop will also showcase a fascinating range of historic vehicles and machinery, including the ABC Motorcycle, the 1899 Marot-Gardon Quadricycle, a 1900 Locomobile, a Ford Model A Truck, and a Leyland Bus Engine. Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences with interactive attractions such as Studebaker car rides and the Bofors anti-aircraft gun. In steam will be the Clayton & Shuttleworth portable steam engine powering the thrashing set as well as the ever-popular traction engine “Phoenix”, and the newly acquired steam wagon “The Fenland Princess”.
Hands-on, engineering activities and challenges
Various invited partner organisations will present an exciting range of engineering-focused activities suitable for all ages. Visitors will have the chance to take the controls in flight simulators, delve into Bedford’s airship heritage with immersive VR experiences, practice traditional English wheeling, craft and paint scale models, and put their skills to the test by diagnosing aircraft engine faults.
Showcasing their engineering prowess, the WorldSkills UK team will undertake a trial run of aeronautical engineering challenges against the clock in preparation for competing in the 48th WorldSkills championships in Shanghai, China this September.
‘In focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’ temporary exhibition
From 14-22 February, a temporary exhibition in Hangar Four will take place, bringing into focus the pioneering legacy of the Sopwith Aviation Company and Hawker Aircraft Limited, highlighting their designs and contributions to aviation history. Visitors can explore iconic aircraft, learn about the engineers and designers who brought them to life, and discover how these legendary companies shaped flight. For Engineering Open Workshop weekend, the barriers will be removed around the exhibition, allowing guests to admire the aircraft even more closely.
Jean-Michel Munn, Head of Engineering, commented:
“Engineering Open Workshop is the first big event of 2026 for Shuttleworth’s engineering team, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our current restoration projects in progress at the workshop as well as the rest of our iconic Collection. In contrast to the spectacle of our air shows, it’s fantastic to be able to welcome the public to our workshop to appreciate the skill, patience and passion which keeps these historic aircraft able to fly.”
Under 18s tickets are free for this event, with adult tickets at £25 (and £20 for members), available to book here.
Following on from their successful Autumn season, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop hopes to continue bringing new audiences through its doors with another fabulous series of daytime and evening talks.
The popular speaker series at the Museum was developed in 2025 to include a monthly daytime talk programme and has continued to go from strength to strength, attracting a wide range of speakers showing their support for the Museum which has made a significant impact on the local tourism sector over the last few years.
The speaker series kicks off in January with return visits from Military Historian and Battlefield Guide Mike Peters and former RAF fast jet pilot and author Mandy Hickson. In what is set to be a remarkable talk in February, Dr Tony Insall will tell the story of Captain Gilbert Insall, the only person to have both won a Victoria Cross and to have escaped successfully from a German prisoner-of-war camp during the First World War.
For those interested in modern technology, don’t miss a mesmerising talk by Mike Roberts from Leonardo as he shares the fascinating story of Proteus, one of the world’s most exciting autonomous military aviation programmes, from its concept to the race against weather to fly Proteus in 2025.
The Spring season of talks culminates with a thrilling talk – SAS-Sea King Down – where visitors will join Mark Aston at the Museum or online for a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat true story of one soldier’s Special Forces operations in the Falklands War.
As a special event this year, the Museum will collaborate with Veteran Voices to tell the story of the Iranian Embassy Siege. This rare live event from a Red Troop assault veteran has never been told live before, only via podcast, and visitors will also have the opportunity to see a replica scale-model of the embassy.
Chris Keeber from Veteran Voices said “Veteran Voices is proud to be working with the Army Flying Museum to deliver this event, providing a veteran of Operation Nimrod with the platform to tell his firsthand account”
With monthly daytime talks on subjects including the Supermarine Seaplane, the Youngest Bomber Pilot of World War Two and the story of the secret underground bunker and how it helped to win the Battle of Britain, there is definitely lots taking place at the Museum this Spring for military enthusiasts and history fans alike.
The launch of this programme follows on from the successful programme of events that the Museum staged in 2025, with visitor figures looking certain to hit record numbers for the second consecutive year.
Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum Lucy Johnson said: “It has been wonderful to see so many new faces through our doors, not only to enjoy our wide-ranging speaker series, but also to learn about the history of British Army aviation and enjoy the sights on the adjacent airfield as the Apache helicopters fly by. We are really excited about our collaboration with Veteran Voices, and this is set to be a very special evening at the Museum.”
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Britain’s 1st Grand Prix, held at Brooklands Race Circuit. It will be a year of celebrations, including a special event on 8 August 2026, to honour the speed, passion and heritage at the original home of British motorsport.
Alongside the centenary celebrations the Museum’s events programme is set to be as busy as ever, offering many memorable days for motoring and aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
Our ever-popular New Year’s Day Classic Gathering kick-starts the season on 1 January, the first of three Classic Gatherings in 2026. This will be followed by the Easter Classic Gathering on 4 April and later the Summer Classic Gathering and Autojumble on 26 July, where enthusiasts can peruse and grab a bargain amongst the large array of trade stands.
Witness competitive action at several events throughout the year including the Vintage Sports Car Club’s annual Driving Tests on 8 February where drivers will tackle complicated courses around the historic site. Later, the Brooklands National Autotest returns for its second year on 2 August featuring Championship drivers take on challenging manoeuvres in timed tests. And not forgetting, the Brooklands Relived – Festival of Motorsport weekend on 13-14 June that steps back into Brooklands’ hey-day. Featuring Sprints on Mercedes-Benz World track, Autotests on the Finishing Straight, Pride of Brooklands Concours, race starts and Test Hill ascents – the site will come alive with the roar of engines. Alongside the motoring action, visitors of all ages can enjoy live vintage themed music, costume and food, dancing and traditional family games, to truly reignite the spirit of Brooklands!
Another highlight for 2026 will be the highly anticipated Aviation Day, returning to Brooklands after a hiatus on 13 September, transforming the site to all things aeronautical with exciting displays in store.
As ever, Brooklands Museum will celebrate marques from across the globe including firm favourites Italian Day on 2 May, American Day on 30 August and German Day on 27 September. Furthermore, following the successful introduction of Japanese Day in 2025, it will be returning earlier in 2026 on 21 June. Explore the full range of marque specific events on the website, which will be complimented with busy trade and food stands alongside entertainment, sure to make a fun day out for all generations.
Special guests will be returning to delight our younger fans including Paddington Bear at Best of British on 25 May, which combines the best of British manufacturing alongside traditional British family entertainment. Popular children’s characters Bluey and Bingo will be joining for special guest appearances on 18 July at Working Vehicles Day, where the site will be filled with working machines such as tractors, mobile cranes, airfield vehicles and more. And the annual favourite Emergency Services Day on 19 September, gives everyone a chance to see the everyday heroes of our country as well as exciting demonstrations, together with PAW Patrol’s Skye, Chase and Marshall coming back to say hello.
Don’t miss the usual favourites, including Mini Day on 22 March, Motorcycle Day on 5 July and Motorsport Day on11 October, alongside London Bus Museum’s three popular events – Spring Gathering, 19 April, Summer Festival, 28 June and Transportfest, 18 October. Finishing the season will see the return of Off Road Day on 1 November where anyone with an off road vehicle can challenge themselves on the off road course at Mercedes-Benz World and ascend the famous Test Hill.
Tickets for the whole year are available now and there is so much more to discover in the 2026 programme. See the full calendar on the website for the planned fly ins, evening talks, club and rally meets, and get involved in the Grand Prix themed activities throughout the school holidays to celebrate this special centenary year.
With our amazing value membership you can enjoy unlimited admission all year round including a large list of events. Plus, there are a range of benefits including a members’ magazine and selected special discounts. As a registered charity and protected heritage site, a Brooklands membership goes a long way in helping preserve the original home of British motorsport and aviation, and to continue inspiring future generations.
Make 2026 memorable – fantastic days out await at Brooklands.
