First Thunder Day of Season a Great Success!

Yorkshire Air Museum Thunder Day

Over the past few years, as some of the propeller driven aircraft within the Yorkshire Air Museum’s collection have been brought into ‘live’, engine running condition, we have refined the “Thunder Day” concept into a very popular event, enjoyed by hundred’s of people.

The first of these events for 2016 got the new season off to a roaring start on Sunday 3rd April and, for the first time, we have a short, professionally shot video of the activities, to give a flavour of the event., which can be viewed on the following link:: (Please credit Neill Watson – Octane Factory)

http://yorkshireairmuseum.org/latest-news/thunder-day-review

The show featured engine runs of two of the Museum’s WWI bi-planes, in the form of the Port Victoria Eastchuch Kitten and Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a; the imposing WWII Douglas Dakota; post war 1947 De Havilland Devon VIP Transport (known to have carried Lord Mountbatten) and the Cold War jets of the BAE Nimrod MR2 XV250 and the mighty Handley Page Victor V-Bomber XL231 “Lusty Lindy”.

The Museum’s volunteer Fire Team, trained to meet Civil Aviation Authority standards, provided much entertainment for visitors from the start, with children having fun with the fire hoses and culmination with a simulated aircraft rescue activity, using the mighty 38 ton Reynolds Boughton Chubb Pathfinder airport fire tender and six-wheel Range Rover rapid intervention vehicle to spectacular effect.

The next of these exciting events takes place on Sunday 5th of June, and it is planned that the Museum’s live Blackburn Buccaneer XN974 will be taking part once again, after a complete repaint into the striking Fleet Air Arm colours it originally bore. This aircraft performs an impressive display with all its control surface movements and wing-folding routine as it would on board an aircraft carrier.

Get Your Name on a Red Arrows Plane

The Royal Air Force Museum have announced an exciting new campaign which offers members of the public the opportunity to have their name written on the wings of an RAF Red Arrows Hawk Jet that will fly throughout the Red Arrows’ 2017 display season.

For one spectacular season of air shows and celebrations, the underside of one of the Red Arrow’s Hawk Jets will display names chosen by members of the public who have contributed to this unique campaign. From a donation of just £30, these can be the names of the people themselves, or dedications to friends and relatives.

The ‘Names on a Plane’ campaign will raise funds for the Museum’s RAF Centenary Programme. 2018 marks the centenary of the Royal Air Force. The award-winning RAF Museum will celebrate and commemorate this anniversary through a major transformation of its visitor experience, sharing the RAF story on site and online.

RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton MBE said: “This is a fantastic chance for the public to be part of the RAF’s history and to receive something unique in return for their support. The Museum is looking forward to transforming itself in time for the 2018 anniversary to make us more accessible, engaging and up to date.”

Squadron Leader David Montenegro, Red 1 and Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, said: “Through the Names on a Plane campaign, thousands of people will be joining us as the Red Arrows fly in 2017, displaying to millions of people.

“On each of these occasions, the team aims to showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force and, as we approach the Centenary of the Service in 2018, we are especially delighted to be supporting the RAF Museum.

“The Museum’s Centenary Programme will transform its London site, providing an enduring legacy for the Royal Air Force.

“This development will help to tell the story of the Royal Air Force and the vital roles the Service continues to provide, such as securing the skies of the United Kingdom, every hour of the day, 365-days a year.”

Five naming packages are available ranging from £30 – £25,000. Supporters will also receive:

– A thank you and a commemorative RAF ‘bluey’ (specially made airmail letters for sending to and from the Forces)

– Updates during the flying season with an app to follow your name on the plane

– Name acknowledged at the Museum’s redeveloped site in 2018

The appeal will officially run from April until September 2016, with the ‘Names on a Plane’ appearing on a Red Arrow Hawk throughout their 2017 display season. For more information visit www.namesonaplane.org

Thunder Day – Ready to Roar!

Thunder Day at Yorkshire Air Museum

Following winter maintenance and successful pre-season engine tests, our live aircraft are set to bring the new season roaring to life on Sunday 3rd April for the first of the new season’s “Thunder Days”!

