Sunday 30th September

Brooklands Museum’s Great War Day on Sunday 30th September commemorates the centenary of the end of the First World War and Brooklands’ role in that conflict. It will highlight the historic site’s rapidly expanding aircraft production in 1916 and showcase the Museum’s mighty Vickers Vimy – a replica of the long range bomber built in 1918 which made the first non-stop trans-Atlantic flight in 1919. Visitors will be able to see the engines of this aircraft demonstrated on part of the original Brooklands Race Track alongside two WWI bi-planes from the collection: the SE5a and Sopwith Camel which has its original 1917 Clerget engine.

In and around the Paddock, in front of the Clubhouse, re-enactors and living history groups will be setting up displays showing different aspects of wartime life adding to the period flavour of the day. These include:

• The 10th Essex Group – a military display and living history group accurately depicting the British Soldier in the Great War and will be running scouting and weapon demonstrations
• The Royal Army Medical Corps and Red Cross who will be displaying their Field Hospital & Convalescence unit
• Ladies from the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (affectionately known as FANYs)
• Edwardian re-enactors in costume
Although the Track had closed to the public in 1914, the site was still very active in manufacture, record-breaking and testing. At the Kingston-based Sopwith Aviation Company factories, Camels, Snipes, Pups and Triplanes all came off the production line and were all assembled, test flown and delivered from Brooklands. In 1915, the Military Services staged some hill climb and sprint events for the personnel and officers based in the nearby Aldershot and Bisley garrisons. The Brooklands Motorcycle Team and visiting groups with war-time-era motorcycles, including examples of Triumph and Douglas which were used by the military in Belgium, will take part in a re-enactment of the ‘serpentine’ slalom course.

The event will also feature pre-1919 civilian and military vehicles which include an original 1915 Pierce-Arrow military truck, Edwardian cars and the usual array of ambulances, motorcycles and bicycles. Making a very welcome return will be the Matchless with Vickers machine gun carrier Motorcycle Combination from 1917. This is only one of three surviving motorcycle combinations from WWI left in the UK and is being kindly loaned by the Tank Museum for the event. At lunchtime, visitors will be able to see a cavalcade of period vehicles on the circuit at neighbouring Mercedes-Benz World.

All the Museum’s motoring displays and Aircraft Park will be open as usual including the Award-Winning Aircraft Factory and Flight Shed, motoring exhibitions, Concorde Experience and London Bus Museum. The gates open to the public at 10am and the event finishes at 5pm.

Normal admission charges apply: Adults £13.50, Seniors/Students £11.50, Children (5 – 16yrs) £7. Children under 5 are FREE and a Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) is £35. The Concorde Experience is £5 for Adults, £3 for Children. The 4D Theatre is £4 for Adults, £2 for Children.

For directions, videos, all event information and latest news, go to www.brooklandsmuseum.com, call 01932 857381

Date: 6 October 2018
Time: 9.30am to 5:00pm
Cost: £8 in advance (includes goody bag) / £10 on the day. Free entry for under-16s when accompanied by a paying adult

Aviation fans can experience the best that virtual flight has to offer this autumn when the Flight Sim 2018 event, hosted by Just Flight, takes place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on Saturday 6 October.

The Museum will be hosting this major one-day event for the sixth consecutive year and once again will be giving flight simulation enthusiasts a chance to try some of the very latest aircraft and other software. Visitors can view new technology from specialist flight sim PC and cockpit equipment builders, have a chat with developers, publishers and fellow virtual aviators – and no doubt pick up a bargain or two!

More than 30 exhibitors have already confirmed their attendance, with more expected to follow, and a full day of presentations is scheduled in the adjoining auditorium. Leading companies in flight simulation, including Laminar Research, Orbx, Aerosoft and Infinite Flight are all confirmed to attend the popular show.

