RAF Museum London – Page 5

RAF Museum London site admitted to Tripadvisor Hall of Fame

The Royal Air Force Museum has been advised today that its London site has been admitted into Tripadvisor’s Hall of Fame. This accolade has been granted for excellence in Customer Service and recognises that the Museum’s London site is now a five time winner of a Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor – being granted one every year since 2011.

To win a Certificate of Excellence a venue must score an approval rating of 80% or more from visitors who comment about it on Tripadvisor during the course of a given calendar year. Only 10% of all venues listed on the website receive this accolade. Therefore, to receive such a response for 5 years running is a major testament to the high quality experience that visitors receive at the Museum.

Commenting on this performance, Paul Hudson, Head of Marketing for the Museum stated:

‘ I would like to thank Tripadvisor for admitting the Royal Air Force Museum London into its Hall of Fame. This honour is indicative of the commitment that staff have made to excellent customer service at the Museum and reflects the commitment that the Museum has itself made to ensuring that its collections are as accessible as possible.

Over the last 12 months, we have won an Autism Access award from Autism U.K, created a Quiet Room and produced downloadable guides for those of our visitors with autism. We have also become members of the Blue Assist programme, to cater for those of our visitors who have learning disabilities.

For those who acquire additional assistance with their access, we provide complimentary wheel-chairs on request.

These are just a few of the improvements that we have made and we will continue to make more in the coming year to ensure that all of our visitors have as pleasant visit as possible. We do welcome feedback on how we are currently performing, so I would invite visitors to comment on Tripadvisor.’

Admission to the Royal Air Force Museum at London is free of charge. The Museum is open daily from 10:00 am. For further information about the events and exhibitions at the Museum’s London site please go to www.rafmuseum.org/whatson.

North East Land Sea And Air Museum To Receive Skeeter Helcopter From RAF Museum

Skeeter

After careful consideration by its Collections Review and Disposals Recipient Selection Committees, the RAF Museum is pleased to announce the transfer of Saro Skeeter AOP.12 XM555 to North East Land Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM).

The Skeeter is a two-seat training and scout helicopter which was produced by Saunders-Roe (“Saro”) of Cowes and Southampton. It has the distinction of being the first helicopter to be used by the British Army Air Corps (AAC) and several Skeeter AOP.12s were operated by the Central Flying School of the Royal Air Force.

This particular example was ordered in 1957 and its service history was primarily with the AAC. After being declared non-effective in the late 1960’s it was allocated to various RAF stations across the country for training or display purposes before finding a home in the early 1980’s at the Aerospace Museum RAF Cosford – now RAF Museum Cosford. In 2003 it was transported to the Museum’s London site for display before entering storage in 2010 (for full aircraft history see below).

Ian Thirsk, Head of Collections RAF Museum: “We are delighted to have found such a worthy home for the Skeeter in NELSAM and look forward to building our relationship with them. The Museum’s disposal policy reflects our on-going commitment to carry out disposals in a responsible and ethical manner and after due consideration on a variety of bids we deemed NELSAM to be well suited. We wish them the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the Skeeter on public display soon.”

Dr Hugh Newell Chairman NELSAM: “The recent expansion of the museum is designed to explain the extremes changes in the development of transport during the 20th Century by presenting as complete a range of exhibits both civil and military as we can display. The Saro Skeeter represents the introduction of the helicopter into the air observation role of the British Army and the acquisition of the helicopter greatly enhances our ability to describe the fusion of land and air assets in our military collection. We are extremely grateful to the RAF Museum for this gift to enhance our displays.”

www.rafmuseum.org

Museum Recreates Aviation Pioneers Office From Single Photo

office RAFmuseum

British aviation pioneer Claude Grahame-White’s office room now open for public viewing…

The Museum is delighted to announce that from this week, Claude Grahame-White’s office on the first floor of the Grahame-White Watchtower will be open to the public as part of the general exhibition.

Quite remarkably Claude Grahame-White’s sumptuous first floor office has been faithfully recreated through careful analysis of a single black and white photograph dating from 1915 – the only known photograph to survive. The colour scheme was noted from a painting.

Great care and attention was taken to source materials from across the world and ensure that the details of the original office were replicated, which ensures the time capsule feel when entering the room.

The office has a style and period charm which Museum visitors will now be able to enjoy at their leisure and copies of historic documents have been re-produced with the intention that these can be handled.

John Waxman: Assistant Director, RAF Museum “It’s wonderful to be opening up this room to our visitors and we have no doubt that it will appeal to a wide audience. The room is a replica of the office where Claude Grahame-White developed his plans for British Aviation which in turn impacted the world. I’m sure it’s charm will resonate with those who visit.”

www.rafmuseum.org

Bristol Sycamore Helicopter Goes To Bristol Aerospace Centre

Bristol Sycamore

The RAF Museum is pleased to announce the transfer of Bristol Sycamore HR.14 XL824 to the Bristol Aerospace Centre

The Bristol Sycamore was the first British-designed helicopter to serve with the Royal Air Force. Produced by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, it was employed on search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare duties.

