Tag: January

Sywell Aviation Museum Events 2023

Sywell Aviation Museum

15th January 2023 – The Rich Tapestry of Life (Winter Talk)

A talk by David McIntyre.

David always wanted to be a pilot; his father was an RAF instructor at Sywell during 1942/43 on Tiger Moths, and later went on to fly Lancasters with 106 Sqn at the end of WW2. During this time, David’s father met a Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot who in later years became David’s uncle. David flew Canberra PR7.s on Cold War intelligence gathering, then Vulcan (nuclear) bombers. He became an instructor himself, on Jet Provosts at RAF Brawdy; including an emergency ejection!

19th February 2023 – A Tale of Two Lancs (Winter Talk)

Mike Chatterton is a former RAF Shackleton and Nimrod pilot. He was posted to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1989 and became their Lancaster pilot, skills which he transferred to East Kirkby when he began taxiing their own Lancaster ‘Just Jane’. He retired from the RAF in 2013 after nearly 40 years. He is very proud that his father was also a Lancaster pilot, and they often provided a ‘double act’ at Coningsby and East Kirkby!

19th March 2023 – Operation Exodus & The Fate of Lancaster PD339 (Winter Talk)

A talk by Roger Kirkham & Bill Lockerbie. On 26th April 1945 Lancaster PD339 of 50 Squadron RAF was returning to base following a delivery of repatriated Allied POWs as part of Operation Exodus. The aircraft crashed close to Delapre Home Farm near Hardingstone. Both speakers are experienced tour guides at Delapre Abbey and have extensively researched this incident with a view to erecting a memorial to those involved on the 80th anniversary in 2025.

**Admission to each talk is £5 per person. Groups may book tickets in advance (tel: 07711 363392). All talks are held in the Cirrus Room at the Aviator Hotel. 

8th April 2023 – Easter Saturday Grand Opening

1030-1630

One for your new diaries! As ever the Museum reopens on Easter Saturday with its Grand Opening!

For you old hands you’ll know what to expect – though we can’t guarantee the weather this year!

Military vehicles, re-enactors, aircraft cockpits, trade stands and the usual volunteer-run chaos that is our 22nd Grand Opening and it’s all free! We’ve set up an Event Page so you can keep up to date with the latest news…
You never know something sexy and Rolls-Royce powered may turn up!

Military vehicles/classic vehicles must book in in advance please – visiting historic aeroplanes are also very welcome but please do let us know you’re coming so we can have cake ready! To book in please email sywellaviationmuseum@gmail.com

AND REMEMBER IT’S ALL FREE!

12th March 2023 – Model & Book Sale

Yes it’s back by popular demand! Please click on the link below for details! In the meantime we would be extremely grateful for the donation of aviation books, model kits and accessories, diecast models, aeronautica etc to sell on the day to help raise funds to keep us going! Sincere thanks to all those who have helped so far – if you can help please contact us by Facebook Messenger, email to sywellaviationmuseum@gmail.com or call 07968061708.

www.sywellaviationmuseum.org.uk/airfield-events/

 

Newark Air Museum Events 2023

Vulcan XM594

Here at Newark Air Museum, a registered charity, we’re already starting to make plans for our 2023 special events. 2023 is a significant year in the museum’s long history as it will be celebrating 50 years of being officially open to the public and we hoped that you might be able feature them in your event listing sections.

11th & 12th February 2023 – Vulcan delivery 40th Anniversary

On the weekend of 11th/12th February 2023 it will be forty (40) years since Avro Vulcan XM594 landed (actual landing date 07.02.83) on the former wartime runway at Winthorpe Showground to go on display at the museum; the year 2023 it is also the 60th anniversary of its entry into RAF service.

To mark the anniversary, the museum trustees will allow members of the museum’s Cockpit Opening Team to provide FREE cockpit access to the Vulcan on the weekend – this will be available for visitors who pay to come into the museum and who advise the museum in advance of their plan to participate.

The museum will be open from 1000 to 1600 hours, with last admissions to the site being at 1500 hours. Admission costs to the museum site will be: Adults £10.00, Over 60s £9.00 and Children £5.50.

*NOTE This event was first advertised early in December and there is now a reserve list for cockpit access to the Vulcan.