Flight Sim ticket holders will enjoy the very best of both the virtual and the real worlds of aviation in the same venue, as entrance to the RAF Museum is free. Suitable for new and veteran desktop pilots alike, the show will run from 9.30am until 5.00pm, giving aviation enthusiasts plenty of time to find out more about life in the virtual skies.

Tickets for Flight Sim 2018 are now on sale, save money by booking in advance for just £8 via the shows website. Entry for children under 16 is free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. Visit www.flightsimshow.com for all the show details.

Brooklands Museum Sunday 16th September

The enormous contribution Brooklands made to aviation through much of the twentieth century will be celebrated at its annual Aviation Day on Sunday 16th September. Since the first UK flight trials of A V Roe took place there in 1908, through two world wars, into the jet age and Concorde, Brooklands has been a major centre for aviation manufacture, flight and testing for over 80 years.

One of the main attractions of the day will undoubtedly be the scheduled fly-ins from visiting aircraft*. On the airstrip at Mercedes-Benz World opposite the main visitor entrance, the organisers are expecting several vintage bi-planes including Tiger Moths and a helicopter to make a dramatic entrance. After landing, spectators will be able to inspect the machines and chat to the pilots.

The Museum’s own Concorde will be running half hour virtual supersonic ‘flight’ experiences all day and opposite the Concorde in the 4D Theatre, visitors can experience a motion simulator ride with the Red Arrows as well as two racing rides. Visitors to this extravaganza will also be able to see the Museum’s incredible collection of classic cars and motorcycles plus the largest collection anywhere of Vickers and BAC aircraft, including the Varsity, Viscount and VC10 in the Aircraft Park. The Volunteers that steward the aircraft are always keen to give valuable insight into these machines and sometimes allow a visit inside the cockpit.

The WWII hangar that once stood on the Track now lies adjacent to it and has been reinterpreted as the Brooklands Aircraft Factory; once inside, visitors will experience the sights and sounds of a busy factory floor with work stations and breath taking displays showing giant sections of aircraft at various stages of manufacture. In the centre is the only surviving Wellington Bomber that saw active service in WWII. The Factory, together with the newly-built Flight Shed which houses the Museum’s live aircraft won a Museums & Heritage Award this year in the permanent exhibition category.

Also on site, the Hawker Fury, Hurricane, Sopwith Camel and mighty Vickers Vimy will all be on display. There will be static aero-engine runs* on the day and in the Paddock, the area in front of the historic Clubhouse, the largest gathering of children’s pedal planes is being attempted. Also for the youngsters will be a free aviation-themed activity and in the Museum Shop, books, models and toys all relating to aviation will be available to buy.

The Sunbeam Café and a barbecue will be open all day marking it out as a perfect day for families and friends. A full timetable for the day is on the website so you can start planning your visit.

Entrance fees are as follows: Adults £13.50; Seniors/Students £11.50; Children (5-16 yrs) £7.00; Children Under 5 FREE; Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children), £35.

For full details and up to date event information, visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com or telephone 01932 857381. The 4D Theatre rides are approximately 8 minutes long each and are priced at £4 Adults/£2 Children. The half-hour Concorde Experience is £5 Adults/£3 Children.

*Visiting helicopters, light aircraft and engine run demonstrations are subject to operational conditions.

The Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will be bringing their explosive MiG-15 and Vampire display to Wings & Wheels this August Bank holiday.

Visitors will be thrilled as the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 demonstrates why it was one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters, with high octane manoeuvres and a simulated battle with the added excitement of pyrotechnics as it displays with the de Havilland DH.100 Vampire.

The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was a British fighter jet developed during the Second World War. The MiG-15 aircraft was developed for the Soviet Union and achieved fame in the skies over Korea, where, early in the war, it outclassed all straight-winged enemy fighters in most applications.

The MiG-15 is believed to have been one of the most widely produced jet aircraft ever made. In excess of 12,000 were manufactured and licensed foreign production may have raised the production total to over 18,000. Some among them were Polish-built variants of which the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s example is one. The MiG-15 is often mentioned, along with the North American F-86 Sabre, as the best fighter aircraft of the Korean War, and among the best fighter aircraft of all time. The MiG-15 remains in service with the North Korean Air Force as an advanced trainer.

