Category: UK Aviation Museum News

Shuttleworth Learning Team Launches a New Send Project: Sensing Shuttleworth

Following a successful grant application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the Learning Team at Shuttleworth are excited to be launching a new project focused on developing and enhancing the visitor attraction’s special education needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.

On 5 November, invited guests – including Autism Beds, Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum, EPIC – Luton Parent Carer Forum, EMBRACE – formerly Beds & District Cerebral Palsy Society, Special Schools Forum – convened by Central Beds Council, CBC SEND Team (early years and schools), Mencap – Bedford & Luton, and more – will attend a launch event for the project, which will see Shuttleworth actively engaging in consultation and co-production with ‘critical friends’ to understand the developments required to make the visitor attraction a more inclusive place of heritage, learning, and excitement.

The receipt of this UKSPF funding will allow the team to access expert support during this project, including commissioning award-winning sensory consultants Collar & Cuffs as facilitators. The project will also involve: co-creating workshops and developing sensory resources, establishing a pilot group of local SEND school representatives, community groups, families and providers, creating a bespoke ‘What to expect’ video with supporting print resources, and establishing bespoke communication symbols to better reflect the Collection and Garden at Shuttleworth.

The project is intended for people of all ages with SEND, as the team hope to make Shuttleworth a go-to destination for everyone.

Learning Co-ordinator, Matthew Studdert-Kennedy, said, “We’re really excited to be launching SENsing Shuttleworth on 5 November. We hope that we will be able to significantly improve our SEND offering in order to be an accessible and appealing cultural space for all audiences.”

You can find out more about learning opportunities at Shuttleworth by visiting www.shuttleworth.org/learning

Shuttleworth Receives Navigational Compass from R38 Airship Over 100 Years After Fateful Crash

Shuttleworth R38

Shuttleworth is delighted to have received the H. Hughes & Son Ltd navigational compass from the infamous R38 airship. The artefact was recovered from the wreckage of the R38 – the then largest airship ever built – after it crashed in Howden, in 1921 whilst on its way to America. It was originally presented to Dr William Impey Baker, whose Grandson, Robert Hattersley, has now gifted the item to Shuttleworth.

The R38 airship was originally commissioned in spring of 1918 as a counter weapon to the Zeppelin. However, building was not completed at the Cardington hangars until the war had ended. Instead, a deal was struck with the United States of America for the purchase of the airship – then, the largest airship ever built at 699ft long, 86ft in diameter, and with a capacity of 2,750,000ft³.

After successful flight tests that saw the airship reach speeds of 71mph, the commissioning flight was set for 24 August 1921 from Howden in Hull, up the River Humber and on across the Atlantic to America. With a great deal of media attention and huge crowds of spectators along the river, the R38 took flight but shortly split in two as it turned. As the fuselage broke in half, an enormous explosion led to awful scenes. One of the nearby spectators, Dr William Impey Baker, attended the rescue party to help as many of the injured crew as possible. 44 of the 49 British and American crew lost their lives. Following the incident, the H. Hughes & Son Ltd compass was recovered from the wreckage and presented to Dr Baker in recognition for his unpaid work in the rescue effort on that fateful day.

Over 100 years later, on 10 October 2024, Robert Hattersley, the Grandson of Dr Baker, presented the navigational compass to Jean Munn, Head of Engineering, and Stuart Gray, Vehicle Manager, at Shuttleworth.

Stuart Gray, Vehicle Manager, said, “We are so delighted to have received this navigational compass from Robert Hattersley and the Baker family. As well as being made by the company responsible for some of the navigational equipment installed in WWI aircraft, the R38 itself was constructed just a short distance from Shuttleworth at Cardington. We hope that our visitors will enjoy being able to see this remarkable piece of history on their visits to the Collection.”

Visitors can see the compass on display in Hangar 1 at Shuttleworth; to book a 30-day return admission ticket to the Collection and Garden, visit www.shuttleworth.org

Shuttleworth Announces 2025 Season of Air Shows

Shuttleworth 2025 Air Show dates

Following the huge success of the 2024 season, which has welcomed 27,000 visitors to date, Shuttleworth is excited to announce their 2025 season of air shows. With themes celebrating military history, the best of British engineering, their hugely popular Flying Proms and Festival of Flight events, a relaxed Summer air show, and an action-packed Race Day, Shuttleworth has something to entertain the whole family.

Shuttleworth is continually reviewing their event structure to ensure that their offering appeals to as broad an audience as possible. 2025 will see further exciting format updates with traditional Sunday shows opening and closing the season, and daytime and evening split flying displays over three Saturday events, offering visitors the chance to experience evening flying set against the backdrop of the beautiful setting sun – perfect for keen photographers.

The Season Premiere Air Show kicks off the season in a traditional Sunday format on 11 May, with flying taking place between 2pm and 6pm. As with all Shuttleworth displays, you can see their working collection of vintage aircraft take to the skies above Old Warden aerodrome.

