UK Aviation Museum News – Page 16

Second World War aircraft restored using original doping techniques

Lysander at London

A Second World War Westland Lysander III (SD), the only surviving Special Duties variant of its type has been restored to its former glory and will be on display at RAF Museum London.

The aircraft has undergone conservation work including a new fabric outer skin and complete repaint in the Museum’s Michael Beetham Conservation Centre. Formerly displayed at the Museum’s London site in No. 225 Squadron markings, the Lysander is now painted in No. 161 Squadron Special Ops colour scheme, reflecting its service towards the end of the war in non-operational special transport services.

Beginning in November 2016, the aircraft underwent an in-depth inspection and condition assessment followed by a few minor structural repairs. The airframe’s damaged fabric covering was replaced while a team of volunteers cleaned and lubricated mechanical systems back to a functional state.

The aircrafts biggest transformation comes from the recovering of its airframe in a traditional Irish linen fabric, hand sewn by the Museum’s Surface Finish Technician and then strengthened using original doping techniques.

RAF Museum, Surface Finish Technician Clive Roberts said:
“Thousands of stiches were made attaching the linen to the fuselage, wings and tailplane followed by six coats of doping, a UV microwave protection layer, primer and then finally painted in its 161 Squadron Special Ops colour scheme. It’s a slow process but essential to preserving the aircraft for as long as possible. We sought the help of a Lysander expert based in Switzerland, who provided us with original photographs and technical drawings to help with the paint scheme. One of the photos shows that during R9125’s service with 161 Squadron the cooling gills were incorrectly fitted so the camouflage no longer lined up. Since this has been documented we will change ours to match that.”

The Museum’s example, serial number R9125 first became operational with No. 225 Squadron in 1940 as a coastal patrol and photo reconnaissance aircraft, based along the south coast of England. It took on the Special Duties role with No. 161 Squadron in 1944 and was operational for a further two years until they became obsolete from the RAF in 1946.

The Lysander was originally designed for Army Co-operation duties including artillery spotting and reconnaissance. However, its lasting fame is not in this role, but as a Special Duties aircraft ferrying Allied agents in and out of enemy occupied Europe. Despite some notable successes, the Army Co-operation units suffered extremely high casualties – over 170 Lysanders were sent to France in 1939 and only 50 came back. Following their withdrawal from France, Lysanders patrolled the coastal areas of south and east England as an anti-invasion reconnaissance measure and later, began air-sea rescue duties in the Channel and North Sea.

Visitors to the RAF Museum London will get the first glimpse of the aircraft in Hangar 5 this Spring.

www.rafmuseum.org

RAF Museum celebrates Jewish and Indian Hidden Heroes

Hidden Heroes

On Thursday evening the Museum invited guests from the Indian and Jewish communities to commemorate the immense diversity within the RAF in its 100+ years.

The RAF Museum is committed to sharing the RAF story with everyone and the evening included a Jewish Hidden Heroes talk by the Jewish author and historian Joshua Levine, and an Indian Hidden Heroes talk by the Indian journalist and author Shrabani Basu, both Ambassadors for the RAFM. Special guest AVM Simon Edwards (ACAS) was also in attendance, along with a group of RAF officers from the both the Jewish and Indian communities.

The event was sponsored by Advinia Healthcare (Main Sponsor), Mizrahi Tefahot Bank and the Asian Jewish Business Network.

The RAF Museum Jewish Hidden Heroes project gathers and shares untold stories, both online and in our galleries, of the Jewish personnel in the RAF during the Second World War. The project is supported by Roman Abramovich and the CFC Foundation for its Say No to Anti-Semitism Campaign.

• Joshua Levine, RAFM Ambassador – Jewish, bestselling author who has written seven critically acclaimed histories. Most recently he worked as Historical Consultant on Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Dunkirk. His book, Dunkirk: The History behind the Major Motion Picture spent five weeks at the top of the Sunday Times bestseller list.