The WWII Douglas C-47 Dakota made a smooth start up in February, following the successful replacement of two cylinders, pistons, heads and valves on the troublesome starboard engine, along with the resetting of all the valve clearances and timings of both the Pratt & Whitney engines. The aircraft also performed well in the well-subscribed Nightshoot photographic event on Friday 18th March, so all is looking good.

Like the post war De Havilland Devon twin-prop, both these aircraft start amidst a belch of smoke, and sometimes a flame or two, making a great spectacle for visitors to enjoy at close, but safe, distance, under the watchful eye of the Museums volunteer Fire Team. This highly trained group will also be providing the early birds with some fire team activities, give kids (of all ages!) the chance to have a go knocking down some bollards with a jet of water. Later, they will be performing a very realistic rescue scenario, to hone their Civil Aviation Authority accredited skills, which should be exciting to watch!

The evocative WWI bi-plane fighters, in the form of the Royal aircraft Factory SE5a and the diminutive Eastchurch PV8 Kitten, designed as a ‘Zeppelin killer’, will be started up both late morning and during the afternoon, complementing the newly opened ‘Gas Bags to Super Zeppelins’ exhibition. Another fascinating display for visitors to enjoy.

The real thunder will be provided by the mighty jets of the Nimrod MR2 XV250, with its four Rolls Royce Spey engines, and the ever popular and impressive Handley Page Victor XL231, which will make the ground shake as the four Rolls Royce Conway’s power up. The heady smell of aviation fuel will fill the air after these aircraft have done their stuff! A true treat for all the senses at this popular event!

Programme of Activities:
10:00am Museum Opens
10: 30am Fire Team activities
11:15am SE5a and PV8 Kitten
13:00pm De Havilland Devon
13:45pm Douglas Dakota
14:30pm Nimrod XV250
15:15pm Victor XL231
15:50pm SE5a and PV8 Kitten
16:00pm Aircraft emergency Rescue (from Nimrod)

Admission: £12 Adult; £10 Concession (Seniors, Students, Serving Forces Personnel); £5 Child (5-15) and £30 Family (2A + 3 CH.).

www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

Sir Alan Cobhams Flying Circus exhibition now on display

Alan Cobham River landing

Date: NOW – 30 April 2017

Entrance: FREE

A brand new exhibition dedicated to a civil aviation giant is now on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford. The exhibition entitled ‘Sir Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus: A life of a Pioneering Aviator’ focuses on one of Britain’s forgotten heroes, Sir Alan Cobham, a true aviation pioneer, both in the air and on the ground.

The display was officially opened by Lady Cobham on Wednesday 23 March during a private event and will run until 30 April 2017. Cobham was a long distance aviator and an aeronautical innovator who became famous for his exploits in the interwar years. This exhibition showcases his diverse flying career and the contributions he made to the world of aviation, most notably the ‘Air to Air’ refuelling technique, still used by air forces across the globe today. He inspired countless members of the public to have successful flying careers, including Shropshire born Spitfire ace Eric Stanley Lock.

Cobham learned to fly during the First World War and later went on to set many long distance aviation records. He became the first person to fly from London to Cape Town and back in 1926 for which he received the Air Force Cross. In the same year at the age of 32, Cobham was knighted by King George V after the successful completion of his Australia flight, where he famously landed his seaplane on the River Thames outside the Houses of Parliament. He won many notable aviation trophies including the King’s Cup air race in 1924 and the Britannia Trophy in 1923, 1925 and 1926. All three Britannia plaques are on display as part of the exhibition, along with a medal case which includes Cobham’s Knight Commander of the British Empire badge and star.

Cobham was one of the biggest celebrities of his day and was well-known for his series of flying tours of the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa, which became affectionately known as ‘Sir Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus’. These tours promoted aviation to the public and were a source of inspiration for countless pilots in the Second World War. Tours of the UK during the 1930s included several shows in the Midlands; Castle Bromwich Aerodrome in Birmingham, Harlescott Flying Ground in Shrewsbury, Stafford Common in Stafford and Kitchen Lane in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton were just some of the many locations to host the show.