On 31 May, Shuttleworth’s first split flying Saturday format takes place through their Military Air Show (flying 2-5.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm). This show specifically celebrates all of those who have given their service on land, in the air, and at sea.

Festival of Flight returns by popular demand on 28 and 29 June. Shuttleworth’s biggest event of the year offers two fully packed days of family entertainment, including a host of
fantastic ground entertainment around the most spectacular split flying air displays of the season (flying 2-5.30pm and 8-9pm both days).

The second split flying Saturday format of the season takes place on 26 July with the Summer Air Show (flying 2-5.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm). Visitors can soak up the warmth of the summer evening whilst taking in more brilliant aerial displays.

16 August sees the welcome return of Flying Proms, an event that features a stunning aerial display choreographed to live music from a symphony orchestra, and pyrotechnics to boot. Following the display, visitors can enjoy fireworks and music, with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a Proms-themed event.

Shuttleworth presents the Best of British Air Show on 30 August – the third split flying Saturday of the season – where visitors can marvel at the incredible achievements of aviation and automation in Great Britain (flying between 2-5.30pm and 7-8pm).

Rounding off the season, with a traditional Sunday format, is the ever-popular Race Day on 5 October (flying 2-6pm). With high-speed sprint demonstrations, both on the ground and in the air, this adrenaline-fuelled event honours the skill and passion of their patron Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, a true racing spirit.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations, said, “Building on the achievements of our 2024 season, we’re excited to announce this new season of air shows for 2025. We are
delighted that our visitors have so warmly embraced our new show formats, and we will continue to provide a visitor experience that is second-to-none in its entertainment offer and affordability. We are proud to often be referred to as the best kept secret in Bedford, but now’s the time to let the secret out!”

While the air displays are not to be missed, Shuttleworth has plenty of other activity going on across the site on air show days. Hop aboard one of their beautiful vintage buses, grab some delicious food and drink, take in fantastic vehicle parades, and make the most of regular fun fairs. Let the kids explore and learn in Discovery Zones or set them loose on an inclusive play area – kids go free to all events(excluding Flying Proms) and all activities are inclusive of entry price.

Early bird tickets for Shuttleworth’s 2025 air show season are now on sale via www.shuttleworth.org. Kids go free to all events excluding Flying Proms. Early bird pricing ends on 31 January 2025.

RAF Museum and Virgin Atlantic announce Official Airline Partnership

Virgin Atlantic corporate team visit RAF Museum

The Royal Air Force Museum is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Virgin Atlantic, naming the esteemed airline as the Museum’s official airline partner.

The collaboration between the RAF Museum and Virgin Atlantic highlights a shared dedication to inspiring everyone with the RAF Story, while preserving and celebrating aviation history, and strengthening transatlantic connections.

The new partnership will see Virgin Atlantic flying Museum representatives between the UK and USA, enabling the team to attend events hosted by the RAF Museum American Foundation that support the Museum’s fundraising opportunities in the United States.

Edward Sharman, Head of Development at RAF Museum, said:
‘We are thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic as our first Official Airline Partner. They join us in our mission to inspire everyone with the RAF story, the people who shape it and its place in our lives. Their strong connections between the UK and the USA will significantly enhance our engagement with supporters in the United States. As a registered charity, this additional support for the Museum will help ensure the continued care of our exhibitions and collections. With a shared passion and dedication to aviation, I am very excited about the benefits this partnership will bring as the Museum continues to grow and honour the legacy of the RAF.’

Virgin Atlantic, who celebrated their 40th anniversary in June, finalised the agreement during a recent visit to the RAF Museum’s London site. The Virgin Atlantic Corporate Team received an extensive tour from the Museums volunteers and made use of the Museums meeting facilities. As part of the new partnership, Virgin Atlantic employees will gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, public events, venue hire discounts, and corporate volunteering opportunities at the RAF Museum sites in London and the Midlands.

Thomas Maynard, Director of Global Corporate Sales at Virgin Atlantic, said:
‘The USA is Virgin Atlantic’s heartland, so we’re delighted to support the RAF Museum as its Official Airline Partner, flying guests across the Atlantic in style. Our mission is to inspire everyone to take on the world and our partnership will further enable the RAF Museum to educate guests about the RAF’s incredible history and its role in the fascinating world of aviation.’

www.rafmuseum.org

Free family fun at the RAF Museum’s Community Day

RAF Museum - stories of local people that served in the RAF

Date: 15 September / Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm / Cost: Free

Experience the spirit of the Midlands on Sunday 15 September, as the RAF Museum Midlands throws open its doors for a vibrant, free Community Day in partnership with the Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council.

