Posts Tagged ‘September’

Reid and Sigrist Desford at Newark Air Museum

Tuesday, September 27th, 2022

Desford at Newark Air Museum

On Friday 19th August, 2022 the Newark Air Museum (NAM) took delivery of the Reid and Sigrist (RS) Desford aircraft onto its site in north eastern Nottinghamshire. This was the culmination of months of organisation in association with Leicestershire County Council (LCC), who has transferred ownership of the unique aircraft to the museum; and with Windmill Aviation, who restored the aircraft.

The delivery flight was completed onto part of the former RAF Winthorpe site. This was made possible thanks to the generous support and co-operation of the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society and the Newark Motor Auction company, plus all of their staff.

After defueling and the removal of some items, the RS Desford was moved into a temporary undercover display location in Hangar 2 at the museum. Since delivery day, the museum, trustees, volunteers and staff have been busy with behind the scenes preparations for moving the RS Desford into its final display location in Hangar 1.

During the museum’s discussions with LLC over the transfer of ownership of the RS Desford, an Interpretation Plan was drawn up for the aircraft. This will include a new display that will utilise some of the archive material that was transferred to NAM along with the aircraft. This will be implemented after NAM finalises the required work schedule to move the RS Desford into Hangar 1, where it will be housed alongside some contemporary exhibits.

Some aspects of this relocation project have already been completed, including repositioning the Tiger Moth; and folding the wings on the Monospar, which is now ready for its temporary move. Additional planning work is also underway with regards to other tasks required to ensure that the various temporary airframe moves can be implemented in a safe and choreographed manner, and hopefully without too much disruption.

At a more detailed level NAM engineers have been undertaking an assessment of the RS Desford to see how it can become part of various events and activities at the museum in a safe way, that befits its unique status. Any future activities will be undertaken in accordance with NAM’s obligations as an Accredited Museum and for the long-term protection of the airframe.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Royal blessing for Bournemouth Air Festival

Thursday, September 1st, 2022

Bournemouth Air Festival Queen Elizabeth II has given her blessing to the Platinum Jubilee Bournemouth Air Festival.

Her Majesty’s good wishes come as two further surprises are announced for the free four-day event on land, sea, and air.

The American B-52 bomber is set to make an appearance on Saturday before the Red Arrows take flight with their special formation celebrating the Platinum Jubilee.

Meanwhile the iconic Spitfire, hero of World War II, will be joined in formation by the mighty modern Typhoon for several enthralling passes on Friday.

However, before the planes get ready to roar, the Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Robert Lawton is celebrating a letter from the Queen giving her good wishes to this year’s festival.

Cllr Lawton wrote to the Queen earlier on in the year inviting her to the festival, which he said was dedicated to her Majesty and aimed to celebrate her 70 years of service.

In a letter back, the Queen’s Diary Secretary Mrs Helen Cross, said the Queen would be unable to attend, but hoped “very much that the Air Festival is a successful and enjoyable one for all those attending.”

Cllr Lawton said: “It’s an enormous privilege to receive this letter from the Queen in her historic Platinum Jubilee year.

“The Bournemouth Air Festival incorporates everything that falls under the Queen in her capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, so it’s a great honour that she’s acknowledged our mark of respect in this way and I’m very glad that we’ve been able to celebrate this significant year most fittingly.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the spectacular displays in the air, on land and at sea over the next few days and encourage everyone to come and enjoy everything the Platinum Jubilee Bournemouth Air Festival has to offer.”

Alongside the Red Arrows, Spitfire and B52, festival goers can look forward to a host of other events on land and at sea, including fairground rides, bird of prey displays, bands, fireworks, trade and food stalls throughout. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) tent is also back this year to inspire the next generation, with exhibitors including the RNLI, AUB and Rolls Royce.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Vibrant Place said that after a few challenging years due to the pandemic the festival, which is organised by BCP Council, was very much about celebrating the local community.

She said: “We want to give our community something to celebrate, and something to be proud of and we are certainly proud of this year’s line-up. Now in its 14th year, it provides free entertainment over four days against a backdrop of award-winning beaches – so it’s perfect pocket-friendly entertainment for families.”

