Newark Air Museum Awarded Accreditation Accolade

Newark Saab Safir

From its humble beginnings in the 1960s, when a group of like-minded aviation enthusiasts set out with a desire to own a Spitfire, over the years the Newark Air Museum has evolved into one of the UK’s leading volunteer managed aviation museums. Open to the public for forty-nine years; the museum is located just to the north of Newark-on-Trent; on part of what is the former World War II training airfield of RAF Winthorpe, which is in eastern Nottinghamshire.

Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership, Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run Museums and Galleries.

It means that Newark Air Museum is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard and shows the museum takes proper care of its collections, sharing them with visitors and keeping them safe for future generations.

Accreditation opens up exciting funding opportunities, allows museums to host touring exhibitions and gives access to professional advice and support. It also gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.

Accreditation covers museums of all types and sizes – from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national museums – and more than 1,700 museums are currently taking part in the scheme across the UK.

More information about the Accreditation scheme can be found here.

Colin Savill, Museum Trustee said: “The renewal of our Accreditation with Arts Council England has been running throughout the Covid-19 crisis and we are grateful for everyone’s support in us finally being able to secure this prestigious award.”

Liz Johnson, Director Museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England said: “We’re delighted that Newark Air Museum has been successful in gaining their Accreditation status. This means that their Collections will be looked after and maintained offering inspiration, enjoyment and learning for the local community and visitors to enjoy now and in the future.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

RAF Museum Recent Aviation Photo Acquisitions

RAF Museum Arrow

The Royal Air Force Museum has been fortunate to acquire three significant collections from 20th century aviation photographers. Each adds to the record of aviation in the 20th century, especially the history of the Royal Air Force, and they have been generously donated by their families.

The first collection was acquired before lockdown. Richard Winslade worked with historic aviation organisations, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Royal Navy Historic Flight. He had scanned and cleaned many of his images before uploading them to his Flickr site, About Richard Winslade | Flickr.

The second collection was offered just before lockdown but couldn’t be collected before travel restrictions were imposed. Richard Wilson was one of the foremost aviation photographers of his generation, learning from the masters, such as Charles E Brown, and take their place when they retired. Richard, like Brown, worked closely with RAF PR and was awarded the CP Robertson Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the person considered to have made the best contribution in presenting the work of the RAF to the public. An interview with Richard was published in Supplement No. 7 to Aeroplane Monthly, 1985.

While we were waiting for an opportunity to collect the Wilson collection, the Rentoul and Wakeford collection was offered to us by Tom Wakeford’s widow. The collection is far larger than the other two combined and is more varied in its content. Tom Wakeford was a semi-professional aviation photographer, author and magazine editor. The subject of his books included the Panavia Tornado, Operation Granby and the RAF 75th anniversary. He worked closely with Ian Rentoul whose photographs are included in the collection.

The RAF Museum is grateful to the families of the photographers.

www.rafmuseum.org

Vulcan Repaint Fund Raising Boost

Newark Vulcan XM594 repaint

The trustees and volunteers at the Newark Air Museum (NAM) have received a fund raising boost thanks to the generosity of the British Aviation Research Group (BARG). Having been advised about the museum’s much needed refurbishment and repainting work on Avro Vulcan XM594, members of the BARG DVD Implementation Team have kindly agreed to meet the cost of the paint and associated materials.

In December 2021 the museum took ownership of Vulcan XM594 and this was undertaken in the knowledge that some significant structural repairs and repainting work was required on the huge delta winged aircraft.

During spring 2022, the museum received a letter from BARG asking if they had any military aircraft preservation projects that required financial support. In response the museum submitted an application to BARG in relation to the materials required for the Vulcan repaint.

BARG’s history dates back to the 1950s, which is longer than the museum’s. This is when a group of young enthusiast started a monthly publication reporting aircraft sightings at Blackbushe Airport (then London’s second airport). The group expanded and became a byword for military aviation enthusiasts. Eventually BARG transferred their publications and research data onto searchable DVDs, which were sold around the world. The proceeds from these sales have enabled BARG to support projects like NAM’s Vulcan repaint project.