• Shrabani Basu, RAF Museum Ambassador – Indian journalist and historian who is a Sunday Times best-selling author which include the critically acclaimed: ‘Victoria and Abdul: The Story of the Queen’s Closest Confident’ (an Oscar nominated film starring Dame Judy Dench and Ali Fazal) and ‘Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan’.

www.rafmuseum.org

RAF Museum acquires Goodman medals

Benny Goodman medals

Expert Medal Auctioneers, Dix Noonan Webb have arranged the sale of the Second War campaign group of six awarded to Lancaster pilot Squadron Leader L. S. ‘Benny’ Goodman to the RAF Museum. Goodman, who died in July 2021, aged 100 and his memorial service will be held at St. Clement Danes Church, this Friday (February 4, 2022) was the last surviving RAF pilot of 617 (Dambuster) Squadron to attack the German battleship Tirpitz. He went on to be one of the few pilots to drop the 22,000lb ‘Grand Slam’ bomb, the heaviest ever dropped by the Royal Air Force, and by the end of the war he had flown on 30 bombing operations.

The medals were sold with Squadron Leader Goodman’s brown leather Irvin flying jacket, five Royal Air Force Pilot’s Flying Log Books plus several photographs and photographic images of the recipient as well as a variety of books.

Christopher Mellor-Hill, Head of Client Liaison (Associate Director), Dix Noonan Webb commented: “DNW are pleased to have facilitated the sale of “Benny” Goodman’s medals and memorabilia to the RAF Museum by mutual agreement before the auction. They will be part of a major exhibit being planned by the museum.”

Squadron Leader Goodman’s son, Robert, also added: “I’m very pleased that my father’s medals and artefacts will be purchased by the RAF Museum with the proceeds of the sale benefitting the Royal Air Force No 617 Squadron Association. I’m sure that he would have been thrilled that his legacy will be kept alive for the nation and shared with the world at the RAF Museum while giving back to No 617 Squadron, with which he fought so valiantly during the Second World War.”

Dr Peter Johnston (Head of Collections and Research, the RAF Museum) explained: “The Museum is delighted to have acquired this wonderful piece of history which enables us to tell a unique part of the Royal Air Force story. “Benny” Goodman had a fantastic relationship with the Museum and was featured in the Jewish ‘Hidden Heroes’ project that was launched in 2018. We are planning that his medals and log book will go on display in the Bomber Command Hall as part of its redevelopment in 2023.”

www.rafmuseum.org

Model Mania lands at the RAF Museum

Scale Model Weathering Workshop

Date: 27 February 2022 / Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm / Cost: Free entry
Airfix Make and Take: £5.00 per Airfix Kit
Weathering Workshop: £40.00 per person

Discover the exciting world of model aircraft at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford’s Model Mania event on Sunday 27 February.

Hangars will be filled with large model aircraft displays nestled amongst the real aircraft, and visitors will be treated to a day packed full of hands-on Airfix model making activities for families. Modellers who want to fine tune their skills can pick up tips from an expert in an exclusive workshop, and a collection of traders will be selling all the model kits and equipment you could ever wish for.

The Museum has partnered with the Large Model Association to showcase almost 100 large model aircraft throughout the Museum hangars, many alongside their full-size counterparts. Some of these ‘not so mini’ models have a wingspan of more than 20ft including a replica Vulcan. Other displays include stunning large-scale model versions of Spitfires, a Wellington, examples of a Lancaster and a host of aircraft drawn from the history of aviation. From high-tech jets to First World War bi planes, all models have been exquisitely created and engineered with absolute precision to mirror the original aircraft.

The model themed fun will continue in the ‘Airfix Make and Take’ area – where better to get into Airfix kits for the first time, than under the wings of iconic aircraft! This family friendly model making activity will offer children aged 8+ the opportunity to build and paint their own aircraft model. You don’t have to be a skilled modeller to take part as helpers are there to lend a hand. If building an Airfix kit is too fiddly, the little ones can assemble and decorate a personalised glider. Participation in the activity is £5.00 per Airfix Kit.

