26 October 2009

New aircraft is ‘Open Week’ Star

One of Shropshire’s hidden gems, the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre (MBCC) at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be opening its doors to visitors next month for one special week.  From Monday 9th to Saturday 14th November 2009 a wide range of aircraft in various states of restoration will be on display, including the Centre’s latest arrival, the Percival Prentice.

Opened in May 2002 by Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham, the MBCC is regarded as one of the world’s foremost centres of excellence in aircraft conservation and restoration. Its skilled technicians undertake careful, extensive work to prepare aircraft and other projects for display at both of the Museum’s sites in Cosford and London with the MBCC team responsible for the conservation and routine maintenance of some 300 aircraft.
 
By popular request this November’s Open Week has been extended to include a Saturday, enabling those aviation enthusiasts who have week day commitments to enjoy a visit.

Restoration and conservation projects that will be on view to the public include the Museum’s latest acquisition the Percival Prentice, one of only 17 left in the world. Other aircraft on view will include on-going refurbishments such as the Handley Page Hampden TB1, Sopwith Dolphin, Farman F.141, Range Safety Launch and Fairey Battle Mk1.
 
Manager of the Conservation Centre, Tim Wallis says:
“We are looking forward to entertaining our visitors again, be they aircraft enthusiasts or just interested members of the public.  I hope that like our previous guests, they too will enjoy the experience, the exchange of information and the brief, but rare insight into our painstaking work to preserve aviation heritage.  We hope to see many friends, old and new pass through our specialist hangar – so please come along and join us for a while.”
 
Along with a team of skilled technicians there are five apprentices working in the Conservation Centre.  Two have recently completed a three week exchange to America as part of the MBCC Apprentice program.
 
Admission to the Conservation Centre will be FREE and from 10.15am to 1.00pm each day during Open Week.  Cosford’s main Museum will open daily from 10am – 6pm (last admission 5pm).  Admission is FREE of charge.  Open Week’s are planned for 2010 between 15-20 March and 15-20 November.
 
For further information, please contact the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.