15 & 16 April 2023 – 50th Anniversary Gala & Aeroboot / Aerojumble

This two-day event is being hosted at the museum, to mark fifty years since the museum was officially opened to the public, on 14th April 1973. The original opening ceremony was led by AVM Sir Ralph Cochrane KBE, the former Officer Commanding 5 Group Bomber Command at the time of the famous Dambusters Raid; he was introduced to the gathered enthusiasts by the museum’s then President, Air Cdr David Bonham-Carter.

Since those humble beginnings, with just eight aircraft on display the museum has developed into one of the UK’s largest volunteer managed aviation collections, which now displays around one hundred aircraft and cockpit sections from across the history of aviation. Several of the current exhibits are unique to UK aviation museums and they always attract particular interest and attention.

Various displays will illustrate how the museum has developed across those fifty years, and members of the museum’s open cockpit team will be on hand to give visitors the opportunity to look inside our aircraft; (a small additional charge will be made for aircraft access).

An outdoor Aeroboot/Aerojumble event will run alongside the Anniversary Gala, with sellers from across the UK expected to attend.

24 & 25 June 2013 – Cockpit-Fest 2013 & Aeroboot / Aerojumble aviation and avionics sale; this regular two day event provides the perfect opportunity for the public to view a diverse range of visiting aircraft cockpits. {Normal admission rates apply}

www.newarkairmuseum.org

RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre Opening Schedule for 2023

RAF Bircham Newton

We will open on the following dates in 2023:

First open day – Easter Sunday April 9th

Sunday April 30th

Sunday May 28th

Sunday June 11th

Sunday June 25th

Sunday July 16th

Sunday July 30th

Sunday August 13th

Sunday August 27th

Bank Holiday Monday August 28th

Sunday September 10th

Sunday September 24th

Sunday October 15th

Sunday October 29th

Last open day – Sunday 12th of November Remembrance Sunday

As usual we will be open from 10am until 4pm. Entrance and parking will be free, and disabled access and toilets will be available.

https://rafbnmp.org.uk/

Latest display at RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre

RAF Sculthorpe B29 display

We have now finished installing our B-29 display…

“In July 1949, B-29 44-62191, 344th B’s, 92nd BG was en-route back to its home TDY base of RAF Sculthorpe, when no 3 engine caught fire.
The crew of 12 successfully bailed out with only a few injuries.
The aircraft crashed in to a orchard near to the town of Wisbech.

After 74 years, the wreckage of this B-29 as returned to RAF Sculthorpe.

The RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre has acquired the substantial wreckage from the now closed Fenland Aviation Museum who excavated the wreckage in the early 90s.

Ian Brown, Curator of the RSHC said, “We are extremely pleased to bring home what we believe is the most substantial B-29 wreckage on display in the UK.
We can now share to a wider audience the story of this rare aircraft and the bring to life the crews in our fantastic new display which has been bespoke built by our volunteers.”

“This year is an extremely important year in which we are attempting to renovate our new home which was the former Chapel building. This building has been gifted to us by the local business owner in which we at extremely grateful to.”

The first time to view our new displays which also include a TR-1 cockpit quarter window is the 5th of February, which also coincides with the RSHC’s Scale Model show.

https://www.rafsculthorpeheritagecentre.org/

Get moving for the Chinook Challenge

RAF Museum Chinook

Date: Registration now open
Cost: £20 per person / £15.00 Armed Forces entry

New year, new challenge, wokka you waiting for? Sign up to the Chinook Challenge this January and get active while raising funds for charity!

Kick start your new year with the Royal Air Force Museum’s Chinook Challenge, and walk, run, or cycle your way to reach the 100km, 200km or even 400km distance! Complete the Challenge and be rewarded with a bespoke wooden medal featuring the iconic helicopter.

This virtual Challenge will run throughout 2023 and can be completed anywhere in the world in a time to suit everyone, whether that’s in a day, week, month or even a year! Turn your daily walks with the dog, cycling commute to work, and time on the treadmill in the gym, into part of your Chinook Challenge distance. Once you’ve hit your target distance, you’ll receive your medal in the post within two weeks.

