Brooklands Museum, heritage site and home to an incredible collection of cars and aircraft, including Concorde, has been awarded a grant of £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help secure its future.

Like many organisations up and down the country, Brooklands Museum is facing financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst the Museum was closed the cost of looking after the Museum’s collections, buildings and site continued.

Tamalie Newbery, Director and CEO for Brooklands Museum said:
“This grant enables Brooklands Museum to remain open to visitors and continue its work preserving the Brooklands site and collection, to inspire generations of the future. We’re grateful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund is supporting us at this crucial time – it’s a lifeline to us and others who are passionate about sustaining heritage for the benefit of all.”

The funding, made possible by National Lottery players, was awarded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Emergency Fund. £50million has been made available to provide emergency funding for those most in need across the heritage sector.

The UK-wide fund will address both immediate emergency actions and help organisations to start thinking about recovery.

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration, and benefiting our personal wellbeing. All these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from this current crisis.

Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are pleased to be able to lend our support to organisations such as Brooklands Museum during this uncertain time.”
Like Brooklands Museum, other charities and organisations across the UK that have been affected by the unprecedented impact of the coronavirus outbreak are being given access to a comprehensive package of support of up to £600 million of repurposed money from The National Lottery. This money is supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and span the arts, community, charity, heritage, education, environment and sports sectors.

National Lottery players raise an average of £30 million every week for good causes, including heritage of local and national importance. By playing The National Lottery, people up and down the country are making an amazing contribution to the nationwide-response to combatting the impact of COVID-19 on local communities across the UK.

Brooklands Museum reopens to the public on Saturday 1st August, visitors are able to book tickets in advance to step back in time and see up-close, the cars that raced across Brooklands’ famous race circuit over a hundred years ago. The aircraft on display were all built at Brooklands, including the Hurricane, the Wellington Bomber, and of course Concorde. Timed-entry ticket to the Museum can be booked online at www.brooklandsmuseum.com

The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Elmbridge, local Councillors and VIPs will be joining a gathering of Trustees and supporters from Brooklands Museum to celebrate the achievements of a dedicated team of volunteers who have restored a Hawker Hurricane aircraft.

The Hurricane was Britain’s most successful fighter aircraft of the WWII era and was designed by Sydney Camm at nearby Kingston. It was assembled and first flown in prototype form at Brooklands in November 1935. Altogether, 3,012 Hurricanes were produced at Brooklands – one fifth of the total built. When the Battle of Britain was fought in the summer of 1940, it was due to the tremendous production and test flying effort at Brooklands and other factories, and to the skills of the RAF pilots, that the Hurricane became the chief victor of this decisive engagement. Almost 25% of all RAF fighters in this conflict were Brooklands-built Hurricanes.

On permanent display as part of the vast collection of aircraft at Brooklands Museum is Hawker Hurricane Z2389. Built in 1940 it served with five different RAF Squadrons in 1941, including the American volunteer 71 ‘Eagle’ Squadron at Martlesham Heath. As part of emergency war supplies for Russia, it was shipped to Murmansk on 21st May 1942. On the 20th June 1942, it engaged two Messerschmitt Bf109Fs and five Bf110s over a remote part of Murmansk but was shot down along with two other Hurricanes. The pilot, F/Lt Ivan Kalashnikov survived the forced landing.

Fifty years later it was found by Russian historians, recovered in 1996 and then acquired by Brooklands Museum in 1997. It became the first historic aircraft to be purchased with a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The Hurricane volunteer restoration team assembled in 1999 and has worked up until 2019 to complete the incredible restoration of this aircraft. As well as the work itself, the team, alongside Museum staff, have sourced materials, spares and raised money. Their biggest and most memorable achievement has to be sourcing a Merlin Mark II engine entirely by chance when an interested visitor said he had one sitting in his garage!

It has taken the team 60,000 dedicated man hours to rebuild the steel and wooden structure, stitch the fabric on the fuselage, paint the wings, restore the cockpit and plot’s seat to bring this iconic British aircraft to its present form. Furthermore, they have introduced this specialist area of restoration work to younger generations by encouraging Duke of Edinburgh participants to assist them; some members who completed the required levels have chosen to stay on and join the Museum’s volunteer programme.

Now, visitors to the Museum can see an original Hawker Hurricane that saw active war-time service. This milestone will be celebrated on 3rd September, 80 years to the day that Britain announced it was at war with Germany.

