04 May 2009

Museum celebrates 30 years

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford celebrated its 30th Anniversary on Friday 1 May with an afternoon of events, which included a flypast by a Spitfire Mk 19, from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

At 12.40pm, crowds of visitors and aviation enthusiasts gathered outside to view the Spitfire which flew from RAF Coningsby, flown by pilot Alistair Pinner.  Following this, past and present Museum staff posed for photos against a backdrop of the Bristol 188 and the MH-53 Pave Low Helicopter.  The Bristol 188 is one of the Museum’s first aircraft and the MH-53 Pave Low is our most recent addition.  Both aircraft were displayed outside together exclusively for today’s events.

An official plaque was unveiled by the Museum’s General Manager, Alex Medhurst, in the presence of current and former members of Museum staff and volunteers, commemorating the anniversary and the Museum’s development over the last three decades.  The specially commissioned plaque is made from a genuine engine bearer from a 1918 Sopwith Snipe and is now on display, in the Museums Visitor Centre.  

After a short interlude the Brass Quintet from the Royal Air Force College Band performed in the Museum's Visitor Centre whilst guests and Museum visitors enjoyed lunch.  A specially designed anniversary cake was cut for guests to enjoy.  

Visitors and guests were also able to view, a timeline noting all the significant events of the Museum’s history since its foundation in 1979. This will remain on display in the Museums Visitor Centre for the next fortnight for visitors to view.

Nina Mitchell, Events Coordinator says:
“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in the Museum’s history.  It was nice to see so many old friends return to the Museum for this special occasion, many of whom were here all those years ago”.

Entrance to the Museum and parking is FREE of charge.  For further information please contact the Museum on 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.