The date for our first Day-Night Photo Shoot event in 2022 has now been set for Saturday March 26, 2022.

The event will formally commence after the museum closes to the public at 5pm; however anyone signing up for the event will be eligible to arrive at the museum from 1000 hours onwards on March 26th so that they can enjoy a whole day taking pictures around the museum site.

The event will feature themed ground equipment; uniformed personnel; and illuminated aircraft.

The aircraft being featured for this event will include the T-33; Wessex; Dove; Vulcan & munitions; plus also the Jaguar T2A; Hunter T.7; Lightning T.5 & Meteor NF.14.

Admission cost for Day-Night Photo Shoot event is £40 per person and places will be limited to 50 people.

Various payment options are detailed on the booking form, or you can call in at the museum in person.

We will aim to acknowledge the receipt of your emailed booking applications within 24 hours!

http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/Day-Night_Photo_Shoot

An agreement has been reached between Newark Air Museum (NAM) and the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association (LLA), that has resulted in the ownership of the Avro Shackleton, WR977 and the Avro Vulcan, XM594 being immediately transferred to NAM.

Both aircraft have been on long-term loan at the NAM site in eastern Nottinghamshire since they were first acquired; back in 1977 for the Shackleton and 1983 for the Vulcan. In recent years the LLA has been the owner of both aircraft and they have provided financial support for recent restoration and repainting work on both aircraft.

The legal papers pertaining to these transfers were signed on December 15th, 2021, thereby helping to secure the long-term future of these two hugely popular exhibits at NAM. An official handover ceremony will be hosted at the museum in early 2022. Conservation surveys have been carried out on both aircraft and the museum volunteers will be undertaking major restoration work on both of their ‘new exhibits’ in the coming months.

Speaking on behalf of NAM, museum trustee, Howard Heeley commented, “Everyone at the museum is extremely grateful to the Chairman and the Committee of the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association, who have generously agreed to the legal ownership of these aircraft being transferred to us.”

“The Shackleton and Vulcan are both special aircraft, which museum members helped to save back in 1977 and 1983 respectively. We are really honoured to now have sole responsibility for their future care.”

He concluded, “Whilst we have some significant challenges ahead with regards to safeguarding these aircraft, we are sure that both the museum members and the general public will help us look after these aircraft for the benefit of future generations.”

Ray Bainborough, Chairman of the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association, said, “I am delighted that the Newark Air Museum is taking over the ownership of these two historic aircraft. It has been a privilege for the LLA to have been their owners over the past years, but the time has come for the museum to be both the location for the Shackleton and the Vulcan, and also the legal owner of the two aircraft. This makes sense from a practical point of view and will better ensure the two aircraft continue to be preserved in the years ahead.”

Summary:
Although there is a change of ownership of the Shackleton and Vulcan, from the LLA to the NAM, visitors to the museum will not notice any changes as the two aircraft will remain at their current location.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Autumn 1940s Weekend
2 & 3, October 2021 …
… is fast approaching at Newark Air Museum

On Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire preparations are well in hand for the 1940s Weekend event, which takes place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October, 2021. This two-day event has been organised to commemorate various aspects of the 1940s at what is part of the former RAF Winthorpe airfield site that was a World War II training base.

In the Dig For Victory Garden near the Anderson Shelter the produce has already been harvested and some preserves may be used to feed the volunteers who will be looking after the World War II ROC (Royal Observer Corps) that will be completed last year.

All around the museum’s extensive site, which will be developing a distinctive 1940s feel, the final display positions for visiting displays / groups are being set out; both under cover and outside. These displays include: vintage vehicles (cars and military vehicles; local history groups; variety of themed wartime trade stalls; and will feature regular performances during the weekend by local 1940s style vocalist, Sarah-Jane.

The museum wants to encourage as many visitors as possible to enter into the ‘1940s spirit’ by attending in period costume. Such participants will be admitted at a discounted admission rate if they just turn up on the day. This year we will once again have a strong emphasis on the re-enactors and promenarders wearing their winter clothing.

For members of the general public normal museum admission rates apply and full listing details about the events can be found on the Museum Events page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org

Preparations for the 2021 Cockpit-Fest are well underway at Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire. Newark Air Museum is a registered charity located on part of the former site of RAF Winthorpe; this year’s three-day Cockpit-Fest event is one of our first since the recent enforced Covid closures.

