Tag: 2010

Nimrod MR2 for Yorkshire Air Museum

The Royal Air Force announced today that the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial at Elvington, York is to receive an iconic Nimrod MR2.

Yorkshire Air Museum will soon be the only Museum in the world to display a LIVE example of the remarkable Nimrod military reconnaissance aircraft.

Nimrod MR2, XV250 will be flown from RAF Kinloss into Elvington on Tuesday April 13th where it will be maintained in full ground operational capacity as a ‘live’ aircraft.

From now XV250 will be part of the Museum’s world class collection, alongside the huge Victor V-Bomber and Buccaneer Strike aircraft and will stand as a permanent tribute to the 14 British servicemen killed in Afghanistan when Nimrod XV 230 crashed at Kandahar on 2nd September 2006.

The multi million pound Nimrod was developed from the Comet, itself a revolutionary design which was the world’s first jet airliner. Much of the development for the Nimrod was undertaken at BAe Systems at Brough, East Yorkshire, giving the aircraft a special local connection.

Nimrod, the ‘mighty hunter’ is found in the Book of Genesis, and for over 30 years the aircraft has continued to play an exceptional role in the defence of the British Isles and support in other operational theatres. The ‘submarine hunting’ role has developed into strategic military intelligence gathering, utilising state of the art equipment. The Nimrod MR2 has been described as the world’s largest fighter, with the capability to carry Sidewinder air to air missiles!

Museum Director, Ian Reed said, “We have been working closely with our colleagues in the RAF for over a year on this project and are delighted at the confirmation announced today. Yorkshire Air Museum is probably the only major Museum in Europe capable of operating large jets of this type and in this way. It is also very appropriate that, as the Allied Air Forces Memorial, we are able to make a significant contribution to the memory of those servicemen in Afghanistan and Iraq who have lost their lives and those who daily risk their lives in the service of our country”.

Details of arrival timings on Tuesday 13th April will be issued as soon as they are known.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Bryan Adams Vists RAF Museum

The rocker swapped the Summer of ’69, for the Summer of 1940 as he popped in for a visit to the Museum’s Battle of Britain Hall.

Legendary rocker Bryan Adams was spotted over the weekend at the RAF Museum in Colindale. He was there to take pictures of aircraft in the Battle of Britain Hall, which includes iconic classics such as the Spitfire and Hurricane.

Well known for filling stadiums with hits such as Summer of ’69, Everything I Do and Run To You, whilst at the Museum he also took the time out to sign autographs and have his picture taken with fans.

This year marks the 70th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain and the Museum will be celebrating it with a number of exhibitions and events.

In the past few years celebrity visitors to the Museum have included Angelina Jolie, Tom Conti, Matt Lucas and David Walliams and Dame Judy Dench.

 http://www.rafmuseum.org/

Spitfire Flypast to Honour Veterans

A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire will be making a special flypast over the Royal Air Force Museum to honour the Veterans in attendance at the Museum’s annual Joint Service Veterans Day.

Date: Wednesday 5th May

Time: 1320

Each year this exclusive day gives Veterans the chance to catch up with each other, reminisce over shared experiences and enjoy themselves in the authentic atmosphere and sensations of the Royal Air Force Museum. With Service men and women joining in from across the country, it is set to be a truly memorable and sentimental gathering.

On the 5th of May the Royal Air Force Museum is inviting Veterans of all three Services to join as one to celebrate Veterans’ Day. During this special reunion, hosted by the Museum staff, the veterans will be treated to a full day of events and activities including talks, special films screenings and tours.

Also as a special treat, there is a FREE programme of music by The Jive Aces swing band from underneath the Lancaster (at 1130am and 2pm).

The Bomber Command Association will be supporting the event and will be holding a special raffle. There will also be exhibition stands by The RAF Benevolent Fund Enterprises and The Royal British Legion.

 http://www.rafmuseum.org/

Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary

2010 marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The historic conflict over the skies of England determined the outcome of WWII and is seen as the nation’s ‘finest hour’.

The Royal Air Force Museum stands on the site of RAF Hendon, which was an active Battle of Britain station. Where better to begin the voyage of discovery into this important chapter in history?

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN HALL:

The largest and most wide-ranging exhibition dedicated to the Battle. It contains a unique and exclusive collection of relevant RAF aircraft and the most comprehensive collection of Luftwaffe aircraft in the world: the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane set against the Messerschmitt Bf 109; Junkers Ju88 and Ju 87 Stuka; Heinkel He 111 and more.

