The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust organises a number of events throughout the year, with the undoubted highlight being Memorial Day, the annual commemoration of the anniversary of the start of the battle.

Although usually held on the Sunday closest to the first day of the Battle, 11 July, for logistical reasons the 2012 event is planned for 15 July.

2011 also saw the return of the popular tours around Folkestone and Dover, the area that became known as Hellfire Corner because of the fierce aerial combat that took place overhead during and after the Battle of Britain.

The Trust’s regular tour guide is Geoff Simpson, a member of the RAF Historical Society and the author of many texts on the Battle including A Dictionary of the Battle of Britain, published in association with the Trust.

Tours usually include the museum at Hawkinge, which has a remarkable collection of artefacts from the Battle, and Hawkinge New Cemetery, where British and German aircrew are buried.

Dates for the 2012 tours have now been confirmed as Saturday 12 May and Saturday 8 September. A place on the tour costs £65 or £60 for Friends of the Few. Joining the Friends has many other benefits as well as the reduced tour cost – you can find out how to join here.

For further information email aj.simpson1950@talktalk.net

The other regular event that brings crowds to the National Memorial to the Few is the visit of the Action Stations! Spitfire over the site. See Live Spitfire appearances at Capel-le-Ferne for details.