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

The U.S. Navy has confirmed their P-8A Poseidon Surveillance Aircraft will be flying past Friday afternoon at this year’s Air Festival. This specific Boeing plane has been developed for the U.S. Navy (USN) and modified from the Boeing 737-800. Powered by two turbo fans and with a wingspan of nearly 40metres it’s going to be an incredible sight.

First flown in 2009 the P-8A will be the youngest aircraft participating at the festival. With a military naval role, it doesn’t transport passengers but fulfils one of the primary mission of USN anti-submarine warfare.

LT Justin Branch, lead U.S. Navy Officer said: “It’s a privilege to support the Air Festival, this is our second engagement taking place in the UK this year and it is always a privilege to be included in these events. We receive amazing support and eagerly anticipate opportunities to strengthen relationships with our allies and showcase the P-8A Poseidon.”.

Chris Saunders, Head of Operations, Tourism added; “The aircraft will be part of Friday’s line up, to have U.S. Navy support, and importantly for them to see the significance of the festival, really highlights the strong relationships we have with our Armed Forces partners.”

Regarded as the UK’s most successful civilian air show with brilliant day and night time entertainment in the skies, on land and in the evening, the 12th Air Festival, takes place 29th August – 1st September 2019.

For details visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Date: 31 Aug / 14 Sep / 12 Oct 2019
Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Cost: FREE

A new series of talks from the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford entitled ‘Life Stories’, will share the unique experiences of guest speakers, from their time serving in the Royal Air Force.

The new ‘Life Stories’ talks form part of the Museum’s RAF Stories project, an online collection accessible for everyone to submit, share and explore stories of people’s personal connections to the RAF.

RAF Museum Community Engagement Officer: RAF Stories, Jess Boydon said:
“The forthcoming talks are an opportunity for interested members of the public to hear first-hand some of the great stories already captured by the project. Held in the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition Lecture Theatre, each talk held on Saturday afternoons, will have a key guest speaker and will cover a range of thought provoking topics.”

31 August: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Air Commodore Paul Godfrey spent three seasons with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), flying the Spitfire, Hurricane and Chipmunk aircraft. During this talk, Paul will share his knowledge of the BBMF and his most memorable experiences. The mission of the RAF BBMF is to maintain these priceless artefacts of our national heritage in an airworthy condition, so that the BBMF may commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country, promote the modern day Air Force and inspire the future generations. Flown by regular serving RAF Aircrew, the Flight operates six Spitfires, two Hurricane Mk 2Cs, a Lancaster as well as a C47 Dakota and two Chipmunk aircraft.

14 September: Life Stories: From Basra to Sydney
Sgt Paul ‘Twitch’ Twitchell will take you on a gritty, emotional, funny and inspirational journey through his battle with mental health illness. Following several tours of Iraq carrying out bomb disposal duties, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) all but destroyed everything dear to him. Saved by an extremely unlikely stranger, Prince Harry sparked the fire under Twitch that would see him transform from a suicidal PTSD sufferer to an Invictus Games medallist.

12 October: Life Stories: True Colours
Caroline Paige is a retired Royal Air Force navigator with a thirty-five year flying career that includes air defence fighters during the Cold War and troop helicopters in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. But against a background of contemporary conflict, and the demanding environment of military aviation, her story reveals a remarkable journey of inspirational courage and endurance, in overcoming adversity in an unforgiving world. In 1999, after a life-long struggle to hide her gender identity became too much to bear, Caroline informed the RAF of her intention to transition gender. Controversially at the time, she was permitted to remain in service, becoming the first transgender officer to openly serve in the British Armed Forces. Her story tells how she rose against extraordinary challenges to remain on the front-line of military flying, serving a further sixteen years, and silencing outspoken critics by earning several commendations for ‘exceptional service’ in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The talks will commence at 2.00pm and are free to attend, lasting approximately one hour, including time for questions. As spaces are limited, visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance via the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford to avoid disappointment.

For anyone who would like to contribute to the RAF Stories project, download the free RAF Stories App, 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 National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Newark Air Museum is hosting a two day event to celebrate the Shackleton Boys 2 book launch. This is one of many similar titles published by Grub Street and it features many stories from former Avro Shackleton aircrew.