The MiG-15 is also well known for its role in the Korean War – a conflict which involved the Royal Navy operated Hawker Sea Furies. Piloted by Lieutenant Peter ‘Hoagy’ Carmichael, one such Sea Fury FB11 made history when it downed a MiG-15; one of the very few times when a piston-engined aircraft has gained superiority over a jet.

The MiG-15 on display at Wings & Wheels wears the markings of the aircraft flown by famed Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin before he became the first man to visit outer space in 1961.

The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was designed to harness the newly developed jet engine and entered service with the RAF in 1945. It was the first fighter jet to be powered by a single jet engine.
The RAF used the Vampire as a front-line fighter until 1953, when it assumed the role of pilot training. The de Havilland Vampire jet achieved a series of aviation firsts, including being the first British plane to exceed 500mph as well as the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic. It was retired in 1966 and replaced by the Hawker Hunter and Gloster Javelin.

Around 3,300 Vampires were manufactured. The Royal Navy’s first jet fighter was the Sea Vampire, a variant of the plane operated from the Navy’s aircraft carriers. As such, the Vampire was the first plane to be landed on a moving aircraft carrier.

The Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron was founded in 2008 and is based at Rygge Air Base Norway.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including show favourites the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, 2 x Spitfires), Chinook, the Tigers Parachute Display Team, The Blades, Jet Provost, Hurricane, Strikemaster, O’Brien’s Flying Circus, the Bronco Demo , Richard Goodwin, The Turbulent Display Team, B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, NAHF Vampire Pair, NAHF MiG 15 and Fireflies Aerobatic Team, accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors in a living history zone and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, six re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32 acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts go-karts, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of tempting tea time treats to take home and craft gifts and a vintage village.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 20 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 14th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th August 2018, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £24 for adults or £55 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £8. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £199 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2018 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

The Hurricane from the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar is the latest addition to the Wings & Wheels air display line-up as the historic aircraft returns to Dunsfold Aerodrome this August Bank Holiday.

The Hurricane will be performing a special flypast to commemorate the achievements of Duncan Simpson and John Farley, both of whom played important roles in the development of some of the world’s most iconic aircraft and worked at Dunsfold Aerodrome.

Built as Hurricane I by Canadian Car & Foundry in spring 1940, it was initially delivered to the RAF in September 1940 and then converted to a Sea Hurricane Mk.X by July 1942. It crashed on December 5th, 1942 while being piloted by Squadron Leader Douglas Trevor King RNVR. Following the crash it was classified as ‘beyond economical repair’. It was found in 1960 and placed in storage until 1994.

Restoration began in 1994 by Hawker Restorations Ltd before its first flight on 7th June 2000. Between 2001 and 2012 it was shipped from Southampton toe American before returning to Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar. Registered as G-CHTK in March 2013, it is currently painted to represent Hurricane Mk.I P2921 ‘Blue Peter’ flown by Pete Brothers of 32 Squadron, Biggin Hill during 1940.

During the flypast High Flight by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. will be read by Tom O’Bedlam. The times of the flypast are Saturday at 13:00 and Sunday at 13:19. Timings are approximate and subject to change.

The wartime classic will be flown under the expert flying skills of pilot Peter Teichman.

Famously paired with the Spitfire, the Hurricane is credited with 55% of all enemy kills during the Second World War, and provided a technological leap from bi-plane to warbird.

