Museum of Science and Industry

Children launched miniature parachutes and rockets to celebrate the start of ‘Science of Flight’, a packed programme of activities at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry).  

The events included parachute, propeller and rocket workshops, as well as performances from historical characters, including aviation pioneers Jack Alcock (the first person to fly across the Atlantic, in 1919) and Lady Sophie Heath, who was the first person to fly from London to the southern tip of Africa, in 1928. Visitors had a chance to make and fly their own paper planes, watch a real-life demonstration of birds of prey in flight, and learn about the achievements of some of Manchester’s most important heroes and heroines of flight.

This year marks 100 years since Manchester-born AV Roe achieved the first flight in a British plane, of approximately 30 metres. MOSI has a replica of Roe’s famous 1909 Triplane in the Air and Space Hall and is holding events throughout 2009 to celebrate his historic achievement. A team of MOSI volunteers have built another replica Triplane which they will attempt to fly it later this year. MOSI has also launched a major fundraising campaign to renovate its Air and Space Hall this year.

Steve Davies MBE, MOSI director said: “There’s an exciting programme of free hands-on events for all the family this Easter. Come along to the Museum and join in our celebrations for 100 years since AV Roe made the first all-British flight. Make your own paper plane or propeller, watch a performance of one of our historical characters and learn about what life was like for the early pioneers of flight, or wander round our diverse range of free galleries. There’s something to inspire and entertain everyone!”

Science of Flight events are FREE (except Planetarium). For more information look up www.mosi.org.uk or call 0161 832 2244.

For more information or images please call Sarah Roe on 0161 606 0176 m: 07847 372647 or Diane Inglis on Tel: 0161 606 0173.

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