June Update from Vulcan to the Sky Trust

XH558’s Relocation

Our discussions with Peel L&P regarding the detail of a new lease for Vulcan XH558, on what is now an inactive airport, are continuing.  The change of use for the site has meant that we’ve had to review new Risk Assessments and Method Statements for all tours and events. With the legalities of our extended stay at the ex-RAF Finningley site near to completion, we can deepen our focus on the opportunities to remain in Doncaster for a longer period.

Education

This month we were delighted to welcome the winning primary schools from the Delta Academies Trust, who took part in the Dr Robert Pleming Delta Wing Project – Southmere Primary Academy, Bradford, Macauley Primary Academy, Grimsby and Ryecroft Primary Academy, Bradford. We also welcomed Year 9 Engineering Students from Doncaster University Technical College (UTC).

The visits took part over six days and everyone was excited and impressed with seeing the size and beauty of the Vulcan.

“We are very proud of the children and how they have conducted themselves, not only on Wednesday but throughout this whole project. It has been lovely to see them be so involved and dedicated to the process and their interest at how things work at the sessions.”

Kirsty Hall, Year 6 Teacher at Macauley Primary

“At Macauley we strive to give children experiences that they will remember forever. This truly was one of those days! An incredible machine and an even better experience for the children. Thank you.”

Mr Hendrick, Head of Macauley Primary Academy

The comments from the Academies’ pupils were equally as enthusiastic:

“Very Amazing plane. Very Fascinating and the best trip ever!” – Declan

“It was brilliant, not as big as I expected but the stories about it were exciting.” – Jackson

“Fascinating, interesting, amazing.” – Kacper

“It was amazing and the cockpit was super cool.” – Evie

“Amazing, smell the fuel, old fashioned with fascinating stories of the aircrafts history.” Sam

“It was really fun until Aaliyah started to lean in the chair and it gave me the frights.” Taigan

“I enjoyed sitting in the pilot’s seat, everything was ace. It’s something I’d like to do again.” Aaliyah

“The whole experience was amazing and I loved the cockpit. Would recommend.” Louis

“It was extraordinary and it was one of the best experiences of my life.” Wyatt

“Today I learned about the different parts of the Vulcan plane. I enjoyed entering the parts of the plane and learning about them as we went along.” Leah

“What I really enjoyed about today was that I got to see all sorts of interesting stuff such as the cockpit and got to learn some interesting stuff.” Anniyah

“I enjoyed seeing the jet and learning about it.” Martin

“Today I learnt that it takes so much wiring and tanks to power the Vulcan, which is amazing.” Yusuf

“Today I learnt how a Vulcan works. The most thing I enjoyed was climbing in the Vulcan.” Hasnain

“Today it was amazing. It was my first time ever sat in a plane (fighter). I appreciate today and thanks for this time.” Omer

“I really enjoyed when we asked them questions and we learned new things.” Amaara

“I learned how you work a Vulcan.” Ellie

“I enjoyed learning about how the Vulcan works, all the parts and all the jobs and what they do.” Fen

More than 80 students visited from Doncaster UTC, with the college reporting on their Facebook page:

“What a great experience our Y9 Engineering students have had over the past three days.  We sent six small groups to visit the Vulcan XH558 at Doncaster Airport.  The students learnt about its history and hopefully its potential future.  They will be working with the team next year on an employer project too.”

Paul Stockhill, Managing Director of Agemaspark, visited with the Doncaster UTC students and teachers. Paul has played a pivotal role in the development of the UTC and Agemaspark posted on their Facebook page:

“Today, MD, Paul Stockhill fulfilled a dream as he was invited for a tour of the Vulcan bomber at the former Doncaster Airport along with a group of students from Doncaster UTC.”

The development of our education activities continues to grow and gives a whole new audience access to an iconic piece of British engineering; Avro Vulcan XH558, the last all-British designed and built four-engine jet aircraft to fly. During her flying years this remarkable aircraft brought smiles and joy to millions of people throughout the UK. Today, the aircraft remains in the spotlight as the centrepiece for all these activities, inspiring future generations of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.