Action Stations!

We Support

This is a collection of organisations and individuals that contribute directly or indirectly to keeping our rich and colourful aviation heritage alive. For anyone who shares my interest in WW2 aviation - especially that linked to the Battle of Britain, I do hope that you will follow these links and take the time to make contact with and visit the respective museums. Not only will they welcome your support, but the visit will deepen your interest, and in many cases lead you along another path of discovery. If you come across other organisations / people/ websites that you think should be on our 'We support' list, please email me with the link details. I hope that you will enjoy Happy Days of Discovery!

Steve Burt,
Director - Action Stations!
Tel: 01227 721929;
E-mail: steve@goactionstations.co.uk

RAF Benevolent Fund

The RAFBF is a charity that supports RAF families in their time of need. We hve this notion that flying is glamorous - but flying warplanes is bloody dangerous, and if it all goes wrong and a family is left behind, we need to help them. This applies now as it ever did during the Battle of Britain.

www.rafbf.org
Historic Aircraft Collection

The HAC is owned by Janice and Guy Black , whose extraordinary support for our venture really helped us ' get off the ground'! Do see their wonderful collection of aeroplanes. Guy is one of the worlds technical experts on ' old aircraft' - he is the driving force of Aero Vintage , the restoration company that rebuilds vintage/ classic aircraft - you should see their Nimrod!

www.historicaircraftcollection.ltd.uk
Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial

This is THE museum to commemorate our two most important fighting aircraft from WW2 . Fittingly located on the edge of the airfield at what was RAF Manston, it is a place rich in aviation history, and one well worth spending time at. It also has the bonus of an excellent shop and cafe on site. Please donate generously!

www.spifirememorial.org.uk
Battle of Britain Memorial Fund, Capel le Ferne

Perhaps of the most moving monuments to visit in England - dedicated to the 500 + allied aircrew who perished in the Battle of Britain. Static 'replica' aircraft, and informative visitor centre run by volunteers, make this a lovely venue to spend time there - especially on a hot summers day - like the ones in 1940.

www.battleofbritainmemorial.org/about-us/the-memorial/
Battle of Britain Museum, Hawkinge

Located on the edge of what was one of the most active airfields in the Battle of Britain - now a housing estate. Nevertheless , the original buildings house one of the most comprehensive collections of artifacts and memorabilia from the Battle of Britain. An excellent shop is manned by helpful and knowledgeable staff.

www.kbobm.org
RAF Manston History Museum

This airfield is rich in RAF history - it was heavily attacked throughout the Battle of Britain, and served as a base for a variety of aircraft , including the Blenheim, Boulton Paul Defiant, Spitfire, Hurricane, Typhoon, Mosquito . It was where the first Gloster Meteor squadron was based and flew ops from. It was the first landing strip that Allied bombers would reach if they were able, having been ravished by enemy fire. Manston became specialised in ' receiving' these aircraft , and trying to rescue the crew often when their planes were on fire - or about to explode. Today, Manston carries on this tradition , and is the centre of excellence for aviation fire training in the UK - and Europe.

http://www.rafmanston.co.uk/
RAF Museum, Hendon

A 'must visit' museum that is not easy to get to from the South side ( it's at the end of the M1.) but it so well worth going - I would give yourself a full day out at Hendon.

www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london
Imperial War Museum, Duxford

Duxford is, and quite rightly so,the central hub of all things to do with warbird flying here in the UK. Not only are the static exhibits of the highest order , but their wonderful flying programme means that during many weekends numbers of aeroplanes that we all love and care for are flying - this is really Aviation Paradise . Also great for families - well presented information and facilities for all ages.

http://duxford.iwm.org.uk/
RAF Cosford Museum

Perhaps the lesser well known of the national museums, this Shropshire airfield in the West Midalnds is easily reached and should be on everyone's list to visit. Especially interesting is the one and only surviving TSR2 , which the Labour Government scrapped in the 60's. There is a Lincoln, Catalina and Mosquito there of particular interest

www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/
RNAS Yeovilton

I have a soft spot for naval flying. During WW2 flying the aircraft of the time in war conditions was already 'challenging ' to use the modern idiom. To then operate these aircraft , especially the Seafire, with it's very narrow undercarriage, from a flight deck - often in bad weather, must have been a superhuman achievement. Hats off to the Fleet Air Arm! The Sea Fury , inspired by the FW190 , is a 'must see' too - the ultimate piston engined fighter , and the first one to shoot down a Mig in the Korean War. Get yourselves down to Yeovilton, on your way to or from the West Country!

www.fleetairarm.com/
Medway Aircraft Preservation Society ( MAPS)

This group of volunteers are led by Lewis Deal MBE - one of the UK's most dedicated aircraft renovation specialists. Based at Rochester Airport , they are currently renovating one of those infamous aeroplanes - the Boulton Paul Defiant - the machine that foxed the Germans for a few weeks , with it's rear gun turret firing everywhere except forwards! If it hadn't been for that 1 ton turret in the rear, and if they had fitted forward firing cannon , it might have been a good fighter. Do try to get over to Rochester on one of their open days - and donate generously to these dedicated volunteers.

www.mapsl.co.uk
The Kent Spitfire

Owned and flown by Peter Monk, and on occassions Dan Griffith , TA 805 is a MkIX Spitfire, named The Spirit of Kent The aeroplane is occassionally made available for private functions - contact them via their website.