If you’re an avid modeller and want to take your models to the next level, the Introduction to Weathering your Scale Model workshop is perfect for you. While some scale models look amazing with a clean coat of paint, others benefit greatly from a more aged, authentic look, but weathering your model can be daunting. During this hands-on four-hour workshop attendees will learn the fundamentals of weathering techniques in a step-by-step guide, from planning your work, choosing your materials, and how to apply them, to produce authentic and realistic results. The workshop begins at 11.00am and will cover a variety of techniques from general wear and tear effects to creating and applying rust and realistic colouring. Tickets cost £40.00 per person and places are limited to 15 people.

If the Model Mania activities inspire you to get into modelling for the first time, or if you’re a pro on the lookout for a rare model edition, several model traders will be selling everything from kits and paints to magazines. Plus, there will also be short drop-in sessions throughout the day for model enthusiasts in Hangar 1.

Take the model fun home with you with a 20% discount on all Airfix Model Kits bought on the day from the RAF Museum Shop.

If you thought getting into modelling was fun, how about getting into a real cockpit! In addition to the Model Mania activities, the Museum will be opening the Hunter cockpit for a close view inside and giving visitors the opportunity to sit in the pilot seat of the Phantom. There’s no need to pre-book, but youngsters must be a minimum of one metre tall to sit inside the cockpit and be accompanied by an adult.

For a virtual experience, head to the new dedicated Flight Zone where visitors can fly with the Red Arrows from their cinema seat in the amazing 4D Theatre. In our Virtual Reality Zone you can experience the thrill of flying in a Spitfire during a 6-minute flight in full 360. Or, test out the Typhoon ride on the Flight Simulator, perfect for thrill-seeking visitors of all ages!

For further information on Model Mania and to pre-book your arrival time visit www.rafmuseum.org. Entry to the Museum and the large model aircraft display is free, charges apply for some activities.

RAF Museum Cosford 2022 Events Diary

Cosford aviation art workshop

Forthcoming events taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in 2022:

RAF Museum Cosford events 2022

Visitors to the RAF Museum Cosford can expect to see all the big favourites making a return this year, including the Cosford Food Festival, Large Model Air Show and the Spitfire 10K. Brand-new additions to the events calendar include Pilot Training for youngsters over the Easter bank holiday weekend and a Battle of Britain Proms in August.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Ulrike Stuebner said:
‘We’re delighted to have the big events and festivals back in the Museum’s diary this year following a two-year break. One of the big highlights to look out for is our new Battle of Britain Proms taking place on 13 August. There will be music to suit all tastes, everything from classical to pop, opera to swing, accompanied by food, fizz and a nostalgic atmosphere we think visitors will love!’

The busy schedule of events caters to the Museum’s wide and diverse audience, with aviation photography and art workshops available for those who want to get up close to the aircraft collection. The Museum’s younger fans are also catered for with youth groups invited to a sleepover and an evening of activities nestled amongst the aircraft in March. Families visiting the Museum in April can see if they have what it takes to pass the Pilot Training sessions running over Easter, embarking on a mission that will test their speed, brain, and teamwork skills.

Ulrike continues:
‘It’s going to be a busy summer! Our Vintage and Handmade Festival is back in May, celebrating music, fashion, design and style through the decades, along with a vintage fairground, beauty parlour, re-enactors and car displays. The Large Model Air Show in July will see hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft taking to the skies, with plenty of flight themed fun for families on the ground. This July will also see the Cosford Food Festival return with more than 100 local food and drink exhibitors, chef demos and live music. Plus, we are offering festival goers an exciting and unique rum and whisky tasting experience on board the VC10 aircraft. We have been busy planning these events and we can’t wait to welcome visitors back to them.’

