RAF Museum Cosford – Page 14

Chocks away for ‘First World War in the Air’ exhibition at Cosford

Cosford WW1 exhibition

This week the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford officially unveiled a brand new exhibition area celebrating the achievements of Britain’s air services, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service along with the contributions made by the West Midlands in the race for the sky during the First World War. The exhibition entitled ‘First World War in the Air’ has been made possible with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) with support from BAE Systems and is now open for visitors to enjoy.

The exhibition was officially opened by Brendan Connor, Deputy Chairman of the RAF Museum Trustees in the presence of Fi Stephens, Grants Officer from the HLF and Directors from BAE Systems, with key partners and invited guests. The ‘First World War in the Air’ is a new permanent exhibition that will enable visitors to discover and explore the unique and often overlooked role of air power during the First World War through the incredible stories of the men and women who served and protected our nation in the earliest days of military aviation in Britain’s air services.

The exhibition uses the RAF Museum’s world-class collection of aircraft, documents, film and photographs to reveal how aviation changed the character of war forever. Set amongst the Museum’s collection of warplanes, three iconic First World War aircraft; the Sopwith Pup, Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter and the Bristol M.1c form the centre piece of the new display. The Sopwith Pup was used extensively during the First World War by the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps and considered the perfect flying machine by its Pilots. The Bristol M.1c and the Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter are full scale reproductions.

Displayed alongside the aircraft are the personal items of Second Lieutenant Kevin Robert Furniss of the RFC, who lived only a few miles from Cosford in Wolverhampton. Donated to the Museum in 2013 by his great niece, Kevin’s belongings included documents ranging from baby photographs and school reports to obituaries and memorials, telling the story of Kevin’s tragically short life. Artefacts on display include Kevin’s RFC flying helmet and wings, a complete wash kit and a letter to his father all returned to his next of kin following his death. The personal letters between Kevin and his family and friends provide an insight into the personality of this brave young man and his experiences during the First World War.

Karen Whitting, Director of Public Programmes at the Royal Air Force Museum, said:

“It is incredibly important for the Museum to share these First World War stories and experiences with the local community here at Cosford, particularly when considering the ‘local heroes’ from the West Midlands area such as 2nd Lt. Kevin Furniss. The exhibition also marks the beginning of an important phase for the Museum as it gears up to celebrate the RAF’s centenary in 2018.”

Fi Stephens, Grants Officer at the Heritage Lottery Fund said:

“It’s fantastic to see the opening of this new exhibition which, thanks to Lottery players, will mean the RAF Museum will be able to play a full part in marking the centenary of the First World War, bringing to the fore an important but currently less well known aspect of the war.”

Chris Boardman, Managing Director of BAE Systems Military Air and Information, said:

“The evolution of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force from 1912 to the present day is closely linked with BAE Systems and its predecessor companies. We are delighted to be supporting the opening of this new gallery and the ambitious plans to redevelop the site over the next four years to inspire future generations of engineers and entrepreneurs.”

Today also marks the launch of a brand new First World War workshop for school groups entitled ‘Life above the Trenches’. Year 6 pupils from Albrighton Primary School attended the opening event and took part in a variety of activities throughout the day, including readings from Writer in Residence Tom Palmer based on the letters of Second Lieutenant Kevin Furniss (RFC). This new workshop will help children understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed using a range of artefacts. Focusing on the life of a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) pilot, interactive activities will introduce children to the history of the RFC with the opportunity to examine First World War artefacts including uniform, maps letters and aircraft in order to build a picture of the life of a pilot. Any schools interested in the ‘Life above the Trenches’ workshop can book their place now by contacting the Museum’s Access and Learning team on 01902 376243 or email learning-cosford@rafmuseum.org.

A linked online resource includes the digitisation of and wider public access to historical documents such as First World War Casualty Cards, Casualty Forms and Muster Rolls, that tell the story of the men and women of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force. These can be accessed at www.rafmuseumstoryvault.com

In December 2014 the RAF Museum successfully opened a major new ‘First World War in the Air’ exhibition at its London site and today’s exhibition opening at Cosford marks the first step in a joint transformation of the Museum at both its sites, in advance of the Centenary of the Royal Air Force in 2018.

The Museum is open daily from 10am and admission is free of charge. For more information on the Museum, visit www.rafmuseum.org or call 01902 376200.