Brave, visionary and innovative, Cobham was a record setter who inspired a generation. One such pilot who had his first flight with Sir Alan Cobham’s Flying Circus, was Spitfire fighter ace Flight Lieutenant Eric Stanley Lock who was born in Bayston Hill near Shrewsbury, Shropshire. He was credited with 26 confirmed victories and received the Distinguished Service Order for ‘his magnificent fighting spirit and personal example which have been in the highest traditions of the service’.

In the years that followed his circus success, Cobham went on to pioneer the aeronautical technique of air-to-air refuelling with his company Flight Refuelling Limited. So advanced was the technology he developed, his ‘probe and drogue’ technique is still used today in its fifth generation. His legacy to aviation lives on through his aerospace company which still continues to pioneer aeronautical technologies.

This exhibition is a highly visual display of Sir Alan Cobham’s life and his many notable achievements, showcasing some of the ‘treasures’ from the collection including a Union Flag that was flown on Cobham’s de Havilland D.H.50J biplane during his Cape Town flight. Other items on display include a flying helmet, log book and personal letters to his mother. The exhibition also features film footage that will show how he turned aviation into a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors to the Museum can now view the exhibition in the museum’s Temporary Exhibition Gallery in Hangar 1 until 30 April 2017.

RAF Museum Curator, Daniel Albon said:

“Sir Alan Cobham was famous for saying “It’s a full time job being Alan Cobham” and after curating this exhibition I certainly think he was right! This exhibition was extremely well received at RAF Museum London and I am really excited that it is now launching at RAF Museum Cosford. We have some brand new objects and panels in this exhibition that I’m sure will be well received by visitors at Cosford.”

For further information please visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford or call 01902 376200. The Museum is open daily from 10am and entry is FREE of charge.

Extra Aircraft Confirmed for Air Show

Organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show today announced a number of exciting additions to the flying displays planned for Sunday 19th June.

The air show will give visitors a rare chance to see two Gloster Meteor aircraft – the first British operational jet fighter – flying together in a formation display. The GlosterMeteors are appearing at the show as part of the show’s main theme celebrating Speed and the evolution of the Jet Engine which marks the 75th anniversary of theGloster E.28/39’s first flight; Britain’s first jet engined aircraft. A unique hangar display will showcase a number of Jet Engines along with the RAF Museum’s Bristol 188 which will be on external static display.

Other additions to the show including the appearance of the Army Air Corps Historic Flight with their Sioux & Scout helicopters flying together, two Nanchang CJ-6 training aircraft which will also perform a pairs display and a Westland Wasp helicopter which will be on static display in the Vintage Village.

Peter Reoch, part of the Air Show Operations Team, said, “The flying display for this year’s show is already shaping up to be another great mix of interesting and rarely seen aircraft, with today’s additions complementing previously announced highlights such as the RAF Red Arrows & RAF Typhoon. We expect to hear from potential overseas participants in the coming months, which will hopefully add further variety to the show.”

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show are available to purchase from selected Mid Counties Coops, the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford and Hendon, Midlands Air Museum in Coventry and on our website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk. Tickets are £25.00 per adult with accompanied children under 16 entering free.

Model Show Returns for Fifteenth Year

RAF Museum Cosford Scale Model Show

Date: 3 April 2016

Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Cost: FREE entry

For the fifteenth successful year, the popular Shropshire Scale Model Show is returning to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford next month. It’s one of the biggest modelling events in the country and shows no signs of slowing down, as a record 150 exhibitors and traders will be heading to Cosford for the one day event taking place on Sunday 3 April.

This annual event attracts around 4,000 visitors each year and takes place nestled amongst the world-class collection of aircraft and military vehicles on display at the museum. Thousands of intricately detailed models of aircraft, cars, bikes, trucks and science fiction items will be spread across the whole site, filling the museum hangars with a world of model making. With over 100 modelling clubs signed up to exhibit their creations, many of which have taken years to perfect, this year’s event is set to be bigger than ever.

