Merlins Over Malta News
January 2008
We are pleased to announce that Merlins Over Malta
have handed over the remaining funds left over from the project to the
following organisations.
The Merlins Over Malta team (Clive, Linda, Glenn,
Howard, Derek and Vic) would like to thank everyone for support they
offered us over the life time of the project
June 2007
Roundel Productions are pleased to
announce that their critically acclaimed Merlins Over Malta DVD is being
released in a Special Edition form.
It is available for £10.00 + £2.00 P&P
To order your copy of the DVD, please
visit the Roundel Productions website -
www.roundelfilms.com
April 2007
Due to high quantities of SPAM emails being received,
we have shut down the info@merlinsovermalta.com and shop@merlinsovermalta.com
email addresses. To contact the team, please use the email webform
that can be located in the "Contact Details"
page of this site.
March 2007
We are pleased to announce that we have now sold all of our Merlins Over Malta DVDs. Roundel Productions, the team behind the very successful Merlins Over Malta DVD have taken over responsibility for the DVD. If you have not yet had the change to purchase a copy, you can register your interest with Roundel Productions. Please click here to register your interest.
We would like to thank everybody that has purchased one of our
DVDs
August 2006
The Merlins Over Malta DVD Update
The DVD is now being pressed and we will take delivery of the final product on Friday 1st of September. We will begin the dispatch process this day, so we estimate that we will get them to the post office on Monday the 4th of September.
If you have not yet purchased a copy of the DVD, we will have them for sale on the Hurricane Society stand (opposite the Control Tower) at Duxford's Spitfire Air Show for £15.99. If you have already purchased your DVD and you are at the air show, you can also collect it from us at the Hurricane Society stand.
We apologise for the length of time spent producing the Merlins Over Malta DVD, but we hope you think the wait was worth it.
July 2006
The Merlins Over Malta DVD Update
24/7/06
The DVD is now in the final stages of production and
the Merlins Over Malta plan to view the final product this week. Once the DVD has been approved the final
version will be sent to be pressed. We are looking at 8 - 10
working days before we receive the completed DVD. Be assured, once
we are in procession of the DVD, we will start shipping them
immediately.
An update will be posted here once the shipping
process starts.
The Merlins Over Malta
Corgi Collector Set update
The Merlins Over Malta team have
released the final few collectors sets. These sets were held as a
source of spare parts, but now, as all our customers have received their
orders, we are now in the position to sell them.
May 2006
The Merlins Over Malta DVD Update
Due to an increase in
material for the DVD, the release date has been pushed back to allow
for the editing of the extra footage.
Clive Denney says "We
would rather delay the launch of the DVD and get it right than rush to
get it ready for the 21st. As with everything else that has been done
on the project to date, the DVD is being produced on a voluntary basis
and everyone is working as fast as they can with out compromising the
quality of the end product".
We apologise for any
inconvenience this will cause and we will release a new shipping date
as soon as we can. Keep visiting the site for further updates.
Footage will be
available to view at the Hurricane Society stand at the AirSpace Air
Show and orders for the DVD will be taken.
As a one off offer, any
orders taken at the AirSpace Air Show will be signed by the Merlins
Over Malta team.
We will also have the
last remaining Merlins Over Malta Corgi
Collectors sets available at the show on Sunday.
The Merlins Over Malta DVD launches
at Duxford's AirSpace Air Show
The Merlins Over Malta team are
pleased to announce that the eagerly awaited DVD of the project will be
launched at Duxford's AirSpace Air Show on May 21st.
The DVD, which is narrated by actor and aviator, Martin Shaw, follows the
story of the Merlins project, that made the epic flight to return a
Spitfire and Hurricane to Malta for the first time in over 50 years.
The DVD tracks the project from the very beginning and culminates with the
events that took place in Malta last September. It includes the stunning
arrival through Grand Harbour filmed from the onboard camera in the
Spitfire. It also includes footage of the Malta International Air Show,
the commemorative flypast at the War Memorial and the opening of the Air
Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar and air-to-air footage filmed throughout
the trip.
There are interviews with the team behind the project; the pilots, the
owners of the aircraft, and with Muriel Pavlow, project supporter and star
of Malta Story and Reach for the Sky.
The DVD will be available from the Hurricane Society stand (opposite the
Control Tower) at the AirSpace Air Show.
For more
details on the DVD, click here.
March 2006
Upcoming Merlins Over Malta talks
A big thank you goes to the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society. On the
night of their talk, through donations and model sales, they raised an
astounding total of £677.82 for the project! Thank you!