For further information on any of the events taking place at the RAF Museum Cosford throughout 2022, visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Admission charges apply for some events and activities, tickets are available online. Events may be subject to change and additional events may be added during the year.

The Museum is open daily from 10am and while still offering FREE entry to all, visitors are kindly asked to pre-book their arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org

Boost for the Home of Concorde, as Aerospace Bristol Achieves Arts Council Accreditation

Aerospace Bristol

Filton, South Gloucestershire, 11 January 2022: Following an extremely challenging period that has seen the museum and charity seek urgent support to continue operating through the Covid-19 pandemic including successful applications to all three rounds of the Culture Recovery Fund, receiving a total of £1.1 million – Aerospace Bristol has received another major boost in the form of Arts Council accreditation: the UK industry standard for museums and galleries.

Accredited status means that Aerospace Bristol is operated to professional industry standards and shows that the museum takes proper care of its collection including the last Concorde ever to fly and the many other important objects and archive records in order to make them accessible and safeguard our aerospace heritage for the future.

Lloyd Burnell, Executive Director, Aerospace Bristol said:
“Achieving Arts Council accredited status is an important step forward for Aerospace Bristol. As the national benchmark of a well-run museum, this award is testament to the professionalism and high standards that our staff and volunteers work hard to maintain. Accreditation demonstrates that our collection is in safe hands, opens up exciting funding and partnership opportunities, and will give confidence to donors and supporters who wish to join us in preserving our aerospace heritage and inspiring future generations.”

Stefanie Vincent, Collections Manager, Aerospace Bristol added:
“Aerospace Bristol has always been committed to managing and caqring for our collection to the highest possible professional standards and ensuring that as many people as possible can access and engage with the objects, stories and records in our collection. to see this hard work being recognised with Arts Council accredited status.”

David Gelsthorpe, interim Chair of the UK Accreditation Committee, said:
“I’m delighted that Aerospace Bristol has achieved the UK accreditation standard for museums and galleries. Accreditation is a fantastic achievement which provides an important framework to support ongoing development and future planning, especially during these challenging times. I am extremely pleased to welcome Aerospace Bristol to the scheme, which will help to increase access to the collection and protect it for generations to come”

Aerospace Bristol is currently open Tuesday to Sunday during term time and 7 days per week during school holidays, with more information and tickets available at www.aerospacebristol.org.

Soar into 2022 with the Vulcan Challenge

Vulcan Challenge at RAF Museum

Date: Registration now open, challenge finishes on 14 April 2022
Cost: £20 per person / £15.00 Armed Forces entry

Soar into the new year with the Royal Air Force Museum’s Vulcan Challenge, and walk, run, or cycle your way to reach the 100km, 250km or even 500km distance! The Challenge commences on Friday 14 January and advance registrations are now open.

Celebrating 70 years since the Vulcan’s first flight, participants will have until 14 April to complete the Challenge and be rewarded with a bespoke medal featuring the iconic aircraft. And if you’re completing the challenge with your furry four-legged friend, there’s even a pet tag medal for them too.

Whether your new year’s resolution is to be more active, or you’re feeling the need to walk off the Christmas calories, this virtual race can be completed anywhere in the world, at a time and pace to suit you. This could be daily walks with the dog, cycling to work, weekend hikes or even rowing your distance in the gym, it could even be a combination of them all.

To redeem the exclusive Vulcan Challenge medal, participants simply need to record their 100km, 250km or 500km distance in the downloadable logbook and submit their total at the end of the Challenge. Medals will be posted to participants after the challenge closes on 14 April.

Online registration is now open at www.rafmuseum.org, entry costs £20 per person and all proceeds will go towards supporting the RAF Museum charity (registered charity number 244708) to enable the Museum to continue sharing the story of the RAF and the thousands of service men and women who served in it.

