Royal Air Force Museum

Royal Air Force Museum
Cosford
Shifnal
Shropshire
TF11 8UP
England

Website

www.rafmuseum.org/cosford

www.rafmuseum.mobi

www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org

E-mail

cosford@rafmuseum.org

Telephone

01902 376200

Fax

Museum Information Line

01902 376211

0844 561 1644

All information is drawn or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.

The Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford houses one of the largest aviation collections in the United Kingdom.

It is home to 70 aircraft and War Planes, Missiles, Transport & Training and Research & Development collections. The National Cold War Exhibition with its interactive kiosks and hotspots offers visitors the opportunity to see what life was like behind the Iron Curtain.

Venue Type:

Museum

Opening hours

Open daily from 10am to 6pm (last admissions 5pm)

Closed 24-26 December and 1 January, 9 - 13 January 2012

Admission charges

Admission free

70 historic aircraft are displayed in three fully heated wartime hangars and within the National Cold War Exhibition. The collection spans over 90 years of aviation history from the first crossing of the channel in 1909 and the first civil transport flight in August 1919, to Polaris, lately Britain's nuclear deterrent.

Collection details

Weapons and War, Social History, Science and Technology, Maritime, Land Transport, Fine Art, Costume and Textiles, Aviation, Archives

Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.

Women in aviation brought to life for half term

27 — 31 May 2013

This May half term the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be celebrating the achievements made by women in aviation. From Monday 27th to Friday 31st May the Museum will be running sessions for families to enjoy, based on some of aviation’s most inspirational women.

Children will learn about pioneering English aviator Amy Johnson who set numerous long-distance records during the 1930's and flew in the Second World War as part of the Air Transport Auxiliary. Taking place in the Museum’s Hangar 1 at 11am and 2pm each day, listen as a news reporter interviews Amy about her childhood, gaining her pilots licence and attempting to break the World record flying to Australia, all played by actors.

Pioneering American aviator Amelia Earhart was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and received the U.S. Distinguished Cross for this record breaking flight. Brought to life by actors during the week, learn about the other flying records set by Amelia before her mysterious disappearance in 1937, as she attempted to fly around the World. Visitors will find Amelia in the Warplanes Hangar throughout the half term week.

It’s not just female pilots who have made their mark in history, families can learn more about the first female in space, Valentina Tereshkova. Join this 50th Anniversary story time session for children taking place near the Space Race Hotspot in the National Cold War Exhibition and hear fascinating stories about Valentina’s experiences in space. Take a look at a real space suit, or try on our space costume and have your photograph taken
whilst viewing photographs and other space related items.

As you wander around the Museum during half term week, stop and speak with members of our staff who are dressed as some of aviation’s most significant women and who will be answering questions from visitors about the character they are playing. And if that's not enough to entertain the children, pick up your free 'Women in Aviation Trail' from the Admissions Desk on arrival and complete it as you tour the Museum.

The future of women in aviation will be represented by three female Museum Apprentices stationed in the Test Flight hangar all week. The Apprentices will be working on panels from the Handley Page Hampden currently being restored in the Museum's Conservation Centre. Beth, Ella and Laura will be demonstrating their skills and the future roles woman have to play within the aviation industry.

Suitable for

Family friendly

Admission

‘Women in Aviation half term’ is FREE of charge and sessions will run throughout the week (sessions each day may vary). These are drop in sessions and you do not need to book in advance. The Museum is open daily from 10am and entry to the Museum is FREE. For more information, please call the Museum on 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.

National Service RAF Association Parade

2 June 2013

All veterans who served in the Royal Air Force are welcome to participate, providing them with the opportunity to reunite with lost friends and colleagues.

Suitable for

Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

Free.

Website

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/whats-going-on/events/national-service-raf-association-parade/

RAF Cosford Air Show

9 June 2013

The RAF Cosford Air Show is the Midlands premier air event which offers non-stop entertainment both in the air with displays from a variety of aircraft and on the ground with hundreds of exhibits, stalls, trade stands, military demonstrations and children's entertainment.

A special opening sequence will highlight aircraft associated with the Shropshire base during its history.

Other themes will include the Jaguar aircraft which will have been in service for 40 years. Although no longer flying they are still used as part of the RAF engineering and technician training schools at RAF Cosford. A Jaguar taxiing demonstration will feature in the 2013 Show.

Tickets will be on sale from early 2013. Please see the RAF Cosford Air Show website for detailed information.

Suitable for

Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

Admission charges apply. (Free admission to the Museum is not available on this date)

Website

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/whats-going-on/events/raf-cosford-air-show/

Armed Forces Day

29 June 2013

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will once again participate in this annual event by hosting veterans young and old from all three services.

Attendance to the event is free of charge and by advance registration only. If you would like to attend the event, book your place now by calling 01902 376252.

Suitable for

Any age

When

10am-5pm

Admission

Free.

