Derwent Valley & Dambusters Museum

Just spent yet another lovely afternoon here. It's in the centre of the Peak District National Park, above Sheffield and near some lovely villages.
A few photos.

The Derwent Dam itself, as used by 617 to practice the run in technique for the Mohne.
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The 617 memorial stone and plaque in the dam wall gateway leading to the museum.
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The view from the gateway along the dam to the museum entrance.
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And finally the view up the Derwent reservoir (the Howden Dam is hidden behind the curve of the hill) and down the Valley from the Dam.
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The museum itself is run by a local man by the name of Vic Hallam. Very knowledgable and well worth a talk to as he's not only a lovely bloke, but he goes out of his way to help. The museum is small, but fairly comprehensive (and I am still trying to get hold of the Lancaster wheel he has in there, let alone the Upkeep).
He organises get togethers as often as he can, with the next hopefully being 19th & 20th May 2007, when he hopes to not only have 617 Squadron personnel there, but also the Lancaster and BoBMF AND the Vulcan if she is airworthy by then. (I'm praying already). Apparently volunteers are always needed, and if I can I will help out.
If you can make it then a trip is always worth it, but be warned the museum is only open on Sundays.
I have Vic's email, so any questions and queries let me know.

 

What pretty country, and nice photos.

In one of my books there are photos of 617 bombers (caption says Wellingtons) practicing dropping the bouncing bombs, as well as before and after photos of the Möhne Dam.

JT

 

Got back up here yesterday, and got to the Howden Dam as well. So here's a few more shots.

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:indexCA7C9VES:

 

Unfortunately the attachments are no longer opening?

I used to live about 20 minutes drive from the Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs, and used to go out there regularly. One weekend about 12 years ago I had nothing to do so took my little brother out there for a walk.
We had parked up and were just walking across the grassy area towards the face of Derwent Dam, when I started to hear the drone of piston engined aircraft, and could tell it was something big and possibly WW2 origin.
We had got to within about 75 yards from the face of the dam, when the Battle of Britain flight Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane flew over the top of the dam at low level - an eye-watering sight and big surprise!! Due to the tree cover they disappeared from view as fast as they had appeared.

We then went up to the museum and I asked the chap there (Vic Hallam), "Do they do this often? I didnt see mention of it in the paper?" He replied that they sometimes do a flypast on their way to/from airshows. It is no longer publicised because the last time they did, 80,000 people turned up and it caused traffic chaos for hours!

It was a pleasant sunny day and me and my brother were privileged to be among only 100 or so people that were around the dam at the time to witness it. I didnt have a camera on me and probably wouldnt have had time to get a photo anyway...

But this pic (not mine) shows the grassed area in front of the dam: Derwent Reservoir, Derbyshire

 

The pics are probably closed after a few site glitches. I'll brign it to Lee's attention. otherwise I'll try and remember to redo them when I have time.

PS. You jammy git!

 

So the Lanc and possibly Vulcan are going to do a flypast at the gathering in May then?! Cool, that will be worth a visit. Just thinking, I would need a video camera this time. Or maybe three; two at the top in front of and behind the dam, one on the grass below the dam, as far back as possible... Sorry I'm getting carried away!

 

carry on mate. looks like XH558 won't make it for May. they're aiming for the Falklands celebration on the Mall.

I should make it up this May. Please God, don;t give me an exam near then.

 

I have never to my knowledge seen a Vulcan in the air. Looking forward to it immensely.
And thanks to my tidy freak brother the forms to visit her in the hangar got lost.
We're plannign another trip tot he Derwent soon to see Mr. Hallam and try to find out more about the May celebrations. I'll let you all know as soon as i can if anythign is happening.