RAF Museum Cosford Events 2015 Diary Date

Forthcoming events taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford during 2015:

	Event	Date
Jan	Airfix Make and Take	17 January
Feb	Model Making Half Term	16-20 February
Mar	Easter Activities	30 March – 2 April
Apr	Easter Activities	7-10 April
	Shropshire Scale Model Show	12 April
	Bike4Life Fest	26 April
May	Open Cockpits Evening	15-16 May **
	Half Term Activities	25-29 May
Jun	Dornier Do 17 – Two Years On	10 June **
	RAF Cosford Air Show	14 June **
	Armed Forces Day	27 June
Jul	Large Model Aircraft Rally	18-19 July **
	Cosford Food Festival	25-26 July **
Aug	August Activities	1-31 August
Sep	Battle of Britain Weekend	12-13 September
	Battle of Britain Afternoon Concert	13 September **
	Open Cockpits Evening	18-19 September **
Oct	Half Term Activities	26-30 October
Nov	Remembrance Service	8 November
	Conservation Centre Open Week	9-14 November **

** Admission Charges Apply.

More details on each event will be issued closer to the time. Some events may incur a small participation fee and additional events may be added during the year.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager Abi Betteridge said:

“This year’s event calendar is packed with popular favourites including the Large Model Aircraft Rally and the Cosford Food Festival, plus we will also see the return of the Battle of Britain Weekend as 2015 marks the 75th anniversary of this significant milestone in RAF history. We have doubled the number of Open Cockpits Evenings to try and keep up with demand and we have plenty of fun packed activities planned for each of the school holidays to keep the youngsters entertained.”

For further information on forthcoming events taking place at the RAF Museum Cosford in 2015, please contact the Museum on 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.

Festive opening dates at Cosford

RAF Cosford Britannia in snow

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle this Christmas, why not visit the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford during the festive period? The Museum will be open daily throughout December from 10am apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Not only will you be able to reminisce in the Warplanes Hangar where you can view a wide range of historic aircraft including the world’s oldest Spitfire, visitors can get up close to a unique collection of experimental jets including the TSR2 and the Bristol 188.

Step in from the cold into the award winning National Cold War Exhibition, where you will find much more than aircraft on display. The exhibition includes a genuine section of the Berlin Wall, audio visual displays telling the story of the Cold War in a fun and innovative way, plus a collection of military tanks and civilian vehicles – all housed under the wings of Britain’s three V Bombers; Vulcan, Victor and Valiant and other aircraft suspended in flying attitudes.

The RAF Museum Cosford is also home to a number of smaller unique exhibitions including Lucky Mascots and RAF Boy Entrants. Plus, in Hangar 1 you will find the 1:1 scale Airfix Spitfire model built by TV Presenter James May and the popular ‘Pilots of the Caribbean – Volunteers of African Heritage in the RAF’ exhibition. Best of all, if your credit cards are maxed out after Christmas, a visit to the Museum won’t cost you a penny as admission is FREE!

So if you’re looking to entertain the children in the run up to Christmas, or your nearest and dearest in the lull before New Year, the RAF Museum has something to occupy visitors of all ages. The fun filled area of Fun ‘n’ Flight will keep the youngsters fascinated, packed with hands on excitement; it’s the easy way to answer all those questions about how aircraft stay up in the air. Or, if you’re in need of a break from all the cooking, why not treat yourself to a warming meal and freshly brewed cup of Coffee in our Refuel Restaurant overlooking the Museum grounds.

The Museum will close again on New Year’s Day and will reopen on Friday 2 January 2015 from 10am until 5pm (last admission 4pm). The Museum’s annual closure week for maintenance, training and cleaning will run from 5-9 January 2015. For further information, please call the Royal Air Force Museum on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org. The Museum is open daily from 10am and admission is FREE of charge.

Rare behind the scenes look into aircraft conservation

RAF Museum apprentice

9-15 November 2014

10:15am – 1:00pm

£5 per person (under 16’s free of charge)

This November, the Sir Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will once again be opening its doors, allowing Museum visitors behind the scenes access to aircraft conservation projects and the chance to speak with the team who make them happen. This rare and exclusive opportunity is for one week only and based on the overwhelming success of previous events, organisers are expecting thousands of visitors to attend.

It’s been almost twelve months since visitors last passed through the doors of the Conservation Centre and what a busy years it’s been…

During the last year, significant progress has been made to one of the centre’s longest running conservation projects, the Handley Page Hampden and regular visitors are sure to be astounded by the developments being made. The Hampden’s tailplane, fin and rudder have been restored, incorporating as much of the original parts and materials as possible. Some sections have been reproduced by Aircraft Technicians and apprentices who worked to the original technical drawings and soon work will commence on the elevator, which will be entirely manufactured on site. The Hampden’s rear fuselage is nearing completion and structural work is taking place inside the tailboom to repair the damaged framework and skins.