Step into the Battle of Britain Hall and step back into London in the year 1940. The Royal Air Force Museum invites visitors to experience first hand the sights and sounds of London during the Blitz.

Follow the exhibits and walk through history, as every step takes you through the events that led to the Battle. From a seemingly peaceful picnic on a village green, to a war torn London street and even a face to face meeting with Winston Churchill.

The climax of the exhibition comes with the emotionally charged multi-media show “Our Finest Hour.” Set across a backdrop of a London Skyline it uses film, image projection, sound and lighting together with the static exhibits to tell the story of the Battle of Britain. A truly awe inspiring experience; The Battle of Britain Hall is FREE to enter.

EVENTS

This year the Museum will be running a series of special events to mark the anniversary. These include a living history weekend (11-12th Sept), with re-enactments of a scramble scene, Ops Room, Home Guard and more. Visitors will be able to speak to the re-enactors and learn more about life during the Battle.

ARCHIVE DEPT:

The Museum holds a vast resource of information including historical documents, pictures, letters, log-books, personal items, fine art, medals, uniforms and published books. These are all accessible with prior booking.

EXPERTS & ACADEMICS:

A number of the Museum’s researchers and historians are experts in the Battle and are available for advice and interviews. They include published authors who have written articles for specialist magazines and books.

EDUCATION:

The Museum runs a number of related educational initiatives tied in with the national schools syllabus. These include reflections on life during the Battle of Britain.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

 

Car Parking charges at Royal Air Force Museum London

From 1st April 2010, a small car parking charge will be payable by visitors to the Royal Air Force Museum’s London site. The income generated will be used to assist in meeting the costs of maintaining the Museum’s national collection and of operating its sites.Free admission to the museum will continue as normal.

The fees for vehicles will be introduced on the 1st April 2010 and will be £2.50 for up to 3 hours parking and £3.50 for 3-6 hours.

The RAF Museum London houses a collection of 100 aircraft in 5 hangars and is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of Battle of Britain aircraft, which is housed in the site’s Battle of Britain Hall. The museum also offers an interactive gallery for children, Aeronauts as well as an hourly sound and light show ‘Our Finest Hour’ plus 3D cinema.

The museum is located just off Junction 4 on the M1 and also enjoys good public transport links with the 303 bus providing a regular direct service to the Museum from Colindale Underground Station (take the bus from directly outside the station to Edgware) or from Mill Hill East Thames Link Station (take the bus directly to Colindale).

For more information on the Royal Air Force Museum, please visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org or call 020 8205 2266. Alternatively, if you require assistance during the course of your journey, please visit our mobile phone website www.rafmuseum.mobi. The Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm (last admission 5.30pm). Entry to the Museum is FREE of charge.

Behind Enemy Lines

If you have ever wondered what life was really like for those airmen taken as Prisoner of War during WWII, or the harrowing exploits of those that managed to evade capture, then the forthcoming lecture taking place at the Yorkshire Air Museum on Saturday 20th March will answer all your questions. Internment was a life of squalor, deprivation, and almost unending monotony, with only the light relief of banter with fellow prisoners to keep alive a glimmer of hope for freedom.

‘Behind Enemy Lines’ will be presented by well known author and Aircrew Association historian Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork, drawing on his research for books such as ‘Shot Down’ and ‘On the Run / In the Drink’. Graham will be supported with recollections from John Morrison (76 Squadron) whose Halifax was shot down over Norway on the night of 30th / 31st January 1942 in the first of the attacks on the German battleship Tirpitz, spending the remainder of the war as a POW. We are also honoured to have ex Lancaster crewman Harry Levy, author of ‘The Dark Side of the Night’. As a 19 year old Jewish airman, Harry was the sole survivor after his aircraft crashed during a raid on Dusseldorf in July 1942. He was helped by Belgian patriots before being captured and held in solitary confinement for 10 weeks before moving to a POW camp. His presentation is bound to captivate the audience.

Neil Galloway, from 90 Signals RAF Leeming, will also be discussing the recent re-enactment of the 1945 ‘Long March’ of POW’s across Poland, which was undertaken by RAF personnel from across the country.

In addition, a fantastic line up of other veterans, all either POW’s or Evaders, and all with their own amazing tales to tell has been gathered and all of the veterans will be joining in the Question and Answer session and memorabilia signing opportunity that will take place after the lunch break. There will be book, print and model sales available.

