One of the summer’s most eagerly awaited events, the Thwaites’ Lancaster Bomber Tour 2014, had lift off today as the Avro Lancaster Bomber, owned by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s, took off from its base in Ontario at 3pm (5 August).
It is bound for RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, where it is set to touchdown at 1.30pm Friday 8 August.
The 3,700 mile journey, which is sponsored by Thwaites’ Lancaster Bomber ale, is set to be completed over four days, and will include en-route stops at Goose Bay, Canada, and Keflavik, Iceland.
Three pilots will take turns manning the controls, including Don Schofield, the museum’s chief Lancaster pilot. Rounding off the passenger list is 34-year old British IT entrepreneur, Matthew Munson, who paid over £43,000 for his seat on the aircraft after he won an e-Bay bid organised by Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.
The 69-year-old aircraft – an enduring symbol of World War II – will go on to feature at a host of high-profile air shows across the UK as part of a six-week commemorative tour, including Eastbourne, Bournemouth and Shoreham. It will be united with the world’s only other remaining airworthy Lancaster Bomber, which is operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, part of the RAF.
The pair will return to the skies under the watchful glare of the world’s media, in an aviation partnership which is unlikely to be seen again.
Thwaites’ latest sponsorship activity is part of its hugely successful Give A Dam campaign, leading to sales growth of over 30%, and supporting Leonard Cheshire Disability – a charity founded by former Bomber Command veteran, Group Captain Leonard Cheshire.
Des Gallagher of Thwaites, brewers of Lancaster Bomber, said: “This is an incredibly exciting day for Canada, the UK and Thwaites and we’re looking forward to receiving the crew safely and soundly on home soil this Friday. Thwaites is honoured to be playing its part in bringing this iconic aircraft to British shores.
“Lancaster Bomber ale drinkers are passionate about respectfully remembering those men and women who fought for our freedom and we can’t think of a better way to commemorate the sacrifice and dedication of our nations’ air forces than by giving our support to this incredible tour. We hope many will join us in raising a glass this Friday, to those Bomber Command veterans who gave their lives in the name of liberty.”
Al Mickeloff, of Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, said: “The anticipation of seeing these two aircraft together is incredible. All you need to do is go on social media to see the enthusiasm level. It’s great exposure for our museum and for Canada and we can’t wait to touch down in the UK on Friday.”
Lancaster Bomber ale, which has twice been voted Best English Bitter at the European Beer Star Awards, is available to buy in selected stores across the UK including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Booths and online retailer Ocado.
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For more information please contact Aimi McNeill on 07500 123909.
For more information about the Thwaites Lancaster Bomber Tour 2014, please visit:
www.lancasterbomberale.co.uk
www.twitter.com/lancsbomberale
www.facebook.com/lancasterbomberale
Aimi McNeill
Account Director
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Tel +44 (0)1625 506 429 | Fax +44 (0)1625 500 900 | Mob 07500 123909
Pinewood Court, Larkwood Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2XR.
www.goodrelationsregional.co.uk
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