This exciting event will bring together communities from every corner of the region, celebrating the rich tapestry of talent and history that makes the Midlands unique. Expect a day bursting with lively music, dance performances, have-a-go activities, fascinating displays, street food, and so much more!

Throughout the day a spectacular line-up of dance, music, and spoken word performances will light up the stage! Immerse yourself in Dhol drumming, Polish dancing, and live jazz music—guaranteed to get everyone up on their feet. Marvel at the jaw-dropping African acrobatics show that will have you joining in and feast your eyes on the mesmerising Chinese dance and music. Surrounded by aircraft, families will be enthralled by captivating storytelling, inspiring poetry, and energetic rap performances. It’s an unforgettable day of live entertainment!

Join in on a lively assortment of interactive workshops where the whole family can get involved! Get hands-on with Dhol drum classes, unleash your artistic side in art workshops, or learn the energetic moves of Bhangra dance. You can also test your strength, balance, and agility with a thrilling African acrobatic circus skills experience. Plus, have a go at shooting hoops on the pop-up basketball court—there’s something fun for everyone to try!

The Museum will highlight the inspiring stories of local people who have served, or are currently serving, in the RAF. Visitors can explore a range of displays that showcase the deep connections between the RAF and Midlands communities, featuring a special exhibit on the Polish Air Squadrons.

Beyond the Community Day activities, families can explore the Museum’s unique collection, ranging from bi-planes to fast jets, in four vast display hangars. Experience the excitement of flying in the interactive Flight Zone, let the little ones go wild in the aviation themed playground, or try on some of the RAF uniforms and pose for a selfie. The Museum is packed with flying entertainment for the whole family!

Entry to the RAF Museum Midlands and the Community Day is free. For more details and to pre-book your arrival time, visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands

Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum and RAF Air Cadets Join Forces

RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton

The Royal Air Force Museum and the RAF Air Cadets are pleased to announce the signing of a Cooperation Agreement formalising their strategic partnership. The partnership will draw on RAF stories for inspiration, learning and enjoyment, supporting the RAF Air Cadets to develop new skills and understanding and ensuring the RAF Museum’s collection and sites remain relevant for people of all ages.

The Agreement marks a significant step forward in fostering a deeper relationship between the two organisations. It was signed at the Museum in London by RAF Museum CEO – Maggie Appleton MBE and Commandant RAF Air Cadets – Air Cdre A C Keeling OBE.

The first major project to combine our resources and expertise is the co-creation of a new exhibition which is part of the Museum’s Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme opening in 2027 that will explore the RAF and its people from 1980 to the present day and invite visitors to imagine its future.

RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton MBE:
‘The RAF Air Cadets have generously supported the Museum over many years at events and receptions at both our London and Midlands sites and, in turn, enjoyed engagement with our team and exhibitions. We are delighted to formalise our partnership with this Agreement and very much look forward to deepening and developing our friendship together.’

www.rafmuseum.org

Bravo, Bravo! Doors to the RAF Museum’s Flying Theatre show now open

Bravo Bravo!

Date: 25 July – 1 September 2024
Time: 11.00am and 2.00pm
Cost: From £10.00

Summer’s off to a flying start at the RAF Museum Midlands, as doors to the thrilling action-packed family Flying Theatre show – Bravo, Bravo open!

Bravo, Bravo is an immersive performance about the world-famous RAF Chinook helicopter Bravo November, that will wow audiences as performers soar through the air with the help of a flying machine! This dynamic storytelling experience, enriched with humour, dance, and plenty of audience participation, brings to life the Chinook’s ‘impossible’ real-life tales, ensuring families are engaged from start to finish.

Over the course of the 45-minute show, performers embody the characters of Bravo November, and her friends, Vulcan, Victor and EAP. Each aircraft with their distinct personalities, compete against one another in a battle to be crowned the best aircraft. Despite Bravo November’s struggle to match the speed or size of her competitors, the final round reveals her incredible stories in a captivating demonstration of her spirit and invaluable contribution to the Royal Air Force.

Crafted by Highly Sprung, the UK’s leading physical theatre company for children and young people, Bravo, Bravo combines exceptional skill and artistry, with an immersive portrayal of Bravo November’s real-life legacy, showcasing a machine that epitomises the extraordinary.

Alex Woolliscroft, RAF Museum Public Events Manager said:
‘Bravo, Bravo is not just a show, it’s an exhilarating journey through aviation history that brings the incredible stories of the RAF Chinook helicopter Bravo November to life. We’re excited to offer families this unique and immersive experience this summer. Our partnership with Highly Sprung guarantees a captivating performance that educates and entertains, making it a must-see event for all ages.’

The Bravo, Bravo Flying Theatre show will run from 25 July until 1 September, Wednesday to Sunday, at 11.00am and 2.00pm each day. Tickets are priced from £10.00. Book now at www.rafmuseum.org/midlands and don’t miss the chance to witness the hidden narratives that shaped aviation history.