The Sycamore entered service with 275 Squadron of the RAF in April 1953, and went on to serve with nine squadrons in total. It was used during the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960) for deploying Army foot patrols into the jungle. The type was used by the Royal Air Force Central Flying School for pilot training.

This particular example served with No. 284 Squadron in Cyprus during the late 1950’s before returning to the UK in the mid 1960’s. Following a brief stint at the Central Flying School, it was allocated to the RAF Museum in the late 1960’s. It was then loaned out to Manchester Air & Space Museum for public display between 1982 and 2008. Since then it has been in RAFM storage facility at MoD Stafford.

Ian Thirsk, Head of Collections RAF Museum: “We are very happy for the team at the Bristol Aerospace Centre and cannot think of a more appropriate recipient for the Sycamore. As a new organisation celebrating the UK’s rich aviation heritage we would also like to wish them the best of luck and look forward to working together in the future.”

Lloyd Burnell, Project Director at Bristol Aero Collection Trust, said “We are delighted that the RAF Museum has elected to gift its Bristol Sycamore HR.14 to the Bristol Aerospace Centre, which will provide a fitting home for the helicopter as part of our extensive collection of Bristol aerospace products.The Bristol Aerospace Centre is a new £16 million industrial museum and learning centre at Filton, one of the birthplaces of the UK industry, and is due to open in Spring 2017. We already have significant financial backing from corporate and other partners and were recently awarded a £4.7 million grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund. We look forward to continuing to build upon our strong relationships with the RAF Museum as we deliver the project”

www.rafmuseum.org

Museum launches Spitfire 10K Run

RAF Museum London 10k Run

To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the Royal Air Force Museum London has launched the Spitfire 10K Run

Date: Sunday 6th September 2015

Time: 9.00 am

Location: RAF Museum London

Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain with this brand new event starting and finishing in the magnificent surroundings of the RAF Museum in Hendon. The race begins in the shadow of one of the RAF Spitfires and takes you on a special journey, including a section through the bomber hangar and around the iconic Lancaster, before leaving the museum for two loops of a flat road course. Your finish will be commemorated with an exclusive Spitfire medal.

Entry form: www.nice-work.org.uk/assets/Spitfire%2010k%202015%20Entry%20Form.pdf

The RAF Museum unveils its RAF Centenary celebration and commemoration plans

RAF Museum Hendon

The RAF Museum in Hendon today outlined its plans to celebrate and commemorate the Centenary of the RAF in 2018, after the Chancellor announced in his Budget last week that the museum is to receive a £2.5 million grant to support the programme.

The museum revealed its ambitious programme of activities for the summer of 2018, as the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Priti Patel, visited the museum to learn how the funding will be used.

The museum’s plans include re-landscaping the site to create a sense of the original London Aerodrome that stood on the ground nearly 100 years ago. The museum will also build a new visitor centre with a café, shop and soft play area.

A series of new permanent exhibitions will open in the summer of 2018. ‘The First 100 Years of the RAF’ and ‘Now and the Future’ exhibitions will enable visitors to understand the story of the RAF from its earliest years in the First World War to its global role today. The “Air Power in an Age of Uncertainty” exhibition will focus on the roles of the RAF since the early 1980s.

The museum is also rolling out a new digital programme, “My RAF Story”, which will collect and share personal stories of the men and women of the Service to ensure they are preserved for future generations. Additionally, a new learning programme will aim to inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Priti Patel said:

“The RAF Museum in Hendon is a great cause and I’m delighted that the LIBOR funding will provide a necessary cash injection towards their plans to celebrate this important landmark in the RAF’s history.

“So far, through LIBOR fines on banks, we’ve taken around £450m from those who broke the rules and demonstrated terrible values, and used the funds to support our brave forces across the UK, and other good causes.?

“This donation is a fitting way to mark the extraordinary contribution the RAF has made and continues to make in service to our country.”

Chief Executive of the RAF Museum Maggie Appleton said:

“The Museum’s RAF Centenary Programme is incredibly important as it commemorates 100 years of the Royal Air Force. The story we tell reflects the bravery, ingenuity and dedication of our people. It is a story that belongs to every one of us. We are therefore very grateful for the support and acknowledgement we received.”

www.rafmuseum.org

£2.5 million to Museum from budget

Financial penalties levied on banks involved in the LIBOR lending rate-fixing scandal will benefit the RAF Museum in North West London, the Chancellor announced in the last Budget before the General Election. George Osborne said the government will help renovate the RAF Museum in Hendon.The announcement came after Hendon MP Matthew Offord held discussions with the new Chief Executive of the RAF Museum, Maggie Appleton at the end of February. During these talks Ms Appleton outlined the plans of the Museum to commemorate the centenary of the Royal Air Force in 2018 and asked Matthew what assistance he could provide in securing the support from the Treasury.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said “The RAF Museum in Hendon (North West London) is a great cause that Matthew Offord has campaigned strongly in support of. I’m delighted that they will get millions of pounds in LIBOR fines – a fitting way to mark the extraordinary contribution the RAF has made and continues to make in service to our country.”