Everything any dedicated modeller could ever want or need, will be on sale during the one day show. Up to 50 traders will be selling a range of modelling materials and kits to suit modellers of all abilities, from young children who are just discovering their passion for modelling, right through to the avid modellers who have been building kits for many years. There will be everything from kits in various sizes along with glues, paints and other detailed sets available to purchase on the day.

NEW to the show this year will be a pirate’s display from the North Somerset Modelling Society. Their pirate ship themed stand will showcase a mixed collection of modelling memorabilia together with witty pirate puns. Attending the show for the first time this year will be French trader MACH 2 whose 1:72 scale Argosy is sure to grab people’s attention as it’s displayed alongside the real aircraft on show at the Museum.

Event organiser, Gary Stevens Secretary of the Shropshire Scale Modellers and The Telford Branch of The International Plastic Modellers Society says:

“I am amazed how popular the show has become over the years; I still remember the first show back in 1998 when we hired 80 tables for a few clubs and traders. This year we are hiring almost 500 tables to accommodate the 106 exhibitor displays and almost 50 traders. The international element of the show is growing stronger as we welcome French trader/manufacturer MACH2 whose 1:72 Scale Argosy will be on sale next to the real thing. Every year I try to have a special feature in the show and this year is no exception as The North Somerset Modelling Society will be bringing their award winning, humorous, pirate display, which has to be seen to be believed!”

To make reaching the Museum even easier, organisers have introduced a free park and ride for the day to cope with the additional visitors, running from Cosford train station. The show will be open to the public from 10am until 4pm and entry to the event is FREE of charge. For further information, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

Author Tom Palmer takes to the skies at the RAF Museum

On 16 April 2016, acclaimed author Tom Palmer will be reading from and talking about his new book – the first in a new series; WINGS – next to the Sopwith Camel at the RAF Museum London in a series of short events at 1pm, 2pm and 4pm.

Date: Saturday 16th April

Time: 1pm; 2pm & 4pm

Location: RAF Museum London, Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL

The Wings series is centered around four children at a football summer camp, who find themselves propelled back in time. If they can learn how to fly the great RAF planes – the Sopwith Camel, Spitfire and Typhoon, history will lead them on a flightpath back to the present. The books were inspired by Tom and his daughter making an Airfix kit of a Lancaster Bomber two summers ago. Each book also comes with a simple model plane you can make yourself!

Tom is writing the WINGS books with help from the RAF Museum as part of his role as Children’s Writer In Residence. In the lead up to the Royal Air Force centenary in 2018, Tom will be working with the museum’s visitors to help them get the best out of their experience. He will be offering advice on writing short stories which help visitors engage with the museum’s amazing collection. Read a wonderful blog about the setting and work with the RAF Museums here: http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/blog/setting-at-story-at-the-raf-museum-london/

“Wings: Flyboy is a wonderful, warm tale. Stories highlighting the diversity of Britain’s troops during both world wars are rare and this one deserves a wide audience. It is a cracking read.” Bali Rai

Gas Bags to Super Zeppelins

On March 15th, we are delighted to announce that Dr. Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber will open the new “Gas Bags to Super Zeppelins” exhibition at the Yorkshire Air Museum. The opening will take place at 13:00pm and media are invited to attend. The Museum’s Eastchurch Kitten WWI bi-plane, designed as a ‘Zeppelin killer’, will be fired up to enhance the ceremony, along with the SE5a WWI fighter. 

The Yorkshire Air Museum received £10 000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) through its First World War: then and now programme, in support of a new exhibition which focuses on the development of the first airships and particularly their use during the First World War.

The exhibition tracks the development of lighter-than-air aviation from the balloons of the Montgolfier Brothers of 1783, to the super-sized airships of the late 1930’s. During the First World War, Schütte-Lanz and Zeppelin airships (taking the name from Count (Graf) Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the pioneer of German airships), were used to bomb the civilian population of Britain from the air for the first time in history, bringing terror from the sky. It shows the shock effects of this new type of warfare had on the people at that time. It also traces the post-war development of “Super Zeppelins” and their British equivalents, which were the largest of them all, culminating with the tragic and horrifying disasters as a result of the use of highly flammable hydrogen gas.