The line up and the aircraft type they flew on is as follows:
POW’s are John Morrison (Halifax), Harry Levy (Lancaster), Fred Heathfield (Halifax), Philip Bates (Stirling).
Evaders: Tom Wingham (Halifax), Ray Worrall (Lancaster), Ralph Forster RCAF (Wellington), J R Parkinson (Lancaster), Rev. Les Hood (Lancaster) and Eric Hirst.

As all these gentlemen are now into their eighties, this event provides a rare opportunity to meet and hear at first hand their incredible experiences of life behind enemy lines.

Tickets are available now and cost just £10, to include 2 items for signing. (Additional charge for more items) but don’t delay as numbers are limited. Available online at: www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk (Shop / Tickets) or call 01904 608595 during office hours.

Airbourne to Honour 70 Years of BBMF

Organisers of the world’s biggest free seafront airshow have revealed a packed flying line-up is on its way this summer with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight marking its 70th anniversary by displaying on all four days at Airbourne.The official Airbourne Launch Party took place last week at Towner, Eastbourne’s award-winning art gallery, to exclusively reveal this year’s flying programme for the international airshow, which returns to the south coast from 12-15 August.

Headlining the flying schedule confirmed for this year is a special 70-year anniversary display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the return of crowd favourite the Red Arrows, and the impressive Eurofighter Typhoon. With other aircraft including the Hawk, Tutor, Tucano, Search and Rescue, and King Air also displaying, the flying line-up is already looking action-packed and organisers Eastbourne Borough Council are offering companies the chance to benefit from this prestigious event with sponsorship opportunities available.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “A Date With Airbourne, our official launch party, was a brand new idea for this year’s event and a great opportunity for us to thank those companies who worked with us last year and network with potential new sponsors.

“Last year’s Airbourne was such a huge success with a record number of sponsors and the numbers of trade stands up by 27%. We are looking to build on that this year, and with fantastic assets already confirmed for this summer, we should be in for another spectacular year.

“We have a wide range of sponsorship packages available offering companies a great opportunity to come on board and benefit not only from the huge footfall that Airbourne receives, but also to raise their company profile by being associated with such a highly regarded event.”

Following the success of last year’s airshow which was reported to have been the most visibly busy in the event’s 17-year history, airshow organisers are again looking to work with the local business community to raise funds to stage the event.

Many local businesses from across the south east attended the Launch Party at Towner on Thursday evening last week to find out about the sponsorship packages available this year and receive an early bird discount on programme adverts.

Securing a record 25 sponsors in 2009 including TravelInsured.co.uk, Eastbourne Borough Council are again starting sponsorship packages from as little as £250 right up to a headline sponsor at £75k, with the option for companies to tailor make packages to suit their budget and needs.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, trade space and corporate hospitality available at Airbourne visit www.eastbourneairshow.com

Sir Richard Branson Narrates Museums latest podcast

The Royal Air Force Museum is delighted to announce that as part of its monthly podcast series aviation entrepreneur and the founder of the Virgin Group Sir Richard Branson has generously given his time to narrate this month’s podcast “Bader: Fighter Pilot”.

The podcast was specially commissioned to mark the centenary of Bader’s birth on 21st February 2010 and forms part of the Museum’s commemoration of the former Battle of Britain pilot. It examines the life of Douglas Bader from his near fatal air crash in 1931 – with the loss of both his legs at the knee – through his wartime service as one of the highest scoring aces in the Battle of Britain and his subsequent efforts to escape from German captivity after being shot down and captured in August 1941.

Douglas Bader’s story, however, did not cease with the end of the Second World War. Until his death in 1982 Bader worked tirelessly on behalf of disabled people – particularly for the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association. Work for which, he received the CBE and was knighted. After his death, in keeping with Bader’s spirit, the Douglas Bader Foundation was established to advance and promote the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of persons who are without one or more limbs.

Peter Dye, Director of the Museum’s Collections Division, commenting on the podcast stated: “Douglas Bader was an exceptional individual and an outstanding pilot whose determination to overcome apparently overwhelming odds exemplified Fighter Command’s struggle to save Britain in the summer of 1940. His example has inspired countless others in their own battles with injury or disability while the values shown by Bader and his generation, who gave so much in the defence of freedom, are as important today as they were in 1940.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sir Richard Branson for his narration. I am certain that his support will help us inspire a new generation and ensure that Douglas Bader’s story is never forgotten.”

