Spitfire flypast for Cosford Conservation Centre anniversary
The Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is celebrating its 10th anniversary today.
Officially opened by Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham on Monday 13th May 2002 as a centre of excellence for aircraft restoration.
During the last decade a team of skilled Technicians and Apprentices have conserved many of the world’s most historic and rarest aircraft.
The Centre will be celebrating this milestone today by opening up its doors with visitors invited to view the projects currently being restored which include the Vickers Wellington and the Handley Page Hampden.
As part of the day’s celebrations visitors will be able to take a trip down memory lane and view a timeline which will note all the significant restoration projects in the Centre’s history. Major projects to have passed through the doors of the Conservation Centre include a Tempest, Vampire, Fairy Battle, the Miles Mohawk and the most recent completion, the Dolphin which is the only example in the world.
A highlight for visitors on the day is a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, scheduled for 1.30pm (weather permitting).
RAF Museum Conservation Centre Manager, Tim Wallis says:
“Since its inception, the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre has taken centre-stage on many occasions, being the first of its kind in so many ways. This very special, purpose-built facility enables the Museum to manage all of its artefact conservation needs in a sympathetic and robust manner. Notwithstanding this, Sir Michael and the Trustees showed great vision and commitment to the preservation of National aviation heritage skills through developing the apprenticeship scheme. The team here are all very proud of our work and the many National or local awards, so we look forward to sharing our experiences with the visiting public on this special day.”
Any visitors unable to attend the anniversary open day will have a second opportunity to view the current restoration projects during the Open Week from the 12-17 November 2012.
Entrance to the Museum and the Conservation Centre for the 10th anniversary open day is FREE of charge and open from 10.00am to 2.00pm.