This will be the twenty first (21st) time that like-minded enthusiasts have displayed their aircraft cockpit sections at the museum. Cockpit-Fest has become a fixture on the aviation calendar and each year attracts many visiting cockpits and associated displays. Cockpit-Fest allows the owners the chance to display their prized exhibits to their fellow enthusiasts and the general public.

At this year’s event a diverse range of aviation will be represented; this includes a range of military jet cockpits and perhaps most notably this time a cockpit from a once famous Balderton landmark will be on display at the event.

The museum trustees are pleased to confirm that the Lightning F2A cockpit from XN728 – “The A1 Lightning” is being displayed in the UK for the first time, after it was saved by enthusiasts from a Newark scrapyard several years ago. Visitors to the event will get the chance to get close up to this much talked about local landmark.

Cockpit-Fest 2021takes place on Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th and Monday 30th August; and the event is being staged around the museum’s 16-acre site, alongside an Aeroboot / Aerojumble aviation and avionics sale. Here enthusiasts and the public can search out those aviation artefacts, books and models.

The event is supported by a range of organisations and individuals; with the visitors being encouraged to have a say in deciding, which is the best cockpit by voting on their favourite display and from these results, prizes are awarded.

Cockpit-Fest also attracts other visiting displays like local history / military vehicle groups; re-enactors; and even more aviation related displays such as clothing and historical artefacts.

Full details about the events and a full list of visiting cockpits and displays can be found on the Museum Events page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org

Earlier this year the trustees of Newark Air Museum advised they were taking ownership of GAF Jindivik, A92-708. They are now pleased to confirm that the Jindivik was collected from Aerospace Bristol on Monday 28th June, 2021 and delivered to their Gateway Aviation Site in eastern Nottinghamshire.

The Jindivik had been in store at Aerospace Bristol’s site at Patchway, Bristol and the collection of the exhibit was timed to take place after the easing of some Covid-19 guidelines across England.

As an Accredited Museum, the trustees of Newark Air Museum were able to facilitate the transfer of this exhibit in quite a simple manner. The trustees appreciate the assistance provided by Stefanie Vincent AMA, Collections Manager at Aerospace Bristol throughout the acquisition process.

“We are extremely grateful to Aerospace Bristol for helping us to complete this latest acquisition”, reiterated museum trustee Colin Savill, he continued. “From its use a target drone the Jindivik lies within two of our collecting remits; it will also complement the museum’s UAV display. The UAV display was established as a collaborative exercise with the Institute of Engineering and Surveying and Space Geodesy (IESSG) at the University of Nottingham and the RAF Museum, Hendon.”

“Firstly, it fits within our training collection where we have a considerable aircraft collection and other training aids. Secondly it complements our developing munitions display including Blue Steel, Yellow Sun, various missiles and bomb disposal equipment.”

He concluded, “Now it has arrived we plan to assemble the Jindivik and display it close to our entrance area. Our long term aim is to be able to display it under cover. We are really pleased to have added this to our collection.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

DATE: Saturday 3rd July, 2021

The next Newark Air Museum Indoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Sale at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire takes place on Saturday 3rd July, 2021. This charity fund raising event has attracted interest from a wide range of sellers and once again is a sell-out event.

The funds that the museum raises from organising the event will be used to support the development of facilities at its Gateway Aviation Site, which is located in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the Lincolnshire border.

More than forty-five (45) sellers, who come from around the UK will have selling spaces on the wide expanses of our Southfield Site, close to the aircraft display line and the museum café.

The sale is being organised on a Covid-Secure basis and everyone entering will need to comply with the current Step 3 Covid-Regulations. The most significant aspect being the need to provide Contact details for Track & Trace. Anyone who has the NHS App will be able to scan themselves in to gain access to the site; other visitors will have to provide contact details, which will be kept in line with the 21-day data requirements.

Buyers / visitors who attend this fund raising event will have the opportunity to search through a varied selection of aviation and avionic items: including books, paintings, prints, DVDs, plastic kits, die-cast models, clothing, radio equipment and aircraft parts. Regular updates / seller’s information are being posted on the news page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org

Buyers / visitors at this event will be able to access the museum site on Saturday 3rd July, 2021 at a special discounted admission price of just £5.00 per person.