Friday 3rd
March - Martlesham Heath Aviation Society
Clive Denney, Aircraft restorer and Display Pilot.
A debrief about the special flight over Malta of a Hurricane and Spitfire,
commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II, and Malta’s
significant part in the conflict. Clive will talk about the team’s unusual
experiences - on the way down, in Malta, and back to the U.K. (via France,
Italy, and Sicily) - using video clips and other images.
For more information contact Howard King 01473 274300
Friday March 13th - Oxfordshire Aviation Group
Mr Clive Denney will be visiting us to talk about the Merlins Over Malta
adventure last September
Venue...Marlborough Club, DIDCOT
Time.....1930hrs
No charge, but please drop a coin or two in Clive's direction in donation
to the MoM cause.
Wednesday
12th April - London Society of Air-Britain
Merlins Over Malta - from Idea to Reality. Last year we heard of the
efforts made by the team to raise the funds. Their success has been seen
on TV and in the Aviation Magazines. Howard Cook and Clive Denney tell the
full story of their achievement.
January 2006
Merlins Over Malta Illustrated lecture in Leeds
Merlins Over Malta pilot Flt Lt Charlie Brown is giving an illustrated lecture entitled “Merlins Over Malta” at Pudsey Civic Hall, Leeds at 19:30 on Friday 27th January. Tickets cost £7.00 in advance from Air Supply Aviation Store, 97 High Street, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7TA. Funds raised will be donated to the project.
December 2005
Corgi Dispatch Update
We have now started dispatching the corgi models. If you have paid
for your model it is on its way to you. If you have placed an order
but not yet paid, your set will be dispatched once your payment has
cleared.
Please note that if you ordered more than one
model they may not arrive together as the models were dispatched in two
batches.
There are still around 50 sets available so if
you are looking for an extra special Christmas present or you have decided
that you would like another set, please let us know.
November 2005
Corgi Update
Things are looking very good for the packing and dispatching of the
Merlins Over Malta Corgi sets this weekend (26th &27th November). We
hope to have all of them on their way to you on Monday.
Malta Spitfire looses the blue
The Historic Aircraft Collection's Spitfire BM597 has lost it's Malta blue
paint scheme and has returned to it's original brown and green polish
markings.
Merlins Over Malta DVD
Since our return from Malta we have had many enquiries about a possible
DVD. We are now pleased to confirm that we are working on the
Merlins Over Malta DVD.
Work is well underway but we have not set a
release date yet. Everyone is working on it in their spare time and
we do not wish to rush this product.
If you would like
to register your interest in the DVD please
email us and we will keep you up to date with our progress.
A Corgi Update
The Corgi "Merlins Over Malta" Collectors' sets
have been delivered to the Merlins Over Malta team. Everything,
apart from the signed certificates is now in place to start the dispatch
process.
The certificates are out with the Spitfire and
Hurricane veterans being signed. They are progressing well and we
hope to have them back with us shortly.
We will contact everyone who has placed an order once the sets have been dispatched and we will post further updates on this website.
We apologise for the delay and thank you for your patience and support.
Gerald Coulson's Original "Merlins Over Malta"
Painting
At the very start of the project, renowned aviation artist, Gerald Coulson
kindly produced a special commission to support the Merlins Over Malta
project. As you are aware a limited
edition print was produced from the original and has been selling well
over the last year.
THE ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING IS NOW AVAILABLE TO BUY!
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Gerald Coulson's Original "Merlins Over Malta" Painting |
This is a rare opportunity to own a Gerald Coulson
original. To register your interest please
email us.
Merlins Over Malta Polo Shirts
We have had a new batch of Merlins Over Malta
Polo Shirts produced. These are now available from the
Merlins Over Malta shop for £20.00 + P&P
October 2005
Important Corgi News
The Corgi "Merlins Over Malta" Collectors' sets have arrived in the UK. We are now waiting for them to be dispatched to us from Corgi. The certificates are with the veterans being signed so once we have all the elements of the set with us we will start to dispatch them.
We will contact everyone who has placed an order once the sets have been dispatched and we will post further updates on this website.
We apologise for the delay and thank you for your patience and support.
The Defenders at Duxford's Autumn Air Show
The story of the epic finale of the Merlins Over Malta project, which
saw HAC’s Spitfire and Hurricane fly to Malta to commemorate Malta’s role
in the war, is told today in Hangar 4 by the last Spitfire and Hurricane
pilots to fly from Malta.