“Tourism is worth over £1billion to the local economy and supports almost 18,000 jobs. In 2021 the Air Festival brought in a total spend of £49.7m into the local economy, attracted about 800,000 visitors from all over the UK and supported about 266 full time jobs, so it is a critical event in the calendar locally.”

“Aside from the excitement of the aerobatics and ground displays, a particular favourite of mine is the STEM marquee, which integrates the areas and challenges of science, technology and engineering to inspire the next generation by giving young people access to some of the region’s high-profile STEM companies.

“So, I’d like to say a huge thank you to all those that make the festival happen. Thank you to the Armed Forces, the RAF, and the Royal Navy, The Army and the Royal Marines for creating some incredible displays that always draw in the crowds.”

“Thanks to those at the council working behind the scenes and the businesses and traders taking part. Thank you to our partners at Bournemouth Airport, Dorset Police, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, the HM Coastguard, the RNLI and South Western Ambulance Services along with our other multi agency partners.”

“We couldn’t put on the festival without all these people, so it’s truly a collective community effort.”

The award-winning Bournemouth Air Festival is scheduled to take place from today, Thursday, September 1, to Sunday, September 4.

http://www.bournemouthair.co.uk

#Footage of Sunseeker and Muscle Bi-Plane practice stunt can be found here. You can download it by clicking the three dots in the bottom right-hand corner: https://business.coastwiththemost.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Hawk-38-VS-G-JPIT-Plane.mp4  

Aircraft rolled out for another Photography Night Shoot

Thursday, September 30th, 2021

RAF Museum Albatross

Date: 19 November / Time: 5.00pm to 9.00pm / Cost: £45 per person (over 16s only)

The RAF Museum London has teamed up with Threshold Aero to offer an exclusive evening shoot with our fantastic collection of First World War Aircraft.

Two of our aircraft and a vehicle will be coming out of their Hangar to be photographed, like never before. Our Albatros, R.E.8. and Crossley Tender will sit proudly outside the Hangar doors of the Grahame White Factory for this unique photographic opportunity. The backdrop for your photographs will be the historic Hangar doors of the Hangar which dates to 1912.

Each aircraft will be lit up with professional LED lighting with Auto White Balance. This will give you the opportunity to capture shots of the aircraft in their Museum setting, showcased like never before and without the public in your shots. Our small team of Living History volunteers will be posing for special shots that will make your photos come to life.

Other aircraft inside the Hangar will be lit with LED lighting and have the barriers removed (where possible) for shots in their Museum setting, but without visiting public.

The Night Shoot will start at 5.30pm, following a short safety briefing to ensure that you get the most out of the experience. You can also book a hot meal in advance with your ticket. You can choose from a soft or alcoholic drink with your meal when you purchase your ticket. Hot food is only available when booked in advance and the food will be served between 4.00pm and 6.00pm

The event is suitable for all abilities, you don’t need to be a professional photographer to enjoy the event. A team from Threshold Aero will be on hand throughout the evening to provide assistance and guidance if required. Please read our full terms and conditions before booking, this event is highly dependant on weather conditions due to the delicate nature of the aircraft.

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/

Aircraft rolled out for Photography Night Shoot

Monday, September 27th, 2021

RAF Museum Cosford VC10

Date: 26-27 November / Time: 5.00pm to 9.00pm / Cost: £40 per person (over 16s only)

Aircraft will be rolled out of the hangars at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in November for an exclusive Photography Night Shoot event, where the planes will be the inspiration for the photos. Whether you’re an amateur with the camera, or an avid photographer, the after-hours event is suitable for anyone looking to advance their skills and enjoy exclusive access to the Museum’s aircraft.

Taking place on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 November, 150 places are available per evening and tickets are selling fast! The Photography Night Shoot event offers attendees the opportunity to capture stand-alone photos of the aircraft, outside of the hangars and beautifully lit against a backdrop of the night sky.