www.kentspitfire.co.uk
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

This flight is a flying tribute to the aircrew who fought and died in the Battle of Britain. It currently consists of 5 Spitfires, 2 Hurricanes ,a Lancaster, Dakota and Chipmunk. The whole world stops and looks skywards when these chaps fly over - thank God we took the decision to create the Battle of Britain Memorial flight , and to keep these aircraft and the memories of all those who paid the ultimate price, alive today and hopefully into the future centuries ahead.We are all so very proud of the BBMF - for what it represents, and how it goes about showcasing their wonderful aircraft. Each year between 7 - 8 MILLION people see a BBMF Flypast - what better way to remind people - Lest we Forget.

www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/
Brenzett Aeronautical Museum

Brenzett was one of the Advanced Landing Grounds, located around Romney Marsh. Spitfires of 129, 306 and 315 ( Polish) squadrons were based here. Some of the more observant of you will connect that fact with the Spitfire we fly - BM597 - of 315 (Polish) Squadron. Do make this museum part of your 'Battle of Britain' experience , when you come down to spend some time with us here in Kent.

www.brenzettaero.co.uk
The Spitfire Site - A Tribute to Britain's Finest Fighter

www.spitfiresite.com
Spitfire Society - Eastern Wing

www.spitfiresocietyeastern.org.uk
Coombes Photography

Jonathan's work is of a very high order - we'll soon have him airborne to shoot our Spitfire!

www.coombesphotography.co.uk
Aviation Links

Aviation Links - probably one of the most comprehensive aviation linking websites worldwide, run by Howard Curtis, a well known author and contributor to our aviation world. A truly dedicated chap.

www.aviation-links.co.uk
Runways to War

For those with an interest in Bomber Command, spend a few days up in Lincolnshire with Mickey Burke, and his 'Runways to War' experiences. Located in 'Bomber County', Mickey's tours include a visit to East Kirkby - Lincolnshire Aviation Centre, where 'Just Jane', the Lancaster that you can taxy in, is based.

www.runways-to-war.co.uk
You are welcome to call: (UK Time)
weekdays 8.30 am - 7.00pm
weekends 10.00 am - 5.00pm
+ 44 (0)1227 721929
Download the Flypast Article

Read what Ken Ellis thought of our Spitfire Flying Experiences
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Veterans Fly with a Spitfire and Hurricane! Some of you more alert visitors will have seen that the HAC Spitfire and Hurricane flew with the BA Airbus this afternoon! (Saturday, August 28th) Well there were 14 of them, and we couldn't fit them all in the Long Ranger , could we?! No, seriously this wonderful event was organised by Bill Bond of the Battle of Britain Historical Society, and when I contacted him a week ago he was short of a Spitfire and Hurricane to fly with them. So I put him in touch with Janice Black at HAC, and as they say 'The Rest is History'. Congratulations to all who were on the flight today - we will always Remember the Few! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11120357

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Fly with us on Battle of Britain Day - Wednesday, September 15th - Mark the 70th anniversary flying with a Spitfire along the White Cliffs and over the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel le Ferne. Remember the Few, and join us for the flying experience of your life. To book, call Steve Burt on 01227 721929

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Autumn Flights - We have our first date for flying in October - Saturday, October 16th. This can be a delightful time of year to fly, and being half term, an ideal time to treat your children and family to Fly with a Spitfire - call Steve Burt on 01227 721929 to book your Spitfire flying experience of a lifetime.

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Group Flights
Why not organise a flight for family/ friends/ colleagues?
For groups we can run a flying day especially for them - it is motivational and a truly uplifting experience.
With the Spitfire flights and ground viewing opportunities, this is a most memorable way to spend quality time together in the company of one of the greatest flying legends of our time. Meet with Charlie Brown, our pilot, who is perhaps one of the most knowledgeable and experienced Spitfire pilots in the world.
Our events are centred on Walletts Court Hotel, one of the best country house hotels in Kent, with excellent accomodation, food and service second to none.

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Action Stations! Support RAFBF in new 'Heart Felt Thanks' Campaign
The RAF Benevolent Fund is running a Heartfelt Thanks campaign (www.myheartfeltthanks.com), where we can all leave a message of thanks to the RAF, and especially the remaining 'Few' . The ‘Heartfelt Thanks’ is a nationwide campaign and the messages, will be presented to veterans on Battle of Britain Sunday, 19th September 2010. We're very proud to be associated with this campaign and wish everyone the best of luck to win 2 Platinum Spitfire Flying Experiences - we look forward to flying the prizewinners!

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Battle of Britain - 70th Anniversary
For those wishing to commemorate the Battle of Britain, having a Spitfire Flying Experience is probably the ultimate way to connect with the events of 1940. Combining our flight, with visits to the Battle of Britain Memorial, the Battle of Britain Museum, and the museums at Manston, is comprehensive and uplifting way to remember the Few. Please call if you would like help in planning your itinerary. 01227 721929

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Action Stations! is a subsidiary of A4A Ltd, Reynold’s Place, Nargate Street, Littlebourne, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 1QJ.

Email address: steve@goactionstations.co.uk Phone : 01227 721929
Company number: 4187914 VAT number:776 3186 95

Office open every weekday 8.30 am - 7.00pm / weekends 10.00 am - 5.00pm. (UK Time)
(please email us out of office hours, with your contact details and we will get back to you within 24hours)