RAF Museum London Public Events Manager, Ella Hewitt said:
‘We are excited to kick start the new year with the Vulcan Challenge, celebrating 70 years of arguably the most famous of Britain’s three V-bombers, operated by the RAF. Participants can select the distance that best suits their ability and complete it anytime, anywhere, individually, or with friends and family. Support from our Challengers enables us to keep the doors of our Museums open for all generations to enjoy.

The Challenge’s bespoke medal features the Vulcan, and just like the real aircraft, the medal is huge! In previous Challenge events, we’ve seen hundreds of dogs taking part with their owners, so this year we have introduced a new Vulcan pet tag, a mini version of the main medal, so they are rewarded for their efforts too.’

The Vulcan first flew in 1952, and along with the Valiant and Victor, it provided part of Great Britain’s nuclear deterrent force for fifteen years. In 1970, following their withdrawal from the nuclear deterrent, Vulcans switched to the conventional bomber role in support of NATO forces in Europe. The Vulcan’s range could be greatly increased by in-flight refuelling which was used to good effect in the long-range attacks on the Falkland Islands from Ascension Island in 1982. The last Vulcans retired from operational service in 1984. Both RAF Museum London and Cosford have a Vulcan on public display.

Participants can stay connected and make new friends as they complete the Challenge by joining the RAF Museum Virtual Running Group on Facebook. Meet other Challengers, share your progress and ask fellow participants for advice, as well as enjoying exclusive Vulcan content during the course of the Challenge. If you’re posting updates on your social media, don’t forget to tag @rafmuseum or #VulcanChallenge2022.

Limited edition Vulcan Challenge T-shirts and Hooded Sweatshirts are also available to purchase when registering online. The souvenir T-shirts and Hoodies cost £15.00 and £30 respectively and will be delivered with your medal following the end of the challenge. Sizes range from Extra Small to XX Large.

Or why not consider fundraising for the RAF Museum, pledge to raise £100 and receive your Vulcan Challenge t-shirt for free. Starting your fundraising could not be simpler, select the sponsorship option when signing up online and head to our Vulcan Challenge JustGiving page. Once your JustGiving page is set up, our team will be in touch with some handy tips to kick start your fundraising.

To register for the Vulcan Challenge visit www.rafmuseum.org. Entry costs £20 per person (£15.00 Armed Forces entry), additional booking and postage charges apply for overseas participants. The Challenge is open to participants of all ages, but we recommend under 16’s are accompanied by an adult.

Imperial War Museums launches first ever IWM Live event in 2022

Duxford Live Events

Veterans and historic objects will be brought together with expert talks by curators and leading authors as Imperial War Museums launches first ever IWM Live event in 2022.

Tickets are now available for IWM Live, a new all-day event on Saturday 11 June bringing together IWM’s collection; the expertise of the museum’s curators; book signings from leading historical authors; and the opportunity for visitors to engage with veterans of conflict.

Events will take place at IWM Duxford and range from talks about iconic aircraft, such as the Lancaster, Vulcan, Spitfire and Mosquito, to demonstrations and presentations of some of the most compelling objects from the IWM collection, offering the chance to handle objects some of which will be presented to the public for the very first time.

We are thrilled to be joined by expert writers including Professor Richard Overy (The Dictators; Blood and Ruins: The Great Imperial War 1931-1945), Clare Mulley (The Women Who Flew For Hitler), Dr Helen Fry (Spymaster; The Walls Have Ears), Katja Hoyer (Blood and Iron), and Damien Lewis, who will be discussing and signing copies of his latest book published just weeks before IWM Live takes place.

Alongside them, IWM’s own expert curators will be leading talks on topics including HMS Belfast and the Arctic Convoys which was described as “the worst journey in the world”; Black Americans in Britain during the Second World War; and stories of how IWM was founded in the midst of the First World War. There will also be the chance to hear about how IWM London’s recently opened new Second World War Galleries were designed. The full line-up of IWM Live will be announced early in 2022.