Aircraft from the Museum’s collection will be illuminated with LED lighting, and are guaranteed to provide a spectacular photo opportunity. Aircraft from the Test Flight hangar, including the British Aerospace Experimental Aircraft Programme EAP, SEPECAT Jaguar ACT Demonstrator, and the Saunders-Roe SR 53 will be displayed outside exclusively for the night shoot, allowing photographers to take unobstructed images. The Vickers VC10 C1K and the Hawker Siddeley Dominie T.Mk.1 displayed within the Museum grounds will also be illuminated for the event.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Ulrike Stuebner said:
‘We’re really looking forward to showcasing the aircraft in a completely different light and seeing the incredible images people capture. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to enjoy the Night Shoot event, it’s suitable for all abilities and we have experts on hand to offer advice if needed.’

The Museum has teamed up with Threshold Aero, specialists in aviation night shoot photography to deliver the event which commences at 5.00pm both evenings. Photographers can snap away taking photos of each aircraft after dark, up until 9pm when the event closes. Tickets cost £40 per person (over 16s only).

If you’re still getting to grips with using a camera, book your place on the Beginners Workshop and brush up on your skills in this two-hour afternoon course prior to the Night Shoot on the Saturday. Ideal for individuals who are new to photography, enjoy the Beginners Workshop and Night Shoot for just £65 per person. Delivered by Lee Chapman of Chappers Photography, an experienced aviation photographer and fully qualified lecturer in adult education, participants will learn some useful tips in a 1-hour seminar, before putting their new-found skills to the test in a guided walk around the specially lit exhibits. The instructor will be on hand throughout the evening to ensure that you refine your photography skills and leave with a set of images you can be proud of.

The Airfield Kitchen in the Visitor Centre will be open throughout the evening serving hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. Fish and Chips and Cheese and Onion Pie are also on the menu, pre-order your dinner when purchasing tickets, and receive a complimentary hot drink!

Tickets to the Photography Night Shoot event are now available to purchase in advance via the Museum website and cost £40 per person (including onsite parking), or £65 per person with the addition of the Beginners Workshop. Ticket holders must be aged 16 years and over. Visit http://www.rafmuseum.org/cosford for more details.

Autumn 1940s Weekend at Newark Air Museum

Friday, September 24th, 2021

1940s weekend at Newark Air Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Brooklands’ Loch Ness ‘Wellington’ Monster

Monday, September 21st, 2020

Brooklands Wellington

Thirty-five years ago today (September 21st 1985), there was frantic activity on the banks of Loch Ness as a ‘monster’ was hoisted from its depths.

This ‘monster’ was Wellington Bomber N2980, nicknamed ‘R for Robert.’

During a training exercise with 20 Operation Training Unit, based at RAF Lossiemouth, on December 31, 1939, this bomber was forced to ditch into Loch Ness due to engine failure where it remained, hidden and almost forgotten, for 46 years.

In 1985, the year the plane was recovered, Squadron Leader NWD Marwood-Elton, the pilot, recalled the night the plane went down.

“It was New Year’s Eve, and snowing slightly, but not too bad because the sun came out between the showers, and we took off from Lossiemouth (in Moray, Scotland) and headed out towards the west coast of Scotland, and whilst we were over the mountains the starboard engine spluttered and came to a stop.

“That in itself meant the aircraft could not fly back to Lossiemouth. It didn’t mean we had to bail out or force land immediately because we were at 8,000ft and had quite an amount of time, but we had to do something, and the first thing we did was to look round for somewhere to land and all we could we see was tops of mountains through the snow storms, and not seeing anywhere where the plane would have come down without crashing, I gave the order for them to bail out.

“I looked round again to see if there was any chance of a landing and, as luck would have it, Loch Ness came into sight. So I cancelled the order for bailing out and said we would land.”

One of the crew members, Sgt JS Fensome, 20, who did not hear the second order, bailed out and was killed. He is buried at the Holy Trinity Churchyard, in Biscot, Bedfordshire.

Marwood-Elton continued: “Landing on Loch Ness was a very easy thing because Loch Ness stretched out like a runway. The only difference was it was water, and of course below those waters was the monster and we weren’t quite certain what he would think about it.”

