Over the past 50 years, millions of people from across the globe have marvelled at the incredible aviation spectacles that have seen the Royal International Air Tattoo grow to become the world’s greatest airshow.

For the first time ever, the complete history of the Air Tattoo, from its birth in 1971 to the present day, has been captured in a beautifully illustrated book written by renowned aviation journalist Ben Dunnell and features hundreds of dramatic photos, many taken by some of the world’s leading aircraft photographers.

Charting the growth of the Air Tattoo from its modest beginnings at North Weald airfield, the book describes how a small band of volunteers with a shared passion for aviation – and encouraged by legendary aviators including Battle of Britain ace Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader and Concorde test pilot Brian Trubshaw – went on to create one of the most loved and respected airshows in the world.

Split into decades, the book describes how special links forged in the 1970s with the Royal Air Force, NATO and the US Air Force (USAF) paid dividends and helped attract a mouth-watering array of international military aircraft to the airshow’s second home, RAF Greenham Common in Berkshire. The fall of the Iron Curtain in the late 1980s further cemented the Air Tattoo’s reputation as it enabled a number of special ‘debuts’ by Eastern Bloc aircraft rarely, if ever, seen in the West.

By then, hundreds of volunteers were helping stage the event, a number which grew to around 1,500 following the switch to a new home at RAF Fairford in 1985. This move, combined with the enduring support of the RAF and USAF, helped open the door to a wealth of exciting aircraft including the stealthy B-2 Spirit and F-117 Nighthawk, F-14 Tomcat carrier-borne fighters, B-52 and B-1 bombers, V-22 Osprey tilt-rotors and the latest Typhoon, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II combat fast jets – among many others.

Author Ben Dunnell said: “The Air Tattoo has always been the place to be — and that goes right back to its earliest days. As a meeting-place for the world’s air arms, united in friendship, this show is unrivalled. What’s more, it has actively helped foster new alliances . . . as well as being a very exciting event, of course. In writing this book, that side of the Air Tattoo’s history has been as important as all the great personal memories.”

Insightful, fascinating and at times humorous, Air Tattoo 50 – The Story of the World’s Greatest Airshow (RRP £30+p&p), is being published to mark the airshow’s 50th anniversary in 2021 and is available from www.airtattoo50book.com. As well as extensive coverage of the dazzling array of international aircraft that have taken part in the airshow, the book charts some of the challenges it has had to overcome, such as losing its home at RAF Greenham Common in 1983, the death of co-founder and creative driving force Paul Bowen in 2004, establishing a new parent charity, the RAF Charitable Trust in 2005, and the airshow cancellations in 2008 and 2020.

Air Tattoo founder member and former airshow director Tim Prince said: “So many people from across the globe have been involved in the building of this remarkable gathering of international aviators and their aircraft into a highly respected and valued annual event. This wonderful book gives an insight into this impressive Royal International Air Tattoo ‘family’ which, over some 50 years, has worked tirelessly to uphold its reputation as the best, whilst at times, with its motto of ‘it can be done’, overcoming some pretty daunting challenges.”

Instead of participating in predictable gift swapping this festive season, give your loved one a gift with meaning, something that will continue to give beyond Christmas Day, by also supporting the work of the Royal Air Force Museum.

The Museum’s Adopt an Artefact programme provides the ideal opportunity to find an unusual gift for the person who has everything, as well as making your money go a little further by giving to charity. The artefact adoption process is quick and simple, order online at www.rafmuseum.org and cut out stressful shopping trips.

A Christmas Gift Box from the Defence Catering Group is the latest artefact to be made available for adoption, alongside more than 60 other objects ranging from tiny badges with major honours, to clothing that is more than just a fashion statement. The Christmas Gift Box package sent to RAF personnel serving overseas at Christmas is a timely reminder of the Christmases that many families have spent apart, and the importance in bringing a touch of home and Christmas joy to the ones you love, wherever they may be.

This RAF tradition began in 1914 when Princess Mary supported the creation of a fund to pay for a Christmas gift box to be sent to every serving member of the UK Armed Forces. Originally made of brass, its contents included smoking materials, chocolate and a photograph of the Princess. The Museum’s Christmas Gift Box available for adoption was distributed to RAF personnel serving in Iraq, and contained food, toiletry and novelty items including a stress ball, flashing red nose and a Christmas card, echoing the sentiments behind the 1914 one, while helping to maintain morale for those deployed away from home at Christmas.

