2015 has seen the launch of Air to Air photography sorties through Timeline Events to accompany the superb evening shoots they already offer, giving special access to aircraft around the UK, in both static and live action events. Earlier last month I was lucky enough to take a space on the latest air to air shoot, with a Hawker Hunter Mk 58 owned and operated by the HHA.

Neil from Timeline Events always puts a lot of time and effort into events he organises, and this one was to be no exception. At the mercy of the ever changing weather we eventually took to the sky in a Beech 99 to make our Rendezvous with the classic Cold War Jet.

As we arrived at altitude and opened the roller shutter to prepare ourselves for the arrival of a British aeronautical design icon the anticipation grew. Within a few minutes everyone on board the camera ship got their first sighting of the Hunter as Jet skipped through the clouds and climbed to altitude to meet the waiting photographers.

The group were treated to a 40 minute flight in the presence of the Hunter, expertly piloted and guided giving all the photographers on board a chance to get shots in different angles and positions getting the most from the superb event.

Once the photo sortie was complete the Hunter pilot came in close and gave a wave before departing off to the horizon, signalling the camera ship to make its decent back to Terra Firma. Back on the ground it was apparent that it would take everyone a little bit of time to come down from the high they received from such a special opportunity.

Timeline Events are hoping to organise many more air to air sorties in 2016, so make a visit to the website a www.timelineevents.org and register for updates.

by Jonathan Wintle

Our exciting special events for 2013 are now on sale. From stunning cars to monster military vehicles; Second World War Spitfire nostalgia to our furry friends in the armed forces, there are some superb spectacles to look forward to next year.

Spring Car Show

Sunday 5 May

The Spring Car Show is the place to be for all car enthusiasts as we play host to hundreds of stunning contemporary and classic cars.

Car owners travel from across the UK to attend the Spring Car Show and will be delighted to talk to you about their four-wheeled pride and joys.

With a wide range of spectacular cars on display, the Spring Car Show is a fantastic day out for all the family.

The Spring Car Show is included in standard admission to IWM Duxford. Visitors aged 15 and under enjoy free admission.

Military Vehicle Show

Sunday 16 June

Celebrate Father’s Day on a grand scale with Military Vehicle Show. See displays of contemporary and historic military vehicles – there are even some that you can get into and onto for a closer look!

See and try on military equipment used by current serving personnel. Meet and chat to a variety of living history groups who will demonstrate equipment, uniforms and vehicles from a wide range of military campaigns.

Enjoy the power, thrill and excitement of Military Vehicle Show – the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day!

Ticket Prices:
Adult (16-59 years) £18.50
Senior/Student £14.80
Child (under 16) Free
Unemployed £14.80
Disabled Adult, Senior, Student £13.85
Carer (one per disabled visitor) Free
Friends of Duxford Adult, Senior Free

Spitfires, Merlins and Motors

Sunday 28 July

Join us for a nostalgic celebration of the legendary Supermarine Spitfire and the unmistakable Merlin engine.

We’ll have a number of Spitfires on static display so that you can have a closer look at these iconic aircraft before seeing them take to the skies to perform short displays.

Adding to the vintage feel will be living history groups, bringing the 1940s to life. Hear the instantly recognisable Merlin engine roar into life and see a number of classic and contemporary cars on display.

Enjoy a fun and nostalgic day at IWM Duxford, the spiritual home of the Spitfire.

Ticket Prices:
Adult (16-59 years) £18.50
Senior/Student £14.80
Child (under 16) Free
Unemployed £14.80
Disabled Adult, Senior, Student £13.85
Carer (one per disabled visitor) Free
Friends of Duxford Adult, Senior Free

Animals in War

Sunday 11 August

Find out more about the surprising and courageous roles played by animals during war and conflict.

Hear about members of the animal kingdom who helped to win the war. Meet some four-legged military mascots and working animals. Learn how animals have always played their part in military campaigns and continue to serve within the Armed Forces today.

Animals at War is a great family day out for all animal lovers!

Ticket Prices:
Adult (16-59 years) £18.50
Senior/Student £14.80
Child (under 16) Free
Unemployed £14.80
Disabled Adult, Senior, Student £13.85
Carer (one per disabled visitor) Free
Friends of Duxford Adult, Senior Free

Remembrance Sunday

Sunday 10 November

Free admission

Remembrance Sunday has a special significance in the IWM Duxford calendar. On this day, we offer free admission to the museum for all and we very much hope that people will take the opportunity to visit us as we remember members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in active service.

In addition to the traditional two-minute silence and Service of Remembrance, we’ll be hosting hands-on activities across the museum, where visitors of all ages can learn more about commemorating remembrance.

There may also be the opportunity to meet veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces.

We hope that you can join us at IWM Duxford to remember those who gave their lives in conflicts past and present and to actively commemorate those serving men and women who are no longer with us.

www.iwm.org.uk