For an extra special treat, why not book one of the VIP passes with front row seats to the show, followed by an exclusive access on board tour of the real Chinook helicopter Bravo November on display at the Museum. Hear real-life stories about the crew while inside the aircraft, including access to the cockpit. VIP tickets costs £30.00 per person (max 10 per show).

RAF Museum Midlands Wins Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024

RAF Museum Midlands win Tripadvisor Award

RAF Museum Midlands recognised as a traveller-favourite attraction.

The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands is pleased to announce today that it has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s® Travellers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The award honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.

As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travellers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.

Alan Edwards, Head of Operations at RAF Museum said:
‘We are honoured to be included among travellers favourites this year and extend our heartfelt thanks to every visitor who left us a review. This accolade is a testament to the exceptional work of our staff and volunteers, who ensure our visitors have an outstanding experience. Their dedication to delivering a warm welcome, engaging experiences, and maintaining the Museum to the highest standards has led to this achievement.’

John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor said:
‘Congratulations to the RAF Museum Midlands on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024. Travellers’ Choice honours businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.’

Check out all the reviews, and discover more about the RAF Museum Midlands on Tripadvisor. Entry to the RAF Museum is free, to book your day out at the top attraction visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.

Aircraft taken on loan from the Royal Air Force Museum

Newark Meteor

Throughout 2023 and 2024 the trustees of the Newark Air Museum [NAM] have been in discussions with the Royal Air Force Museum (RAFM), regarding the loan of the Gloster Meteor F.8 (mod) WK935 / 7869M, which is often referred to as the Prone Meteor.

The Loan Agreement was finalised on 21st June, 2024. Thanks to a lot of pre-planning and preparation work the Prone Meteor was moved from the RAFM Cosford site to NAM’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the border with Lincolnshire, on Monday 24th June, 2024.

Staff from the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre (MBCC) at Cosford supervised the move, which was undertaken by their preferred contractor, SPH Plant Limited from Telford, Salop. During a subsequent two-day time period the MBCC staff reassembled the Prone Meteor, before moving into Hangar 2 on NAM’s Southfield Site. Local forklift hire was kindly arranged by AEM Lifting from Tuxford, Notts.

“The museum first contemplated trying to take the Prone Meteor on loan, at the suggestion of aviation historian Ken Ellis, whilst developing the Interpretation Plan for the other British prone trials aircraft, the Reid and Sigrist Desford.” commented Newark Air Museum Trustee, Colin Savill.

“We are grateful to the Royal Air Force Museum staff at both London and Midlands, who have helped implement this loan agreement.” He concluded, “Securing the loan of the Prone Meteor allows us to display these two unique aircraft from the golden age of British aviation, together at one location; something that has never happened before!”

An additional comment has also been made by Dr Harry Raffal at the RAF Museum: “We are delighted that through our loan of the Meteor F8 to Newark Air Museum new audiences will engage with this unique strand of the RAF story. The loan will provide an exciting new exhibit at Newark Air Museum whilst helping the RAF Museum share our collection more widely.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

High-flying show heading to the RAF Museum Midlands this summer!

RAF Museum Flying Theatre

Date: 25 July – 1 September 2024
Time: 11.00am and 2.00pm
Cost: Children from £10 / Adults from £12.50 (20% early bird discount available until 1 July)

This summer the RAF Museum Midlands and Highly Sprung are teaming up for a thrilling action-packed family show – Bravo, Bravo!

Step inside the Museum’s Flying Theatre and expect to be wowed throughout the 45-minute show by dynamic storytelling as performers soar through the air with the help of a flying machine! Bravo, Bravo is not just a performance but an immersive experience and a captivating demonstration of the spirit of Bravo November, the famous Chinook helicopter, and its invaluable contribution to the Royal Air Force.

The Chinook, with its distinct personality, becomes a living, breathing character on stage as its tales unfold. This exciting new show promises to be a visual and emotional spectacular, combining skill and artistry, with an immersive and dynamic portrayal of Bravo November’s real-life legacy.

Crafted by Highly Sprung, the UK’s leading physical theatre company for children and young people, Bravo, Bravo shares captivating stories of Bravo November, a machine that defies the ordinary and embodies the extraordinary.

Shows will run at 11.00am and 2.00pm each day. Tickets start from £10 for children and £12.50 for adults, with discounts for family bookings. Book now at www.rafmuseum.org/midlands and save 20% with a special early bird offer and don’t miss the chance to witness the hidden narratives that shaped aviation history.

For an extra special treat, why not book one of the VIP passes with front row seats to the show, followed by an exclusive access on-board tour of the real Chinook helicopter Bravo November on display at the Museum. Hear real-life stories about the crew while inside the aircraft, including access to the cockpit. VIP tickets costs £30 per person (max 10 per show).