Those adopting an artefact in the run up to Christmas will receive a Christmas card and the option to add a bespoke RAF Museum gift for just £7.50. Choose from a Christmas bauble, snowflake mug, festive fudge, or advent calendar. All adoptions with the additional gift placed by the 18 December are guaranteed to arrive in time for you to present your loved one with their card and gift on Christmas Day.

Make your gift stand out this year. Whether you adopt the Christmas Gift Box for someone you can’t be with on Christmas Day, the Burma Star for someone you look up to, or perhaps a lucky mascot to give courage and hope to inspire a dear friend, these alternative gifts with fascinating stories are not something you see in your average Christmas stocking! If your Christmas tradition includes hours of playing games with family, our Playing Cards with Hidden Maps would make the ideal adoption for the one who always finds a sneaky way to win! For the chocoholic in the family who cannot resist reaching into the sweet tin, the Chocolate and Sugar Confectionary Coupon Card adoption means there is no need to feel guilty about the calories consumed. Adopt an Artefact in the name of someone you love, and know that your gift will keep on giving, as support from adoptees will help the Museum to continue sharing the RAF Story, past, present and future, while engaging and encouraging learning.

Starting at £25.00, adoptions last for 12 months starting from 25 December. All adoptees will receive a digital adoption certificate and photo of their adopted artefact, along with exclusive updates and information on your chosen object throughout the year. Recognition of your adoption will feature alongside the object on Collections Online, the Museum’s new digital collections system, where you can add a dedicated message along with the name of adoptee. For more details on how to Adopt an Artefact and to browse the items available, visit www.rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/adopt-an-artefact.

You can also show support for the Museum by purchasing a gift from the Museum’s onsite and online shops, packed with a wide selection of items, including many unique designs.

This season’s must have accessory you can’t be seen without, and a great stocking filler, is the Museum’s bespoke reusable face mask, available in Spitfire and Second World War Pilot designs, just £6.00 each. For the little ones, the Sunderland flying boat bath toy for just £6.00 is an ideal alternative to a rubber duck, while our Spitfire plush toy for £20.00, Red Arrows Die Cast model for £16.00 and flying suits available in green and Red Arrows designs for £35.00, are all great gifts for budding pilots of all ages.

If you’re looking to kit out your loved one with some new clothing this year, browse a varied selection of t-shirts, jumpers and jackets online, including a Spitfire motif V-neck jumper for just £35.00. Wrapping up warm this winter won’t be a problem with the RAF stripe scarf for £34.50, and the new black leather roundel gloves for £49.00. Finish off the look with a Spitfire Ace pilot watch for £35.00, or RAF wings sweetheart silver brooch for just £30.00. To view the full RAF Museum Shop range visit www.rafmuseumshop.com.

The Museum is planning to re-open its doors to visitors on Saturday 5 December (Government guidelines permitting) with a range of measures in place to ensure a safe and great day out for the whole family. While still offering FREE entry to all, visitors are kindly asked to pre-book their arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org.

The Newark Air Museum (NAM) is a registered charity and throughout and Since the second Covid-19 lockdown was introduced its been looking at ways of selling aviation kits and books, with the aim of raising vital funds for its charitable activities.

We have therefore decided to reintroduce the Order & Collect system like we did in the summer and this will start to operate on Saturday 14th November, 2020.

Like before we have taken some photographs of the key sections of the Museum Shop to try and provide an idea of what is in stock. Copies of these can be requested via a page on the museum website http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/latest-news

The main product areas are listed as:
Italeri Aircraft Kits
Revell Aircraft Kits
Airfix Aircraft Kits
Airfix Quick-Builds
Tamiya Aircraft Kits
Assorted Aviation Books
Modelling Paints & Accessories

Anyone deciding to make a purchase can ask for the items to be reserved for collection at a convenient time on the days that the Shop is open – purchases will need to be made by card payment over the telephone, or by cash when you come to collect the item(s).

We have completed a set of Covid-Secure Risk Assessments for the Collection Area in front part of the site and full details about this process are listed on the website. Social distancing measures will be in place and Covid-Secure procedures will be used and normal access routes to the Collection Area will be in operation i.e. off Drove Lane via the entrance next to the Motor Auction Site.

A queuing area will be set up outside in the car parking area; N.B. there will be NO access to the wider museum site, display buildings or café.