The museum opening times will be 09.00 to 17.00 hours; with the sale taking place between 09.00 and 14.00 hours; to get the best bargains we suggest that you get there early.

Further details are available on the Events Page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org or by telephoning 01636 707170.

On Monday 31st May, 2021 Newark Air Museum is proud to be hosting a visit to its Gateway Aviation Site from young artist Jack Berry, who has recently had a book of his aviation art published by Mention The War Publications. Released earlier this year the book is entitled ‘Flying High In The Sunlit Silence’ and it is being sold to raise funds for various service charities and organisations.

A display of Jack’s paintings is now going to be unveiled in Display Hangar 2 at the museum, in a location close to several of Jack’s favourite aircraft, notably Jetstream XX492 and Sea Harrier ZA176.

To mark this event, Jack’s family have been made honorary members of the museum, which will coincide with Jack taking up a voluntary role as Teenage Artist in Residence at the museum. Building on this role the museum trustees are looking forward to displaying more of Jack’s inspirational aviation art at future museum events.

The Berry family will be at the museum between 11.00am and 3.30pm, where Jack will spend some time in Hangar 2 painting new artworks amongst the museum aircraft and displays that have captured his vivid imagination. Jack will also be available to sign copies of his book and the family have purchased some new sticker inserts that can be added to copies of the book that any visitors may have purchased already. Copies of the book will also be available to purchase on the day.

It is anticipated that Jack will want to explore the wider museum site, so we hope that anyone who visits hoping to see and meet Jack, will respect his desire to go off and explore. Most of Jack’s supporters will understand that he is autistic and opts to remain mute, however Jack conveys his feelings through his creative artworks. The trustees hope that everyone will give Jack the space and time that he needs to enjoy his second visit to Newark Air Museum.

Normal museum admission rates will apply, but if visitors say “We Are Team Jack” when they arrive at the museum admission kiosk, we will give them a fifty pence discount off their admission ticket. It is hoped that some former service personnel may also be visiting and willing to sign relevant pages in Jack’s book for aircraft that they may have served on.

“Towards the end of October 2020, just before the second lockdown I was privileged to host Jack Berry’s first visit to the museum”, commented museum trustee, Howard Heeley, he continued, “I had made contact with Jack through the museum’s Twitter account and on Twitter Jack had been sharing some imaginative aircraft pictures.”

He concluded, “During that first visit I made a connection with Jack and I have been looking forward to Covid regulations lifting so that we can host another visit to the museum. I am looking forward to welcoming our new Teenage Artist in Residence back to the museum.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

The Newark Air Museum (NAM) is a registered charity, located in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire; like many similar organisations it has been closed throughout the first part of 2021 due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

In mid-April we undertook a limited re-opening of the external display areas at our 16-acre site and the Museum Shop, both of which have proved quite popular with visitors. We are really pleased to announce that the museum will re-open its main Indoor Display buildings at 10am on Wednesday 19th May, 2021; under the Step 3 Guidelines issued earlier this week

Initially this will involve visitors making their way around the internal displays at the museum following a one-way system in the Engine Hall, Display Hangar 1 and Display Hangar 2. For the time being the Small Objects Display building will remain off limits and all visits will take place in line with the relevant Covid-Secure Regulations, such as the requirement to wear a face covering inside; provide Track & Trace details for each member of the group; rule of 6; etc. These specific guidelines may be subject to change.

As part of this re-opening the Museum Shop will also be open and socially distanced indoor seating will be available in the Café. Pre-Covid admission rates will apply: Adults £9.50, Over 65s £8.50, Children £5.00 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £26.00.

2021 Museum Special Events

An Outdoor Aeroboot/Aerojumble is being organised for Saturday 3rd July, 2021.

The Cockpit-Fest 21 & Aeroboot event has been rescheduled to take place on the August Bank Holiday Weekend of 28th, 29th & 30th August, 2021.

The Autumn 1940s Weekend event has been rescheduled to take place on 2nd & 3rd October, 2021.

