Vulcan - the end is nigh...

[C]

Very sad to see...

[quote]Dear Members,

1st August, 2006.

This is not an easy letter to write, but I have to inform you, on behalf of the Club Committee, that the project to restore our beloved aircraft, Avro Vulcan XH558, to flying condition, is perilously close to having to be abandoned. This is purely because of lack of finance; nothing else.

You will know that the aircraft went into the hangar at Bruntingthorpe in October, 1999 in the ownership of the Walton Family Company, and considerable numbers of you who were members of the Club from its early days gave or pledged money very generously to finance its stripping and detailed inspection so as to ensure that it was in good condition and capable of being made to fly once again. Dr Robert Pleming came on the scene at this stage and became the guiding light behind the work to convince the Civil Aviation Authority, British Aerospace (as it then was), Rolls Royce, and the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that the project was feasible and should be supported. He also created and submitted the first application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which, as you know, was rejected. The HLF then assisted Dr Pleming with a second application, which was successful, and

[ozzy72]

This is VERY worrying news... but not entirely unexpected

[Craig.]

theres one place I am almost certain they could go but I have a feeling the price to pay would be too much. The sea vixen is a little hint.

[C]

theres one place I am almost certain they could go but I have a feeling the price to pay would be too much. The sea vixen is a little hint.

I'd happily see the Vulcan in any colours. Tor reject sponsorship on those grounds would be irresponsible IMO...

[Hagar]

Sorry to say this but "I told you so".

[Tweek]

Yep, seen this on another forum. We can only hope for a sponsor to crop up suddenly, but I'm not confident that one will.

[cspyro21]

Will be a great shame if no sponsor can be found in time...  :(

[C]

Will be a great shame if no sponsor can be found in time...  :(

Several vicious rumours at other forums that the chief fundraiser is on Holiday!

This is worrying, as it already appears to be creating bad feeling, and people discussing the business practice of the operation (a look at the last page of the PPrune thread is enlightening to say the least...)...

[Mictheslik]

Great, the lottery spend

[C]

[quote]Great, the lottery spend

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

I found that if one goes to the daily newspapers, tells the story like it is, tell what is needed and why, pull no punches it usually stirs up public outcry and enough to get the ball a rolling.
History is a wonderful teacher and the general public is starting to realize that.
Asking for public support outright will also create other avenues for financial support.  Factory workers and schools might jump on the wagon.
The committee will have to open the financial books to public scrutiny but there is nothing wrong with that.

Just some thoughts from across the pond

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[C]

I found that if one goes to the daily newspapers, tells the story like it is, tell what is needed and why, pull no punches it usually stirs up public outcry and enough to get the ball a rolling.
History is a wonderful teacher and the general public is starting to realize that.
Asking for public support outright will also create other avenues for financial support.  Factory workers and schools might jump on the wagon.

It's been in the national press again, and again...

Unfortunately there are not many companies seen to be willing to sponsor a large ex military aircraft in the current age...

The committee will have to open the financial books to public scrutiny but there is nothing wrong with that.

I expect they will considering the project has been mostly funded by national lottery funds and public donations...

[61_OTU]

I've only just seen this, what very sad news. For those who want to get an idea of what we'll be missing out on have a look
here - I've youtubed a video of XM655 and put the link in the last post.

I've just finished reading two books that concern the Vulcan. 'Vulcan 607' by Rowland White is a start to finish account of the first Black Buck raid on the Falklands. It's gripping stuff, if a bit jingoistic, but leaves you in no doubt about the skill and bravery of the aircrew and the ingenuity of the groundcrew.

Also prior to that I read 'Sea Harrier over the Falklands' by Sharkey Ward. He is not complimentary about the military value of Black Buck, nor the RAF generally, but it's an interesting counterpoint and a riveting read.

Either way, it's criminal that one of these should not be airworthy when the opportunity is so close at hand. I'd be happy to see it in Virgin colours if Mr B would put his hand in his pocket......well, maybe just the port side anyway