We appreciate that this is not a perfect solution, but it does act as a step towards reopening again and also it gives us a chance to fully evaluate how social distancing measures might need to be implemented in the Museum Shop when we try to open normally.

All profits from the Museum Shop are covenanted to the museum to help fund its on-going development; so rather than shopping online or elsewhere please pay us a visit soon and help support your aviation heritage!

The RAF Museum is pleased to announce that WO Bally Flora MBE has donated three of his service turbans.

The donation includes two examples of the current issue, Warrant officer’s and Airman’s Turbans, introduced during 2006 and the earlier light blue style of Turban as worn by WO Flora when he first joined the RAF.

Two of these turbans will go on display in our Head Dress display at the main entrance of our London site in time for Diwali – this Saturday 14 November.

WO Balbir Singh Flora MBE
Warrant Officer Balbir Flora joined the RAF when he was 17 and worked in Logistics. He now works as part of the RAF Special Engagement Team, previously serving as a logistics supplier. The aim of this team is to engage with diverse communities, to change perception of the Armed Forces and promote the RAF as an alternative career.

The RAF Museum is currently closed. We are planning to reopen our doors on 5 December, so pre-book your tickets now at www.rafmuseum.org

Sunday December 8th 2019

Put on your winter woollies and head to Brooklands Museum on Sunday 8th December for a day of Christmas-themed fayre and entertainment.

Against the backdrop of the iconic Clubhouse, the Paddock will be transformed into a wintry scene, illuminated with festive lights and a Christmas tree and stalls selling hot mulled wine, winter coffees and mince pies to keep you warm.

Throughout the day there will be performances from the Weybridge Male Voice Choir and a brass band, with sing-along-carols around the tree, as well as a Christmas craft workshop for visitors to make their own decorations to take home.

Soak up the nostalgia as you walk through the motoring village adorned with wreaths and festive décor and get up close to some fabulous classic cars brought out from the collection especially for the day. The organisers also plan to start up the famous Napier-Railton, a giant racing car built in 1933 that broke 37 world records.

There is also a chance to pick up a few presents for friends and family. The Museum Shop is always stocked with exclusive lines of memorabilia all with a Brooklands twist but for this season they will also be showcasing some perfect Christmas gift ideas. Additionally, Brooklands Members will receive 10% off all purchases in the Shop during December.

The site will be open as usual which always includes a warm welcome from the Brooklands Volunteers so make sure you explore the Award-winning Aircraft Factory, go on board Concorde and wander through the motoring sheds to discover Brooklands’ rich and varied past.

For directions, entry details and information about more upcoming events, visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Date: 30 November – 5 January 2020 / Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm / Cost: £3 per person

Join us at the Royal Air Force Museum this festive season and take part in the Letters Home trail, inspired by letters sent during the war from personnel serving overseas, to their loved ones back at home. Families will be given a letter created using real extracts, but to read the letter in full, youngsters will need to search the hangars to find all the missing words. With nine words to find across huge hangars packed full of aircraft, it’s no easy task and will require lots of eagle eyed youngsters!

To assist with the search, which takes place from 30 November 2019 – 5 January 2020, the Museum has produced a Letters Home trail sheet so you can fill in the gaps as you make your way around the hangars in search for the missing words. For everyone who successfully manages to find all the missing words, get your letter stamped with the RAF badge and then receive your chocolate reward.

RAF Museum Public Events Manager (London), Ella Hewitt said:
“The Letters Home trail uses real letters from the RAF Museum’s archive, sent during the First and Second World War from serving personnel in the Armed Forces to their family, friends and loved ones over the Christmas period. They talk of their Christmas experience whilst deployed overseas, some are sad other are humorous, but all are sent with great fondness. By combining extracts from several letters, the Museum has created its own ‘letter home’ and now requires the help of families to complete it.”

RAF Museum Public Events Manager (Cosford), Abi Betteridge said:
“Families will also have a rare opportunity to wish those serving abroad this festive season a very happy Christmas by writing a ‘Bluey’ to serving RAF personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Falklands or Cyprus (RAF Aktrotiri) for them to open in the New Year. Our specially designed Bluey is inspired by the Armed Force’s Aerogrammes, known as Bluey’s, which are a way of sending letters and messages for free to Force’s personnel on operational duty. Children can choose which base they would like to send their letter to by adding one of our special stamps and posting it in the Museum’s post box. In the new year all the letters will be posted by the Museum to the four RAF bases across the globe for the personnel to read.”

