UK Aviation Museum News – Page 17

New CEO to Lead Aerospace Bristol

Sally Cordwell

Sally Cordwell joins Aerospace Bristol as the first new CEO since the popular museum and family visitor attraction opened in 2017

Filton, South Gloucestershire, 4 April 2022: The home of Concorde has a new captain at the controls, as Aerospace Bristol welcomes Sally Cordwell as its new CEO.

Sally becomes only the second CEO in Aerospace Bristol’s history, replacing Executive Director, Lloyd Burnell as Chief Executive of a museum that, since opening in 2017, has quickly established itself as one of the region’s most popular visitor attractions, an award-winning school visit destination, and a leading events venue with Concorde as its star attraction.

Sally brings significant experience of senior leadership roles in visitor attractions and culture venues in Bristol and the South West, including as Interim Executive Director at Bristol Old Vic Theatre, and as Deputy CEO at SS Great Britain Trust. Her appointment comes at a key time, as Aerospace Bristol welcomes visitors back to the museum and recovers from covid-19 closures that put its future in real jeopardy.

Sally Cordwell, CEO, Aerospace Bristol said:

“I’m thrilled to join Aerospace Bristol as its new CEO at this exciting time, as the museum celebrates its fifth anniversary year and, following a hugely challenging period, once again looks ahead with optimism and enthusiasm.

Bristol’s world-class aerospace heritage – and the unique collection of objects and exhibitions on display at Aerospace Bristol – presents us with so many opportunities to share remarkable stories, celebrate our local history, preserve Bristol’s aerospace heritage, and inspire future generations.

I can’t wait to get started.”

Iain Gray CBE, Chair, Bristol Aero Collection Trust added:

“On behalf of everyone at Bristol Aero Collection Trust, I’m truly delighted to welcome Sally Cordwell as the new Chief Executive Officer of our museum, Aerospace Bristol.

Sally’s predecessor, Lloyd Burnell did a remarkable job of leading Aerospace Bristol through its development and launch, successfully securing vital funding and getting Aerospace Bristol off the ground, and navigating the unexpected and unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. We are enormously grateful for everything Lloyd achieved in his 13 years at Aerospace Bristol and we wish him all the very best for the future.

I have no doubt that our new CEO will continue this success and that Aerospace Bristol will go from strength to strength. The museum will benefit enormously from Sally’s significant experience, keen enthusiasm, and positive vision, as we look ahead to the exciting next phase of Aerospace Bristol’s journey.”

Aerospace Bristol is home to the last Concorde ever to fly, which touched down at Filton – where all British Concordes were built and made their maiden flights – for the final time in November 2003. The museum tells the story of Concorde and of Bristol’s illustrious aviation heritage, with visitors able to step on board the famous supersonic passenger jet, explore more than a century of aerospace achievements, and watch as Bristol aircraft are restored in the museum’s new Conservation Workshop.

Aerospace Bristol is operated by Bristol Aero Collection Trust, a registered charity that aims to inspire the next generation of engineers through its STEM & local history learning programme for schools and fun family events, activities and days out at the museum.

For more information or to book a visit to Aerospace Bristol, go to www.aerospacebristol.org.

Book Your Tickets Now! Film Shows return for 2022

Films Shows at 100th Bomb Group Museum

Our popular film shows are returning in 2022 with an added afternoon showing for those preferring a daytime event.

Join us for a selection of films, footage and stories relating to general aspects of WWII aviation. Hosted once again by Richard Gibson, who’s knowledge on this subject has been amassed over 40 years as both a Trustee and Archival Historian at the museum.

Light refreshments will be available during the short interval. Tickets £7.50. Event held at 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum. Free parking available on site.

Please book your tickets via the link to Eventbrite below, or call the museum on 01379 740708. Our film shows are very popular and booking in advance is recommended as often we are fully booked before the day.

https://www.100bgmus.org.uk/single-post/film-shows-return-for-2022

Newark Air Museum Photo Shoot

The date for our first Day-Night Photo Shoot event in 2022 has now been set for Saturday March 26, 2022.

The event will formally commence after the museum closes to the public at 5pm; however anyone signing up for the event will be eligible to arrive at the museum from 1000 hours onwards on March 26th so that they can enjoy a whole day taking pictures around the museum site.

The event will feature themed ground equipment; uniformed personnel; and illuminated aircraft.

The aircraft being featured for this event will include the T-33; Wessex; Dove; Vulcan & munitions; plus also the Jaguar T2A; Hunter T.7; Lightning T.5 & Meteor NF.14.

Admission cost for Day-Night Photo Shoot event is £40 per person and places will be limited to 50 people.

Various payment options are detailed on the booking form, or you can call in at the museum in person.

We will aim to acknowledge the receipt of your emailed booking applications within 24 hours!

http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/Day-Night_Photo_Shoot

Helicopter legend ‘Bravo November’ heads to Cosford

Chinook Bravo November

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is thrilled to announce the acquisition of the legendary RAF Chinook HC6A ‘Bravo November’ helicopter.

The newest addition to the Museum’s collection has a distinguished career within the Royal Air Force. It was one of the original 30 Chinooks ordered by the RAF in 1978 and has been in service ever since, serving in every major conflict of the last 40 years. As a veteran of the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan, Bravo November has seen four of its pilots awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for actions whilst at the controls of the aircraft.

Bravo November will depart RAF Odiham in Hampshire on 16 March and will travel by road on a low loader lorry. The Chinook will be on public display for the first time ahead of the nation’s Falklands 40 anniversary celebrations commencing 2 April.

Dr Peter Johnston, RAF Museum Head of Collections said:
‘The Chinook, and in particular Bravo November is a significant addition to the RAF Museum’s collection in the Midlands. As we look ahead to Falklands 40, Museum visitors will be able to appreciate the enormous efforts and sacrifices that were required for the campaign to be successful by seeing this most famous of airframes. Yet having also performed a variety of roles in worldwide operations since 1982, this highly decorated aircraft has been involved in major moments in British and global history, and carries further extraordinary stories of service, sacrifice, and heroism at home and abroad. The RAF Museum is delighted to welcome Bravo November into our collection, ensuring an icon of British aviation is secured for future generations to enjoy.’

www.rafmuseum.org

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.