RAF Museum – Page 7 – Airscene News

From the RAF Museum with LOVE

Heroes CD

This Valentine’s Day give your loved one a romantic gift with wings on…..something extra special and meaningful…..available now from the Royal Air Force Museum shop!

A charming selection of sweetheart items for him and her are now available to purchase in both the London and Cosford on-site museum shops as well as online at www.rafmuseum.org.

Sweetheart Brooch – The ideal gift for the most important women in your life, one of our most popular pieces of jewellery the sweetheart poppy broch is the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. This decorative piece features a flower covered in red and black crystals and comes beautifully boxed and includes a verse from the famous war time poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ – £14.00.

Lancaster Cufflinks – Love is in the air! Surprise him this Valentine’s Day with these stylish Lancaster cufflinks. The ideal gift for any aviation buff, these cufflinks come presented in an official Royal Air Force gift box and are a fun accessory to be worn to your Valentine’s Day dinner – £14.99.

RAF Crest Watch – This stunning watch was made exclusively for the Royal Air Force Museum by Sekonda. The stainless steel numbers are clear to read against the black face which features the RAF crest in vibrant silver. Presented in a Sekonda gift box, it is ready to be given to your loved one on 14th February. The watch is also covered by a 2 year manufactures guarantee – £49.99.

Heroes and Sweethearts vol 2 CD & DVD – Get into the Valentine’s mood with the Heroes & Sweethearts album including over 60 timeless pieces of music from a time of innocence and romance of triumph and of tragedy that both inspired and defined a generation. This top quality package will take you back in time with over 3 hours of music offering the iconic sounds of Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and many more – £8.99.

RAF Eagle ornament with engraved base – This exquisite model of the RAF Eagle is shown with talons extended in attacking mode and makes for an unusual but grand gift for a loved one! Made in the UK out of cold cast bronze, the model is completed with a metal plaque with your chosen engraving attached to a wooden base. Personalise your ornament with an engraving via the RAF Museum website, allowing two weeks for the engraving to be completed, so be quick to ensure Valentine’s Day delivery! – £155.00.

Fridge Magnet – If you like your Valentine’s Day presents to include a back handed compliment why not give her this nostalgic fridge magnet with the phrase ‘Both of us can’t look good at the same time….it’s either me or the house’? We cannot, however, guarantee that it will be well received – £2.50.

To see the full range of Valentine’s gifts available from the RAF Museum shop, visit www.rafmuseum.org.

RAF Museum Launches Spotify Playlists

Spotify logo

The RAF Museum joins the long list of celebrities, politicians and industry leaders with its own Spotify playlists.

Spotify is a music, podcast, and video streaming service which is taking over how we listen to music. It allows users to listen to a large library of music and also to compile playlists for others to enjoy.

Along with our other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and You Tube, the Museum sees Spotify as a fantastic way of engaging with audiences, young and old. We look forward to developing new playlists which reflect our collections the work we do and the music we love.

Listen to what we’re listening to:

Cold War Classics, celebrating 10 years of the National Cold War Exhibition https://open.spotify.com/user/rafmuseum/playlist/2QGUZtYGnt0LH9YtoXxfZ9

Let your imagination take flight https://open.spotify.com/user/rafmuseum/playlist/5IP8LzLIEJO3T5HMqUyXsM

Listen, enjoy, follow and share!

High-flying offers at low prices this January

Christmas may be over for another year and the high street January sales are already in full swing, but if you’re looking to treat yourself to something special with your left over Christmas money, the Royal Air Force Museum has a huge selection of unique items available with savings of up to 50% off the RRP.

Sale items are available to purchase in both the London and Cosford on-site museum shops as well as online at www.rafmuseum.org.

Items on offer include a stunning collection of Winston Churchill china mugs with iconic Churchill quotes. Crafted from English fine bone china and hand gilded with gold, these mugs are a light hearted and fun way of commemorating Churchill’s great wit and bullish sense of humour. With three designs to choose from, these mugs are presented in gift boxes and are now half price at £14.00 each.

