The object of the VMGCRA is to educate the wider public on the use of the Vickers MG. As part of this, the collection and archive are available for viewing by appointment.
If you’d like to see what we have, then visit our virtual tour.
Dates available
If you like what you see on the virtual tour, please book an in-person visit on one of our open days. Below are the dates for 2023. We have the capacity for a visit each month with more by special request and suitable group size. All visits for 2023 will be centred around a group visit with additional visitors where numbers allow. They are held near Junction 15 of the M4 by Swindon. Exact details will be provided in the week before the event.
2023
Sunday 22nd January at 1.30pm – Been and gone! You missed out. Look out for a later date.
Saturday 4th March at 1.30pm – Been and gone! You missed out. Look out for a later date.
Saturday 29th April at 1.30pm – Been and gone! You missed out. Look out for a later date.
Saturday 27th May at 2.30pm – Private visit.
Sunday 28th May at 1.30pm – Done and dusted! Get on the next one available.
Sunday 2nd July at 1.30pm – Done!
Saturday 15th July at 2.30pm – Great War Group event.
Saturday 22nd July at 1.30pm – London Historic RC visit.
Monday 21st August at 1.30pm – Yate and Sodbury U3A .
Wednesday 20th September at 1.30pm – Western Front Association Essex Branch (contact branch for details) – remaining tickets available here.
Saturday 30th September at 1.30pm – Long-Range Rimfire Club (contact secretary for details).
Wednesday 4th October at 1.30pm – Hurn Pistol and Rifle Club (contact events coordinator).
Saturday 14th October at 1.30pm – Friends of the Tank Museum / Ordnance Society (contact events coordinator) – remaining tickets will be released nearer the time.
If you have a group and wish to have a separate visit to those listed above, please get in touch. To arrange a visit, then please use the form below or contact me.
What is there to see?
As can be seen from the photos below, the collection is extensive and does cover the use of the Vickers MG in considerable depth, rather than the breadth of a ‘normal’ weapons collection of museum. We now (July 2023) have 32 Vickers MGs in the collection which is the highest number in a single accessible display globally.
It is possible to handle and photograph items from the collection, within some constraints for security and safety, and the collection can accommodate individuals through to groups of up to 20 people.
A routine visit is likely to last about three to four hours. It can also incorporate a presentation on the growth of the collection and the development and use of the machine gun and machine gunnery as a tactic. This can be adapted depending on any specific period or use of interest.
It can also include a firing demonstration using blank ammunition, subject to availability and circumstances.
The collection is located near Swindon, Wiltshire, UK. The address and directions will be provided as required.
We try to allocate one (usually the last) weekend per month where we can accommodate visits. We have also introduced open days where individuals can come along rather than requiring a minimum group size. The availability is below.
Donations (suggested around £20) are accepted when visiting the collection, to help cover the costs of keeping it displayed in this way. This helps value the time our volunteers put into providing this three- to four-hour tour as well as the ammunition for any demonstrations.
Excellent source of information, highly recommend the page for those interested in the Vickers MG.
For enthusiasts of historical weapons and collections, this is the place to visit. The meticulous detail that Richard has captured is testament to his enthusiasm, dedication and research. The collection is highly recommended to young and old. A day out to remember.
Richard’s knowledge base regarding this sphere of weaponry is unsurpassed. A recent visit with some colleagues from Germany was again excellent. Thank you RF
Absolutely superb visit. Thank you very much indeed for a thoroughly enjoyable and informative few hours.
Brilliant collection well worth a visit. I can not recommend this enough for anymore with an interest in WW1 or Firearms.
Ordered a badged mug as my great grandfather was in MGC in WW1, lovely item and arrived very quickly
If your interested in these iconic weapons, then this is the place to come to see these weapons from ww1 & ww2 .
what a fantastic collection of related manuals, literature and displays.a very useful online collection of information.The Vickers mg association are definitely the go to guys when it comes to all things Vickers in the UK.well worth a visit.
A great place for lovers of both the Vickers MG and history in general. They have done so much research to help us all out!