Families can purchase their Letters Home trail on arrival for just £3 per person and they have until the Museum closes to complete the trail and collect their chocolate reward. The trail is suitable for children of all ages, but younger children may require some assistance. Writing a Bluey is a free activity for all Museum visitors wishing to take part. Before you head home, why not pose for a photo with one of the giant Christmas pudding and Christmas Tree selfie boards as a fun memento of the day.

Each participant will also get a 10% discount in the Museum shop on the day of their visit by showing their trail sheet when making a purchase from the Museum Shop.

The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and entry is free of charge (excluding 24-26 December and 1 January). For more information on the Christmas activities taking place at the Museum visit www.rafmuseum.org.

Brooklands Museum in Weybridge has been named ‘Tourist attraction of the year’ at the prestigious Surrey Business Awards 2019 for its unique visitor experience and community initiatives.

Presented by the award-winning broadcaster and comedian, Mark Dolan, the evening held at Epsom Downs Racecourse on 21st November recognised many start-up companies, charities and professional services for their work.

Alongside Brooklands Museum, other well-known venues across the county competed for the Tourist Attraction of the Year award, including Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, Painshill Park, Cobham and the Silent Pool Gin Distillery in Albury.

Tamalie Newbury, Director and CEO of Brooklands Museum said:

“We are so very excited that we won this award! Our nomination covered every element of what we do that not only makes Brooklands Museum such a great place for visitors, but which also gives something back to many people in our community and inspires people to shape their futures through the stories we tell of what people accomplished here.

This is an award for our team, our volunteers and everyone else who helps and supports the Museum, it’s great that our efforts have been recognised. We have a lot planned over the next couple of years that will make Brooklands Museum an even more exciting place to visit, you should all come and see it for yourselves!”

Chairman of Brooklands Museum, Sir Gerry Acher said:

“I’m thrilled to hear that we have won the Surrey tourism award. I’d like to congratulate Tamalie, her team and our volunteers in making Brooklands such an outstanding place for all to visit. Well done all.”

The major transformations at the Museum in recent years have almost certainly contributed to this achievement. In 2017 the WWII hangar was relocated and re-interpreted on site as the Brooklands Aircraft Factory. This significant, large-scale exhibition space won the Museums and Heritage Award for best new permanent exhibition the following year.

As well as the vast collections of cars, motorcycles, aircraft and the dynamic events programme that runs throughout the year, there are opportunities to learn a variety of skills, join a 7,000-strong Volunteer force or participate in one of the many motoring events on site. Brooklands also welcomes families on the autism spectrum with special openings, hosts a reminiscence café for those affected by dementia and welcomes over 15,000 school children from in and around the County on organised trips.

Together with a refreshed brand and logo design complemented by a new introductory film and interpretation, the visitor experience has been invigorated. Brooklands was known for its pioneering sense of adventure and people returning to the Museum after a gap of some years are noticing the changes.

The Museum is open all year round and details of its work, collections, events and how to become involved in many opportunities can be found by visiting www.brooklandsmuseum.com

A big #ThanksToYou thank you …..

We have now come to the end of our involvement with 25th Birthday of The National Lottery #ThanksToYou campaign.

Despite some indifferent weather we have welcomed more than two hundred (200) National Lottery players and members of their family for a free visit to our Gateway Aviation Site this weekend. These visitors have come from many different regions including, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and of course Nottinghamshire.

This was our second year of participating in the scheme and we are pleased to report that more people took up this free offer than they did in 2018.

We would like to say a special thank you to various people who helped make the weekend a success; this includes the museum staff working away in the café and shop; the dedicated team of aircraft openers and volunteers who helped over the weekend; and all of the visitors who came along. We would also like to give a special mention to the staff at the National Lottery Promotions Unit for all of their ideas, support and encouragement, during the campaign.

“Despite the damp conditions during the weekend we saw increased visitors taking part in the #ThanksToYou campaign,” commented Museum Trustee, Howard Heeley, he continued…

“As someone who was involved in the original project team that helped to implement the Heritage Lottery funded Hangar 2 building at the museum back in 2003/4; it was really nice to see the visitors exploring the twenty five (25) aircraft and cockpits that are now displayed in there.”

He concluded, “The poor weather conditions this weekend, helped to illustrate why Hangar 2 is so important to the museum. Not only does it help to protect the exhibits, it also provides a dry location where visitors can enjoy looking at the exhibits and displays.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Chelsea Foundation has today announced a partnership with the Royal Air Force Museum. The partnership is sponsored by Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich and will support the RAF Museum’s development of the Jewish ‘Hidden Heroes’ project.

