UK Aviation Museum News – Page 60

Royal Air Force Museum secures National Lottery Investment for RAF Centenary Programme

HLF

The Royal Air Force Museum is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £4.89million* from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its RAF Centenary Programme – The First 100 Years.

2018 will mark the centenary of the RAF and will be an occasion of national celebration and commemoration. As the oldest and longest serving air force in the world, the RAF has affected the lives of millions, driven technological innovations, pushed the boundaries of human achievement and become part of the UK’s cultural identity.

As custodians of the RAF story, the Museum is planning an ambitious programme of activities and events for the summer of 2018. Having opened, the HLF funded ‘First World War in the Air’, in December 2014, the Museum now aims to deliver the next phase of work, which will tell the story of the first 100 years of the RAF by sharing the experiences of its service men and women and international partners.

The HLF support will act as a significant contribution towards the Museum’s fundraising campaign for its RAF Centenary Programme with the HLF development grant award of £404,100 enabling the Museum to progress its plans developing designs for new exhibitions ahead of a full £4.89million grant application.*

The Museum’s plans include a re-landscaping of its London site with a view to enhancing the visitor experience and celebrating its heritage as the cradle of British aviation. Under the HLF funded project there will also be a new visitor centre with a café, shop, soft play area and community spaces. A currently derelict 1930s RAF supply building will be transformed into a new restaurant.

A series of new permanent exhibitions will open in the summer of 2018. ‘The First 100 Years of the RAF’ and ‘Now and the Future’ exhibitions will enable visitors to understand the story of the RAF from its earliest years in the First World War to its global role today.

The Museum is also rolling out a new digital programme, “My RAF Story”, which will collect and share personal stories of the men and women of the Service to ensure they are preserved for future generations.

A new learning programme will aim to inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects. Additionally, new apprenticeships and volunteering activities will help the Museum conserve and display more of the incredible 1.2 million objects within its collection representing the national memory of the RAF at work and play, war and peace.

Further planned phases of the RAF Centenary Programme will bring to life the stories of the London Aerodrome and RAF Hendon – from which the first airmail, parachute jump, night flight and aerial defence of a city took place. It will evoke memories of being a major centre of First World War aircraft production and later playing a role in the Battle of Britain.

Maggie Appleton, CEO of the Royal Air Force Museum, said: “I’d like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund on behalf of all our staff and Trustees for the generous support they have given us – we could not be happier! The story of the RAF is one of bravery, ingenuity and dedication which echoes within all our lives and will endure and enrich future generations. We are very excited to be given the opportunity to tell this story through the Museum’s collections and the voices of the individual men and women who served in the RAF and whose lives have been influenced by it.”

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of HLF, said: “The foundation of the Royal Air Force is one of the most significant legacies of the First World War. It’s wonderful that National Lottery players have made it possible to mark the RAF’s centenary so fittingly. I’m sure they will enjoy the museum’s outstanding collections of aviation technology combined with the extraordinary stories and courage of the men and women who have served in the RAF over those one hundred years.”

www.rafmuseum.org

Cockpit-Fest 2015 – a wet but fascinating weekend

Newark Cockpit Fest

Cockpit-Fest 2015 proved to be another great event at the Newark Air Museum site in eastern Nottinghamshire, which taking into account the terrible weather on the Saturday was quite well attended by the public.

Last minute changes the layout on Saturday to get some displays inside provided a boost to exhibitors in Hangar 2 and the weather did not seen to dampen everyone’s enthusiasm for this ever popular gathering of cockpit owners from around the UK.

The museum trustees were particularly thankful to a host of people: all of the Cockpiteers and Exhibitors, their friends and families; the Aeroboot stall holders; the museum staff, aircraft openers and volunteers who helped during the build-up, during and after the event. A special thank you goes to everyone who stuck it out in the wet conditions on Saturday

For this year’s event they would also like to extend a big thank you to the following people and organisations:

Ken Ellis (‘Wrecks & Relics – Spirit of Cockpit-Fest’ Awards)

David Gledhill

Pen & Sword

The Museum Shop

Everyone who displayed at the event was a winner and a credit to this wonderfully diverse hobby, with some tremendous exhibits proudly displayed around the site; the 2015 results are as follows:

Grand Champion (Visitors Award) – de Havilland Hornet project – David Collins

Visitors Award Non-Cockpit – Lightning panel display – Darren Swinn

Cockpiteers Cockpit Award (Joint Winners) – Beagle Pup HB-NAV – Bill Fern; and Lightning F6 XR754 – Matt Buddle

Cockpiteers Award Non-Cockpit – Women in World War II – Karen Wilson

Wrecks & Relics Spirit of Cockpit-Fest Award (Ken Ellis) – HS125 G-AVAI – Andy Rawden

Wrecks & Relics Spirit of Cockpit-Fest Award (Ken Ellis) – Harrier AV8B – Robbie Burgess

Peter Green, Wrecks & Relics Spirit of Cockpit-Fest Award (Ken Ellis) – Sopwith Camel project – Tony Dyer

We would like to add a special thank you to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for persevering with the weather to provide an excellent Spitfire flypast. Also thank you to Vulcan XH558 for the unexpected low level transit flight over Vulcan XM594.