The Hampden suffered significant damage when en-route to Murmansk in Russia for convoy defence duties as part of 144 Squadron. It was shot down on 4th September 1942 during its transit flight and three crew members died, although two survived to become prisoners of war (P.O.W’s). The wreckage lay on the Kola Peninsula, Northern Russia until 1989 when it was rediscovered. The RAF Museum acquired the airframe in 1991 and although progress is being made, the aircraft still requires substantial work before going on public display.

Aviation fans and public who have followed the story of the world’s last surviving Dornier Do 17 will know the forward fuselage, engines and propellers have now all moved from the hydration tunnels into the Conservation Centre for treatment. Whilst the wings will remain in the hydration tunnels until later this year, the majority of the aircraft will be on display inside and visitors will be able to get up close to the aircraft for the very first time. Volunteers will also be working on some of the smaller Dornier components during Open Week giving visitors first hand access to the intricate work taking place to conserve this unique aircraft.

Repeat visitors will be able to view the on-going refurbishments of the Vickers Wellington. The structural work to the aircraft wings and flying controls along with the surface finish is now complete and the next stage will see Technicians re fabric the wings. Work will then commence on stripping the internal fuselage to allow for structural work to take place. The Wellington is expected to remain at Cosford for a few more years before eventually going back on display at the RAF Museum London.

Darren Priday, RAF Museum Conservation Centre Manager says:

“It has been a very busy year for the conservation team in particular with the work carried out on the Dornier Do 17 and the Hampden. The last 12 months has also seen a lot of aircraft movements both here at Cosford and at our sister Museum in London in preparation for the ‘First World War in the Air’ exhibition due to open later this year at both sites. We hope visitors will take this opportunity to speak with our team of Aircraft Technicians, Apprentices and Volunteers about the conservation work they carry out on the hundreds of aircraft within the Museum’s collection.”

Admission to the Conservation Centre Open Week is £5.00 per person with proceeds going towards supporting the Museum’s collection (Children under 16 are free and must be accompanied by an adult). The Conservation Centre will open to the public from the 9-15 November 2014 between 10.15am to 1.00pm during Open Week. The Museum’s other hangars will be open from 10am until 5pm, entry is free of charge. For further information, please visit the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org or call 01902 376200.

Dornier Do 17 moves into next stage of conservation

Dornier Fuselage

The world’s last surviving Dornier Do 17 has now moved into the second phase of its conservation at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford.

It’s been a little over 15 months since the aircraft was lifted from the bottom of the Dover Straits and transported to the Museum’s Cosford site for ground breaking conservation work. The process so far has seen the aircraft systematically sprayed with a low concentration citric acid based solution inside purpose built hydration tunnels. This process has helped to remove marine accretions and subsequently the neutralised corrosion impurities in the aluminium aircraft structure.

The project is progressing at a much faster rate than previously anticipated and the Museum is delighted to see second stage conservation work commence on the aircraft’s forward fuselage. Confident that the citric acid solution has done its job, the fuselage was removed from the tunnels early September and has undergone an intense wash down, before being moved into the Conservation Centre.

Aircraft Technician Andy Woods is now working on the Dornier full time, with his initial efforts focused on internal cleaning and removing any remaining marine deposits with the use of plastic scrapers. Control rods and other smaller items are being carefully removed allowing Technicians greater access to the airframe structure beneath. A team of Volunteers will work on the components removed from the aircraft and which will be put back at a later date.

The construction of the wings has made the process of removing salt and sand from internal sections much slower than the fuselage. The wing section has recently been subject to a deep clean by a team of Apprentices and over a tonne of salt and sand has been removed from the aircraft. Further time in the hydration tunnels is required to allow the citric acid to do its work before the wings join the fuselage in the Conservation Centre.

Both engines and propellers have been removed from the tunnels and mounted on purpose built stands allowing easier access for Technicians to begin treatment. During the aircrafts time underwater the magnesium components disintegrated but the steel components remained fully intact. The majority of the marine deposits have now been removed and a test section has been coated in a 2-pac polly acrylic mix. The Conservation team at Cosford are confident that leaving some of the internal marine deposit on the airframe will provide strength to the fragile aluminium skins.

