On 14 April, 2023 the Newark Air Museum (NAM) Nottinghamshire, UK, will have been officially open to the public for fifty years. To celebrate this golden jubilee anniversary, NAM is hosting a two-day special event on the weekend of 15 and 16 April, at its site in eastern Nottinghamshire.
Various themes will be marked during the event to recognize both NAM’s past achievements, and also with an eye to the future developments and associations.
One particular aim is to try and get as many people as possible to attend the celebrations, who were at the official opening back in 1973. NAM already has a number of people amongst its membership who fit that profile, but the museum trustees are keen to make contact with any members of the public who were at the official opening in 1973.
The official opening in 1973 was marked with the release of a special First Day Cover, copies of which were flown across the local area in various aircraft. If anyone attends the Golden Jubilee event with an original First Day Cover, they will be allowed free admission to the museum celebrations!
Looking to the future, the event will be the first time that NAM has hosted a display from the Air and Space Institute (ASI) in Newark, who will be present on both days and who are creating exciting opportunities within aviation.
Ross Tarnowski, ASI’s, Head of Learning and Skills for Engineering and Technology said: “It is great to see Newark Air Museum reach their 50th anniversary and a significant milestone in their rich history. Since opening, the museum has gone from humble beginnings to one of the largest volunteer managed aviation collections in the UK. I am really pleased that the Air & Space Institute has a partnership with the museum which allows our learners access to this unique collection.
The educational benefit for our students is exceptional, and we are already discussing with the museum how the 3D printing of aircraft components (including cockpit switches and covers) can be integrated into supporting the upkeep of such a prodigious collection. Further collaborative projects are planned to ensure that ASI and its students can continue to aid such a valuable local organisation and charity.”
Final preparations for the event are still being refined but NAM volunteers will have lots of open cockpits available for visitors to look at; along with visiting displays and some possible celebrity appearances. Plus, an outdoor ‘Aeroboot aviation sale’ will be running on both days, and will be a good opportunity to grab some aviation bargains.
Details: Event admission rates: Adults £10.00, Over 65s £9.00, Children £5.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £28.00. GIFT AIDED admission provides a huge boost to our fund raising efforts in these challenging times. Newark Air Museum, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NY Tel: 01636 707170 www.newarkairmuseum.org
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James Kightly, from Melbourne, Australia, discovered his passion for aviation at the Moorabbin collection in the late 1960s. With over 30 years of writing experience for aviation magazines in the UK, US, Australia, and France, he is a feature writer for Aeroplane Monthly and an advisor for the RAAF History & Heritage Branch.
James has interviewed aviation professionals worldwide and co-runs the Aviation Cultures conferences. He has flown in historic aircraft like the Canadian Warplane Heritage’s Lancaster. At Vintage Aviation News, he ensures accurate and insightful aviation history articles.
Outside aviation, James has worked extensively in the book trade and museums. He supports the Moorabbin Air Museum and the Shuttleworth Collection. James lives in rural Victoria with his wife and dog.
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