A glittering awards ceremony at the Grand Hotel in Brighton on Tuesday evening, saw the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire, scoop the silver award for Tourism Event of the Year for Wallop Wheels and Wings, at the Beautiful South Awards organised by Tourism South East.
The awards celebrate excellence within the tourism sector, with 75 finalists from tourism and hospitality businesses in South East England gathered for the ceremony.
This is the second consecutive year that the Army Flying Museum has reached the final of the prestigious awards and recognises the hard work the Museum team has undertaken in establishing this event on the national calendar.
Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson said: “We are so thrilled to have been given this award which recognises the hard work that the entire team of staff and volunteers at the Museum has achieved over the last few years. Wallop Wheels & Wings is our flagship event, and we are extremely proud of how it has developed since our inaugural event in 2021. The last year has been a very special one at the Museum with us celebrating 40 year and we continue to go from strength to strength. I am incredibly proud of all the team and to be presented with the silver award by Tourism South East was the icing on the cake.”
Fran Downton, Chief Executive of Tourism South East said: “It was a real honour to play host to such truly exceptional businesses, and the strength of the winners is testament to the incredible standards and unwavering quality of the South’s tourism industry.”
The Museum, which also won Silver in the Best Small Attraction Award last year and ‘Best Aviation Museum’ in the Airscene Awards 2023 and 2024, is most certainly getting recognised both locally and nationally, and firmly making its mark on the local tourism sector.
Here at Shuttleworth, we’re keen to welcome the next generation of engineers into the industry. Our rolling apprenticeship scheme offers those with a passion for aviation the chance to work on our unique Collection.
Beginning over 50 years ago, we have seen many apprentices pass through our workshop, with many of them staying at Shuttleworth following their four-year programme.
The scheme is always heavily subscribed due to the diverse selection of aircraft within our Collection, but we’d love to ensure this opportunity reaches as far and wide as possible to ensure that candidates from a range of backgrounds can apply.
Applications for our next apprenticeship placement (starting September 2026) are now open. Apply by 2 March 2026.
On 26 November 2025, pilot Dave Harvey flew Hawker Hurricane G-HURI into Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, where the aircraft will now reside amongst Shuttleworth’s own Collection aircraft. Staff were thrilled to welcome another Hurricane into the Collection hangars – with their own Hawker Sea Hurricane being a firm favourite with visitors.
Acquired by Historic Aircraft Collection in 2002, Hawker Hurricane G-HURI was one of the first civilian Hurricanes flying in 1989. Over the years, it has worn many schemes – including 71, 126 and 303 Squadrons – and now wears the 302 (City of Poznan) Squadron colour scheme. The squadron codes depicted are also significant in representing two Polish pilots who were scrambled out of RAF Duxford during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Flying Officer J Kowalski and Flight Lieutenant T Chlopik left the base on 15 September 1940 with only Kowalski going on to survive the war – Chlopik was killed in action later that day.
The aircraft was part of the 2005 ‘Merlins Over Malta’ project that saw it fly with Spitfire VB BM597 over Malta in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII, and is due to take part of Polish Heritage Flight’s upcoming commemorative flight to Poland.
Pilot Dave Harvey, said, “We are delighted to begin this new chapter for Hawker Hurricane G-HURI at Old Warden, surrounded by the remarkable aircraft of the Shuttleworth Collection. We look forward with great anticipation to our first air show season at one of the UK’s premier airshow venues.”
John Munn, Head of Engineering at Shuttleworth, said, “We are thrilled to now house this fantastic aircraft amongst our own Collection. With two Hurricanes now residing at Old Warden, we’re even more excited for the air show season ahead.”
Hawker Hurricane G-HURI is now on display in Hangar 4 of the Shuttleworth Collection – aptly named ‘Dangerous Skies’ for its celebration of iconic military aircraft. To see the aircraft, you can purchase 30-day return tickets to Shuttleworth Collection and Garden or look out for which of Shuttleworth’s 2026 air shows will feature a display from the aircraft (once confirmed) via www.shuttleworth.org.