The event will take place on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September 2019, between 10am and 5pm each day (last admission at 4pm), and it will be centred around Avro Shackleton MR.3 Phase 3 WR977 that was dismantled and moved to the museum by road in spring 1977. To this day this is still the largest aircraft dismantling project ever undertaken by the museum and its volunteers.

Over both days, more than twenty five (25) contributors to the book will be in attendance to sign copies of the book. They, along with other former Shackleton veterans will be meeting each other and also meeting and talking with the museum visitors. Details of the reunion aspect of the event are being co-ordinated via the author Steve Bond and the publishers Grub Street. Amongst the Shackleton veterans there will be people who flew Shackleton WR977 in attendance.

This event is open to the general public & normal museum admission rates apply: Adults £9.00, Over 65s £8.00, Children £4.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £24.00

On both days of the event there will be a flypast by aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 September 2019

Tickets from £35; kids go free*

September’s Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show will include displays from an array of original Second World War aircraft, including P-51 Mustangs and P-47 Thunderbolts, and will culminate in a mass flypast of 19 Spitfires, including a Mk. XVIII Spitfire. Four Búchon fighter jets with Luftwaffe markings, which starred in the 1969 Battle of Britain film, will take flight. There will also be a Battle of Britain formation flight of three Mk. I Spitfires and four Hurricanes, aircraft which were both flown by famous Duxford resident Douglas Bader.

Highlights this year include a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, a USAAF’s Vultee BT-13 Valiant, and a Russian Yakovlev Yak-9 from Switzerland. Also flying are T-33 and MiG15 Korean jets which played roles in the 2016 Flyboys film starring James Franco. A Hawker Fury will be flying a solo display, while a Mercury formation will feature two Westland Lysanders and a Gloster Gladiator.

The Bremont Great War display team starred in George Clooney’s The Monuments Men (2014), while the B-17 Flying Fortress called Sally B featured in the 1990 remake of Memphis Belle. The Hawker Hurricane, the RAF’s first monoplane fighter, featured alongside Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett in Pearl Harbour (2001) and Squadron 303 (2018).

On the ground, visitors can explore IWM Duxford’s exhibitions and hangars. The Battle of Britain hangar tells the story of the aerial campaign, and features an Mk I Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3. Next door is Hangar Base, the concrete floor remains of a First World War hangar that was blown up and destroyed by the Battle of Britain film crew as part of the Eagle Day sequence.

IWM Duxford will be transformed into a film set once again, giving visitors the opportunity to dance their way into a party scene, or step in as an extra and deliver their lines. History lovers can watch cinematic footage from IWM’s archives, while fashionistas can enter a best dressed competition, or try on a costume from the wardrobe department.

The D-Day-themed Normandy Experience in the Land Warfare Exhibition features a soundscape and costumes from Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan (1998). In the American Air Museum, there is a display on Willie Wyler, the director of The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress (1944) who served during the Second World War with the U.S. Air Force.

www.iwm.org.uk

Date: 20-21 September 2019
Time: Gates open 6.00pm / film starts 8.00pm
Cost: £13 per person in advance / £15 on the gate (subject to availability)
Film: Rated 12A (children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult)

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is providing the ultimate outdoor cinema screening experience this September, with two nights of iconic flicks projected onto a massive screen, movie fans can expect plenty of snacks, flowing drinks and a truly unique night out.

The highest grossing Star Wars movie ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and one of the most iconic aviation movies ever ‘Top Gun’ will be shown on a giant inflatable screen, set against a backdrop of aircraft on 20 and 21 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.

Digital projectors and surround sound equipment will create a true cinematic experience, but no movie would be complete without popcorn, which is why the Museum will be transforming the Hercules aircraft into a popcorn bar where visitors can step on-board to purchase their essential movie snacks.

The big movie event will kick start with the epic space opera ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ on Friday 20 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 join forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to ensure the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa receives the intelligence and unite in the fight against the new threat to the Galaxy from the evil Kylo Ren and the First Order, a successor to the Galactic Empire.

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.

In the build up to the movie, why not take advantage of some of the tasty hot food and beverages on offer, including a delicious selection of American inspired street food. Then sit back, relax and enjoy some cocktails, beer or a glass of fizz served from a converted VW Campervan, or keep a look out for the vintage caravan where you can purchase a range of hot beverage, including freshly ground coffee and delicious hot chocolate.

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.