There are now huge savings on a selection of DVD’s, including ‘Remember the Stirling’ DVD. At eighteen feet longer than the Lancaster, the Short Stirling was the first and largest of the RAF’s wartime four-engine bombers. Produced and directed by Brian Harris, DFC, himself and ex-navigator on Stirlings, this unique DVD combines rare and exclusive wartime footage with the reminiscences of surviving aircrew members. Reduced to just £7.99 as part of our January savings, this 1 hour 15 minute film is ideal for aviation fans to enjoy on these gloomy winter nights. Also on offer is the ‘Luftwaffe at War’ DVD, now just £7.99. This extra length DVD provides the definitive film history of the Luftwaffe from its secret origins to the end of the Second World War. Packed with original film footage, all the main aircraft types are featured, along with full coverage of advanced jet and rocket planes and the fearsome V-Weapons.

Fans of spectacular aircraft images will love the 2017 RAF Museum Calendar. This year’s calendar features twelve stunning photographs of Royal Air Force aircraft including a Spitfire, Lancaster, Vulcan and VC10. The calendar also includes a free pull-out poster and is ideal for aviation fans to keep a note of special dates. Calendars are now available to purchase for just £3.99.

Young or old, what aviation fan doesn’t enjoy making paper planes? With the Ladybird Paper Plane Kit you can make 60 paper planes out of iconic Ladybird Book covers from the 1960s. This kit comes with all the supplies and instructions with the fold lines pre-printed so you can’t go wrong. A wonderfully nostalgic way to have flying fun! Now just £5.00.

It’s back to school and who wouldn’t want to start the school term off without a Bixbee LED Space Racer or Fairy Flyer backpack? Complete with LED light up wings, the Space Racer backpack will take your child’s imagination on an intergalactic journey, perfect for travelling to a Galaxy far, far away – or just up the road to school or grandma’s house! The Fairy Flyer will convince little sprites of their own magical powers and will set your precious pixie’s imagination aflight on gossamer wings with this enchanting backpack. Both bags come complete with matching lunch box and are now half price, down to just £17.49 each.

There is also 20% off ‘Names on a Plane’ merchandise including a silk scarf, china mug, pen and t-shirts. To see the full range of January offers which also includes books, cufflinks and RAF ties to name but a few, plus many other items available from the RAF Museum Shop, visit www.rafmuseum.org . Sale ends 31 January 2017.

Take a flight with Santa!

Sleigh Ride at RAF Museum

For the Christmas period, up to and including 31st December, our 4D theatres will be taking on a Christmas theme.

Dates: Saturday 3rd Dec – Saturday 31st December
Tickets: £5 (£16 discount for families)

The 4D “Sleigh Ride” experience takes you to Christmas Eve where Santa is making last minute preparations for the big night.

But when disaster hits, it only leaves a stuffy reindeer and a brave but clumsy elf to take the reins. Will this unlikely duo be able to save Christmas by putting their differences aside?

Find out by taking a making a magical journey across a starry Christmas-tide sky.

Available from 3 December at the Royal Air Force Museum London until December 31.

Cost £5 for a single ticket : £16 for a family ticket.

Sleigh Ride 4D is suitable for all.

Tickets may be purchased at the Museum shop, Main Entrance or 4D Theatre itself.

Check out the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCTAQznWFy4

www.rafmuseumshop.com

Name up in flights is the ultimate Christmas gift!

Names on a Plane Gift

With the night’s drawing in, the countdown to Christmas has officially started and thoughts turn to buying those all-important gifts for your nearest and dearest. At the risk of another year of repetitive run of the mill presents, the Royal Air Force Museum is offering you the chance to purchase the ultimate personalised gift for aviation fans and see their spirits soar this Christmas!

The museum has teamed up with the RAF’s official aerobatic team, The Red Arrows, to give aviation lovers from across the globe the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to place their name on one of the UK’s most iconic aircraft, a Red Arrows Hawk Jet, from a donation of just £30. Quite literally, the name you choose to add to the jet will fly across the globe in 2017 during a season of flying displays, in the build up to the RAF’s centenary in 2018.

So why not think outside of the box this year? Think high-flying and make your Christmas gift the one that stands out from the rest and one that continues to give past Christmas Day. The ‘Names on a Plane’ gift will become part of the RAF’s 100 year history and will have a lasting legacy at the RAF Museum’s newly transformed London site. For years to come, recipients can search for their names on the digital wall, surrounded by iconic and historic aircraft, a collection of rare artefacts and personal stories from those who have served in the oldest and longest serving air force in the world.

