Aviation Archive Registration Acknowledgements
BAC 100: 2010. Join in the Celebrations of 100 Years of Aviation in the West of England. Aviation image sequence: Photograph of the Bristol Flying School at Larkhill by T L Fuller © J T Fuller. Mercury engine installation diagram, courtesy of BAC/Rolls-Royce. Selection of old postcards from the collection of Jackie Sims. Photograph of A380 over Clifton Suspension Bridge courtesy of Airbus SAS 2006. Computer generated image of A350 XWB courtesy of Airbus. Artist's impressions of main exhibition by Simon Gurr. Sir George White (Airbus).
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News and Press

We'll be adding new stories about the activities taking place as part of BAC 100 throughout 2010.

BAC 100 Service at Bristol Cathedral

BAC 100 Service at Bristol Cathedral (Airbus).
A service of celebration and thanksgiving marking 100 years of aviation innovation was held at Bristol Cathedral on 10 July 2010. It was co-hosted by Professor Duncan Greenman of the University of the West of England and Sally Challoner of the BBC. In addition to readings, hymns and prayers it included music from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, Bristol Male Voice Choir and the Cathedral Choir, film clips and live interviews with current and retired employees. The address was delivered by The Lord Bishop of Bristol, The Right Reverend Michael Hill. To coincide with the service the replica Bristol Fighter was on display on College Green along with a collection of Bristol Cars. You can read a full report on the This is Bristol website and see more launch photos on the BAC 100 Facebook page.

Guests included Sir George and Lady White, seen here in the front row (Airbus).
Guests included Sir George and Lady White, seen here in the front row.

The Bristol Male Voice Choir includes current and retired aerospace employees among its members (Airbus).
The Bristol Male Voice Choir includes current and retired aerospace employees among its members.

A full quarter peel sounded out from the Cathedral from 10.00. The bell ringers are all linked to the aerospace industry (Airbus).
A full quarter peel sounded out from the Cathedral from 10.00. The bell ringers are all linked to the aerospace industry.

All photos provided by Airbus.

Brunel District Joins Great Reading Adventure

A special launch event was held at 1st Bristol Muslim Scouts HQ in Horfield on 7 July when 1000 copies of The 2010 Book of Aviation Wonder were distributed to the groups of the Brunel District.
A special launch event was held at 1st Bristol Muslim Scouts HQ in Horfield on 7 July when 1000 copies of The 2010 Book of Aviation Wonder were distributed to the groups of the Brunel District.

BAC 100 Publications Launched

Sir George White, Cllr Janet Biggin (Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council), Cllr Colin Smith (Lord Mayor of Bristol), Mel Kelly (BAC 100) and Sam Hunt (Heritage Lottery Fund, which has funded The 2010 Book of Aviation Wonder).
Sir George White, Cllr Janet Biggin (Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council), Cllr Colin Smith (Lord Mayor of Bristol), Mel Kelly (BAC 100) and Sam Hunt (Heritage Lottery Fund, which has funded The 2010 Book of Aviation Wonder).

Invited guests gathered at Bristol's City Museum and Art Gallery on Monday 5 July for the official launch of the BAC 100 publications which have been specially produced for the centenary year.

Take Flight: celebrating aviation in the West of England since 1910 is a lavishly illustrated, beautifully designed, 320-page hardback book telling the story of the Bristol Aeroplane Company and its associated companies from the earliest days to the present, and beyond. It is a story that encompasses the vision of the company founders, the bravery of the early pilots, globally significant engineering breakthroughs, the contributions of thousands of local people in times of war and peace, and the future challenges that need to be faced today. The book will provide a lasting memento of the first 100 years of West of England flight. It is available for sale at Bristol Aero Collection (where all profits will be used to continue the group's work in preserving the heritage of BAC), local bookshops and online via Amazon (RRP £40).

The 2010 Book of Aviation Wonder takes its inspiration from the old Eagle annuals. It is a 96-page hardback book using comic strips, photo-spreads, illustrated stories and puzzle pages to tell the story of flight from the myth of Icarus to the A400M and beyond. It is being used as part of this year's Great Reading Adventure.

Members of Brunel District scouts: the group has received 1000 copies of The 2010 Book of Aviation Wonder.
Members of Brunel District scouts: the group has received 1000 copies of The 2010 Book of Aviation Wonder.

Ken Bracey (right) whose interview can be heard on the Oral Histories page with his son.
Ken Bracey (right) whose interview can be heard on the Oral Histories page with his son.

View of the audience in Bristol City's Museum and Art Gallery.
View of the audience in Bristol City's Museum and Art Gallery.

David Rowlson (Component Coating and Repair Services Ltd, which has sponsored Take Flight, left) and Andrew Kelly (Director Bristol Creative Projects and BAC 100, right).
David Rowlson (Component Coating and Repair Services Ltd, which has sponsored Take Flight, left) and Andrew Kelly (Director Bristol Creative Projects and BAC 100, right).

Rebecca Burton and Kayvon Barad (Airbus) sitting next to Adam Nieman (BAC 100 workshop leader).
Rebecca Hutchinson and Kayvon Barad (workshop volunteer) sitting next to Adam Nieman (BAC 100 workshop leader).

All photos Martin Chainey.

Fighter revealed at Rolls-Royce Families Day

Fighter revealed at Rolls-Royce Families Day
Fighter revealed at Rolls-Royce Families Day
The replica Bristol Fighter which has been built by graduates at Rolls-Royce, Airbus and GKN had its first public display at Rolls-Royce's Families Day on 3 July at Patchway. It will next be on show at College Green on 10 July to coincide with the BAC 100 service at Bristol Cathedral.

Older stories...

Newer stories...
Search the site Press releases
Read the launch day press release here.
Listen to the Music
You can hear here the specially commissioned march played by the RAF band at the launch dedicated to Sir George White.
What's happening
You can find out what's happening in 2010 on the What's On page.
Find out more
Pictures of activities involving children and young people are also featured on the Children's Showcase page.
Contact
If you have pictures of events you would like to add to this News and Press page, please send with details (what, where, when, who) to BAC 100 at BCDP, Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RA or email: bac100@btinternet.com. Photos of identifiable children will only be added if their parent or guardian has given permission for their use.

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