Currently, there are only 12 Hurricanes in airworthy condition throughout the world; this is in spite of a total production of some 14,231 aircraft in the period from 1937 to 1944. Surviving Hurricanes in flyable condition are therefore amongst the rarest of all warbirds. The Hanger 11 Collection’s Hurricane, originally built in 1942, has been restored to stock Mk IIB fighter-bomber status and is the only flying example of the famous ‘Hurri-bombers’.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including show favourites the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, 2 x Spitfires), Chinook, the Tigers Parachute Display Team, The Blades, Jet Provost, Hurricane, Strikemaster, O’Brien’s Flying Circus, the Bronco Demo , Richard Goodwin, The Turbulent Display Team, B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, NAHF Vampire Pair, NAHF MiG 15 and Fireflies Aerobatic Team, accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors in a living history zone and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, six re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32 acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts go-karts, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of tempting tea time treats to take home and craft gifts and a vintage village.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 20 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 14th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th August 2018, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £24 for adults or £55 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £8. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £199 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2018 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Date: 15 September 2018
Time: 1pm-4pm and 6pm-9pm
Cost: £13.50 per person

The third of four ‘100 Cockpits and Cabs’ events taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford this year, will be held on Saturday 15 September. Up to 600 aviation fans will have the exclusive opportunity to get a closer look inside more aircraft and vehicles from the Museum’s collection including the Valiant, one third of Britain’s V-Bomber force, during an afternoon and evening session.

The RAF Museum Cosford and London is home to over 200 aircraft, tanks and vehicles and event organisers have selected 100 from the collection that they believe visitors will be keen to get a closer look inside. The ‘100 Cockpits and Cabs’ events will celebrate the Royal Air Force Centenary by giving visitors access to aircraft and vehicles, spanning the services entire career.

The September event at Cosford will be themed around aircraft and vehicles from the National Cold War Exhibition and the transport and training collection in Hangar 1.

From the Cold War collection, aircraft and vehicles open on the night include the Vickers Valiant B1. The Valiant was the first of Bomber Command’s V class aircraft and established Britain’s air-borne nuclear deterrent force before pioneering operational in-flight refuelling in the Royal Air Force. Not only was it the first V-Bomber to enter service, it was also the first to drop an operational British nuclear weapon over Christmas Island in 1957. Event organisers hope aviation fans will seize the rare opportunity to step on board one of Britain’s nuclear strike force aircraft, which played a vital role during the critical Cold War years.

Another highlight will be the chance to get up close to the Museum’s collection of Cold War vehicles including the Russian BMP-1. The BMP-1 went into production in the early 1960’s and marked an important departure from previous armoured personnel carriers. Not just an infantry carrier, it provided a measure of combat capability with the vehicle. Its high mobility, effective anti-tank weapons combined with its armoured protection made it a significant addition to Soviet battlefield forces.

Other Cold War aircraft and vehicles open for the special event include the Alvis Saladin armoured car (close view only), Trabant vehicle, British Aerospace Tracked Rapier, Short Brothers Belfast, Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer CCII and the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG 21PF (close view only).

The event theme also extends to include a selection of the Museum’s transport and training vehicles displayed in Hangar 1 and for the first time ever, the Westland Wessex HC2 helicopter will be open for close viewing. The HC Mk2 entered RAF service in the early 1960s and became a familiar sight on anti-terrorist operations in Northern Ireland and supporting UN Peacekeeping forces in Cyprus. In the mid-1970s twelve aircraft were converted to the HAR Mk2 variant, given a bright yellow high-visibility colour scheme and with the addition of a winch were used for search and rescue duties around the UK coast. The last RAF Wessex helicopters (Cyprus based HC Mk 2s) retired in 2003. This is the first time the Wessex has been included in an open evening event and visitors will be able to view the helicopter from a raised platform being installed especially for the event.

Also open on the night in Hangar 1 will be the Landrover Series 1, de Havilland Devon, Hawker Siddeley Andover E3A and the Scottish Aviation Bulldog T Mk 1.

To make sure visitors get the most out of the event, there will be a large team of Volunteers manning each aircraft or vehicle and available to answer any questions. A special Log Book can be purchased for an additional £1, allowing ticket holders to keep a record of the aircraft and vehicles they have accessed during the event!