At a price that won’t break the Christmas gift budget, from a donation of just £30 you will also receive a gift certificate confirming your chosen name and a beautifully presented commemorative RAF Bluey (specially made airmail letters for sending to and from the Forces) with a special message from the Red Arrows. In addition, those with their ‘Names on a Plane’ will receive an exclusive app in Spring 2017, enabling them to locate where their name is positioned on the jet. Recipients will also receive regular behind the scenes updates from members of the Red Arrows Team during their 2017 tour.

Whether it’s a gift for a plane crazy youngster, a passionate aviation fan, friends and relatives who are currently serving in her majesty’s armed forces or a personal tribute to honour and remember a loved one, this unique and memorable gift is one to cherish, whilst also raising money for charity. Take comfort in knowing that your charity donation this Christmas is an opportunity to support and be part of Britain’s only national museum dedicated wholly to telling the story of the RAF and its people.

If you want to make your ‘Names on a Plane’ gift extra special, for an additional donation optional extras can include a personalised die-cast Corgi Red Arrow Hawk Jet with your chosen name, the perfect bespoke keep sake! Plus a complimentary one year RAF Museum membership package, packed with added benefits at both the museum London and Cosford sites and a limited edition ‘Names on a Plane’ pin badge. Order by 10am on 12 December for guaranteed Christmas delivery for UK orders, but don’t panic if you’re making last minute purchases beyond this date, the instant gift certificate means you can present this to your loved one and still surprise them on the big day, available until 31 December.

All proceeds from the ‘Names on a Plane’ packages will support the RAF Museum (registered charity number 244708) and it’s RAF Centenary Programme, celebrating and commemorating the centenary of the Royal Air Force in 2018.

To purchase your exclusive Christmas gift, be part of something special and to help us tell the stories of past and present personnel visit www.namesonaplane.org for details of the naming packages available which start from donations of just £30.

RAF Museum volunteers celebrate Legion d’honneur award

Arthur Jones with RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton

Two volunteers at the Royal Air Force Museum have been awarded France’s highest distinction Legion d’honneur for their services to secure France’s liberation during the Second World War. To honour and celebrate their remarkable achievement, Leading Aircraft Woman, Rose Davies and Lance Bombardier, Arthur Jones were guests of honour at a drinks reception hosted by the RAF Museum American Foundation.

The awardees attended the reception held at the RAF Club in London on Thursday 7 July 2016, also attended by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, along with RAF Museum Trustees, CEO Maggie Appleton and other distinguished guests. Following a welcome from Major General Frederick Roggero USAF (ret’d), President RAF Museum American Foundation and a message of thanks from Colonel Murand, Air Attaché French Embassy, museum volunteers Rose and Arthur along with former Battle of Britain Pilot Wing Commander Tom Neil, were presented with their medals. Guests then enjoyed an afternoon of champagne and canapés.

The prestigious Legion d’honneur is awarded to D-Day veterans by the French government as a way of thanking those who fought and risked their lives for France’s liberation. Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, Legion d’honneur is France’s highest distinction, awarded in recognition for both military and civilian merit. Very few British nationals have received the award since the French President announced in June 2014 that all British veterans who took part in military operations in France between 1944 and 1945 would be awarded.

Rose Davies first volunteered at Cosford for the International Women’s Day event held in 2015 where she gave an inspirational talk, inspiring the next generation of women about future careers in the RAF, and spoke about her time in service as a Radar Operator.

Arthur Jones has been a regular volunteer at the RAF Museum’s Cosford site for many years, volunteering in a variety of roles including working with school groups and giving talks at special events. He is also one of the regular faces in the museum’s Visitor Centre each Tuesday, where he shares his experiences with visitors.

The RAF Museum congratulates both Rose and Arthur on receiving this outstanding award.

www.rafmuseum.org

Its chocks away for the Spitfire 10K

RAF Museum 10k run

Date: 4 September 2016

Time: Race starts at 10am

Cost: Standard entry £22.50 per person (15 years & over)

Calling all runners….the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford needs you! Launching for the first time this September, the Spitfire 10K will give participants the unique opportunity to race across the airfield and down the runway at RAF Cosford, in an exclusive charity fun run!