We will be back with the 2016 event, which will take place on 18 & 19 June, 2016

www.newarkairmuseum.org

New exhibit at Newark Air Museum

Lightning XR757 cockpit

Newark Air Museum has entered into a loan agreement, which will see the cockpit of former English Electric Lightning F6, XR757 displayed at the museum’s Drove Lane site into summer 2016.

The wonderfully restored cockpit was moved from its former location at RAF Scampton on Thursday 12th June 2015 by its owner Trevor Garrod. It was displayed at the museum’s annual Cockpit-Fest event, where it was exhibited alongside two other Warton veterans the Canberra PR9 cockpit and the TSR2 cockpit.

The arrangement for the loan was finalised during recent weeks and the museum trustees were pleased to be able to provide accommodation for this particular trailer mounted cockpit section. The single Lighting cockpit will help illustrate the differences with the museum’s own two-seat training version.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Large Model Aircraft Rally – Tickets on sale now

Large Model Aircraft

Date: 18-19 July 2015

Time: Gates open 8.30am

Cost: £8.00 in advance

Hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft will be taking to the skies over Shropshire next month for a weekend of flying entertainment. Model enthusiasts from across the country will travel to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford for this famous air show in miniature.

Taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, the Large Model Aircraft Rally at Cosford is an absolute must see for any aviation enthusiast. This popular annual event attracts in excess of 10,000 visitors over the two day show and is one of the biggest events in the Museum’s calendar.

This year’s flying theme will be commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, considered the most important event in Royal Air Force history. Visitors to the show will see a spectacular anniversary display of World War Two aircraft with many international teams signed up to take part. The Legendary Fighters from Germany will be flying 1/3 scale fighter aircraft including Messerschmitt 109s and Spitfires in exciting mid-air dogfights, entertaining the crowds throughout the day.

Aircraft from the early days of aviation, through to the modern jets of today will be flying during the model show weekend. Models on show will range in size from small scale aircraft right through to a huge 1/5th Scale Avro Vulcan with 4 jet turbines. Famous for its delta wing shape, the 1/5th scale mighty Vulcan bomber is a spectacular flypast not to be missed. Many of the models have taken years of dedication to build and apart from the obvious difference in size, they look just like the real thing.

Dave Johnson, event organiser and Chairman of the Large Model Association said:

“I feel really excited about the show this year. We have a new layout which is on the opposite side of the airfield to usual, which I feel will benefit not only the pilots but our visitors as well, especially photographers as the sun will be behind the display line. This year we have put together a fantastic flying display of large models, with participants from across Europe and we hope with a little help from the weather it will be the best we have seen at Cosford for several years.”

The Large Model Aircraft Rally promises to be a great day out for modellers and families alike with more than 65 exhibitors signed up to showcase some of the latest model kits and aviation accessories. Families are guaranteed to enjoy the family fun lined up which includes a children’s entertainment area, packed with mini motorbikes, bouncy castles and inflatable slides, all on offer to youngsters. Plus, keeping visitors fuelled for the day, there will be a fantastic range of food and drink on offer and visitors will have access to the RAF Museum where they can see many of the aircraft flown during the show in full size. A free bus service will take visitors from the event to the Museum throughout the day.

Anyone wishing to attend the event can save money by purchasing tickets in advance at a discounted rate. Advance tickets are on sale at the Museum, priced at just £8 for adults, saving £2 per person on the gate price and children under the age of 16 are FREE. Gates open at 8.30am and flying starts a 9.00am.

Exclusively for the Large Model Aircraft Rally, visitors are able to camp on site, meaning you can make the most of the weekend’s flying and activities by being at the centre of all the action. On site camping, including entrance to the show both days is only £45.00 and any visitors interested in camping should email public-camping@largemodelassociation.com or call 07827 675665.

For further information on the event and how to purchase advance tickets visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org or call 01902 376200.

The RAF and Losing Air Superiority in the Far East

Trenchard Lecture

The loss of air superiority in the Far East during the Second World War will be the focus of a lecture at the University of Wolverhampton.

The event is part of the RAF Museum’s Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies series, organised in partnershipwith the RAF Museum Cosford.

Dr Peter Preston-Hough, from the University of Wolverhampton, will be delivering the next in the series of lectures on Thursday, 25 June 2015.