Website

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/whats-going-on/events/large-model-aircraft-rally/

Large Model Aircraft Rally

20 — 21 July 2013

Hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft will be taking to the skies at the annual Large Model Aircraft Rally. This famous air show in miniature is an absolute must see for any aviation enthusiast, attracting in excess of 10,000 visitors during the two-day event.

Visitors will be able to see a whole range of models designed, built and flown by members of the Large Model Association from bi-planes to modern day jets. From a distance in the skies, the models truely look like the real thing!

Suitable for

5-6
7-10
14-15
18+
11-13
16-17
Family friendly

Admission

Admission charges are applicable for this airfield event. Opportunities are also available for traders, market stalls and weekend camping. Further details will be posted early 2013.

(Free admission to the Museum is not available on these dates)

Website

http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/whats-going-on/events/large-model-aircraft-rally/

Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all.

Face to face resources

Art

There are opportunities for students to study and observe the aircraft and artefacts held in the museum. Each visit can be structured to suit the needs of the individual school/college.

Citizenship

The focus of this workshop is co-operation and understanding between the students. The starting point can be varied to suit the needs of the group but the students are asked to consider the views and opinions of others.
Propaganda relating to WWII is a popular starting point, asking the students to identify the differences between advertising and propaganda. They get the opportunity to study real examples and produce their own poster.
There is no charge for this workshop.

Let’s Fly

A session designed to give the children an insight into the various roles and operations that take place within an airport. This will include security, passport control, weighing baggage and ticket collection.
The children will take part in role-play situations. Prior to the visit the children will need to have made an individual passport to bring to the museum.
The session ends with the children boarding our BAC 1-11 aeroplane. Once on board the children will learn about meals, emergency procedures and have the opportunity to view the cockpit.
This workshop will last 45 –60 minutes. There is no charge for this workshop.

Lift off to Literacy

This is a series of worksheets and activity sheets designed to compliment the requirements of the English curriculum and the National Literacy Strategy.
The activities are based on the artefacts and aircraft at the museum. This workshop can be led by school or museum staff. The length of the session will be dependent on the activities chosen.
There is a charge of £3.00 for the resource book.

Numeracy Trail

This adult led activity is centered on Hangars 2 and 3. Children need to work in groups of 5/6 with an adult helper.
Prior to the visit schools would be sent copies of the trail and the children’s worksheets. The aim of this trail is for the children to use their mathematical skills in a different environment. Museum staff would prepare the trail prior to the visit. All the equipment needed on the day (with the exception of the worksheets) will be supplied by the museum.
This activity will take approximately 45 – 55 minutes to complete. There is no charge for this activity.

Rocket Science

This workshop enables each child to design and make a realistic rocket and launch it safely. The rockets are propelled using a unique electrically-controlled compressed air launcher.
This workshop can be held indoors or outdoors and lasts 45-60 minutes. There is a charge of £15.00 per 30 children.

Science Activity Days (KS1)

During the day the children will experience two science / D&T based workshops – parachutes and helicopters.
During each workshop children will have the opportunity of working with a variety of materials.
Each workshop lasts 50 – 60 minutes.

Science Activity Days (KS2/3)

During the day the children will experience two science / D&T based workshops. Schools are able to choose two from the following: Rockets; Buggies and Gliders.
Each workshop lasts 45 minutes. There is a charge of £1:00 per child for this activity.

Shopping on a ration

Introducing the children to the idea of rationing and that people in World War II had to get used to eating different kinds of food.
During the session the children will get the opportunity to do their own shopping. They will be given a ‘ration book’ and have the chance to visit different ‘shops’ to buy their goods. Each child has a number of ration coupons to spend and can decide what to buy. Once the goods are bought the children glue their goods into their ‘store cupboards’.
This session requires the adult helpers to support the children when buying their goods.
The workshop will last 30-40 minutes. There is no charge for this workshop.

World War Two evacuee's experience

An opportunity for children to gain an insight into life in school in late 1939.
During this workshop the children will make a gas mask box and complete a national registration card. The children will experience the sounds of an air raid siren and falling bombs and evacuate into an Anderson shelter constructed within the confines of the Education room.
Other aspects of Wartime life can be included - rationing, propaganda, handling a collection of artefacts and uniforms. Schools can determine the actual content of each session.
This workshop will last for 50 –60 minutes. There is a charge of £1.50 per child for this workshop.

Paper-based and downloads

Cosford Calculations

This is a series of worksheets and activity sheets designed to compliment the requirements of the Mathematics curriculum and the National Numeracy Strategy.
The activities are based on the artefacts and aircraft at the museum. This workshop can be led by school or museum staff. The length of the session will be dependent on the activities chosen.

There is a charge of £3.00 for the resource book.

GNVQ Leisure & Tourism / Customer Care & Marketing

A resource booklet designed to support the requirements of the course. The booklet contains material relating to the RAF Museum and so enables ‘ real-life ‘situations to be explored.
There is a charge of £3.00 (including postage and packing) for this booklet.

GNVQ Travel & Tourism / Human Resources

printable map

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