Emily Charles, Curator at IWM and speaker at IWM Live, said, ‘We are so excited to showcase everything special about experiencing IWM live and in person with this event. In particular I’m looking forward to introducing audiences to stories of some of the real people who shaped life and culture in the UK when American forces came to Britain in the Second World War. IWM Live is a really exciting venture for us and there really is nowhere better to see history come to life than at this site which has seen some of the most dramatic days in twentieth century conflict.”

Katja Hoyer, author of Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire, said, ‘There couldn’t be a more apt place to meet existing and future readers. The historical significance of Duxford makes it a fascinating venue to visit. I’m delighted to be part of this exciting programme at IWM Live and share the stage with not just my fellow historians but with some of the museum’s fantastic collections.’

IWM Live
Saturday 11 June 2022
10:00am – 18:30pm
IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire, CB22 4QR
Tickets: £45

Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon

Duxford Spitfires

The Imperial War Museum based at the historic Duxford airfield will play host to a brand new exhibition featuring the largest collection of Supermarine Spitfires under one roof in modern times. Duxford is often referred to as “the home of the spitfire”, it was the base from which the first RAF squadron received the aircraft in 1938. Today the museum still boasts the largest range of different Spitfire marks anywhere in the world and, from 27 December 2021 until 20 February 2022, Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon will present the largest exhibition of these historic aircraft. Bringing together 12 Spitfires of varying marks together in IWM Duxford’s AirSpace hall, the exhibition – free with entry to the museum – will demonstrate how the iconic warbird evolved throughout the Second World War.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of tours, talks, events and family activities which will delve deeper into the Spitfire’s history. Characterised by its graceful curves, elliptical wings and powerful Rolls Royce engine, the Spitfire has remained a British icon since its heroic efforts in the Battle of Britain in 1940. A familiar site across the skies over Duxford, Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon will see 12 Spitfires brought together to show how this aircraft underwent continual refinement in order to keep pace with German aircraft development.

Alongside IWM’s own iconic Mk Ia Spitfire – one of few remaining airworthy Spitfires to have seen conflict in the Second World War – there will also be Mk V, Mk IX and Mk XIV among the most noteworthy. Visitors will also find information about each aircraft and how the Spitfire cemented its place in history as one of the greatest fighter aircraft of all time. The full list of the 12 spitfires is:

1. Spitfire Mk I N3200
2. Spitfire Mk I AR213
3. Spitfire Mk Vb BM597
4. Spitfire LF Mk Vb EP120
5. Spitfire Mk Vc JG891
6. Spitfire Mk IXb MH434
7. Spitfire Mk VIIIc MV194
8. Spitfire T Mk IX PV202 or PT462 (depending on flying/conservation needs)
9. Spitfire PR Mk XI PL983
10. Spitfire Mk XIVe RN201
11. Spitfire FR Mk XIVe MV293
12. Spitfire Mk 22 PK624 (undergoing restoration)

This exhibition has been made possible thanks to several private owners who have loaned their Spitfire to IWM for the duration of the exhibit. IWM Curator, Adrian Kerrison, said, “The Spitfire became synonymous with hope and protection as the threat of German invasion loomed heavy over Britain. The aircraft captured the hearts of the home front to such an extent that members of the public from across Britain and the Commonwealth would dig deep into their own pockets to fund their production, and the love for them has not subsided since they were first produced. It’s a great honour for us at IWM Duxford to know that we were not only the location from which the first operational Spitfire squadron flew, but that now we can bring together so many of them in one place for the first time and enable visitors to get up close and learn more about this icon of victory.” Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon will be open to general admission visitors to IWM Duxford from 27 December 2021 with associated events and activities taking place for the duration of the exhibition, enabling visitors to learn more about this legend of the skies.

Family Activities
New for winter 2021, Spitfire Engineers will give families the chance to complete activities and learn about the design of the Spitfire, its engineering principles, and the forces of flight. From wing design to fuel consumption, find out more from IWM’s knowledgeable team and take part in hands on challenges to discover how the Spitfire became a force to be reckoned with in the skies.