Through diary entries, audio recordings, video footage, photographs and original artefacts, “Gas Bags to Super Zeppelins” relates the memories and heritage of the people who lived through the First World War.

Commenting on the award, Museum Director Ian Reed said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. The airship raids, which started, following the outbreak of war, in 1914 over Belgium and France, had the biggest impact on society than at any time before or since. British families had not experienced invasion for almost 1000 years. On 19 January 1915, the German Zeppelins delivered the first air attacks on Britain of the First World War. Without warning, British people were suddenly on the Front Line and defenceless. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to bring to life existing records of people’s memories and experiences to tell the story of the ‘Wonder Ship’ of the First World War and also brought previously untold stories relevant to the Yorkshire Region. Our exhibition ‘Gas Bags to Super Zeppelins’ explores the social impact of the threat, the attacks and their repercussions as well as the desperate race to find a technological solution to defend our homes from aerial attack during the First World War.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

Scheme Sends Junior Ranks Flying High

RIAT Corportal Amy Foster

More than 20 members of the Junior Ranks based at RAF stations across the UK and Cyprus have been told they are to receive scholarships to learn to fly and achieve solo standard in a light aircraft.

They were among a record 367 applicants who applied to the RAF Junior Rank Pilot Scholarship Scheme (JRPSS) 2016.

The scheme was first launched last year as a joint venture by the RAF Flying Clubs’ Association and the RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT). It proved so popular that an initial grant of £20,000 to fund eight scholarships was doubled by RAFCT Trustees to enable more Servicemen and women based at RAF stations across the UK and Cyprus to benefit.

This year, 24 scholarships were on offer thanks to an increased grant of £60,000 from the Trust. RAFCT Chairman Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson said Trustees have been overwhelmed by the popularity of the scheme.He said: “Clearly the word is out there among the Junior Ranks who recognise the many benefits, both personally and professionally, that learning to fly can bring. We’re making a difference to the lives of serving personnel in the UK and abroad by funding a wide variety of projects and are particularly keen to support initiatives that promote airmindedness.

“The popularity of the scholarship scheme among Junior Ranks may well result in even more support from Trustees in the future.”

Flt Lt Chris Hives, an RAF Flying Clubs’ Association executive and JRPSS project officer,said: “As soon as the application window opened, the popularity of the scheme was obvious and by the deadline period for applying we had received more than twice the number submitted last year.I was delighted with the response and, moreover, the fact that the JR cadre were clearly competing for a place on the JRPSS, as evidenced by the high standard of their applications. The job of the JRPSS Selection Board certainly wasn’t easy.”

Corporal Amy Foster, from RAF Brize Norton, who was awarded a scholarship in 2015, said learning to fly under the scheme was an experience that would stay with her forever.

She said: “I achieved solo flight after 14 hours. My instructor just hopped out of the aircraft with the engine running and told me I was on my own – I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The experience was a real confidence booster. If I can fly an aircraft solo – I can do anything!”

The successful applicants are: Cpl Anthony James Barnes, RAF Cosford; SAC Scott Brown, RAF Marham; SAC Liam James Conway, RAF Lossiemouth; SAC Grant Cowe, RAF Lossiemouth; Cpl Graham Dacres, RAF Coningsby; SAC Kieran Ashley Dinsdale, RAF Waddington; LAC Ryan William Durnall, RAF Coningsby; SAC Neil Dennis Foard, RAF Odiham; SAC Aaron AmerjeetGarcha, RAF Akrotiri; Cpl Sarah Halsey, DMRC Headley Court; SAC Michael Harrison, RAF Coningsby; SAC Jack Oliver Stratford Holmes, RAF Marham; SAC Elliott Hunt, RAF Waddington; SAC Shaun Kenrick Jamieson, RAF Wittering; SAC Charlotte Louise Lord, RAF Brize Norton; SAC Joshua Brandon Enzo Lyons, RAF Scampton; SAC Samuel Thomas Mear, RAF Benson; SAC Steven Nicholas Moseley, RAF Akrotiri; SAC Ben Richard Perfect, RAF Waddington; SAC David Charles Rainbird, RAF Brize Norton; SAC Thomas David Shepherd, RAF Lossiemouth; AC Andrew Shane Teece-Lockley, RAF Cosford; SAC Joshua Wardman, RAF Lossiemouth; Cpl Charlotte-Marie Williams, JHC HQ, Andover.