Taking place on Sunday 4 September 2016, registration is now open for up to 700 runners to sign up and set themselves a new sporting challenge.

Taking-off from the museum’s Hangar 1, visitors will head outside and onto the airfield at RAF Cosford. Participants will run alongside the wartime hangars and past the air traffic control tower and of course, the race wouldn’t be complete without a sprint down the runway! The scenic route around the military airfield will take runners past several historic landmarks along the way, before passing the rifle range and then back onto the museum for a loop of the site on the final stretch towards the finish line. Upon completion, runners will be rewarded with a bespoke 2016 Spitfire 10K medal, a perfect and well-earned memento of their day.

With a flat, tarmac and grass terrain, the Spitfire 10K is suitable for keen runners and novices alike, so if you’re aged 15 and over why not give it a go? So whether you’ve been running for years, or you’re just getting into the sport for the first time, the race at Cosford is guaranteed to be a fun and memorable one.

Organisers are also encouraging participants to get into the spirit and don their best wartime attire. Or, why not sport a bespoke 2016 Spitfire 10K t-shirt, available to purchase when you register online. The Spitfire 10K will be a fun family day out and spectators are invited to cheer on their loved ones and show their support on the day at the start and finish line. Plus, following the race, visitors have the added bonus of being able to enjoy time wondering round the free museum, where they will find over 75 historical aircraft on display.

Runners can arrive from 9.00am onwards and it will be ready, steady….scramble at 10.00am sharp!

To register for the event visit the museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Entry costs £22.50 per person with proceeds going towards the RAF Museum (registered charity number 244708), to support work conserving and sharing the story of the RAF for current and future generations. Armed Forces Personnel and running clubs are eligible for the discounted entry fee of £20.50 per person. For further details about the event, visit the museum’s website or call 01902 376200.

The Big Push

RAF Museum

The First World War in the Air exhibition at the RAF Museum has been shortlisted for the National Lottery Awards 2015, which is fantastic news for the Museumand fans of aviation.

There is a five-week public vote period which ends midnight 29th July.

The Museum will compete against six other projects and voting is conducted by phone and online.

Please support the Museum by voting online for free at http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/project/first-world-war-air or by calling 0844 836 9670 (calls cost 5p max, plus network charges may apply)

*Each person can vote only once.

Battle of Britain 75th at The Royal Air Force Museum

From August, the RAF Museum will be marking the 75th Anniversary of ‘Our Finest Hour’ with a number of activities at both London and Cosford…

The Battle of Britain Hangar London:

Step into the Battle of Britain Hangar at the Museum’s London site and step back into the year 1940. Visitors can literally walk through history, as every step takes you through the events that led to ‘Our Finest Hour’. From the rise of the Nazi party, to a war torn London street, to a face to face meeting with Winston Churchill.

The hangar focuses on the epic struggle of 1940 with a range of exhibits including a replica Ops Room; Radar machines; an Enigma code-breaker machine; the statue of Sir Keith Park (which was on display on the fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square; weaponry and paintings.

And of course it holds the best and most comprehensive Battle of Britain aircraft collection in the world including examples from Britain, Germany and Italy such as the Spitfire, Hurricane, Heinkel HE111, Junkers JU87 Stuka, Junkers JU88 and ME 109.

Be sure to check out the following special Battle of Britain events and activities at London and Cosford at www.rafmuseum.org

Airfix August: Model A SpitDate: 25th – 31st August

Time: 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm

Entrance: £3 per Airfix kit

Location: Bomber Hall, London

To mark the arrival of the Spitfire Mk16 (a Spitfire you can sit in!) the museum will be holding a full week of Spitfire kit making. Come along, grab a kit for £3 and let your creative flair help you to make and paint your very own model Spitfire. Then, take it home!

Airfix August: Scaling Down Reality, by Simon Owen, lead researcher at Hornby Hobbies Ltd

Date: 28th August

Time: 1pm

Entrance: FREE via online reservation

Location: Lecture theatre, London

Museum lecture theatre

Simon Owen, lead Researcher at Hornby Hobbies Ltd will be at the museum on 28 August to give an insight into the fascinating world of Airfix and how they scale down an iconic aircraft of the Battle of Britain to produce perfect replicas for today’s modellers.