The RAF Museum has developed the ‘Hidden Heroes’ project to raise awareness about the previously untold story of Jewish personnel in the RAF during the Second World War and the vital role they played. These heroes joined the Royal Air Force from all over the world, to fight against tyranny, racism and anti-Semitism, fully aware that they risked torture and execution if captured.

The RAF played a crucial part in the defeat of the Luftwaffe in the famous ‘Battle of Britain’, preventing the Nazis from invading Britain, the last democratic stronghold in Europe. The RAF Museum is committed to sharing the story of the important role the Jewish personnel played across the RAF in winning the Second World War and defeating Hitler. Their fascinating stories are a powerful window to the past through which we can make links to today and inspire future generations.

The new project will be launched next year for the 80th anniversary of the ‘Battle of Britain’ and seeks to tell the stories of Jewish veterans to preserve their memory, and act as a challenge to antisemitism, racism and discrimination.

The RAF Museum and Chelsea Foundation are now inviting people from all over the world to submit their own stories – as well as those of families and friends, of Jewish personnel in the Second World War – so they can be preserved and shared online and at the Museum’s public sites.

On December 4th, the partnership will formally be launched at Stamford Bridge. The launch event will feature Jewish RAF veterans, as well as specially invited guests.

Maggie Appleton MBE, CEO at the RAF Museum, said:

‘We are tremendously grateful to Roman Abramovich and Chelsea FC for supporting the RAF Museum’s Jewish ‘Hidden Heroes’ project.’

‘The Battle of Britain was the RAF’s defining moment, when they stood firm against Hitler and fascism. With many Jewish RAF personnel playing crucial roles, the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 2020 provides the perfect opportunity to remember these incredible people.’

‘By highlighting their stories, we want to play our part in calling out the rise in anti-Semitism – and wider racism – in our society.’

Bruce Buck, Chelsea FC Chairman, said:

‘We are delighted to be able to support the RAF Museum with this project. ‘

‘Chelsea FC is committed to tackling antisemitism through education and the Jewish ‘Hidden Heroes’ tells important stories about the bravery of Jewish RAF personnel during the conflict.’

‘Since we launched our ‘Say No to Antisemitism’ campaign in January 2018, and under the leadership of Roman Abramovich, we have been focussed on tackling racism and discrimination in the stands and in wider society.’

‘There can be no place in our society for anti-Semitism or any form of discrimination – and we are determined to join with others to tackle this vital cause.’

Stage One of the Jewish ‘Hidden Heroes’ project involves the collation of stories from Jewish RAF personnel within the Museum’s RAF Stories digital storytelling site. The project will include:

• Video interviews with Jewish veterans and family members
• Animated videos of Jewish stories drawn from RAF Museum archives
• On-screening of these videos in the RAF Museum Galleries

To discover more about RAF Stories, please visit: www.rafstories.org

To share a story, please download the RAF Stories app or contact their team at rafstories@rafmuseum.org or on 01902 376 237.

More detail of Chelsea’s Say No To Anti-Semitism campaign can be found here: www.chelseafc.com/en/foundation/say-no-to-antisemitism

More details about the RAF Museum can be found here: www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Aerospace Bristol has been awarded over £8,500 from the UK Space Agency, enabling the museum to expand and improve upon its highly-popular Mission to Mars workshops.

The workshops see pupils take on the role of space explorers, building and coding robots to navigate a representation of the Martian surface. Along the way, pupils of all ages have the chance to discover the important role engineers and designers play in exploring other planets.

Amy Seadon, Learning & Community Engagement Manager at Aerospace Bristol, said: “We’re really excited that Aerospace Bristol’s Mission to Mars workshops are being supported by the UK Space Agency. Together we will encourage more young people to engage with space exploration through fun, hands-on activities. The funding will also support the development and delivery of new activities, where museum visitors of all ages will be able to take on their own mini mission to Mars.“

Mission to Mars workshops are available for Key Stages 1 to 5 and more information can be found at www.aerospacebristol.org/schools.

Aerospace Bristol offers an inspiring and practical learning programme, developed in partnership with industry and delivered in fully-equipped learning spaces. A range of workshops are offered for all Key Stages, allowing school visitors to explore Bristol’s amazing local history, develop STEM skills and discover the possibilities of a career in engineering.