The Imperial College London continues to offer guidance and over the Summer, Scientist Yanika Agius spent three weeks working with the Museum. Sample testing was carried out on sections of the aircraft to monitor if the spraying process had removed all the crystallised salts from the metalwork. The results showed that most areas were clear with just a few sections of the tail plane needing further attention. Treatment will now see pieces of felt soaked in the citric acid solution and placed on the areas with crystals remaining, concentrating the solution to where it’s needed. Testing will be carried out in a few weeks’ time to see if the remaining crystals have been removed.

The gradual process of removing the thick layer of marine deposits has revealed several bullet holes and shrapnel damage on the airframe, plus small areas of the original paint finish. While working on some of the smaller components, Volunteers discovered push rods still coated in their original oil and when a pipe was removed from a fuel injection unit, a small amount of the original fuel was still present. An interesting discovery during the Summer was the flare pistol still mounted in its original stowage within the forward fuselage. Having informed and called in the appropriate authorities, the pistol was declared safe and Technicians subsequently removed it from the aircraft. Volunteers have since carried out conservation work on the flare pistol which is now on display at the Museum.

Darren Priday, Conservation Centre Manager at RAF Museum Cosford says:

“The citric acid solution has worked wonders on the large and small objects inside the hydration tunnels. It was a major milestone when the forward fuselage was removed from the treatment area and gave us the first indication that there was light at the end of the tunnel. We are not taking things for granted and we are keeping a careful eye on the section as she is quite fragile, but then anything would be after spending 73 years in the hostile Dover Straits.

Having Yanika from the Imperial College was a major boost for us as she was able to carry out tests for salt crystals, something that is not visible with the naked eye. The Cosford volunteers are continuing to carry out the small item conservation and will be available for those attending the Conservation Centre Open Week to learn more.”

At the time of the Dornier’s recovery, it was unclear just how much of the aircraft could be saved following over seventy years on the seabed. Visitors to the Museum are invited to attend the Conservation Centre Open Week in November and see for themselves the fantastic progress being made on the aircraft, only a year and a half since it was raised from the Dover Straits.

The Open Week will run from 9-15 November from 10:15am until 1:00pm each day. Visitors can get up close to the aircraft and speak with the team of Technicians, Apprentices and Volunteers working on the Dornier project as well as other aircraft currently being restored. Admission to the Conservation Centre Open Week is £5 per person with all proceeds going towards the maintenance and upkeep of the exhibits. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult are free.

Admission to the Museum is FREE of charge. Anyone wishing to donate towards the conservation of the aircraft can do so online via the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org. For more information please call the Museum on 01902 376200.

Pilots of the Caribbean

Volunteers of African Heritage in the RAF

Exhibition start date: 6 October 2014

A brand new exhibition entitled ‘Pilots of the Caribbean: Volunteers of African Heritage in the Royal Air Force’ is due to open at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford next Month. The exhibition opening will coincide with Black History Month, a national event celebrating the achievements of black men and women throughout history.

Curated in partnership with the Black Cultural Archives, the exhibition will tell the inspirational story of these volunteers, commemorating and celebrating their vital contribution to the defence of Britain, her Empire and Commonwealth. Accompanying video footage and artefacts will bring to life the stories of these brave volunteers.

With the outbreak of the First World War, the first black volunteers from the Caribbean, Africa and Britain volunteered to serve with the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the Royal Naval Air Service and from 1 April 1918 the Royal Air Force. And again during the Second World War these brave volunteers fought, and died, for the mother country and for freedom, and thereby helped to preserve the values and the heritage they shared with their white comrades.

The exhibition will look back at the First World War and the thousands of volunteers from across the empire who enlisted out of patriotism and seeking adventure. As well as fighting men, the Caribbean and African colonies provided vital raw materials needed in the war efforts; mahogany used for making aircraft propellers, cotton for observation balloons and foodstuff including sugar and rice. After serving in the war, the ‘colour bar’ to enlistment in the Armed Forces was quietly re-imposed.

Nevertheless, on the outbreak of World War Two, the Empire’s black populations still chose to support the mother country and young black men were again prepared to risk their lives in her defence. Black volunteers served with all UK-based RAF commands, including Bomber Command which saw four-fifths of African-Caribbean aircrew in active service and Fighter Command which saw the first black volunteers selected to train as fighter pilots in 1941. The only exemption was Transport Command, whose personnel visited countries intolerant of integrated crews.