For more details visit www.JRFLY.co.uk

Women in Aviation, Science and Engineering

On Saturday 19 March the Royal Air Force Museum, in partnership with Techmaids are holding an event in honour and celebration of women in science and engineering. The Month of March marks International Women’s Day and Women’s history Month.

Date: Saturday 19th March

Location: Historic Hangars, RAF Museum London

Time: 1100 – 1545

Entrance: FREE

We will be hosting various women who work in science and engineering who will be giving pop up lectures beneath our Bristol Beaufighter.

Event Schedule and Speakers

11.00 Maggie Appleton MBE, Chief Executive Officer at the Royal Air Force Museum

11.30 Hillary Taylor, Director, Zumiya Consulting

12.00 Linsey Birkett, Technical Engineer, Interserve Industrial Services – Power Division

12.30 Noor Ul-Ain, Graduate Engineer, Reading University

13.00 Claire Curtis-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer at the British Board of Agrement

13.30 Carla Curtis-Tansley, Student at the Royal College of Art, Imperial College London

14.00 Q&A: Meet the British Airways aircrew

14.45 Francesca Perona, Fab Lab London

15.15 Rahmat Iyabode Balogun, Founder of TechMaids

15.45 Cassie Kolyda, Founder & CEO of StraDia Coaching

About the Speakers

Maggie Appleton MBE, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Air Force Museum

Maggie took up her current post as Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Air Force Museum in January 2015.

Maggie has 25 years’ experience in the sector and is passionate about the difference that museums and culture can make to people’s lives. Before joining the Royal Air Force Museum, Maggie worked in Luton for 12 years, for six as director of museums and latterly as the Chief Executive of Luton Culture, the charity that comprises the arts, libraries, community centres and museums in the town. Her previous roles were in Stevenage and at the Royal Armouries.

Maggie led the consultation, fundraising and development of the HLF-funded Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton that opened in 2008 and welcomes over 200,000 visitors a year. She was also responsible for securing the medieval Wenlok Jug for the UK after it was export stopped in 2006.

Maggie is also the Vice President of the Museums Association, Board Member of the Heritage Lottery Fund East of England Committee and the co-Chair of the Women Leaders in Museums Network.

Maggie is married with two boys and is a keen cyclist and reader.

Hillary Taylor, Director, Zumiya Consulting

I have lived and travelled the world, learned different languages and worked on ground-breaking projects. In parallel I work for and with communities to develop individuals, communities and communication, both in formal and informal roles. Opportunities exist every day for new and exciting challenges. In addition to technology, I’m also very involved in working to equal access for all (regardless of backgrounds, with or without disabilities) to our exciting STEAM (STEM including Arts and creativity) world and futures. I’m a published writer, work in a range of networks and am also very part time artist.

From my original degree in Electrical Engineering, through software, hardware, manufacturing, test and business development, today I work in creative thinking in tech, arts and social worlds. Problem solving, (technical, business, or other), I help develop strategies, understand risk, project, organisation and personal development. I take part in various community/ arts development and individual projects.

Linsey Birkett, Technical Engineer, Interserve Industrial Services – Power Division

Linsey Birkett is a Technical Engineer in the Power Division at Interserve Industrial Services. She fell into the Power Industry by accident 8 years ago and has thrived in the electrical arena, studying part time for an ONC and then a HNC in Electrical Engineering the latter of which she graduated from in June 2015 with a Distinction. Her day to day role is to provide support to the Extra High Voltage Underground team in the form of cable system design including cable calculations, cable pulling tensions and outage planning. In addition, she is heavily involved in the tendering, development and planning of projects anywhere from £5k to £25m for a wide range of Clients.