Register now at www.rafmuseum.org. Entry costs £20 per person and all proceeds will go towards supporting the RAF Museum (registered charity number 1197541) to continue sharing the story of the RAF and the thousands of service men and women who served in it. Members of the Armed Forces Community (Cadets, serving personnel, veterans, and reservists) can register for the discounted rate of £15.00.

RAF Museum Individual Giving Manager, Ella Hewitt said:
‘Support from Chinook challengers will enable the Museum to preserve remarkable aircraft, and share amazing RAF stories of courage and bravery, like those who have flown on the legendary Chinook ‘Bravo November’. This sole surviving Chinook flown by the RAF during the Falklands campaign is displayed at RAF Museum Midlands and has seen four of its pilots awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Participants of the Chinook Challenge will each receive a bespoke wooden medal for their efforts when they achieve their chosen distance. For anyone who would like to support us further by fundraising, you’ll receive a limited-edition Chinook Challenge fundraising t-shirt when you raise £50, and if you raise £100 and you’ll receive a one-of-a-kind water bottle as well.’

Join the RAF Museum Virtual Running Group on Facebook where you can share your progress and meet other Challengers. If you’re posting updates on your social media, don’t forget to tag @rafmuseum or #ChinookChallenge.

For more information and to register for the Chinook Challenge visit www.rafmuseum.org. Entry costs £20 per person (£15.00 Armed Forces entry), additional booking and postage charges apply for overseas participants. The Challenge is open to participants of all ages, but we recommend under 16’s are accompanied by an adult.

Army Flying Museum Events 2023

Army Flying Museum

30th January – Chinook Crew ‘Chick’ Lecture – Join Liz McConaghy at 7pm on Monday 30th January, to hear her insightful and personal perspective on war. Her career saw her amass 2 deployments to Iraq and 10 deployments to Helmand Afghanistan in support of Operation HERRICK.

4th – 5th February – The Brick Event – Flying machines made out of lego.

11th February – Living History Saturday – Ham & Jam (a Living History Group depicting various units of the British 6th Airborne Division in World War Two) will be visiting the Museum. Come along and learn about the troops of World War Two.

13th – 17th February – Operation Codecracker – activities with a focus on secret agents, code breaking and great escapes.

18th February – Trainmaster – We are delighted to be hosting Trainmaster in the Museum for a special Half Term event when they will be filling our conference room with a giant hands-on train track, electric trains, and lots of train themed fun.

20th February – D-Day, Arnhem & The Rhine – Join Michael Ashby and Jonathan Walker, either in the Museum or online, at 7pm on Monday 20th February 2023, for a fascinating insight into the experiences of Michael Ashby’s father, Robert, as a Glider Pilot.

27th March – Bomb Group – Hear Mike Peters tell the story of just one ‘Bomb Group’ – the 381st, which crossed the Atlantic in May 1943. Arriving at RAF Ridgewell on the Essex-Suffolk border, its airmen quickly found themselves thrown into the hazardous and attritional air battle raging in the skies over Europe.

25th & 27th May – Model Making – Come and learn how to make and paint plastic models and start a model making hobby. Explore your passion and interest in vehicles, history, fantasy and story-telling. With guidance and resources from Models for Heroes you will take home a model to be proud of to remind you of your visit.

1st July – Wallop Wings & Wheels (not an airshow)

https://armyflying.com/what-s-on/events/

Model Mania lands at the RAF Museum

Scale Model Weathering Workshop

Date: 27 February 2022 / Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm / Cost: Free entry
Airfix Make and Take: £5.00 per Airfix Kit
Weathering Workshop: £40.00 per person

Discover the exciting world of model aircraft at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford’s Model Mania event on Sunday 27 February.

Hangars will be filled with large model aircraft displays nestled amongst the real aircraft, and visitors will be treated to a day packed full of hands-on Airfix model making activities for families. Modellers who want to fine tune their skills can pick up tips from an expert in an exclusive workshop, and a collection of traders will be selling all the model kits and equipment you could ever wish for.