A total of 600 tickets are available for the event taking place on Saturday 15 September and aviation fans will have up to three hours to enjoy the exclusive access. The afternoon session will run from 1pm-4pm, followed by an evening session 6pm-9pm. The Museum will close at 5pm, however the Visitor Centre and Refuel Restaurant will remain open for ticket holders, before doors to the aircraft and vehicles open at 6pm.

Tickets are now available to purchase through the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford and cost £13.50 per person which includes parking (minimum height restrictions apply). The final ‘100 Cockpits and Cabs’ event at Cosford will take place on Friday 7 December, details on this and the events taking place at the RAF Museum London are also available online.

Attending the exclusive ‘Open Cockpits and Cabs’ events is an opportunity to raise vital funds for the RAF100 Appeal, which is a joint venture between the Royal Air Force and the four major RAF charities – the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and the Royal Air Force Museum. The aim of the Appeal is to raise money for the RAF family and to create a lasting legacy as we celebrate 100 years of the Royal Air Force.

(image by Paul Johnson)

Wings & Wheels is delighted to welcome a new aircraft to the line-up this year, the OV-10 Bronco brought to us by The Bronco Demo Team on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August. The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft and this is the first time the team will be displaying at Dunsfold Aerodrome.

It was developed in the 1960s for counter insurgency (COIN) combat and its primary mission was as a Forward Air Control (FAC) aircraft. It was specifically designed for the Vietnam War and deployed successfully during the Cold War and Gulf War I (operation Desert Shield).

The Bronco Demo Team’s OV-10 will be bringing Poppies form Flanders Fields to Wings & Wheels; supporting the message of peace and reconciliation in remembrance of the sacrifice by so many 100 years ago.

The Bronco Demo Team is based at Kortrijk-Wevelgem airport situated just 12nm East from the Ypres Salient. The airfield was first used during World War I, initially by German fighter squadrons and later, during the advance of the Allied Powers leading to the end of the conflict, by the Royal Air Force.

As a commemoration of The Great War, The Bronco Demo Team has adorned their OV-10 Bronco in beautiful new ‘Poppy’ livery. The Poppies and ‘Lest We Forget’, 1914-18′ graphics reflect the light differently when the aircraft moves, producing a different shine and brightness at various angles. The effect is stunning and very unique!

The OV-10 Bronco will carry actual poppy seeds, underlining the theme, which will be offered for sale at Wings & Wheels. Each bag will be individually marked with the flight date and show name and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “It’s exciting to have a new display at Wings & Wheels and we are looking forward to seeing what the OV-10 Bronco can do. It is a striking aircraft in the air and on the ground.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including show favourites the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, 2 x Spitfires), Chinook, the Tigers Parachute Team, The Blades, Jet Provost, Hurricane, Strikemaster, O’Brien’s Flying Circus and Fireflies Aerobatic Team, accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors in a living history zone and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, six re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32 acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts go-karts, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of tempting tea time treats to take home and craft gifts and a vintage village.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 20 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 14th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th August 2018, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £24 for adults or £55 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £8. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £199 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2018 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

In recent days a small but significant step has been taken in the ongoing restoration of BV Chinook HC.1 helicopter, ZA717 at Newark Air Museum.

This has seen all of the temporary plastic sheeting removed from the windows in the Chinook’s fuselage; the Perspex glazing fitted to each window and the majority of the glue residues removed from the fuselage surfaces.

This represents an important step forward in securing the fuselage from the elements, and the attached photos show the helicopter inside and out after the work has been completed.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Date: 21-22 September 2018
Time: Gates open 6.00pm / film starts 8.00pm
Cost: £13 per person in advance / £15 on the gate (subject to availability)

‘Star Wars’ and ‘Top Gun’ fans are in for a treat this September as the Outdoor Cinema event returns to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford. The third highest grossing film of all time ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and one of the most iconic aviation movies ever ‘Top Gun’ will be showcased on a giant inflatable screen at the RAF Museum on 21 and 22 September respectively.