Noor Ul-Ain, Graduate Engineer, Reading University

Noor Ul-Ain, was born in a small village in Pakistan and moved to the UK when she was 11. Noor grew up in Swansea, studying at Dylan Community School. Her first introduction to engineering was a Saturday taster course in Electronics and Mechanic in year 9.

Noor then did her BEng and MEng at the University of Reading. Growing in a conservative family, she really enjoyed the freedom in University. It provided her with a great platform to further pursue her interest in Engineering. During her degree, she undertook a 6 month placement with EnSilica, an Engineering consultancy firm in Wokingham. Noor absolutely loved her time there, returning after graduation.

Ensilica is an SME, which has provided great opportunities for Noor. Working in smaller teams ensures that she is handed greater responsibilities than you what you would expect in a graduate position. The range of work projects are also highly varied, making her job very interesting. Noor has learnt to create PCB designs to do place and route. Also applying the same theory on a chip level. She have learnt a variety of skills schematic drawing, PBC layout, timing simulations, FPGA programing and numerous learning programming languages.

Claire Curtis-Thomas, Chief Executive at the British Board of Agrement

Claire Curtis-Thomas graduated in Mechanical Engineering from University College, Cardiff, and went on to obtain an MBA at Aston University. She also has an honorary PhD in Technology.

Her industry experience was gained with Shell UK. This was followed with roles at Birmingham City Council, initially as Head of Corporate Affairs and later as Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council Laboratories. Claire then returned to university life as Dean of the Engineering and Business Department of the University of Wales, Newport, before moving into politics when she was elected MP for Crosby.

During her time in parliament, Claire championed a number of issues on behalf of the construction industry and sat on three select committees: Trade & Industry, Home Affairs and Science & Technology. She also chaired All-Party Parliamentary Committees on Construction and Utility related subjects and founded the Construction & Development Partnership, a charity dedicated to bringing schools and education to the children of Sierra Leone.

Claire left politics in 2010 and before joining the BBA in 2013, she was Chief Executive of the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), a Chartered Institution providing services, training, and standards to the gas industry.

Francesca Perona, Fab Lab London

Francesca Perona is a London-based interdisciplinary designer, FabLab London associate, Ravensbourne Sessional Lecturer and STEM educator. Trained and experienced as textile designer, she graduated with a MA in Computational Arts at Goldsmiths Department of Computing in 2012 and with a Fabacademy diploma at FabLab Barcelona/MIT in 2015.

Francesca’s practice sits at the intersection of experimental materials and digital technologies. She has run a number of workshops and courses on interactive technologies in local schools, community centres and Universities in the UK and abroad. Having worked on research projects for companies such as Unilever and Philips, she has also won digital arts residencies and presented her work at institutions such as the V&A, Abertay University and UCA Canterbury.

Rahmat Iyabode Balogun, Founder of TechMaids

After working for many years in corporate IT, based on the challenges faced during her professional career Rahmat decided to set up TechMaids to enable young people especially women into STEM careers and non traditional professions.

Rahmat has trained a significant number of women in Grahame Park. She continues to trailblaze by promoting gender diversity and awareness of digital skills to improve personal and economic wellbeing.

Rahmat is a STEM finalist, ambassador and role model. She is on a mission to inspire social change and empower the next generation for a digital economy.

Cassie Kolyda, Founder & CEO of StraDia Coaching

Female Engineer and Founder & CEO of StraDia Coaching, an international company helping High Powered Women to start and grow profitable businesses or successful careers in the corporate arena doing what they are passionate about.

Her true passion is to empower women to raise their Profile in male dominated arenas, develop unique personal brand to stand out, market their expertise, monetize their knowledge, leverage their time, add new revenue streams, not settle for less than they are worth!

www.rafmuseum.org