The Momentum Group Presents: Real Talk Fridays

fri24apr7:00 pm9:00 pmThe Momentum Group Presents: Real Talk Fridays24 Apr7:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+01:00) Event Type Momentum Group Events

Event Details

The Momentum Group at Shaftesbury Arts Centre presents: An Audience with Andy Sturgess

Building a Lancaster Bomber & Re-Flying the Legendary Dambusters Raid.


Step inside one of the most extraordinary aviation projects ever undertaken.

In this captivating talk, Andy Sturgess shares the remarkable story of how, over 20 years and more than 10,000 hours, he built a full-size Lancaster Bomber cockpit using original wartime components painstakingly restored and transformed into a fully functioning flight simulator.

With a crew of four, Andy then achieved something truly unique: re-flying the exact route of the Dambusters Raid of May 1943, following the path flown by Flight Lieutenant David Maltby, who breached the Möhne Dam. This historic mission was recreated 80 years to the day, on 16–17 May 2023.

The talk weaves together meticulous research, engineering ingenuity, and vivid storytelling, covering:
• The challenges of sourcing and rebuilding authentic wartime parts
• The evolution and design of the Lancaster Bomber
• The aircraft’s pivotal role in World War II
• The precision and courage required to fly the Dambusters mission

Audience members are warmly encouraged to bring along any relevant WWII artefacts, photographs, or memorabilia to share with Andy, adding a personal and interactive dimension to the evening.

Voluntary contributions are welcomed on the night to help support ongoing efforts to keep the memory of Bomber Command alive and not forgotten.

Further information: lancasterflightuk.co.uk

Tickets: £18

Location

Rutter Room

13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8AR

ProgrammeID

1338705