“We are extremely grateful to BARG for their generous support of the repainting work on Vulcan XM594.” Said Newark Air Museum trustee Howard Heeley, he concluded, “Their contribution is being made as and when we purchase the paint, and it allows us to proceed at a steady pace that makes the most of the sometimes changeable British weather.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Sywell Aviation Museum Book & Model Appeal

Sywell Aviation Museum

After the success of the Sywell Aviation Museum book and model sale earlier this year, the Museum is actively seeking the donation of more items to help raise funds to restore its 1969 Handley Page Jetstream aircraft into a classroom. If we can collect enough then we hope to hold another sale later this year or early next.

If you have any surplus second hand military/aviation books, diecast models, model kits or accessories you would be able to donate we would love to hear from you (we can collect).

Based at Sywell Aerodrome, the Museum is free to enter and relies on donations to survive. It remains open each weekend and bank holiday until the end of September between 1030-1630hrs and each Tuesday and Wednesday 1200-1600. Also we are actively recruiting new members so if you are interested please get in touch.

For more information please email sywellaviationmuseum@gmail.com or call 07968061708.

www.sywellaviationmuseum.org.uk

Historic RAF air defence system placed on loan at Newark Air Museum

Newark Air Museum Rapier system The trustees of the Newark Air Museum (NAM) are delighted to announce that they have entered into an agreement with MBDA UK Limited (MBDA) to accept on loan what is believed to be the only complete example of the company’s famous Rapier Field Standard C (FSC) Ground Based Air Defence system.

The recently deactivated, and now inert, system was delivered to NAM’s site in north eastern Nottinghamshire on Monday 27th June 2022, and will form a display that is unique from any museum in the United Kingdom.

In service since 1971, some Rapier systems are still defending military assets around the world today. Rapier FSC was also the last air defence system used by RAF Regiments to protect its airfields, before the British Army took on that responsibility.

Rapier was even used to help protect the 2012 London Olympics, and had a brief on screen Hollywood appearance when seen in the 2014 film ‘Kingsmen: The Secret Service’.

The Rapier FSC system complements the museum’s stated wider Collecting Policy and more specifically of that of displaying “Equipment used for the maintenance of aircraft and for the running of airfields, both military … etc.”

Undercover display space has been found for the Rapier Field Standard C System in the south-western section of Display Hangar 2. Not only will the unit’s complement NAM’s existing RAF Regiment displays, but they will also support the recently opened Royal Air Force (RAF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) display, which are located in the same display area.

“We are excited and extremely proud to have secured the loan of such a unique set of objects for the collection,” commented museum Curator, Mike Smith. He concluded, “We are especially grateful for the assistance provided by the staff at MBDA, in helping us to establish this loan agreement and to complete the safe move of this Rapier Field Standard C System to Newark.”

“We are proud of our heritage of producing equipment for our Armed Forces that protected our troops, airfields and the UK” said Al Byford, a retired RAF Air Commodore now an advisor at MBDA. He added, “Equipment such as this Rapier FSC is of historical military significance and it is only right we share it with NAM, so those that are interested in such piece of RAF history can visit and see it preserved.” www.newarkairmuseum.org

RAF Museum apprenticeship scheme vying for top business award

RAF Museum Apprentices

The Royal Air Force Museum is proud to announce that we are a finalist in the Nachural Summer Business Ball and Awards for Promoting Apprenticeships. Winners will be announced at the awards event in Wolverhampton on 8 July.

The Nachural Summer Business Ball and Awards programme recognises the achievements of individuals and companies from across the West Midlands region, in all business sectors. Judges at this year’s awards acknowledged our excellence as a Museum and the work of our Michael Beetham Conservation Centre and Apprentice programme.

The RAF Museum apprentice scheme was launched in 2005 at our Michael Beetham Conservation Centre (MBCC), with a vision of preserving heritage aviation skills. The scheme ensures that apprentices are trained in subjects such as Heritage Aircraft Conservation & Restoration, Aircraft Carpentry and Welding & Fabrication. Since then, the scheme and its participants have gone from strength to strength, with local and national recognition and awards and the MBCC is now listed as one of the country’s Top 100 Apprentice Employers in the UK.

The Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, located at our Midlands site, is responsible for aircraft and large 3-D artefacts in the Museum and those on loan. A world centre of excellence, its primary function includes care, conservation, and restoration of the National Collection along with the movement or suspension of aircraft or large exhibits. Current projects include long term restoration of the Wellington, the Hampden, and the Dornier.

Darren Priday, Manager, Michael Beetham Conservation Centre:
“I am proud that our Apprenticeship scheme is being recognised by the Nachural Summer Business Ball and Awards. It is acknowledgement for all the hard work put in by the mentors in developing the skills of the apprentices, along with the desire of the apprentices to learn and better themselves for their future careers.

There are not a lot of Apprenticeship schemes where one minute you are restoring an undercarriage door from a Bristol Brigand, and preparing aircraft for exhibitions, and the next minute you’re building a Spitfire in the middle of the Shrewsbury food festival, such is the diverse work they get involved with, all with a smile on their faces.”

Winners will be announced at the prestigious Nachural Summer Business Ball & Awards 2022 being held at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Friday 8 July.

www.rafmuseum.org

 

RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre 60th Anniversary Event

RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre

On Sunday 31st July, we are holding a special event to remember the 60th Anniversary of the closure of RAF Bircham Newton in 1962.

Featuring Tony Nelson’s amazing model aircraft, Docking Heritage Group and Dreamy Hollow Woodland Campsite and WW1 Trenches.

Open 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, refreshments available, free entry and parking.

We’re also open on Sunday 17th July, as normal.

www.rafbnmp.org.uk

Royal International Air Tattoo commits to becoming a more sustainable event

Royal International Air Tattoo

With one month to go, the world’s biggest military airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), is returning to RAF Fairford for the first time in three years.

“Our commitment to inspiring the next generation of aviation and STEM enthusiasts focuses on innovation, technology and the importance of sustainability. We recognise that improving our sustainability is essential if the young people of today are going to have the opportunity to find their place in the world of aviation tomorrow.” said Paul Atherton, CEO.

The RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises is committed to making real, measurable reductions to the carbon footprint of RIAT. So much so, that the organisation is implementing ISO 20121, the International Standard on Sustainable Event Management, as a framework to help it to do this effectively.

“For us to improve our environmental impact and sustainability practices, we need to understand where we are now and what effect we are having. So, for the first time, we will be measuring the impact of everything – from the number of cars in our car parks, to the number of aircraft flying hours, to the amount of food waste generated.” said Kate McKinley, who is leading sustainability activity at the event.

How will this be more sustainable?

This will allow the organisers of RIAT to analyse the environmental impact of different aspects of the event and create a strategy for future policies. Effectively targeting the biggest impacts will help to make real reductions to the event’s carbon footprint in the future.

But this is more than just policies and checklists…

This is about a creating a cultural shift and being more sustainability focussed. The RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises has already started making positive changes with the support of its sponsors, suppliers, and exhibitors.

Although you won’t see recycling bins at the event, all waste will be sorted at a materials recycling plant. Anything that cannot be recycled will be taken to a waste to energy plant, where the energy will be recovered as electricity. Any food waste will be repurposed at an anaerobic digestion plant.

Nothing will be going to landfill.

All generators at RIAT will be running on 100 per cent Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel and a solar and a hybrid generator will be trialled on site. All catering outlets present at the event have been asked to use recyclable and plant-based packaging materials only, and food waste from the staff and volunteer diner will be reduced through detailed planning and anticipation of demand.

Water refill points will be available site-wide, and the organisers are encouraging our volunteers and visitors to bring their own reusable water bottles. This will not only save money but also eliminate 30,000 single-use plastic bottles from waste.

As well as these behind-the-scenes changes, the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises has engaged with their partners and exhibitors on their plans and invited them to use RIAT to highlight the innovations they are making in aviation sustainability. The organisers of the event intend that RIAT will become a platform for this in the future.

What happens next?

The RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises is excited to be making changes to their event operations and recognise this is the first stage of an important journey. Once it has monitored and measured all aspects of the event and analysed the results, it looks forward to drawing up a strategy for long-term reductions in the event’s impacts.

www.airtattoo.com

Demand for the world’s biggest military airshow soars sky high

RIAT 2022

As the Royal International Air Tattoo returns to Gloucestershire’s skies, organisers are taken aback by the public’s appetite for the world-class fundraising event.

This week, the organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) announced Saturday tickets for their event have sold out. After a two-year hiatus as a result of COVID-19, the Gloucestershire-based airshow has proven its ability to still pull crowds from around the globe and is set to welcome an estimated 170,000 people over the weekend of 15-17 July.

Acting as a fundraising event for the RAF Charitable Trust, RIAT will help the charity support even more young people with opportunities for personal development, learning, and discovering their place in the worlds of aviation and STEM.

And what better place to represent these opportunities than the world’s greatest airshow? With more than 200 aircraft, eight-hour flying displays, and immersive activities throughout the showground, RIAT offers people the ideal place to get a taste of the cutting-edge technologies and phenomenal skills that are taking our world to new heights.

While Saturday tickets are no longer available, tickets for Friday 15 and Saturday 17 are still on sale. Those interested in an exhilarating day out should head to www.airtattoo.com/tickets to get their tickets for the greatest airshow in the world.

From Korea to Kempsford: RIAT is welcoming participants from all over the globe. This July, the Royal International Air Tattoo will play host, to hundreds of aircraft and pilots from around the world, including the Black Eagles display team from the Republic of Korea. These elusive aerobatic wonders are legendary throughout the world, and this July will mark the first time in ten years that they have visited the UK. Head to the RIAT website for a full list of those confirmed to be attending.

Sky’s the limit for Large Model Air Show

RAF Museum Large Model Air Show

Date: 2-3 July 2022
Time: Gates open 8.30am, flying 9.30am-5.00pm
Cost: £15.00 (under 16s are free)
BBMF Lancaster Flypast: Sat 2.14pm / Sun 1.58pm (weather permitting)

Scale models of iconic aircraft will be taking to the sky at the Large Model Air Show, when the two-day family event returns to the RAF Museum Midlands on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 July.

The show will be packed with over seven hours of spectacular flying displays from hundreds of miniature models, accompanied by interactive experiences on the ground keeping families, aviation fans, and modelling enthusiasts entertained.

Taking place on the airfield at RAF Cosford, see biplanes through to modern day jets, all designed, built and flown by experienced model aircraft pilots. With acrobatic displays, synchronised flypasts and smoke affects, they truly look like the real thing!

There will be more flying than ever before with three flightlines for the first time. The line-up includes a mass flying formation of Spitfire’s, and an impressive collection of First World War aircraft taking to the skies. Plus, an appearance from the largest model aircraft in the country, including the Constellation, Bristol Bulldog, Comet DH88, and the Vulcan. This 20ft Vulcan model will retire after more than 10 years appearing at the show, and its farewell flight will be an exciting recreation of the real Vulcan XH558’s last flight, flying in formation with two Red Arrow Hawks on its wingtips.

A flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster is an event highlight guaranteed to wow crowds both days, flying in at 2.14pm on Saturday and 1.58pm on Sunday.

The event is growing both in the air and on the ground with more than 50 traders, including a ‘bring, buy and swap’ shop, street food vendors, entertainment and activities on offer.

There will be plenty of opportunities for visitors to get behind the controls and fly some of the training model aircraft, with guidance from top pilots. Or, have a go at the exciting drone flying experience where users will learn the basics of drone flying before attempting to guide one through hoops, under tunnels, and over barriers. Those who master the controls quickly can take on the challenge of completing an obstacle course. This drop-in activity is suitable for children aged 8 or above. The youngest visitors will also have plenty of high-flying fun with trampolines and Airfix model making activities running throughout the day (charges apply).

The catering line-up is just as impressive as the flying with street food vendors serving up a diverse menu with flavours from around the world.

Tickets for the event are available to purchase online, £15.00 adults and under 16s are free. Exclusively for this event camping is available on the airfield at RAF Cosford, from £50.00 including show entry. For more information and to purchase tickets to the Large Model Air Show visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands. The event is organised in partnership with the Large Model Association.