Despite being in the midst of the busy summer holidays with lots of fun activities keeping families entertained, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire is already gearing up for a packed Autumn Season, with a wide array of events programmed to entice visitors new and old into the stunning surroundings of the Hayward Hall.

The new programme of events will commence with two daytime talks to commemorate Arnhem 80.  Operation MARKET GARDEN will be delivered by former Curator of the Museum – Derek Armitage – on Monday 16 September, followed by a fascinating talk by Richard Osgood, Senior Archaeologist at the UK Ministry of Defence – In Search of the Band of Brothers: Archaeology at Aldbourne on Thursday 19 September.  The Autumn will also see four new evening lectures planned which particularly appeal to military enthusiasts and will see a return to the Museum by Glider Pilot Regiment expert Tony Bray. 

The popular Brick Event is back on the weekend of 21/22 September with the team from The Brick People returning to the Museum, to offer a wide range of LEGO® related activities.  Build super flying machines out of LEGO® bricks, take part in a speed build challenge, complete an anagram trail around the Museum, watch the LEGO® robot wars and browse a wide range of models on display. There will also be a LEGO® Duplo® area for younger builders.

For those of you with hidden gems at home, why not head to the Museum on 25 September for a very special valuation day with Bellmans.  Not only will there be a special priced entry for the day, but you can also take your coins, paintings, jewellery, medals and decorative arts along to be valued by the Fine Art Auctioneers.

To end September, the wonderful Romsey Male Voice Choir will be performing at the Museum for the very first time and with the sixty strong choir liking to give its audiences something a little different, it is set to be a magnificent event, however tickets are already limited, so don’t miss out.

For October half term, the Museum will focus on ‘Space’ with some fantastic craft activities for children and the popular model making and painting sessions. As a special treat, there will be a special Meccano day the Museum on Tuesday 30 October.

On 8 November, the Middle Wallop & Andover Military Wives Choir will perform in the Hayward Hall with a stunning Concert of Remembrance.  The concert has sold out in previous years, so customers are advised to book early for this very special event.

Two fabulous fairs are lined up for the weekend of the 23/24 November.  On 23^rd, an array of local gift, craft and food providers will kick start the Christmas shopping period with the Museum’s annual Christmas Fair.  Over thirty stall holders will be available to browse alongside the Museum’s popular gift shop and there will also be festive trails and craft activities on offer for children to enjoy.  Sunday 24^th November sees the staging of the Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Fair and Model Show when every nook and cranny of the Museum will be packed full of exhibitors and stall holders for enthusiasts to browse.

December sees the return of the very special family event ‘Santa’s Flying Visit’.  On 7 December, children will have the opportunity to meet and have a professional photo taken with Santa in the historic Scout helicopter, along with festive craft activities, trails and refreshments to keep families entertained.

To round off its festive programme, the Army Medical Services Band will stage a rip-roaring festive concert at the Museum on 11 December, a great opportunity to get into the festive spirit, enjoy some great music and have a wonderful singalong.

Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson said “We are thrilled to present another busy Autumn season of events here at the Museum and hope to attract lots more new visitors through our doors, not only to enjoy the events, but also to see more of the work we do as a charity in telling the story of British Army aviation.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.armyflying.com