The HAC Spitfire and Hurricane will be performing a special flypast in the
show today, following their safe return. This will be their first UK Air
Show appearance as a pair in their Malta schemes.
Here is the timetable of events, so you can be sure not to miss this
opportunity to listen to the stories first hand
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Project leader and Hurricane pilot Clive Denney and
Spitfire pilot Charlie Brown talk about their Merlins Over Malta
adventure |
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11:00 |
Screening of footage from the Merlins Over Malta finale |
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12:00 |
Hurricane pilot and support aircraft crew Howard Cook
talks about his Merlins Over Malta adventure |
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13:00 |
Screening of footage from the Merlins Over Malta finale |
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14:00 |
The pilots will be available for a signing session
(subject to air show changes) |
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15:00 |
Screening of footage from the Merlins Over Malta finale |
Photos, signings & meet the pilots and team,
opportunities throughout the day
The Merlins Over Malta team will have their range of
merchandise including the Corgi models and the
Gerald Coulson "Merlins Over Malta" prints
available to buy.
This event is supported by
The
Historic aircraft Collection Ltd
September 2005
“The Defenders are Coming!”
After over 60 years the islands of Malta will once again bear witness
to the sight and sound of a Rolls Royce Merlin engined Spitfire and
Hurricane as they will make their ‘Grand’ arrival through Grand Harbour on
Thursday 22nd September at 6pm.
This sight and sound which has come at the end of a two year struggle by a
small team of volunteers, to help pay tribute to the islands of Malta, its
people and those from all over the world who helped to defend her in those
dark days of the Second World War, has been described as ‘Emotional’.
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The Spitfire and Hurricane on their way to
Malta |
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© Frank
Marson/Merlins Over Malta |
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As the two aeroplanes are positioned in Italy after
their epic 10 hour flight from the UK a “Friendly Invasion” is underway
with people from all over the world coming to pay tribute to the vital
role played by Malta during the Second World War.
Funding for the trip has come from public donations and the sale of the
commemorative Corgi Collectors Models, Project Leader Linda Denney
explained. “Its not been easy the team have made several trips to Malta
this year to secure promotional partnerships but sadly we have been let
down on many occasions. We must however thank the Malta Tourism Authority
and Nigel Petrie of Dedicated Micro’s who have given to help ensure the
projects success. On the whole however we have been deeply dissapointed by
the reception given to us by Malta’s top businesses”
“Despite this we truly hope that the people of Malta are looking forward
to this weeks events, we would be overwhelmed to see the Bastions lined
with Spectators as the ‘DEFENDERS’ arrive at 6pm on Thursday 22nd.”
To those on the islands that have given to help make this happen… be very
proud!
For Media Enquires during the coming week please
contact the Merlins Media and Public Relations Team.
The First And Last Reach For The Sky!
Collectors Edition sets Number 1 and 600 ‘Malta Bound’
Merlins Over Malta and The Diecast Aviation Forum and website are
delighted to announce that Edition numbers 1 and 600 are to be made
available to the general public… after they have flown to Malta inside the
gun bays of Historic aircraft Collections Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker
Hurricane.
“Only 600 of the very unique and prestigious collectors
sets have been produced and what better way to commemorate the event, than
to send them to Malta on board the aeroplanes they represent” commented
Mike Toone whose Diecast Aviation Forum and Website worked relentlessly in
the design of the collectors edition.
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“The collectors sets are truly unique. The first Corgi
Aviation Archive release to incorporate real pieces of fabric taken from
both the Spitfire and Hurricane as well as signatures from the 2005 pilots
as well as 4 veteran pilots who helped defend Malta over 60 years ago.
This coupled with a truly stunning box design incorporating Gerald
Coulson's ”Merlins Over Malta” painting means these sets are fast selling
and are sure to become highly collectable.”
Sets 1 and 600 will be made available in a closed bid auction. Visit
www.diecast-aviation.co.uk or email your bid to
merlinbids@diecast-aviation.co.uk
Please include your name address and contact number!
Very few collectors sets are still available priced at £99.00 plus P&P.
Also selling out very quickly are the Limited Edition Legends series which
retail for around £39.00
Sets 1 and 600 will feature a special certificate confirming their epic
flight.
CCTV COMPANY KEEPS WATCH ON THE MERLINS!
UK and Malta based CCTV specialists
Dedicated
Micro’s have generously supported the epic Merlins Over Malta project
by sponsoring the very crucial function of the support aeroplane. A
beautiful Cessna T303 ‘Crusader’ owned and operated by Roche Bentley from
Cambridge Airport.