Both films are certified 12A and may contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

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’.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Abi Betteridge said:
“Both movies are fitting for us as a venue, where else can you watch movies about flight surrounded by real military aircraft and get the chance to climb inside an aircraft to buy your popcorn? We hope that two iconic films, combined with the unique setting and all the added extra’s, plus the chance to dress up as your favourite character from the film, 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.

Organisers pledge to offset display fuel by planting trees in the UK and supporting a project to prevent deforestation in the Amazon in bid to make positive difference

August 14th 2019: Organisers of Europe’s biggest air event, which takes place later this month, have pledged to offset the carbon footprint of all displaying aircraft working in partnership with nationally accredited Carbon Footprint Ltd. This year it is estimated that 110,000 litres of jet fuel will be used in displays by participating aircraft at the Bournemouth Air Festival, creating approximately 275 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Jon Weaver Air Festival Director said; “Since the Festival began we have always been aware of the carbon footprint of the event, and working with local experts at the time focussed on persuading people to use public transport to come to the festival and this has proved very successful – particularly for local residents.”

John Buckley from Carbon Footprint said “It is great to be working with the Bournemouth Air Festival. By supporting our tree planting projects, the Festival will compensate for its environmental impact, help protect wildlife and benefit local communities. We will be planting around 275 trees in the local area. For each tree planted, a tonne of carbon will also be saved in the Amazon Rainforest through the avoided deforestation project selected by the Air Festival – RMDLT Portel-Para REDD project – which is audited and certified by the internationally recognised Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)”. https://www.carbonfootprint.com/brazil_para_redd.html

As well as this initiative this year the Air Festival is also encouraging festival goers to bring reusable plastic bottles or purchase a new Air Festival bottle to use at Dorset refill taps along the seafront site and follow the simple messaging introduced by the resort to take home your litter and ‘Leave only Footprints’.

Councillor Lewis Alison BCP Council Tourism Portfolio Holder said; “There is a growing expectation for festivals and events to be more sustainable. BCP Council have declared a climate emergency and this decision by Air Festival organisers demonstrates our commitment to reduce the impact on the environment and make a global difference.”

Regarded as the UK’s most successful civilian air show with brilliant day and night time entertainment in the skies and on land, the 12th Air Festival takes place on 29th August – 1st September 2019.

For details visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th August 2019

The preparatory work for the 2019 Copter-Fest 19 event on Saturday17th & Sunday 18th August 2019 is now almost complete. Over the years the museum has built up a good selection of helicopters in its collection; something that was added to with the Puma, Chinook and Lynx helicopters coming into our care during 2018. These rotary exhibits now represent around 10% of the museum’s overall collection.

The raised levels of interest in such rotary exhibits and visiting helicopter ‘traffic’ encouraged us to launch our new Copter-Fest event. The Sunday event will coincide with the 2019 International Helicopter Day, which is celebrated around the world.

During Copter-Fest the museum will celebrate the helicopters in its collection and give visitors the chance to take a look inside them, something that is not always possible.

Copter-Fest 2019 is open to the general public and museum trustees, volunteers and staff have put together a range of visiting special displays and activities. In addition to the helicopter viewing opportunities a number of museum aircraft will be open for people to visit. A small additional charge will be made for each aircraft visited (proceeds towards the museum’s various aircraft restoration projects).

Newark Air Museum helicopter exhibits

Bensen gyrocopter: G-ASNY
Bristol Sycamore III: WT933
BV Chinook HC.1 (fuselage): ZA717
Saunders Roe Skeeter AOP.12: XL764
Sud-Aviation SA.341 Gazelle: F-ZWRI / XW276
Sud Puma HC.1: XW208
Westland Lynx HC.28: QP-31
Westland (Bell 47) Sioux AH.1: XT200
Westland Wessex HC.2: XV728
Westland Whirlwind HAS.7: XM685
Zurowski ZP.1: BAPC 183

Visiting Displays

Mainly Military Models display
Stephen Dring 3D display/sales
Airfield Research Group display
Bikini State – RAF Regiment display/reenactors & Beaver ATV
Martin Brookfield – Wessex Display (Sunday only)
Robert Adams – Sales
RSPB – The Work of the RSPB with Display/Membership
Andy Rawden – Westland Lynx AH.7 XZ220 & display

Normal museum admission rates apply: Adults £9.00, Over 65s £8.00, Children £4.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £24.00.

Opening times; 10am to 5pm; last admission 4pm.
Full event details and exhibit lists can be found on the News & Information page of the museum website: www.newarkairmuseum.org

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.