Tours and Talks
Twice a week for the duration of the exhibition expert guides will be running an Evolution of an Icon: The Spitfire Exhibition Tour. Priced at £10, this 60-minute in-depth tour will offer the chance to discover more about the development of the Spitfire and look at examples highlighting the evolution of this historic machine whilst getting up close to displayed aircraft. On Wednesday 29 December there will also be the chance to delve into the Spitfire’s history from the comfort of your own home with the one-off Introduction to an Icon which will use IWM’s extensive photo archive to introduce the history and development of the Spitfire and look at the tied history between Duxford and this famous aircraft.

In-the Cockpit Experiences
For just £45 visitors will also be able to Join an expert guide and sit inside the cockpit of the airworthy Mk 1 Spitfire N3200, which flew with 19 Squadron from Duxford. Guests will first explore the history and restoration of the aircraft, followed by 15 minutes inside the cockpit, complete with photo opportunities, learning the controls and immersing themselves in the conditions experienced by those who flew them.

Airfix Event
On 9 January 2022 the museum will host an all-day event explores the design process behind Airfix’s iconic modelling kits. Airfix Product Designers will discuss the research, design and production methods they use, and an IWM expert will take visitors behind the ropes of Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon and observe the intricate details of the aircraft up close. Tickets for this event will be £35 and can be booked via the IWM website.

Photography
ON 19th February 2022 the museum will host a unique evening photoshoot; ‘Duxford in a Different Light’, following the first successful night photography event in 2020. All twelve Spitfires gathered for the exhibition will be lit by white and coloured lights throughout the evening and complete re-enactors from living history groups. Tickets cost £75 and include admission to the site from 3:30pm.

www.iwm.org.uk

(article by Lee Chapman)

Pre-Christmas News For Newark Air Museum

Vulcan bomber at Newark Air Museum

An agreement has been reached between Newark Air Museum (NAM) and the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association (LLA), that has resulted in the ownership of the Avro Shackleton, WR977 and the Avro Vulcan, XM594 being immediately transferred to NAM.

Both aircraft have been on long-term loan at the NAM site in eastern Nottinghamshire since they were first acquired; back in 1977 for the Shackleton and 1983 for the Vulcan. In recent years the LLA has been the owner of both aircraft and they have provided financial support for recent restoration and repainting work on both aircraft.

The legal papers pertaining to these transfers were signed on December 15th, 2021, thereby helping to secure the long-term future of these two hugely popular exhibits at NAM. An official handover ceremony will be hosted at the museum in early 2022. Conservation surveys have been carried out on both aircraft and the museum volunteers will be undertaking major restoration work on both of their ‘new exhibits’ in the coming months.

Speaking on behalf of NAM, museum trustee, Howard Heeley commented, “Everyone at the museum is extremely grateful to the Chairman and the Committee of the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association, who have generously agreed to the legal ownership of these aircraft being transferred to us.”

“The Shackleton and Vulcan are both special aircraft, which museum members helped to save back in 1977 and 1983 respectively. We are really honoured to now have sole responsibility for their future care.”

He concluded, “Whilst we have some significant challenges ahead with regards to safeguarding these aircraft, we are sure that both the museum members and the general public will help us look after these aircraft for the benefit of future generations.”

Ray Bainborough, Chairman of the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association, said, “I am delighted that the Newark Air Museum is taking over the ownership of these two historic aircraft. It has been a privilege for the LLA to have been their owners over the past years, but the time has come for the museum to be both the location for the Shackleton and the Vulcan, and also the legal owner of the two aircraft. This makes sense from a practical point of view and will better ensure the two aircraft continue to be preserved in the years ahead.”

Summary:
Although there is a change of ownership of the Shackleton and Vulcan, from the LLA to the NAM, visitors to the museum will not notice any changes as the two aircraft will remain at their current location.