After the war, most black airmen and airwomen returned to Africa and the Caribbean, proud of having played their part in the defeat of Nazism. Their efforts were rewarded when Britain granted her African and Caribbean colonies independence within the Commonwealth in the 1950s and 1960s. As volunteers were fully integrated into the Service and their ethnic origin was not entered onto their personal records, it is difficult to tell how many black personnel served in the RAF. However, official records do show that together the black volunteers constituted a valuable asset to the RAF.

The RAF maintains its commitment to recruiting the best personnel regardless of race, creed or colour and it is today considered one of the very best employers of people from minorities. The exhibition will highlight the RAF’s success in embracing diversity and demonstrate how the rich, cosmopolitan nature of modern Britain owes much to the black men and women who wore air force blue.

‘Pilots of the Caribbean: Volunteers of African Heritage in the Royal Air Force’ will be on display at the RAF Museum Cosford from Monday 6 October 2014 in the Museums Temporary Exhibition Gallery, Hangar 1. Viewing the exhibition and entry to the Museum is FREE of charge. For more information visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org or call the Museum on 01902 376200.

Experience the virtual skies at Cosford

Cosford Flight Sim exhibition

Saturday 4 October 2014

10.00am to 5.00pm

Advance tickets £5 per person

On the gate tickets £10 per person

Aviation fans can experience the virtual skies next month as the Flight Sim 2014 event heads to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in Shropshire. Taking place on Saturday 4 October, aviation enthusiasts will enjoy a day packed with all the latest flight simulation software and the chance to test out their virtual flying skills.

Just Flight and Flight 1 Software, two of the UK’s leading flight simulation software publishers, will be hosting this major gathering in association with PC Pilot magazine to show visitors the very best in desktop flying. Building on the success of last year’s event, organisers are anticipating over 2,000 visitors will attend the one day show.

Visitors will be able to get hands on and fly the latest aircraft, check out the latest flight simulation hardware and chat with leading developers, publishers and other enthusiasts in addition to the many exhibitors at the show.

This show will take place in the Museum’s Hangar 1 from 10am until 5pm, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the wide range of entertainment on offer. So whether you’re a veteran desktop pilot, flight simulation novice, or someone thinking of getting airborne in the virtual skies for the first time, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors attending the Flight Sim 2014 event this autumn will experience the best of both, the virtual world and the real world of aviation, as they explore the world class collection of aircraft and exhibitions on display at the RAF Museum Cosford.

Advance tickets for Flight Sim 2014 are now on sale online for just £5 per person, with free admittance for under 16s accompanied by an adult. Tickets purchased on the day cost £10 per person. For further information on the event or to purchase your tickets in advance, please visit the show’s website www.flightsimulatorshow.com.

To cope with the additional visitors, a free park and ride will run from the Cosford Train Station with regular pickups throughout the day. Entry to the Museum is free of charge and on-site parking is available (charges apply). Entry into Hangar 1 on Saturday 4 October will be for Flight Sim 2014 ticket holders only.

www.rafmuseum.org

Aviation fans can enjoy a Pilots view of historic aircraft

Cosford RAF Museum Bristol 188

Open Cockpits Evening – 20 September 2014

6.00pm to 9.00pm

£12.50 per person

Aviation fans from across the country are being given the chance to sit inside some of the world’s most historic aircraft at the Open Cockpits Evening being held at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford next month. Just 300 tickets are available for this exclusive evening on Saturday 20 September, where a wide range of aircraft will be available for close viewing on the night: including transport aircraft, jet fighters and unique research airframes.

Aircraft enthusiasts will be able to get a feel for what it was like to fly these much loved machines by entering their cockpits and enjoying a Pilot’s view. In addition to this, visitors will have exclusive after-hours access to the Museum which displays a collection of over 70 aircraft, military vehicles, engines and aviation artefacts within three wartime hangars and the award-winning National Cold War Exhibition.

The aircraft open on the night will span the Museum’s entire collection ranging from research and development aircraft often produced in secrecy and built to test a new theory, to war planes that have seen action in several conflicts. Research and development aircraft will include the Bristol 188, built mainly of stainless steel and designed to investigate the effects of heat on aircraft structures at very high speeds and the Saunders-Roe SR53 interceptor which used a rocket motor to climb rapidly to high altitudes.

Fans of the modern jet will have the opportunity to sit inside the Harrier GR9, often referred to as the Jump Jet. This famous family of British-designed military jet aircraft were capable of vertical/short take-off and landing operations and only retired from operational service with the RAF in December 2010. Much older aircraft will include the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, a German fighter aircraft widely used by the Luftwaffe during World War Two. So whether you’re interested in seeing how manufacturers were pushing the boundaries of aircraft design or you’re keen to see up close aircraft that have served in conflicts across the globe, there will be something for every aviation fan to enjoy.