The Museum has partnered with the Large Model Association to showcase almost 100 large model aircraft throughout the Museum hangars, many alongside their full-size counterparts. Some of these ‘not so mini’ models have a wingspan of more than 20ft including a replica Vulcan. Other displays include stunning large-scale model versions of Spitfires, a Wellington, examples of a Lancaster and a host of aircraft drawn from the history of aviation. From high-tech jets to First World War bi planes, all models have been exquisitely created and engineered with absolute precision to mirror the original aircraft.

The model themed fun will continue in the ‘Airfix Make and Take’ area – where better to get into Airfix kits for the first time, than under the wings of iconic aircraft! This family friendly model making activity will offer children aged 8+ the opportunity to build and paint their own aircraft model. You don’t have to be a skilled modeller to take part as helpers are there to lend a hand. If building an Airfix kit is too fiddly, the little ones can assemble and decorate a personalised glider. Participation in the activity is £5.00 per Airfix Kit.

If you’re an avid modeller and want to take your models to the next level, the Introduction to Weathering your Scale Model workshop is perfect for you. While some scale models look amazing with a clean coat of paint, others benefit greatly from a more aged, authentic look, but weathering your model can be daunting. During this hands-on four-hour workshop attendees will learn the fundamentals of weathering techniques in a step-by-step guide, from planning your work, choosing your materials, and how to apply them, to produce authentic and realistic results. The workshop begins at 11.00am and will cover a variety of techniques from general wear and tear effects to creating and applying rust and realistic colouring. Tickets cost £40.00 per person and places are limited to 15 people.

If the Model Mania activities inspire you to get into modelling for the first time, or if you’re a pro on the lookout for a rare model edition, several model traders will be selling everything from kits and paints to magazines. Plus, there will also be short drop-in sessions throughout the day for model enthusiasts in Hangar 1.

Take the model fun home with you with a 20% discount on all Airfix Model Kits bought on the day from the RAF Museum Shop.

If you thought getting into modelling was fun, how about getting into a real cockpit! In addition to the Model Mania activities, the Museum will be opening the Hunter cockpit for a close view inside and giving visitors the opportunity to sit in the pilot seat of the Phantom. There’s no need to pre-book, but youngsters must be a minimum of one metre tall to sit inside the cockpit and be accompanied by an adult.

For a virtual experience, head to the new dedicated Flight Zone where visitors can fly with the Red Arrows from their cinema seat in the amazing 4D Theatre. In our Virtual Reality Zone you can experience the thrill of flying in a Spitfire during a 6-minute flight in full 360. Or, test out the Typhoon ride on the Flight Simulator, perfect for thrill-seeking visitors of all ages!

For further information on Model Mania and to pre-book your arrival time visit www.rafmuseum.org. Entry to the Museum and the large model aircraft display is free, charges apply for some activities.

RAF Museum Cosford 2022 Events Diary

Cosford aviation art workshop

Forthcoming events taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in 2022:

RAF Museum Cosford events 2022

Visitors to the RAF Museum Cosford can expect to see all the big favourites making a return this year, including the Cosford Food Festival, Large Model Air Show and the Spitfire 10K. Brand-new additions to the events calendar include Pilot Training for youngsters over the Easter bank holiday weekend and a Battle of Britain Proms in August.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Ulrike Stuebner said:
‘We’re delighted to have the big events and festivals back in the Museum’s diary this year following a two-year break. One of the big highlights to look out for is our new Battle of Britain Proms taking place on 13 August. There will be music to suit all tastes, everything from classical to pop, opera to swing, accompanied by food, fizz and a nostalgic atmosphere we think visitors will love!’

The busy schedule of events caters to the Museum’s wide and diverse audience, with aviation photography and art workshops available for those who want to get up close to the aircraft collection. The Museum’s younger fans are also catered for with youth groups invited to a sleepover and an evening of activities nestled amongst the aircraft in March. Families visiting the Museum in April can see if they have what it takes to pass the Pilot Training sessions running over Easter, embarking on a mission that will test their speed, brain, and teamwork skills.