“We came on down and kept our undercarriage up, opened our escape hatch above us, and landed quite gently. A certain amount of spray came up automatically and it came in through our escape hatch so we got a nice dose of cold water over us. And the dinghy came out on the wing tip. So, we got out, walked along, got into the dinghy and the aircraft sank. And there it’s been all those years.”

Although the plane was recovered in 1985, the story of its discovery began in 1970 when Dr Robert H Rines, a wealthy patent lawyer from Boston, Massachusetts, Martin Klein, a pioneering American sonar expert, and Tim Dinsdale, embarked on an expedition to Loch Ness. The trio used a Klein side scan sonar to search the waters in a quest to find Nessie.

Subsequent surveys in 1980 and 1981 by Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, revealed that the old aircraft had been seriously damaged since it was first viewed in 1978. To save the aircraft and recover it before the damage became too great, in 1984 Robin Holmes, a senior lecturer at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, set up a charity called Loch Ness Wellington Association Ltd. Thanks to donations from the public and a National Heritage Memorial Fund grant, a recovery operation was mounted in 1985.

Robin said: “The first attempt proved to be a total disaster when the lifting frame collapsed. Another lifting frame was hurriedly designed ‘on the back of an envelope’ and sent off to be built at an engineering company located on the Moray Firth. This time, the recovery was successful and old ‘R for Robert’ was craned out of the water at Bona Lighthouse, up at the north end of Loch Ness, on September 21, 1985.”

Following its recovery, the salvaged material was donated to Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey, a suitable home as ‘R for Robert’ was first assembled at the Vickers Armstrongs factory in Weybridge in October 1939.

In the intervening years, over 100,000 volunteer hours have been spent restoring the aircraft. Fully restored, the Loch Ness Wellington today takes pride of place in the museum.

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Commemorating Battle of Britain 80 at the RAF Museum

Monday, September 21st, 2020

Battle of Britain Commemoration

2020 is the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain (BoB) which is recognised as the country’s finest hour. The Royal Air Force Museum is inviting the country to remember this significant story of bravery, international alliances and ingenuity both at the Museum and online.

On the evening of Thursday 17 September, the RAF Museum London held a small, private and socially distanced ceremonial event commemorating Battle of Britain 80 and the opening of the new Battle of Britain display and art exhibition.

Full precautions were in place to ensure the small group of guests at the ceremony, adhered to the social distancing laws. In attendance were Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston CBE ADC Chief of the Air Staff (CAS); Air Marshal Andrew Turner CB CBE MA MSC BA FRAES CCMI RAF DCOM Cap; Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen John Hillier, KCB, CBE, DFC, ADC; Malcolm Brecht CB CBE – Director C-17 International Field Services at Boeing Global Services; Maggie Appleton MBE (RAF Museum CEO) and Sir Andrew Pulford GCB CBE DL RAF Museum Chair).

The ceremony featured QCS, Sunset Ceremony and a flypast by a BBMF Spitfire. To conclude the evening RAF veteran Benny Goodman was presented with an early birthday present ahead of his 100th birthday by RAF CAS and the Chelsea Football Club Foundation.’

The London Museum is home to the most complete set of Battle of Britain aircraft in the world including the ‘fighter four’: Spitfire, Hurricane, Messerschmitt 109 and Fiat CR42, all participants in the BoB. This year they will be supported by new displays telling the wider BoB story, including an enigma machine, Dowding and Goering’s busts and medals, and Newall’s uniform. Complimenting the new display will be stunning year-long art exhibition: In Air and Fire: War Artists, the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. The exhibition will present over 50 works of art created in response to the war in the air by acclaimed artists such as Nash, Kennington, Laura Knight, Graham Sutherland, Nessler, Nevinson and Olga Lehmann.

The RAF Museum is FREE to enter and has sites at both London and the West Midlands. With wide open spaces both inside and out, the Museum is a great and safe day out for all the family and will be commemorating BoB 80 with a series of special events and exhibitions.

www.rafmuseum.org

26th September 2020 Aeroboot Cancelled

Saturday, September 12th, 2020

Newark Aeroboot Cancelled

The Newark Air Museum (NAM) has taken the decision to cancel the Aeroboot /Aerojumble Sale that was due to take place on its Southfield Site on Saturday 26th September, 2020.