The event, which is held twice a year in May and September, has been a complete sell out for the last five events and with less than half the tickets remaining, anyone interested in attending is encouraged to purchase their tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

The evening will commence at 6.00pm and finish at 9.00pm, with numbers onto the Museum site strictly limited to 300 people – providing enthusiasts with three hours to examine the Museum’s historic and wondrous aircraft in an exclusive environment. Admission is by advance ticket only; tickets cost £12.50 per person and are available to purchase through the Museum’s website. Museum members price £10.00 per ticket (please note membership cards will need to be shown on entry to the event). Parking charges are included in the ticket price. Minimum height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply.

The Museum will close at 5.00pm on Saturday 20 September in order to set up for the Open Cockpits Evening event. For further information on the ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ or to purchase your tickets online visit www.rafmuseum.org

Three iconic First World War Aircraft arrive at RAF Museum Cosford

WW1 aircraft arrive at Cosford

On Tuesday 15 July staff at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford received three iconic First World War aircraft, which will form the centre of a new First World War Exhibition. The Bristol M1c, the Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter and the Sopwith Pup are due to go on display within the Museum’s War Planes Hangar in December 2014.

The Sopwith Pup is an original aircraft which was active during the First World War. The Pup, thought of by its pilots as the perfect flying machine, was used extensively by the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps both at home and abroad. The Bristol M1c and Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter are full scale reproductions.

The aircraft were transported from the RAF Museum London, along the M1, M6 and M54 motorways by two low loader lorries. Delighted members of the public and Museum staff welcomed the aircraft arrivals late afternoon, before they were placed inside the Museum’s Conservation Centre. The Sopwith Pup will undergo some minor fabric repair work to the tail before going on public display later this year.

The three aircraft are to be exhibited as part of the Museum’s First World War Exhibition, opening in December 2014 which will allow museum audiences to discover and explore the unique and often overlooked role of air power during the First World War through the incredible stories of the men and women who took part. The exhibition ‘First World War In The Air’, was made possible with a grant of £898,558 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Alex Medurst, RAF Museum Cosford General Manager said:

“These three iconic aircraft will provide a dramatic focus for our upcoming First World War exhibition. The Museum at Cosford looks forward to sharing them with its visitors and marking the historic anniversary.”

www.rafmuseum.org

Cosford to hold Centenary Charity Ball

Saturday 30 August

A glittering Centenary Charity Ball will be held at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on Saturday 30 August to commemorate the First World War and raise much needed funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund and the RAF Museum.

In what will be the highlight in Shropshire’s summer calendar, the evening will commence with a champagne reception under the wings of the mighty Vulcan bomber and other legendary aircraft within the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition. Guests will be treated to a poignant military sunset ceremony with buglers, an RAF Cosford honour guard, followed by a spectacular helicopter flying display. A piper will then escort guests into the hangar for dinner.

Attendees will have the rare and unique opportunity to fine dine within the Museum’s War Planes Hangar and enjoy a four course dinner, set against a panoramic backdrop of some of the world’s most iconic and historic aircraft including a Hurricane and Spitfire.

There will be a variety of entertainment throughout the evening, including live music supplied by the RAF ‘Shades of Blue’ Swing Band, a surprise musical treat and a fabulous prize auction and grand raffle. Plus, a disco will ensure that guests are having a good time and dancing late into the evening as the party continues until 1.00am.

Graham Wynn OBE, Shropshire Businessman and member of the organising committee says:

“This promises to be a unique and most enjoyable occasion. It is one of the most outstanding black tie events of the year and will truly be a most memorable evening.”

The dress code for this poignant event is black tie or mess kit and miniatures. The evening will raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund who gives vital support to past and present servicemen and women and their families in need of financial support through injury or ill health. Money raised will also go towards maintaining the growing aircraft collection at the RAF Museum.

Karen Dixon, RAF Museum Corporate Events Manager says:

“Dining among Cosford’s legendary aircraft is a unique and special experience for guests and a must for anyone who enjoys high quality entertainment, supports the RAF, or has an interest in our aviation heritage. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Gala Ball in August and we are confident it will be as popular as ever.”

This is a unique corporate entertaining and networking opportunity with tables of 10 or individual seats available. To find out more information about this prestigious event, please visit the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org. To purchase tickets, please email cosfordgalaball@rafmuseum.org or contact the event organiser on 01902 376200.