Covering a range of topics including the history of the company and the production process, Simon will also be on hand to answer your questions at the end so don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes at Airfix HQ.

The Spitfire Experience

Date: Opens 29th August

Entrance: £4 per person

Location: Historic Hangars Gallery, London

Dreams come true at the RAF Museum this August as we unveil our Spitfire Mk16 ‘experience’. The Spitfire will feature in our Historic Hangars gallery as we offer the thrilling opportunity to climb inside and take the pilot’s seat!

Spitfire 10K Run

Date: Sunday 6th September 2015

Time: 9.00 am

Entrance: £20 entry, £18 museum members, running clubs and armed forces

Location: RAF Museum London

Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain in style 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: http://www.nice-work.org.uk/assets/Spitfire%2010k%202015%20Entry%20Form.pdf

Battle of Britain: the Men and the Machines, by James Holland

Date: 11 September

Time: 1pm

Entrance: £10

Location: Lecture theatre, London

Author and broadcaster James Holland looks at the men who flew in the Battle of Britain – British and German – and examines the culture, conditions and character of the two sides and the aircraft they flew. He explores how these planes came to dominate the skies, their strengths and weaknesses and what lessons were drawn from this most significant of aerial battles.

Battle of Britain Weekend LondonDate: 12-13 September 2015

Time: Evening TBC

Entrance: FREE

Location: RAF Museum London

A family weekend packed full of free events and activities across the Museum. There will be a Spitfire and Hurricane flypast, re-enactors, 1940’s cabaret show, living history areas, archive viewings, story-telling, guided tours, handling collection to try on vintage RAF uniforms, lectures, themed crochet, special exhibitions; a chance to visit a replica Ops Room; a working Merlin engine,

Battle of Britain Weekend Cosford

Date: 12-13 September 2015

Time: 10.00am to 6.00pm

Location: RAF Museum Cosford

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be commemorating the Battle of Britain with a nostalgic weekend of events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Events include a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, plus Leonides, Bristol and Griffon engine demonstrations; live music by Marjorie Cartwright-Jones in a 1940s Home Front Cabaret; a chance to have a lesson in a 1940’s classroom; storytelling and a chance to dress up in vintage RAF uniforms.

Battle of Britain Afternoon Concert

Date: 13 September 2015

Time: 2.00pm

Location: RAF Museum Cosford

A musical treat for visitors on Sunday 13th September will be a performance from the Glebe Symphonic Winds Orchestra, one of the UK’s leading wind orchestras. This intimate musical performance will include many well-known favourites such as the Dambusters March, Barnes Wallis March and RAF March Past. This intimate musical performance will begin at 2.00pm and last approximately one hour. Spaces are limited so musical fans are advised to purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment, see website for more details and to purchase tickets www.rafmuseum.org.cosford

Battle of Britain: Myth and Reality

Date: 13 September 2015

Time: 11.00am

Location: RAF Museum Cosford

In this talk, James Holland takes a fresh look at one of the most iconic episodes in British history, examining the story that has been passed down into folklore and assessing the performance of both sides. In doing so, he will be asking whether Britain’s victory in the summer of 1940 was even more comprehensive and significant than perhaps is widely thought.

Our Finest Hour: Cockpit Access Evenings

Date: 14th and 15th September

Time: 6.15pm

Location: RAF Museum London

A one off and once in a lifetime experience to get closer to the original Battle of Britain aircraft – including the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane. This immersive experience will allow visitors closer access to the cockpits and include explainers who will bring aspects of the legendary aircraft to life. There will also be a bar in the mezzanine area overlooking the aircraft with a 1940’s cabaret act and a special display of rare and unseen items from the Battle of Britain from our archives.

BBC Singers: In ConcertDate: 18 September

Time: 7.30pm

Entrance: FREE by booked ticket – available one month in advance

Location: RAF Museum London

BBC Singers make a ground-breaking visit to the Royal Air Force Museum for a concert which marks not just that famous aerial combat, but also celebrates man’s long fascination with powered flight – from Icarus to the Space Age.

