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The RAF Museum occupies two public sites in the UK at Hendon in North London, and Cosford in Shropshire, West Midlands. Find out the latest news from each site here.
Wartime Christmas and Grotto
This December the Royal Air Force Museum London will be having a special guest visiting its Aeronauts Gallery, Father Christmas.
Children of all ages are welcome to visit him from 20th of December until 23rd in the Museum’s specially constructed Grotto before he departs to Lapland to double-check all his final preparations and flight plans for Christmas Eve. In return for a small fee of £3 per child, each child visiting Santa will receive a special gift and be able to tell Father Christmas what they would like their presents to be on Christmas Day; whilst Mum and Dad can take photography of their visit.
Father Christmas will be available to greet people from 11am each day until 5:30pm. Additionally on 18th,19th, 22nd and 23rd of December the Museum will be hosting a free activity suitable for all family members our “Wartime Christmas Experience”.
Read more...
See what activities we have planned for next year.
December's Podcast
This December we have a very special present for our loyal podcast listeners, to thank you all for your support and comments over the last 12 months.
To ensure that we have it exactly right, we’re taking just a little bit longer in producing it, but we promise it will be well worth the wait.
We’ve managed to secure an Oscar nominated actor to read this month’s podcast; an individual who is particularly famous for their portrayal of a highly decorated Royal Air Force Officer and whose distinctive tones have entertained generations of British theatre and cinema goers. We can’t tell you more at this stage, as it would not only reveal our narrator’s identity but also give you a clue to December’s podcast.
So, if we have whetted your curiosity and you wish to find out who it is and the subject that they are narrating visit our Podcast page on 15th December when all will be revealed.
Read more...
Listen to one of this year's podcasts
Discover A Trailblazing Exhibition
Saturday 31st May until Wednesday 31st December
Many people identify the Golden Age of aviation as the period between the two World Wars, a time when young men and women sought thrills, danger and, ultimately, international recognition through trailblazing aviation exploits that set the world alight.
This small group of pioneers were the first to conquer oceans and seas or just the physical and mental demands of long distance flying, without the comfort of the modern technologies that we take for granted today, making their achievements, for many, even more wondrous.
Read more...
Take a Virtual Tour of Milestones of Flight
December's Navigator Highlights
This month Navigator, the Museum's online collection, offers one new set of highlights: Avro Aircraft Photographs.
Founded in 1910 by Alliott Verdon Roe, the A.V. Roe Company, based in Manchester, produced the successful Avro 504 during the First World War.
In the 1930s the company became a subsidiary of Hawker Siddeley and produced trainer aircraft such as the Tutor and Anson. With the onset of war attention was turned to the manufacture of combat aircraft including the famous Lancaster.
Although later designs such as the Avro Tudor were less successful during the post-war period, both the Tudor and the York did play an important role during the Berlin Airlift.
Read more...
Visit Navigator Online Collection
High Flying Gifts For A Cracking Christmas
If you’re searching for that elusive gift which will make their spirits soar once they have ripped open the wrapping paper on Christmas Day morning, why not visit the Royal Air Force Museum’s online shop – www.rafmuseumshop.com?
Here you will find a range of affordable, yet charming, gifts suitable for any member of the family at a price that won’t send your Christmas Budget into a tailspin. Best of all, by purchasing any of the items located on the Museum’s website you will be helping the Museum maintain its unique collection.
Don't forget Royal Mail last posting dates:- For Australia, New Zealand South America 5th December; Japan, USA, Eastern Europe 10th December; Western Europe 12th December; UK 1st Class 20th December.
U.K Residents, to receive your order in time for Christmas please place it with us no later than Monday 15th December.
Read more...
Visit The Museum's Online Shop
Supporting Our Service Personnel at Christmas
Public support means a great deal to those who are serving, and particularly to those on operations. Support from home is an essential part of the morale of our Armed Forces deployed overseas amid the stresses and strains of the operational environment but well intention parcels sent by the public can delay those sent by families and friends.
There are many ways in which members of the Public can support our Servicemen and women. The link below highlights some of the best ways to provide support, whether for troops deployed on operations, for personnel who have been wounded or for ex-service personnel.
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Learn how to support our Service Personnel in the run up to Christmas
Lest We Forget - 30th October to 19th December
2008 marks the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War and the 90th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force. In this, the Royal Air Force’s 90th anniversary year it is fitting that we remember those whose sacrifice throughout the Service’s history have defended our ideals and way of life; as well as those they left behind.
‘Lest We Forget’ is a poignant and unflinching exhibition that highlights the sacrifices made during human conflict. It invites us to reflect on the loss of the individual and the impact that their departure has on their families and loved ones; whilst exploring the invaluable work of the agencies and support networks that have emerged during the last 90 years to bring practical aid and comfort to those RAF families who have suffered bereavement.