The lecture, titled “The Royal Air Force and Losing Air Superiority in the Far East” will take place at the University’s city campus in MC001 from 6pm-7.30pm.

It will focus on how air superiority was lost and will provide new insights into why the Far East was left unprotected against Japanese air attack in December 1941.

Dr Preston-Hough, of the University’s Department of War Studies said: “We’re delighted to be part of this prestigious series of lectures, which promises to provide an interesting insight into the fascinating area of history.

“The University has a strong relationship with the RAF Museum and we look forward to working closely with them on the lectures.

“This particular lecture will focus on why command of the air in Malaya and Burma was lost to the Japanese between December 1941 and May 1942.

“Furthermore, it will examine the inter-relationship between aircraft, aircrew, early warning facilities and superior Japanese aircraft and aircrew as the key reason for this situation.”

Ross Mahoney, Aviation Historian from the RAF Museum, said: “This lecture series marks an important step in the development of the RAF Museum’s academic aspirations.

“The series seeks to explore historical and contemporary issues related to the employment of air power.

“The series also seeks to bridge the gap between academic and public history by providing a forum for recognised experts to share and disseminate their research to a wider audience.

“We are pleased to be holding the series in conjunction with the University of Wolverhampton which has a world renowned reputation in the field of War Studies.”

This lecture, organised in conjunction with the RAF’s Centre for Air Power Studies, explores the importance of aerial based reconnaissance and intelligence gathering and its effect on war in all its facets.

It is part of the Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies which is a programme of lectures organised by the Royal Air Force Museum in conjunction with the University and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

This lecture is free of charge but people do need to pre-book a free ticket, as seats are limited. For more information visit www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/whats-going-on/events/the-royal-air-force-and-losing-air-superiority/

Those wishing to attend the lecture will need to complete an online booking form which can be found at: www.royalairforcemuseum.digitickets.co.uk/events/3967?catID=3462

Cockpit-Fest 2015 Late Update

TSR2 cockpit

With less than a week to go the staff and volunteers at Newark Air Museum have received a last minute boost in relation to the 2015 Cockpit-Fest event, which takes place on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June 2015.

The museum trustees are delighted to confirm that the TSR2 cockpit, which is currently on loan at the museum from the Brooklands Museum at Weybridge in Surrey, will now be on display at Cockpit-Fest.

The cockpit, which was originally displayed at the TSR2 anniversary event in autumn 2014 will be uncovered and will be available for external viewing on both Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June.

This will be a unique opportunity for visitors to see the TSR2 cockpit at Cockpit-Fest and we hope that you will take advantage of it being on display.

In Damien Burke’s excellent TSR2 book, the cockpit is described as follows: “Test forebody T5 …” and that it was “….Rescued from the Farnborough dump in 1992.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Cockpit-Fest at Newark Air Museum Coming Soon

Newark Air Museum

Preparations for this year’s Cockpit-Fest are well underway at Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire. Newark Air Museum is a registered charity located on part of the former site of RAF Winthorpe; its two day Cockpit-Fest event attracts exhibitors from across the UK and Europe, to sample what one former-aviation magazine editor calls “grass roots aircraft preservation”.

At this year’s event nearly 100 years of aviation will be represented. This is thanks to a fantastic new cockpit build project that is being displayed for the first time. The project that has got everyone talking is an accurate fabrication of a famous British biplane fighter from World War I, a Sopwith Camel, which is being displayed complete with a period-instrument panel.

This Sopwith Camel cockpit project joins more than twenty (20) other cockpits from across the history of aviation and includes other notable items such as the evocative Spitfire P9451 cockpit project; a de Havilland Hornet cockpit; and a Harrier AV8B cockpit.

From its humble beginnings, when a few like-minded enthusiasts first displayed one or two aircraft cockpit sections at the museum; Cockpit-Fest now regularly attracts, many more visiting cockpits and associated displays. Cockpit-Fest allows the owners the chance to display their prized exhibits to their fellow enthusiast and the general public.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June; and has an international aspect to it, with visitors from Denmark and Belgium already booked in as visitors. We also have a Belgian seller booked in at the Aeroboot aviation and avionics sale that runs alongside Cockpit-Fest. Here enthusiasts and the public can search out those aviation artefacts, books and models.

The event is supported by a range of organisations and individuals; with the visitors being encouraged to have a say in deciding, which is the best cockpit by voting on their favourite display and from these results, prizes are awarded.

Cockpit-Fest also attracts other visiting displays like the Raptor Foundation with its owls; local history / archaeological groups; military re-enactors; book launches; and even more aviation related displays such as clothing and historical artefacts. As an added bonus this year’s event has a flypast by a Hurricane fighter on the Sunday.

Full details about the events can be found on the Museum Events page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org.

Museum Signs MOU With Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust

PDST

The Royal Air Force Museum is proud to announce its official association with the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust.

