Blenheim parts go on display
The Bristol Aero Collection is putting on display several components recovered from the crash site of a Bristol Blenheim. The aircraft, R3912, of Bicester-based No.13 OTU (Operational Training Unit) was on a training sortie over Somerset on 5th July 1943, when it crashed in a field at Pawlett near North Petherton. The crew (Sgt. James Anderson, Sgt. Gilbert McBoyle and Sgt. Adam Hogg) were killed in the crash, which has never been fully explained, although it is thought it may have collided with a barrage balloon cable. After ten years of negotiations, local aviation archaeologist Tike Hake received permission from the MoD to recover any wreckage, and conducted a dig in July 2007. Shortly after the crash in 1942, the bodies were recovered, and the crew were buried in Scotland and Bridgwater.
Several items were recovered during the dig including propeller blades, engine and airframe parts, and personal items such as coins and a mug. Some of these items will shortly be going on display in the BAC hangar at Kemble, as a memorial to the crew.
Components from R3912 shortly after arrival at Kemble - these include an undercarriage oleo, propeller hub, and engine parts.
Summer opening hours - Easter 2008
Volunteers in the Bristol Aero Collection hangar at Kemble have been gearing up for the extended Summer opening hours, which begins at Easter. From 23rd March 2008, the display hangar will be open on Sundays as well as Mondays. As a special bonus, the museum will be open all through the Easter weekend, including Friday and Saturday. Admission prices remain the same for yet another year - £4 for adults, £3 for concessions, £2 for children (age 4-12), and £10 for a family ticket. The hangar is open from 10am to 4pm, and remember that access is via the main gate, which is on the A429 to the south of Kemble Airport, and not the A433 north gate entrance to the airport itself.
Fancy a VIP tour of Concorde?
In October, the Bristol Aero Collection will be participating in an exciting new initiative, called
TopLots. This is the first ebay auction of its kind, where the UK's museums, galleries and heritage attractions go on-line with unique experiences and 'behind the scenes' activities. We hope that you will go on-line to support us by bidding for our own special lot of a personal, private tour for two people on Concorde G-BOAF at Filton, Bristol, including photography in the flight deck and champagne in the cabin. The lot also includes a private tour of the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust facility nearby. The auction starts on 1st October, and is only on for 10 days.
To bid on the auction:
Register on www.toplots.co.uk to be reminded of the auction start, and browse the growing list of lotsSet up an eBay account (if you haven’t already got one) at www.ebay.co.ukLog on to www.ebay.co.uk/toplots regularly during October - individual lots will be on for 10 days only, so you’ll need to keep checking to avoid missing our lot.TopLots is all in a very good cause. Thanks to eBay for Charity the money generated by the bids will come straight back to us (less a small admin charge) to help with our work.
The TopLots heritage auction is run in partnership between eBay, the Association for Independent Museums and UK heritage fundraising specialists, Development Partners, working closely with VisitBritain and EnjoyEngland. The aim is to generate vital new funds for the participating museums, galleries and heritage properties – all not-for-profit organisations.
2007/08 lecture season
With the nights drawing in, it's time to look forward to the upcoming season of lectures organised by the Bristol Aero Collection. The first takes place on Friday 5th October at BAWA, with a talk by Tim Ryan on
The History of the Severn Ferries, and the rescue of the Severn Princess. This ferry was launched in 1959, and crossed the Severn between Aust and Beachley until the Severn Bridge opened in 1966. In 1999, the abandoned ferry was rescued from a beach in Galway, and towed to the Severn Estuary for restoration.
The next talk is on the Story of Napier Aero Engines by Alan Vessey, and takes place on Friday 2nd November 2007. Napiers first aero-engine design was the Lion in 1916, but the company can trace its roots back to the early 19th century. Alan formed the Napier Power Heritage Trust in 1992.
Talks take place in the BAWA Leisure Centre, on Southmead Road, Filton, and start at 7:15pm. They are open to all Bristol Aero Collection members, but non-members are very welcome to come along on the night and find out more about the benefits of membership.
Summer Opening 2007
The Bristol Aero Collection hangar at Kemble is now open on Sundays, as well as Mondays. From 1st April 2007 we are in the summer opening season, which will last through to the end of October. In addition, the hangar will also be open right through the Easter weekend, and for many of the events that take place on Kemble airfield throughout the summer. The first of these is the Kemble Air Day - arguably the best air show in the region - which takes place on Sunday 17th June.
Remember that the Bristol Aero Collection moved hangar last year, it is now in E2, and maps are available at security at the main gate. The new model room has now be completed, and includes a gallery of paintings.
