We really appreciate all the emails of support we have been receiving and the many offers of help. At present we are fully occupied trying to save the collection and find a new "home". We read EVERY email posted here but, unfortunately, we do not have the time to reply to you all individually. We hope to resume our Volunteers and Friends scheme soon which will give you the opportunity of taking an active part in the Museum again. In the meantime, the many comments received add valuable ammunition to our case.

Many thanks,
Bournemouth Aviation Museum Trustees.

We are keen to keep in touch with our many loyal supporters. Bournemouth Flying Club has allowed us to meet for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee on Tuesday mornings at 10.00 or, if you fancy a rather wicked cooked breakfast, you can indulge yourself in the "Runway" for £3.95 or the "Biggles" for £4.95.
We will try to ensure that at least one Trustee, or member of the Action Group, is available then so that you can find out the latest information from a reliable source.
It is not a formal meeting and anyone can attend, including those just interested in becoming a supporter. Just drop in and join in.

You can help, join the BAM Supporters Club here.

My prediction is that the airport management will never turn the old site of the museum into a car park. Mark my words !
Name witheld.

I just logged onto the Bournemouth Aviation Museum website to plan our annual visit in July and was horrified to find the museum had been forced to close by the narrow mindedness of the airport authority.

For the last 6 years we have stayed on holiday in Hurn with my young son who is 9. A must visit as far as he is concerned has always been the museum where we have watched him year on year spend many happy hours exploring the aircraft. He has now a great love of aviation which has developed from the time he has spent there. We have visited a number of aircraft museums in the UK subsequently but Bournemouth has always remained our favourite due to its hands on approach and the enthusiasm of the volunteers who have always taken great time to answer questions with such enthusiasm.

When one looks at the aviation heritage from the area being represented by the museum I cannot believe the airport or the local authorities have allowed this to happen. A sad case of greed over intelligence.

My hopes are that you soon establish a new base that allows the museum to go from strength to strength, and thanks for all the pleasure you have given us to date. We look forward to visiting the new home in the near future.

Glyn Barlow

Just wish to say that I am very disappointed that the airport will not renew the lease. A decision i'm sure thay will live to regret. i hope you can find a suitable place and everything works out.

Chris O'Connor

I have just stumbled across your website whilst looking for somewhere to take the children on this wet and miserable day. I read with interest your plight and would like to wish you lots of luck in securing a new suitable home. I do think that sometimes bureaucrats and such do not want people to succeed and will constantly put obstacles in your way just because they can. Lets hope that the Adventure Wonderland venture is pulled off and that you can once again rebuild your museum. I look forward to bringing my children to see it wherever you end up.
Good luck to you and your team.

Angela

I’ve been watching the progress updates and encountered various emotions in doing so!
I’m slightly encouraged by the most recent news and think this could be a good opportunity with more space – I’d love to see a Cosford of the South.
I’m really sorry I missed the packing up as I would have liked to have helped.
Is there an opportunity to join a fee paying supporters group?

Paul Wilson

Hi,
I stupidly while on holiday in Poole last summer didn't visit the museum, but put it on my "To do next year" list !
I am so glad you havent given up on the museum and your aircraft and when you re-open I will be visiting !

Claire, Richard & Abbygail

Good news about the potential new site next to Adventure Wonderland ! Be sure to let us know when the planning application goes in, so we can add our support.
Andy
........... (All news will be posted on this website as soon as it is available for official publication).

I visited your museum last year (2007) and I was very impressed at how friendly the people were and how accessible all the aircraft were. So I decided to take my wife and 18mth old son who is plane and helicopter mad, to the museum on 10/05/2008 and to our dismay was shocked that the museum had closed down when we arrived there. I found the museum excellent value for money and was very excited to take my son on board the aircraft and helicopters to let him wander around and sit in some of the cockpits. There is nowhere else in the local area where it is possible to do this and I hope very much that you can find another site to house these magnificent aircraft.

Paul Rainbird

I am very sad that the museum is closed, it was the only decent and affordable place to go in dorset, me and my mum went there loads of times and cant believe its being made into a car park now, we hope you find a good place to move to and if there is anything we can do to help send us an e mail, we hope we get to visit museum again soon and are really really sad its not there anymore.

Jake Bradley.

Having visited the air museum at Hurn airport I was discussted to learn of its closure, there are many people who unfortunately never got to visit as they were un aware of its existence, I have lived in Ferndown for 6 years and I am pleased to say that I had visited the museum on several occasions and found it most informative & rewarding day out. However having been to the museum I spoke to several people in this area, who I may add have lived here all their lives, did not know of it's existence. I am shocked that the media have not picked up on this regretful closure, and that no information to my knowledge has been in the local press, surely this museum is our heritage, and should not just be left to chance that someone just might be able to house the exhibits. I am sure you are doing your up most but issues sometimes need outside help. Is there any campaign in existence? Is anything being done to get this matter out to the media outside DORSET, and is anyone interested in saving our Aviation museum, I would be interested to hear from you.