Today a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formally signed between the Royal Air Force Museum and the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust (PDST) in the presence of the Museum’s CEO Maggie Appleton MBE and PDST Chairman, William McNamara, OBE.

The MOU will see the RAF Museum and Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust establish a partnership to foster the interests of both parties through collaborative programmes and events. It will also offer professional development for staff, apprentices and volunteers and develop opportunities for complementary fundraising.

RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton says: “The Trustees and team of the Royal Air Force Museum are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust. As a National Museum we see it as our responsibility to share our expertise and experience with other organisations and equally look forward to learning from them. This arrangement will enable staff from both organisations to develop relationships as well as provide a substantial legacy for our respective local communities. We look forward to this important collaboration and to working with our new partner.”

Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust Chairman William McNamara added: “Pembroke Dock’s military heritage includes very important maritime aviation chapters which feature at our Heritage Centre. Our new partnership with RAFM is an important milestone for us. It is an exciting prospect for all involved in the Sunderland Trust – trustees, staff and our skilled and dedicated volunteer team – to be able to work in collaboration with the national aviation museum. Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust will be able to benefit in so many ways from this partnership and we look forward to a prosperous and beneficial future on many projects.”

www.rafmuseum.org

RAF Museum London site admitted to Tripadvisor Hall of Fame

The Royal Air Force Museum has been advised today that its London site has been admitted into Tripadvisor’s Hall of Fame. This accolade has been granted for excellence in Customer Service and recognises that the Museum’s London site is now a five time winner of a Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor – being granted one every year since 2011.

To win a Certificate of Excellence a venue must score an approval rating of 80% or more from visitors who comment about it on Tripadvisor during the course of a given calendar year. Only 10% of all venues listed on the website receive this accolade. Therefore, to receive such a response for 5 years running is a major testament to the high quality experience that visitors receive at the Museum.

Commenting on this performance, Paul Hudson, Head of Marketing for the Museum stated:

‘ I would like to thank Tripadvisor for admitting the Royal Air Force Museum London into its Hall of Fame. This honour is indicative of the commitment that staff have made to excellent customer service at the Museum and reflects the commitment that the Museum has itself made to ensuring that its collections are as accessible as possible.

Over the last 12 months, we have won an Autism Access award from Autism U.K, created a Quiet Room and produced downloadable guides for those of our visitors with autism. We have also become members of the Blue Assist programme, to cater for those of our visitors who have learning disabilities.

For those who acquire additional assistance with their access, we provide complimentary wheel-chairs on request.

These are just a few of the improvements that we have made and we will continue to make more in the coming year to ensure that all of our visitors have as pleasant visit as possible. We do welcome feedback on how we are currently performing, so I would invite visitors to comment on Tripadvisor.’

Admission to the Royal Air Force Museum at London is free of charge. The Museum is open daily from 10:00 am. For further information about the events and exhibitions at the Museum’s London site please go to www.rafmuseum.org/whatson.

North East Land Sea And Air Museum To Receive Skeeter Helcopter From RAF Museum

Skeeter

After careful consideration by its Collections Review and Disposals Recipient Selection Committees, the RAF Museum is pleased to announce the transfer of Saro Skeeter AOP.12 XM555 to North East Land Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM).

The Skeeter is a two-seat training and scout helicopter which was produced by Saunders-Roe (“Saro”) of Cowes and Southampton. It has the distinction of being the first helicopter to be used by the British Army Air Corps (AAC) and several Skeeter AOP.12s were operated by the Central Flying School of the Royal Air Force.

This particular example was ordered in 1957 and its service history was primarily with the AAC. After being declared non-effective in the late 1960’s it was allocated to various RAF stations across the country for training or display purposes before finding a home in the early 1980’s at the Aerospace Museum RAF Cosford – now RAF Museum Cosford. In 2003 it was transported to the Museum’s London site for display before entering storage in 2010 (for full aircraft history see below).

Ian Thirsk, Head of Collections RAF Museum: “We are delighted to have found such a worthy home for the Skeeter in NELSAM and look forward to building our relationship with them. The Museum’s disposal policy reflects our on-going commitment to carry out disposals in a responsible and ethical manner and after due consideration on a variety of bids we deemed NELSAM to be well suited. We wish them the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the Skeeter on public display soon.”

Dr Hugh Newell Chairman NELSAM: “The recent expansion of the museum is designed to explain the extremes changes in the development of transport during the 20th Century by presenting as complete a range of exhibits both civil and military as we can display. The Saro Skeeter represents the introduction of the helicopter into the air observation role of the British Army and the acquisition of the helicopter greatly enhances our ability to describe the fusion of land and air assets in our military collection. We are extremely grateful to the RAF Museum for this gift to enhance our displays.”