Film buffs can enjoy watching light sabre battles and Maverick under the moonlight in what is the perfect setting for films about flight. This evening event will see a huge 30ft inflatable screen erected alongside the VC10 and Hercules aircraft, including digital projectors and sound equipment for a true cinematic experience. No movie would be complete without popcorn and especially for this evening event, the Museum will be transforming an aircraft into a popcorn and snacks bar where visitors will be able to step on-board to purchase their essential movie snacks.

The big movie weekend will kick start with the epic space opera ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ on Friday 21 September. Set 30 years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the film follows defector Finn (John Boyega) and tough scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), whose droid contains a top-secret map concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker, the last of the Jedi Knights. The young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to ensure the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa receives the intelligence and team up in their fight against the new threat to the Galaxy from the evil Kylo Ren and the First Order, a successor to the Galactic Empire. This ‘Star Wars’ episode is suitable for movie fans aged 12 and over and visitors are welcome to come dressed as some of their favourite characters from the film.

It’s been over 30 years since the 80’s cult classic military movie ‘Top Gun’ first graced the big screen but the magic of characters Maverick and Goose will be flying high during this special evening event on Saturday 22 September. This American romantic military action film stars Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a hotshot fighter pilot who’s reckless attitude puts him at odds with his fellow pilots. The film follows Maverick and his Radar Intercept Officer Nick “Goose” Bradshaw’s journey to refine their elite flying skills, coupled with fighting for the attention of the beautiful flight instructor. Packed with plenty of flying action and romantic comedy, ‘Top Gun’ is a timeless classic suitable for film lovers aged 12 and over.

In the build up to the movie, why not take advantage of some of the tasty hot food and beverages on offer. The Ironbridge Catering Company will be joining the event, serving a delicious selection of American inspired street food, all served from their converted yellow American School Bus. Then why not enjoy some cocktails, beer or a glass of fizz courtesy of Jockey Box who will be serving drinks throughout the evening from their converted horse box. A selection of hot beverages will also be available on the night.

Film fans are encouraged to bring picnic chairs and blankets for their own comfort as the film will be screened outdoors on a grassed area – there is no allocated seating, so arrive early to get the best spot! Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and drink on the night, all drinks must be in plastic bottles or cans and no BBQ’s are permitted.

Ticket holders will also have exclusive after-hours access to the Museum’s Hangar 1 when gates open at 6pm. There will be plenty of time to enjoy some of the tasty street food, a cocktail or two and of course stock up on your popcorn, before you settle down to watch the movie at 8.00pm (film start time may alter slightly, depending on light conditions). The running time is approximately 2hrs 15mins for ‘Star Wars’ and 1hr 50mins for ‘Top Gun’ and both movies are certified 12A, under 16’s will not be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Abi Betteridge said:
“Both movies are so iconic and fitting for us as a venue – where else can you watch movies about flight surrounded by real military aircraft? Last year’s event was a total sell out, so this year we have increased the size of the screen and surround sound to enable even more movie fans to join us. We hope that great movies, combined with the unique setting and all the added extra’s like our aircraft popcorn bar will create an enjoyable and memorable cinema experience for our visitors.”

If you feel the need for speed, grab your wingman and head to the Museum’s website where tickets are now available to purchase in advance http://www.rafmuseum.org/cosfordpriced at £13 per person. Tickets will also be available on the evening priced at £15 per person, subject to availability. Parking for ticket holders is free of charge.

Date: 6 Sep / 4 Oct / 8 Nov / 5 Dec 2018
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Cost: FREE (advanced booking recommended)
Location: National Cold War Exhibition Lecture Theatre, RAF Museum Cosford

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is introducing a series of talks later this year, sharing the inspirational stories of RAF personnel who have played an important role in shaping the service during its first 100 years.