The programme includes the world premiere of ‘Three Spitfire Motets’ by Edward Cowie, Eric Whitacre’s musical portrayal of the flying-machine invented by Leonardo da Vinci, and Airplane Cantata – Gabriel Jackson’s extraordinary musical of the aeronautical age, in which the BBC Singers are accompanied by virtuoso pianola-player Rex Lawson. The concert will be held in the Museum’s Historic Hangars, a completely unique musical occasion – one not to be missed!

Battle of Britain Conference: A Necessary Victory?

Date: 26th September

Time: TBC

Entrance: TBC

A thought provoking conference which aims to reassess the Battle of Britain’s contribution to victory in the Second World War in both its global and regional perspectives. Areas to be considered include: what new approaches might scholars bring to the history of the Battle of Britain? How have historians’ understandings of the Battle of Britain changed? What was the role of the other services in preparing for invasion? How did Germany view the Battle of Britain and the importance of Operation Seelowe? How was the Battle of Britain viewed in the international arena? What is the cultural legacy of the Battle of Britain?

Mapping the Future

RAF Museum Team

The Trustees of the Royal Air Force Museum are pleased to announce the new Senior Management Team who will oversee the day to day running and long term planning for the London, Cosford and Stafford sites.

John Waxman Assistant Director (London):

John has just arrived from the National Trust where for a number of years he was General Manager at Cliveden, one of the Trust’s busiest pay for entry visitor attractions. Prior to that, he worked in external relations, communications and advisory roles within the public environmental management sector. He is a lifelong aviation enthusiast.

Philip Walsh FCA: Chief Financial Officer:

Philip worked previously as Director of Finance and Operations at the Wallace Collection in Central London. During his time there as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Wallace Collection achieved record visitor numbers, improved retail and corporate hire revenues, and held significant high profile exhibitions all whilst managing an extensive programme of capital projects, including the magnificent £5m refurbishment of the Great Gallery.

He is also the current chairman of trustees of the Allen Lane Foundation, a grant making charitable trust. Philip qualified as a chartered accountant after studying Natural Sciences at Durham University, and went on to work at the Victoria and Albert Museum prior to the Wallace Collection.

Maggie Appleton MBE: Chief Executive Officer:

Maggie has twenty-five years’ experience in the heritage sector. She is passionate about the difference that museums can make to people’s lives and, after beginning her heritage career at the Royal Armouries (when it was based in the Tower of London) she focused her work in community museums, at Stevenage (1991-2003) and then and in Luton (2003-2008), following which she was Chief Executive of Luton Culture, the Charity that led museums, libraries, arts and community centres across the town..

She has led significant heritage initiatives and developments, notably the £6.2million development of Stockwood Discovery Centre which opened in July 2008, and securing the medieval Wenlok Jug for Luton and the nation after its export was stopped in 2006.

Maggie is committee member for the Heritage Lottery Fund, Vice President of the Museums Association and co-Chair of the Women Leaders in Museums Network.

Paul Pomfret Assistant Director (Cosford):

Paul has a comprehensive career working in Heritage, Theatre and Tourists attractions. As Manager for the National Trust for Scotland’s flagship property: Culzean Castle and Country Park he oversaw and developed the 500 acre estate which included multiple historic buildings, numerous retail catering and hospitality locations and significant visitor engagement programmes. At Culzean his key projects included developing relations with international funders, restoring original features and artefacts to the castle, introducing new multimedia interpretation and refurbishment of the estates country house hotel.

Paul holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration is a fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing; he has a keen interest in aviation and gained his Private Pilot’s Licence in 1990.

Karen Whitting Director of Public Programmes:

Karen’s career has spanned both the Arts and Heritage sector and she brings with her a wealth of creative and corporate experiences and skills. She was previously Head of Creative Programmes at the Royal Armouries where she was responsible for the creative content, development and delivery of capital programmes across all their sites. She was project manager for the £4 million HLF funded public engagement programme at Fort Nelson as well as the £1.5million White Tower development.

Karen has also worked extensively on live events and interpretation with previous roles at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, the Millennium Dome and Glyndebourne Opera House.