Ulrike continues:
‘It’s going to be a busy summer! Our Vintage and Handmade Festival is back in May, celebrating music, fashion, design and style through the decades, along with a vintage fairground, beauty parlour, re-enactors and car displays. The Large Model Air Show in July will see hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft taking to the skies, with plenty of flight themed fun for families on the ground. This July will also see the Cosford Food Festival return with more than 100 local food and drink exhibitors, chef demos and live music. Plus, we are offering festival goers an exciting and unique rum and whisky tasting experience on board the VC10 aircraft. We have been busy planning these events and we can’t wait to welcome visitors back to them.’

For further information on any of the events taking place at the RAF Museum Cosford throughout 2022, visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Admission charges apply for some events and activities, tickets are available online. Events may be subject to change and additional events may be added during the year.

The Museum is open daily from 10am and while still offering FREE entry to all, visitors are kindly asked to pre-book their arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org

Boost for the Home of Concorde, as Aerospace Bristol Achieves Arts Council Accreditation

Aerospace Bristol

Filton, South Gloucestershire, 11 January 2022: Following an extremely challenging period that has seen the museum and charity seek urgent support to continue operating through the Covid-19 pandemic including successful applications to all three rounds of the Culture Recovery Fund, receiving a total of £1.1 million – Aerospace Bristol has received another major boost in the form of Arts Council accreditation: the UK industry standard for museums and galleries.

Accredited status means that Aerospace Bristol is operated to professional industry standards and shows that the museum takes proper care of its collection including the last Concorde ever to fly and the many other important objects and archive records in order to make them accessible and safeguard our aerospace heritage for the future.

Lloyd Burnell, Executive Director, Aerospace Bristol said:
“Achieving Arts Council accredited status is an important step forward for Aerospace Bristol. As the national benchmark of a well-run museum, this award is testament to the professionalism and high standards that our staff and volunteers work hard to maintain. Accreditation demonstrates that our collection is in safe hands, opens up exciting funding and partnership opportunities, and will give confidence to donors and supporters who wish to join us in preserving our aerospace heritage and inspiring future generations.”

Stefanie Vincent, Collections Manager, Aerospace Bristol added:
“Aerospace Bristol has always been committed to managing and caqring for our collection to the highest possible professional standards and ensuring that as many people as possible can access and engage with the objects, stories and records in our collection. to see this hard work being recognised with Arts Council accredited status.”

David Gelsthorpe, interim Chair of the UK Accreditation Committee, said:
“I’m delighted that Aerospace Bristol has achieved the UK accreditation standard for museums and galleries. Accreditation is a fantastic achievement which provides an important framework to support ongoing development and future planning, especially during these challenging times. I am extremely pleased to welcome Aerospace Bristol to the scheme, which will help to increase access to the collection and protect it for generations to come”

Aerospace Bristol is currently open Tuesday to Sunday during term time and 7 days per week during school holidays, with more information and tickets available at www.aerospacebristol.org.

RAF Cosford Air Show to Return With The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022

RAF Cosford Air Show

The RAF Cosford Air Show is delighted to announce its much anticipated return to the skies on Sunday 12th June 2022, celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022.

The grand return of the RAF Cosford Air Show in 2022, will tell a 70-year story of aviation and royalty – proudly showcasing landmark achievements in aviation and engineering through its showstopping flying action and across the showground. Themed displays will help to tell the story of countless accomplishments of HM Queen Elizabeth II, the first British Monarch to celebrate 70 years of service.

Plans for the Air Show are already well underway, featuring a wide range of exciting RAF flying displays, hands-on experiences for all ages in our interactive STEM hangar and RAF Zone, as well as immersive story-telling experiences and entertainment in our much loved Vintage Village.

Air Show Chairman, Wing Commander Kenny Wickens, said, “We are delighted to announce the return of the RAF Cosford Air Show after two difficult years. A huge amount of work has been done in the early stages of planning this event to ensure we can provide a safe and enjoyable show for all of our visitors and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to RAF Cosford for a day of celebration and entertainment.”

The Air Show will again be an Advanced Ticket Only event. Tickets are now available to purchase – available online via the RAF Cosford Air Show website (www.cosfordairshow.co.uk). Standard adult tickets will cost £34 with under 16s and parking free, providing great value for money for families.

All ticketholders from the cancelled 2020 RAF Cosford Air Show, who did not request a refund, will be carried over to the 2022 Air Show. New tickets will automatically be emailed out to these customers in due course.