These new talks are an extension of the RAF Stories project launched by the RAF Museum earlier this year as part of the RAF’s Centenary celebrations and commemorations. RAF Stories is a digital online collection, accessible globally by anyone wishing to share and explore engaging, historical and contemporary stories of people’s personal connections to the RAF and the service’s influences on their lives.

In the RAF’s 100th year, the project is already capturing the spirit of what it means to be part of the RAF family and the community of servicemen and servicewomen spread across the globe, supporting and relying on each other both professionally and personally. The forthcoming talks are an opportunity for interested members of the public to hear first-hand, just some of the great stories already captured by the project. Held in the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition Lecture Theatre, each evening talk will have a key guest speaker focusing on different topics, held on the following dates:

6 September: Michelle Partington
Michelle was operationally deployed as the first female paramedic with the RAF Regiment as well as various tours on the Medical Emergency Response Team taking emergency lifesaving care to those injured on the front line in Afghanistan. Michelle was medically discharged after becoming a victim of PTSD, which left her housebound. Her road to recovery saw her compete in the 2017 Invictus Games. (This talk contains some graphic content and may not be suitable for children under the age of 16.)

4 October: Candida Adkins
Daughter of famous female spitfire pilot Jackie Moggridge, Candida Adkins, will share stories about her mother. After becoming the first woman to do a parachute jump in South Africa, Jackie travelled to England when the war broke out. She joined the ATA where she flew 72 different types of aircraft and was given the Kings Commendation for valuable services in the Air. She later joined the WRAFVR, got her Wings and went on to fly commercially, as an airline captain.

8 November: Ayla Holdom
Former Search and Rescue Sea King pilot, Ayla Holdom became the first openly transgender pilot in the British Armed Forces in 2011. Ayla will share stories about her selection, Search & Rescue, her challenging moments and her RAF family, which included HRH The Duke of Cambridge.

5 December: Peter Ramrayka
Peter Ramrayka was born in what was then colonial British Guiana (now Guyana). The grandson of indentured Indian labourers, he was brought up to believe that, despite his Indian cultural heritage, Britain was, in fact, the ‘Mother Country’. With a steely ambition to become a lawyer, he travelled to England in 1961. He joined the Royal Air Force as an option to both work and study. This led to successful careers and endeavours: the National Health Service; the Magistracy; political activist; Mission Director of a flying teaching eye hospital and much more.

RAF Museum Community Engagement Officer: RAF Stories, Jess Boydon said:
“We’re delighted to offer visitors at the RAF Museum Cosford the exciting opportunity to hear first-hand some of the inspirational and ground-breaking recollections from former RAF personnel and their families about their RAF journey. They have fascinating stories to tell, ranging from a female Spitfire Pilot given the Kings Commendation having flown over 70 different aircraft types, to the first openly transgender pilot in the British Armed Forces, highlighting the inclusivity and diversity of the Royal Air Force.

The talks are free to attend and are a snapshot of some of the widely diverse RAF Stories we have collected over the last 18 months. So far, we have collected stories about courage, love, tragedy, friendship, bravery, triumph, humour, happiness, sadness and everything in between, which expand and enrich our understanding of the RAF today. We believe everyone has or knows someone who has an RAF story and we would encourage people to download the RAF Stories app and share theirs alongside others that tell the story of the RAF.”

The talks taking place on 6 September, 4 October, 8 November and 5 December 2018 start at 7pm, lasting approximately 1 hour, including time for questions. They are free to attend, but as spaces are limited, visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance via the Museum’s website www.rafmuseumorg/cosford to avoid disappointment.

For anyone who would like to contribute to the RAF Stories project, the new RAF Stories App is available to download for free, where you can discover and share the stories of others, or record and upload your own using your mobile device, keeping the story alive and relevant for generations to come. Visit www.rafstories.org for more details.

The RAF Stories project is proudly supported by National Lottery Players through the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is part of the RAF Museum’s RAF Centenary Programme across its two sites in London and Cosford.