Piloted by Roche and Frank Marson the ‘Crusader’ G-ROCH has both the
speed, performance and technology to support the iconic Spitfire and
Hurricane back to the islands they helped defend over 60 years ago.
It was an 11th hour rescue as sponsorship for the original support
aircraft had fallen through. Dedicated Micros boss Nigel Petrie whose
business operates in both Malta and the United Kingdom stepped in with the
necessary funds.
“Support aircraft is a vital aspect of the arduous route through Europe”
explained Merlins pilot Howard Cook. “It has the ability to carry vital
spares as well as a third pilot giving both Charlie Brown and Clive Denney
the option to rest if needs be”
The Cessna T303 G-ROCH will accompany the two ‘Merlin’ powered fighters
back to Malta.
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Cessna T303
G-ROCH |
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© Nick
Blacow |
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Project Leader Linda Denney quoted “We are extremely
grateful to Dedicated Micros and Nigel Petrie for coming onboard at such
short notice, and also to Roche Bentley for allowing us to take his
aeroplane all the way to Malta. The role played by the Support aircraft is
of Huge importance to the success of this project.”
The route to Malta has been published in the new "Flight
Update" page of the website. This page will follow the aircraft
as they fly down to Malta.
Jersey International Air Show
HAC's
Spitfire BM597 and Hurricane "Z5140" will be displaying in the Jersey
International Air Show on Thursday 15th September 2005.
After the aircraft have displayed in Jersey, they will be departing to
Malta, from "one Island occupied by the Germans to one that only just
survived experiencing the same fate".
Duxford's Battle of Britain Air Show
Duxford's wet Battle of Britain Air Show was the public outing of BM597 in
its blue Malta scheme. Unfortunately due to the wet weather the
aircraft did not fly and after being put away at the end of the display on
Saturday it was decided to only bring it out again on the Sunday if the
weather improved. It didn't so the Spitfire remained in the warmth
of the ARCo Hangar. The hurricane flew on the Saturday and taxied
for the crowd on Sunday.
Thank you to everyone for their best wishes over the weekend!
BM597 Turns Blue!
After spending the weekend displaying at the Biggin Hill International Air
Fair BM597 flew into Marshall's Cambridge Airport to be transformed into a
Maltese Spitfire.
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BM597 in the paint shop
at Cambridge |
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On Wednesday BM597 emerged from the paint shop wearing
a new blue scheme. This scheme was applied to the Spitfires that sailed to
Malta onboard the USS Wasp during Operation Calendar. For more details on
the paint scheme look
here.
August 2005
As you may have seen in FlyPast, we have announced that we are now going
to Malta in September. We have not quite reached our target for
funding yet so we are still in fundraising mode. The money we are
now trying to raise covers the VAT we will have to pay.
The provisional dates for the trip have been published on the
September 2005 page. Keep looking here for all
the details of what will be happening in the lead up to the trip and while
we are on the island.
We started this project two years ago. It has been a lot of hard
work and we are almost there. Thank you for all your help so far.
Now we need to start the final push!
Corgi Collectors' sets
We have had an overwhelming
response to the Corgi Aviation Archive Merlins Over Malta Collectors
Sets. If you were in two minds whether to order or not please, please
order now!!!! These stunning commemorative sets will almost certainly
increase in value once the event has taken place. Details can be found
here on the
Corgi shop page.
Merlins Over Malta Raffle
There is less than a month before the Merlins Over Malta CAF Air Show
raffle is drawn. If you have not bought a ticket yet, please do. Details
can be found on the Competition page.
July 2005
- Malta Spitfire Fund Launched
- To help raise the final funds needed, a "2005 Spitfire Fund" has
been set up in Malta. A poster campaign has started on the
Island and donations can be sent to the Spitfire Fund at the Malta
Aviation Museum. Project supporter - Robin Brooks has kindly
allowed us to reproduce the article he wrote for the August 2003
edition of FlyPast on the original Malta Spitfire Fund.
Click here to read the article.
Corgi Launches at Legends!
Merlins Over Malta, Corgi and the Diecast Aviation Web Site & Forum
unveiled the pre-production models of the "Merlins Over Malta" set.
The Hurricane is wearing it's current scheme of 126 Squadron and the
Spitfire is wearing the scheme of a Spitfire that flew from the USS
Wasp during Operation Calendar in April 1942.
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Spitfire BM597 |
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Hurricane Z5140 |
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The Merlins Over
Malta pair |
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