Read more...
View our online exhibitions
Teachers Programme Announced: National Science and Engineering Week 2009
9th - 13th March 2009
Next year the museum is celebrating National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW) with a fun packed educational extravaganza.
NSEW, now in its 14th year, aims to engage and inspire people of all ages with science and technology. 2009's theme is change and the RAF museum, with its widely diverse collection of aircraft from the past 100 years, can demonstrate how science and technology have helped us develop aircraft from the Wright Flyer to the supersonic Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Museum will be running themed days featuring workshops, scientific discovery trails and staff led interactive fun in our Aeronauts gallery.
Cost is £15 per class of up to 30 school children.
Read more...
Learn more about the various educational trips we are able to offer
Become a Fan of the Museum with Facebook
In return we promise to keep our page updated on a regular basis so that you are made aware of future events once they have been confirmed and to place regularly on the page exclusive images and videos of the people and events that bring the Museum to life. To reward your loyalty we will hold regular competitions and run special offers which only members of our Facebook Fan Club will be able to take advantage of.
All that you need to do is to login to your Facebook account, search for us under Royal Air Force Museum and start interacting.
Read more...
Go to our Facebook Page
Lindbergh's Aircraft Arrives at Museum
The Royal Air Force Museum is proud to announce the arrival of the MILES M.12 MOHAWK G-AEKW/HM503. The aircraft is now on display in the Milestones of Flight Gallery, as part of the ‘Trailblazers’ exhibition.
The aircraft arrived at the Museum on the 18th of August, by road, after a final re-paint at the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, Cosford.
First flown by Charles Lindbergh in 1936 it was given its distinctive orange and black colour scheme, with the fuselage and undercarriage in black, with orange fuselage cheat line, orange wings and tail, by the famous American pilot as a high-visibility scheme.
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Learn more about the Miles Mohawk
Museum Honours The R A F's Diverse Heritage
The 22nd of June commemorates the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in the East End, bringing with it the first of many groups of Afro-Caribbean immigrants who have so enriched the economic, social and cultural life of the United Kingdom since their arrival.
Amongst the passengers were ex-service personnel who served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, many of whom decided to make the trip to rejoin the service in the U.K. On this anniversary, members of the Afro-Caribbean, Indian and other ethnic communities may wish to visit the Royal Air Force Museum, London where the Museum is currently honouring the contributions that their peers have made to the RAF with a permanent exhibition “Diversity in the Royal Air Force”.
Read more...
Take A Virtual Tour of Historic Hangars
Record Breaking Legend Lands at The Museum
The Royal Air Force Museum is proud to announce the arrival of the Percival Mew Gull Replica, generously donated by the Alex Henshaw Estate.
Alex Henshaw (1912 – 2007), was a British Air Racer during the 1930’s and a test pilot for Vickers Armstrong in the Second World War. As a result it is estimated that he flew 10% of Spitfires made during that time.
Image: Mr Alex Henshaw Jnr reviewing the replica's interior.
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Learn more about the Mew Gull replica.
Royal Air Force Museum Hosts 90th Anniversary Celebrations
On the evening of Tuesday 1st April the Trustees of the Royal Air Force Museum held a VVIP banquet for the Royal Air Force at the London site.
At 1900hrs a BBMF Spitfire piloted by Squadron Leader Al Pinner did a flypast across the Museum site. This was closely followed by a formation of nine Eurofighter Typhoons.
Read more...
Discover what it was like to celebrate Christmas during the Second World War as part of a wartime weekend packed with activities for all the family at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Shropshire.
With only five weeks left until Christmas, this jam packed weekend of festive performances and activities brings to life the experiences of the 1940s family; getting you in the Festive mood.
The Salvation Army will be playing Christmas music at 3pm on the Sunday and local schools will be entertaining visitors with carols on both mornings. A selection of Christmas craft stalls will be selling a wide range of unique and unusual gifts; and Santa will be in his wartime Grotto, where he will be dropping off some early Christmas gifts for children at only £2.50 per child.
Read more...
Learn about our other Winter Activities
The Michael Beetham Conservation Centre (MBCC) at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford last week opened its doors. For one special week, visitors gained exclusive behind-the-scenes access to aircraft conservation work with a rare opportunity to view current projects.
Almost 2,500 members of the public flocked to the Museum to catch a glimpse of the current projects which include; the Handley Page Hampden bomber, a Fairey Battle and the Messerschmitt Me163B “Komet”.
Read more...
Visit the "What's On" page for 2009 Open Week dates
This December we have a very special present for our loyal podcast listeners, to thank you all for your support and comments over the last 12 months.
To ensure that we have it exactly right, we’re taking just a little bit longer in producing it, but we promise it will be well worth the wait.