To listen to the podcast, visit www.rafmuseum.org/podcasts. The Royal Air Force Museum will also being showing a small exhibition of Bader artifacts, including his log book, at its London site from 8th February to 31st March. The Royal Air Force Museum London is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with last admission at 5:30pm. Admission and parking at the Museum is free.

www.rafmuseum.org

10% Off Local Trade at Major Eastbourne Events

Eastbourne traders are being offered the opportunity to promote their products to hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world with an early bird discount on trade stands at major events in the East Sussex resort.

From the world’s biggest free seafront airshow Airbourne to an extreme sports festival with a strong youth audience, Eastbourne presents a packed programme of events every year with trade and exhibition space available. Attracting record crowds at events in 2009, this year Eastbourne is encouraging local traders to take up the opportunity presented by the town’s biggest events and offering a 10% discount on trade space to those that book early.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “The Eastbourne calendar of events offers a fantastic opportunity for local traders and businesses to promote their company to a huge audience, with many travelling from outside the region to visit the event. With a programme of free tourist events, the discount really does present an opportunity not to be missed with the potential to reach a footfall of thousands of visitors and potential new customers.”

The 10% discount will be available to any local company who is interested in taking a trade stand at one of Eastbourne’s major events, including Magnificent Motors, Eastbourne Extreme, Airbourne and Speed Days.

Magnificent Motors kicks off the town’s major events on the May Day Bank Holiday weekend from 1-2 May. One of the South Coast’s biggest free motoring festivals, the event attracts a growing crowd each year with a unique opportunity to set up a trade stand on Eastbourne’s glorious seafront alongside vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, buses and steam traction engines.

Eastbourne Extreme takes place on the opposite end of the seafront and boasting intense sports such as power boating, windsurfing, free running and kitesurfing, the free event on from 17-18 July, attracts a strong youth audience.

The resort’s world renowned seafront airshow Airbourne returns from 12-15 August and offers plenty of space for trade stands with a footfall of hundreds of thousands visiting year on year. Plus Eastbourne’s International Airshow also offers a range of sponsorship packages ranging from just £250 to the headline sponsor at £75k.

And Eastbourne’s newest event, Speed Days, on from 20-22 August, offers another opportunity to reach a younger demographic with riders and visitors travelling from across the globe to this World Cup Downhill Skateboarding event.

The early bird discount will be available to the first five local companies who book a trade stand at Magnificent Motors, Extreme, or Speed Days and to the first ten companies booking trade space at Airbourne. With applications now officially open, interested traders are being invited to register their interest quickly to receive the discounted price.

For more information or to enquire about booking a trade stand at Eastbourne’s events telephone 01323 415442 or visit www.visiteastbourne.com .

To find out about Airbourne sponsorship packages, to discuss a tailor made package suited to your company or to request a copy of the sponsorship document outlining all packages available, telephone 01323 415556 or email promotions@eastbourne.gov.uk.

Revving up for a great display

Auction house BONHAMS is delighted to announce the sale of an important collection of 100 motorcycles, mainly pre-1950 machines, from Pamplona, Spain, at the Museum.

Public viewing date date: 26th Feb
Auction date: 27th Feb

The Pamplona Collection represents an important group of motorcycles assembled by a prominent Spanish private collector.

Over 100 in number, this extraordinarily diverse collection includes a brace of De Dion Bouton-engined machines dating from the closing years of the 19th Century, as well as nine four-cylinder models from the likes of Ace, Cleveland, Excelsior, FN, Henderson, Indian, Nimbus and Zündapp. V-twin engined motorcycles are another predominant theme, with no fewer than 18 in the collection including examples from Harley-Davidson, Sunbeam, Vincent, Motosacoche, Peugeot, Matchless, BSA and, of course, Brough Superior in the form of a 1931 SS100. Rare marques represented include Vindec, Wanderer, Acme, Rikuo, Böhmerland, PMZ, Griffon, Standard, Diamant, Laurin & Klement, Phebus and Mabeco.

The collection was assembled over the past few years for the enjoyment of the owner’s friends and family, and was housed at various locations before coming to its purpose-built museum home 12 months ago. Almost all of the machines were in running condition at time of purchase, since when they have been carefully stored.

Ben Walker, Head of the Motorcycles Department at Bonhams comments, “It is a pleasure to be offering for sale such a fine and outstanding collection of motorcycles. The vendor has managed to assemble, over a relatively short period of time, a world-class collection of rare machinery and this sale represents a fantastic opportunity for the enthusiast and collector to acquire something really special for their garage.”

The collection will be on public display in the Museum’s Bomber Hall, for one day only: Friday 26th February

www.rafmuseum.org.uk