Chief Executive of the RAF Museum Maggie Appleton said “The Museum’s Centenary Project is incredibly important as it commemorates 100 years of the Royal Air Force. The story we tell reflects the bravery, ingenuity and dedication of our people. It is a story that belongs to every one of us. We are therefore very grateful for the support and acknowledgement we received today. We are a happy museum!”

www.rafmuseum.org

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RAF MAN

Get ready to stop worrying and learn to love the bomb. The RAF Museum has an extra special night of immersive activities planned for Museums at Night 2015. Its TOP SECRET. On a need to know basis. The final countdown has begun….Date: 16th May

Time: 19:30 – 23:00

Tickets: £28.00 per person (adult price)

After the sell-out success of last year’s P.S.B. gigs, get ready for Domino Theory – The RAF Museum’s immersive experience that will take its audience on a Cold War trip like no other. Cross the Iron Curtain, build the Berlin wall and use your spy skills to crack codes and become the super-power of the 20th century!

For one night only, the RAF Museum in North London will provide an atmospheric setting for a spy mission like no other. The battle lines are divided between the U.K the U.S.A and the USSR. Its spy vs spy in a heady world of gadgets, casinos, discos and more in a night of themed entertainment.

The night is rounded off with a museum-shaking, roof-raising, Berlin Wall breaking set by the legendary DJ Yoda who will take the crowd through a specially created set of music that references the Cold war era

Tickets are on sale now and priced £28 and available at www.rafmuseum.org.uk/whatson

DJ Yoda, is a hip hop producer like no other, subverting the tradition with wry invention and humorous intent. Yoda takes the art of turntablism to new extremes, practising it in unexpected situations. He has spent the best part of two decades as an audacious exponent of the form, winning awards, releasing an eclectic series of mixtapes that prove you can apply cut-up techniques to everything from classical to country, and generally offering a uniquely British take on hip hop music and culture.

Museums at Night is the UK wide annual late night festival of arts, heritage and culture. Over the weekend of Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 May 2015, hundreds of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over UK will be opening their doors at night-time for a whole host of unique and exciting events. Full listings can be found at www.museumsatnight.org.uk.

trailer to follow…

Upcoming events at the RAF museum London

Event: Open Cockpits Evening
Date: 3 March
Time: 18:15 to 21:15
Location: Bomber Hall / Historic Hangars
Cost: £15.50 per person

Event: Access the Avro Vulcan
Dates: 25 March
Times: 10:00 to 13:00
Location: Bomber Hall
Cost: £25.50 per person

Event: First World War Airfix Make and Take
Dates: 28 March – 3 April
Times: 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
Location: Bomber Hall
Cost: £3 per kit

Event: Knit for Britain from Above
Dates: 4 – 8 April
Times: 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
Location: TBC
Cost: Free

Event: Storytelling: Sir Alan Cobhams Flying Circus
Dates: 9 – 10 April
Time: TBC
Location: Art Gallery
Cost: Free

Event: Storytelling: RAF Humanitarian Work
Date: 11 – 12 April
Times: TBC
Location: Art Gallery
Cost: Free

Event: Archive Viewing: RAF Humanitarian Work
Date: 11 – 12 April
Times: 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm
Location: Boardroom
Cost: Free

For further details check out www.rafmuseum.org

Flying for the RFC? Its a Piece of Cake

The RAF Museum introduces ‘Albert’s ‘Ripping’ Cake’ on its menu in tribute to one of England’s most legendary First World War pilots.

The legendary English pilot Albert Ball was one of the most iconic heroes of the sky during the First World War. His bravery won him the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished service Order and the Military Cross. At the time of his death in May 1917, he was the country’s leading flying ace, with 44 victories to his name.

One little known fact was that he always flew with his mother’s home-made plum cake on board his aircraft and he requested it many times in his letters home:

“You make me a cake, and I would like it all the more. I so love to have a huge piece of cake to go flying with in the morning. It is fine, and if made by you would be better still.” (Letter to his Mother)

“I was so pleased to get your ripping cake, but I have nearly finished it. I love to take a huge piece with me when I fly.” (Letter to his sister)

The Royal Air Force Museum in association with students from Barnet and Southgate College and with assistance from Centerplate Restaurant have re-developed this age old family recipe for Plum Cake as preferred by Albert Ball.

The recipe was discovered by the Albert Ball’s great niece whilst clearing out her grandmother’s house in Nottingham.

The cake will go on sale at the Museum restaurant from April 20th and will be packaged as if being sent as a parcel to Albert Ball.

In between slices of this legendary cake, visitors can also find out more about aviation during the First World war in the ‘First World War in the Air’ – a new permanent exhibition supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), that enables 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.