We’ve managed to secure an Oscar nominated actor to read this month’s podcast; an individual who is particularly famous for their portrayal of a highly decorated Royal Air Force Officer and whose distinctive tones have entertained generations of British theatre and cinema goers. We can’t tell you more at this stage, as it would not only reveal our narrator’s identity but also give you a clue to December’s podcast.
So, if we have whetted your curiosity and you wish to find out who it is and the subject that they are narrating visit our Podcast page on 15th December when all will be revealed.
Read more...
Listen to one of this year's podcasts
This month Navigator, the Museum's online collection, offers one new set of highlights: Avro Aircraft Photographs.
Founded in 1910 by Alliott Verdon Roe, the A.V. Roe Company, based in Manchester, produced the successful Avro 504 during the First World War.
In the 1930s the company became a subsidiary of Hawker Siddeley and produced trainer aircraft such as the Tutor and Anson. With the onset of war attention was turned to the manufacture of combat aircraft including the famous Lancaster. Although later designs such as the Avro Tudor were less successful during the post-war period, both the Tudor and the York did play an important role during the Berlin Airlift.
Read more...
Visit Navigator Online Collection
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford was awarded this week with the “Access for All Award” at the Tourism West Midlands Excellence Awards 2008 in recognition of its pioneering work in extending access to its multi-award winning Museum and National Cold War Exhibition.
The Museum and exhibition were praised for their easy access for wheelchairs and the free loan of mobility scooters and tactical diagrams. The Museum was also commended on their prompt response to customer enquiries and the helpfulness of its staff.
Alex Medhurst, General Manager says; “We are very pleased that the RAF Museum has been recognised for its achievements and the hard work of dedicated staff by being awarded with this very prestigious Gold Award for access for all”.
Read more...
Learn more about our award winning National Cold War Exhibition
If you’re searching for that elusive gift which will make their spirits soar once they have ripped open the wrapping paper on Christmas Day morning, why not visit the Royal Air Force Museum’s online shop – www.rafmuseumshop.com?
Here you will find a range of affordable, yet charming, gifts suitable for any member of the family at a price that won’t send your Christmas Budget into a tailspin. Best of all, by purchasing any of the items located on the Museum’s website you will be helping the Museum maintain its unique collection.
Don't forget Royal Mail last posting dates:- For Australia, New Zealand South America 5th December; Japan, USA, Eastern Europe 10th December; Western Europe 12th December; UK 1st Class 20th December.
UK Residents,to receive your order in time for Christmas please place it with us no later than Monday 15th December
Read more...
Visit the Museum's Online Shop
As part of May’s Museums and Galleries Month the Royal Air Force Museum teamed up with online auction house Top Lots to offer an exclusive experience behind the scenes at the Museum’s Cosford site.
This exclusive day allowed the successful bidder to witness the ground-breaking conservation and preservation work undertaken by the staff of the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre.
Pictured during the visit are Malcolm & Dawn Rees and Roger Bridges with MBCC staff Darren Priday, John Warburton and MBCC Manager Tim Wallis.
Read more...
Learn more about the work of the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has been listed in Britain's Top 100 Attractions, All Weather, All Year, which has been published by Ian Allan, in direct response to one of the most disappointing summers on record in terms of weather.
Read more...
Plan your visit, find out what there is to see and do
In return we promise to keep our page updated on a regular basis so that you are made aware of future events once they have been confirmed and to place regularly on the page exclusive images and videos of the people and events that bring the Museum to life. To reward your loyalty we will hold regular competitions and run special offers which only members of our Facebook Fan Club will be able to take advantage of.
All that you need to do is to login to your Facebook account, search for us under Royal Air Force Museum and start interacting.
Read more...
Visit our Facebook Fan Page.
A major refurbishment to enhance the museum’s ‘flying experience’ for schools is currently underway in the Let’s Fly classroom at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford.
Due to be ‘re-launched’ in January 2009, the classroom is being transformed into a mini airport enabling children to participate in the entire holiday flight experience from checking-in through to passport control and actually boarding an aeroplane.
Read more...
Learn more about our other exciting activities for school groups.
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford and its award winning National Cold War Exhibition received a 10 out of 10 rating in Central TV’s News ‘Best Value Kids Attraction' as seen by viewers on 12th August.
The Museum was particularly praised for being “dynamic”. ITV Central presenter Llewela Bailey and her son Harry were “bowled over” by the National Cold War Exhibition, which is “brilliantly put together” so much so that after spending just a few hours at the Museum they felt visitors needed more than a single day at the Museum as there was so much to take in.
Read more...
Take a Virtual Tour of the National Cold War Exhibition
The Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford is proud to be awarded two new accolades after already being crowned ‘Best of the West’ at the Renaissance West Midlands Awards earlier in April.
Staff and volunteers at RAF Museum Cosford are celebrating after Servicemark, the National Standard for Customer Service, granted the Museum a Silver Award.
Read more...
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