The past few months have been busy for the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), from winning awards to hosting special events.
IBCC scoops national tourism award
7 June saw the finals of the VisitEngland Awards for Tourism Excellence 2023. The gala event was held at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and was hosted by Alex Polizzi, the Hotel Inspector.
The IBCC were shortlisted, after 16 regional qualifying competitions and hundreds of entries, alongside Blenheim Palace and the Warner Bros. Studio and came away with a bronze. To have achieved this status after only five years and to be amongst these giants of the tourism industry is a huge nod to the efforts, passion and dedication of staff and volunteers.
IBCC’s Chief Executive said: “Despite all the challenges of raising the funds, major archaeological works and the COVID pandemic, the team has been resolute and determined to see the job is done and done well.
“It has been a long and difficult journey, so being awarded this Bronze award amongst the best of England’s tourism offer is a real pat on the back for everyone who has supported us. We’re proud to be flying the flag for our beautiful county on a national stage.”
National Bomber Command Day
In July, the third National Bomber Command Day public service was attended by veterans of WW2 and Post War, families, visitors, associations and representatives from the military.
The service was very moving with the Spire party including 4 standards from the RAF Association branches and the Band of the Royal Air Force College Brass Quintet. Their way to the Spire was lined with cadets from 204 (City of Lincoln) Squadron. After the service the IBCC Piper and tour guide, Barry Steele, played the lament he wrote for the project. A poem, which had been written by 16-year-old Daniel Crawford for the IBCC, was read out by tour guide, Bob Chatterton. Rev (Wg Cdr) Chris Carre, Senior Chaplain at RAF Waddington, led the service.
24 wreaths were laid by:
- Royal Air Force
- Royal Air Force College Cranwell
- RAF Benevolent Fund
- RAF Association
- Royal British Legion
- Royal Observers Corps Association
- WRAF Association
- War Widows Association
- RAF Ex-Prisoners of War Association
- Far East Command
- The Victoria Cross Trust
- RAF Ingham Heritage Centre
- Veterans’ families
- Squadrons – 9, 12, 49, 106
An evening reception and dinner included a spectacular flypast by the RAF BBMF Lancaster, music from the Band of the Royal Air Force College and speeches from Dave Gilbert, IBCC Losses Archivist, AM Harvey Smyth, Deputy Commander Operations for the RAF and IBCC’s newest Patron. A film created by Will Corrigan for the 80th anniversary of Operation Chastise was also shown. Prayers were led by the Rt Rev’d Dr Nigel Peyton, Assistant Bishop of Lincoln and the MC for the night was Air Cdre Nick Hay.
Dambusters remembered
May saw the 80th anniversary of Operation Chastise, an important day in the Bomber Command calendar. To mark the event, IBCC unveiled the Men of the Dams art installation which was designed by Simon Smith and Dan Barton and produced by the Standing With Giants team. The figures had an instant and emotional impact on visitors and the response has been incredible.
Alongside this the IBCC held its 4th Inspire event which brings motorcyclists from across the country to gather, talk bikes and commemorate Bomber Command. This year was particularly poignant as IBCC combined it with a memorial service to the last Dambuster, Sqn Ldr George “Johnny” Johnson MBE DFM, who passed away in December 2022. His daughter, Jenny, paid tribute to him, to his passion for ensuring that all those who served or supported Bomber Command were remembered and about his love for the IBCC. An empty chair was placed in his honour. This year saw almost 250 motorbikes attending.
On the evening of 16 May IBCC held an event featuring the Waddington Voluntary Band, the Waddington Military Wives Choir and a very special flypast by the RAF BBMF Lancaster, with three low passes over the site. Gp Capt Neill Atkins, Station Commander at RAF Scampton, laid a wreath to mark the historic Operation, which flew from the station. The Dambusters at 80 concert saw 100 guests join the IBCC for a special reception at the Spire, a dinner and the showing of a special film created for the event.
Reaching for the skies
Currently IBCC Finance Director, Stephen Fleming, is training hard to climb Kilamanjaro to help raise funds for a new Learning Centre at the IBCC.
He will be tackling the Lemosho Route which approaches the mountain from the West over a 7-day period starting on 5 October.
His training schedule includes walking at least 7KM a day, a weekly session with a Personal Trainer and regular hikes in Wales, the Lake District, Peak District and Scotland.
He has already raised over £6,000 but is keen to keep the total rising upwards. If you would like to support this huge effort, please click here
https://www.justgiving.com/page/stephen-fleming-1676633518982
Attack on Sorpe
The Attack on Sorpe Dam film is based on a true story, part of Operation Chastise – the Dambusters Raid.
The film follows the story of a young 21-year-old RAF 617 Squadron Bomb Aimer, George “Johnny” Johnson, and his aircrew from March 1943, on joining a newly formed squadron, for a top secret, special operation that has the potential to shorten the war in Europe. Johnny describes the dangerous low flying training and events leading up to the operational briefing on May 16 1943. Johnny and his crew finally discover what they are expected to do and are presented with what seems like an impossible task. They are to fly at 100 feet in a four engine Lancaster bomber at night, over many miles of occupied enemy territory. On reaching the target, they need to drop a new weapon that has never before been tried operationally, with pin-point accuracy, in a way they had not practiced and then make their way back home safely. Nothing like this had ever been attempted.
Johnny was a huge advocate for preserving the heritage of Bomber Command and a huge supporter of the IBCC. He was also passionate about education and so IBCC are delighted and enormously grateful to Andrew Panton and Piotr Forkasiewicz, the producers, and to Johnny’s family for handing this amazing film to the IBCC to raise funds for a new Learning Centre.
The IBCC has put over 16,000 children through its learning programme since 2018. This award-winning programme is supported and subsidised by the IBCC’s hospitality events. However, the growth of both of these project elements has meant that there is an urgent need to provide a purpose-built learning facility. Johnny’s passion for teaching and for keeping the heritage of Bomber Command alive make this film a perfect fundraiser for the new centre.
If you are interested in organising a showing of the film, please email susan@internationalbcc.co.uk
You can watch the trailer here.
Bench formally unveiled
In May the bench which was gifted to the IBCC by the 78th Halton Apprentices Entry was formally unveiled. The bench has proved to be very popular with visitors, providing an ideal place for a breather before discovering more of the stories at the Centre.
Alan, from the association, writes: “In September 1954, 300 lads of between 16/17 years of age arrived at Halton to enlist in the Royal Air Force as Engineering Apprentices. We thus became the 78th Entry. Following 3 years intensive training a good proportion graduated in July 1957.
“Many friendships were formed during those 3 years. However, on completion of training everyone was posted to RAF Stations, all over the world. Thus, most contact with pals was lost.
“Then about 20 years ago a chance meeting of several pals then enabled them to trace many more. Thus the 78th Entry RAF Apprentices Association was formed. Since then, a reunion weekend takes place, in a hotel with conference rooms and private dining suite for 40 to 55 members and partners. Inevitably as we are all mid 80’s the numbers are dwindling!”
The photo above features members of the Halton Team and Chris Roberts, IBCC Operations Manager.
Forthcoming events
12 & 13 August – Salute to the 40’s: 10.00 – 4.00pm each day
The IBCC’s annual celebration of this golden era. Free to visit and, this year, the Saturday will feature a Glenn Miller tribute concert. Flypasts both days.
19 August – Romeo and Juliet: 6.00 – 10.00pm
3 September – Wings and Wheels: 10.00 – 4.00pm
A free event focussing on classic cars and aviation heritage from across the region.
For more information on these and other events please Click Here
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