This decision has been reached following some detailed in-house discussions; and in response to the legislation changes announced recently by the government, who were responding to the increased levels of coronavirus infection around the UK.

The NAM had delayed sending out the participation passes to sellers as it tried to design a one-way system around the proposed sale. This was aimed at trying to encourage social distancing, but allowed people to access all sellers fairly. Based on observations at previous outdoor sales, NAM recognised that this was going to be challenging. One possible solution was that we may have been forced to request sellers did not put up gazebos and awnings; something that was not perhaps ideal for an outdoor sale of this type.

NAM was planning to use a voluntary listing system to meet our Track and Trace obligations for sellers and buyers attending the sale. However, the recent changes to the Track and Trace legislation, meant that as event organisers NAM would now have a legal obligation to record everyone’s information, or risk a fine. Given the outdoor nature of the event and the challenges of capturing the required information without creating unduly long queues, it was realised this was not going to be a viable option.

Furthermore, a review of the locations that some sellers were travelling from indicated that they were likely to be travelling from areas of the country that were already subject to additional coronavirus restrictions already. As such the trustees felt uncomfortable encouraging people to meet up at a special event.

The decision to cancel, was not taken lightly and NAM does appreciate that this could upset some people. However, many sellers and buyers often travel long distances to attend the event and it was felt necessary to give these people as much notice as possible of our intentions.
The NAM is sorry for any inconvenience these changes may cause but we are convinced that it is the right decision.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Untold Battle of Britain Podcast to be launched on Battle of Britain Day

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020

Battle of Britain podcast

The National Archives, the RAF and the RAF Museum will release a collaborative bonus episode of On the Record at The National Archives to mark Battle of Britain Day on 15 September.

Listen to the trailer here.

80 years on from the conflict, this episode focuses on lesser-known figures from the Battle of Britain to highlight the variety of people who contributed to the military campaign.

Vicky Iglikowski-Broad (The National Archives) reveals the bravery of three women who kept contact lines open while their airbase was under fire. Lucia Wallbank (RAF Museum) tells the story of Mahinder Singh Pujji and Vincent Bunting, two of the many pilots from overseas who enlisted to fight, while Mandy Singleton (RAF) highlights the engineers who maintained the planes and kept pilots safe.

www.rafmuseum.org

Conway engine arrives at Newark Air Museum

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020

Conway engine arrives at Newark Air Museum

On Tuesday 1st September 2020, the latest addition to Newark Air Museum’s collection of aero engines arrived at the museum site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire. Today’s arrival was a Rolls-Royce Conway engine RC 042-540.

The engine was transported from its former location at Bruntingthorpe, Leics, over to Newark thanks to the generous support by members of the VC10 Preservation Group. As an Accredited Museum, the trustees of Newark Air Museum were able to accept the transfer of the existing loan agreement between RAF Brize Norton and the VC10 Preservation Group.

This is a cutaway R-R Conway engine prepared by British Airways (BA) apprentices in 1981. The cut away engine is powered electrically, with rotating parts, which are displayed behind Perspex covers. The engine is noted for having flown 31,587 hours’ in a BA VC10 and fills another gap in the museum’s extensive aero engine collection. Initially it will be displayed in Hangar 2 close to its off-loading point, but eventually it is hoped that it will be displayed close to the museum’s TriStar CIM at the eastern end of the building.

“We are extremely grateful to Chris Haywood and Jason Kelly from the VC10 Preservation Group for helping us to complete this latest acquisition”, commented museum trustee Colin Savill, he continued. “Based on my own RAF service career the VC10 is an aircraft type that is close to my heart, and it is great that we have been able to secure this Conway engine that in itself was an important part of the VC10 fleet.”

He concluded, “We look forward to being able to demonstrate some of the workings of the mighty Conway to the public in the coming weeks and months!”

www.newarkairmuseum.org