news Pioneer aviators’ statue unveiled
unveiled at London’s Heathrow Airport in 1954. Since the centenary last year of that ground-breaking flight, the statue has been part of the celebrations in Ireland and is now at Brooklands, the home of British aviation.
Anne Alcock
The commemorative plaque is unveiled with (l-r) Group Captain Anthony John Alcock MBE, RAF, Royal Patron HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, KStJ, CD, Chris Garton, COO of Heathrow Airport, and Sir Gerald Acher CBE LVO, Chairman of Brooklands Museum.
A statue has been unveiled at Brooklands to commemorate the first ever non-stop trans-Atlantic flight by Alcock and Brown more than 100 years ago. HRH Prince Michael of Kent, Royal Patron of the Museum, led the unveiling in front of a crowd that included Anne and Anthony Alcock, the niece and nephew of Sir John Alcock. A statue of the pilots was commissioned by the British Government and created by sculptor William McMillen. It was
said: ‘I attended the first unveiling of the statue at Heathrow Airport in 1954, so I’m pleased to be here today and see the statue standing in such an important place at Brooklands.’ Group Captain Anthony Alcock recalled his uncle’s friendship with Sir Arthur Whitton Brown and added: ‘Their time together at Brooklands was such a happy and rewarding period of their lives. The statue of these intrepid aviators is symbolic of their partnership and I’m delighted it has finally been reunited with Brooklands. It completes the Vimy story at Brooklands Museum.’ The exhibition dedicated to this chapter in aviation history called The First to the Fastest features the Museum’s own replica Vimy aircraft which has re-enacted the three pioneering Vimy flights that originally took place shortly after the First World War to Australia, South Africa and across the Atlantic. Chris Garton, COO of Heathrow Airport said: ‘We’re really pleased the statue has moved to Brooklands, the birthplace of British aviation. It’s the rightful place for it and hopefully it will be here for many years, if not forever. It’s been great working with Brooklands Museum and I’m looking forward to building on this collaboration.’
Paul Stewart Race into Easter
This Easter Brooklands is giving you the chance to become part of the pit crew and prepare a race car for the track. As you step into the Museum’s historic workshops, you’ll learn about the science of speed and have a go at getting a car ready to compete.
As well as this unique opportunity for hands-on fun with a Brooklands racing car, the Museum has a wide range of other Easter activities for all the family. If you’d rather be in the car than getting it ready to race, our Car Rides team will be
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taking passengers up the Test Hill (subject to weather conditions). Younger children can try out
Brooklands’ pedal planes, while Concorde Mini Tours are aimed at children and plenty of fun and noise are part of the appeal. For all the family, the London Bus Museum will be running rides around the local area. Brooklands’ Easter Holiday Fun: Ready to Race runs from 6-9 and 14-17April and is open from 10am to 5pm. Saver Tickets are available online or for more details email:
info@brooklandsmuseum.com
BROOKLANDS BULLETIN | MARCH - APRIL 2020
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