Please be aware ALL of these proposals are subject to change by government legislation at any time. We will post regular updates on our website and also on our Social Media feeds. www.newarkairmuseum.org

As a volunteer managed registered charity the museum relies on public admission fees, shop sales etc. to fund its operation and it has become ever reliant on the generosity of our visitors, volunteers and staff in these unprecedented and challenging times. Online donations can still be made via our Just Giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/newarkairmuseum/Donate

Since the Government’s announcements on Monday 22nd February the museum trustees have been checking the details of the announcement and deciding how they might go about re-opening the museum, whilst complying with the regulations. Initially, there was some doubt whether or not we might be allowed to open outside from 12th April’ 2021, followed by the whole site including Hangars from 17th May.

On Wednesday 24th February, 2021 we managed to secure clarification from DCMS (Department for Culture Media & Sports) via AIM (the Association of Independent Museums) that suggests we should be allowed to open the outside display areas from 12th April, 2021 albeit the detailed regulations will not be known until mid-March; so things could still change.

Even with that in mind the museum is now looking at the following arrangements being made.

Opening outside displays

Opening the external displays at the museum on three days per week, typically Friday, Saturday and Sunday; commencing Friday 16th April (with the option to switch from Friday to Monday on the May 3rd for the early May Day Bank Holiday Weekend). This will be at a reduced admission rate to reflect the reduced number of exhibits that can be seen.

As part of this re-opening the Museum Shop will also reopen under the changes to non-essential retail and offer take-out service will be offered from the Café.

After an assessment of aircraft conditions, the museum will instigate a cleaning programme for external exhibits, with the work being undertaken by the museum’s working members. It is anticipated that this will take place in early April, whilst working to the anticipated Rule of Six Regulations. Arrangements for working members attending the museum to undertake this work will be co-ordinated through the museum’s Restoration Manager.

Opening Hangars & inside displays

The initial aim is towards opening the internal displays at the museum on a normal basis, from Monday 17th May; this will be in line with the relevant Covid-Secure Regulations, which may be subject to change.

Current thoughts regarding 2021 Museum Events

Sadly, the museum has already cancelled the Cold War Call-Up event that was planned for May, 2021.

An Outdoor Aeroboot/Aerojumble will be organised for Saturday 3rd July, 2021.

The Cockpit-Fest 21 & Aeroboot event has been rescheduled to take place on the August Bank Holiday Weekend of 28th, 29th & 30th August, 2021.

The museum still plans to run an Autumn 1940s Weekend event on 2nd & 3rd October, 2021.

Please be aware ALL of these proposals are subject to change by government legislation at any time. We will post regular updates on our website and also on our Social Media feeds.

As a volunteer managed registered charity the museum relies on public admission fees, shop sales etc. to fund its operation and it has become ever reliant on the generosity of our visitors, volunteers and staff in these unprecedented and challenging times. Online donations can still be made via our Just Giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/newarkairmuseum/Donate

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Despite the Newark Air Museum being closed due to the latest Covid-19 Lockdown and the museum staff being furloughed, work behind the scenes has continued. The museum trustees are pleased to advise that thanks to a collection review by Aerospace Bristol, the museum will soon be taking ownership of GAF Jindivik, A92-708.

The Jindivik is currently in store at Aerospace Bristol’s site at Patchway, Bristol. When Covid guidelines allow, this example of the famous reusable pilotless target aircraft will be moved to Newark’s Gateway Aviation Site in in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire.

As an Accredited Museum, the trustees of Newark Air Museum were able to facilitate the transfer of this exhibit in quite a simple manner. The trustees are grateful to the assistance provided by Stefanie Vincent AMA, Collections Manager at Aerospace Bristol throughout the decision making process.

“We are extremely grateful to Aerospace Bristol for helping us to complete this latest acquisition”, commented museum trustee Colin Savill, he continued. “From its use a target drone the Jindivik lies within two of our collecting remits; it will also complement the museum’s UAV display. The UAV display was established as a collaborative exercise with the Institute of Engineering and Surveying and Space Geodesy (IESSG) at the University of Nottingham and the RAF Museum, Hendon.”

“Firstly, it fits within our training collection where we have a considerable aircraft collection and other training aids. Secondly it complements our developing munitions display including Blue Steel, Yellow Sun, various missiles and bomb disposal equipment.”

He concluded, “The current plan is to display the Jindivik outdoors, with a longer term aim of displaying it under cover. We are really looking forward to adding this to our collection.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org