Denise.

I sadly have never visited the Museum, and now I can’t. What is the Country coming to when it’s prepared to swap a museum for a car park? I will be writing to my MP about it, and hopefully so will others.
This is truly an outrage.

George.

I would have thought it would be a 'High Security Risk' to position a 'Car Park' in the said area, given the likely distance from the 'Threshold' of the 'Runway'? Hope they erect a good high strong fence.

Name witheld.

I've been following the situation with the museum since last year when it was announced it would be closing, to be replaced with a 'car park' of all things. A car park! How awe inspiring, NOT! Its a real shame, and as an aviation enthusiast, I've really enjoyed visiting the museum over the years and really hope you can continue somewhere else in the future. If you need any volunteers to help in any aspects of moving then please let me know and I would be happy to help where I can.

Mike

Whilst awaiting the arrival of my son and his mother from Majorca on Sunday I thought i'd drop into the museum to buy a sandwich or three and look around again(for the umpteenth time). How appalling that you have had to close to make way for a car park! This is nothing more than official vandalism on behalf of MAG. Some faceless beaurocrat with little regard for heritage has made the decision that money comes before all else. Not content with ruining a perfectly good restaurant and viewing facilities formerly held in the terminal building, this awful management company now sacrifices a valuable national asset in favour of what? A car park! The great God money rules OK! Goodbye common sense! My 3 yr old grandson is devastated that his favourite destination in all the world has closed down. If there is anything I can do to help preserve such a worthwhile facility please do not hesitate to ask.

Christopher H Robinson.

I felt it time to add my views on the shut down of the BAM, particular as today I have read that the former Red Arrow Gnat, G_NATY has taken to the skies again, and would be hangared at Bournemouth. I cannot understand why Bournemouth Airport or the holding group, Manchester Airports has done this to what is a fine, and wonderful museum. I have attended there on many occasions, either with groups of children, or on private visits to organise the same. I just wish there was more one could do, particular financially, and find alternative accommodation at the airport. From what I have viewed, I thought the airport would have realised that what was offered would not be capable of housing what you already have. Bournemouth Aviation Museum has my full support, and I look forward to visiting the museum again in the not too distant future. Best wishes.

Christopher Way

I was planning a visit this weekend with my wife and three children. They had never been to the museum but I had enjoyed several visits in years past. Disgusted to find that your situation has been compomised. The place always had a very special atmosphere and should be preserved for future generations to enjoy IN ITS PRESENT LOCATION! The pen-pushers and bean-counters at MAG and other philistines associated with the new car-park proposals should be lined up and tapped lightly on the head with spoons at least fifty times a day for their own good. Clearly they are not well. Why not construct a modular state-of-the-art multi-storey car park on part of the existing car park area to maximise its capacity? Slightly more expensive but WHAT PRICE OUR HERITAGE? As a former investigative journalist (partly responsible for getting greedy and corrupt property developers and councillors like Poulson and T. Dan Smith put behind bars in the late 60s) I feel very strongly about this. I wish you all the best in your battle and please let me know if I can be of assistance. One of your supporters suggested a petition which seems like a good idea. I am a professional musician with a band called FAT SPANNER. We would be happy to come down and play a fundraising gig in a hangar which should attract some media coverage.

Richard Brunton

Early last year I took a flight from Bournemouth Airport to Glasgow, and on take off I noticed the Bournemouth Aviation Museum sign. When I returned I took my 10 year son, who has Autism. He loved it and he now has a keen interest in aircraft. We went back a couple of times. He has often asked to go back, but as we've been a bit busy we took him to the Southampton Hall of Aviation. Now we have time over the Easter break we were shocked and saddened to hear of the closure. There seemed to be plenty of space for extending the car park to the East of the airfield rather than maliciously bulldozing the museum. The airfield was the home of the aircraft in your collection long before the government sold it to some greedy private company. As the small museum in Southampton and the one at Bournemouth reminds us, the South Coast was the birthplace of aviation in this country and we should be proud of the famous aircraft that we have produced, not ordering their eviction and scrap. The museum is a valuable educational resource and tourist gem - good luck with your campaign!

Neville Palmer

Having just logged on to your site I was saddened to read of the closure. Out of interest the reason I logged on was with a view to visiting soon as I am interested in Buccaneer XX897. I used to fly back seat when we did the FoxHunter trials at Bedford so I was having it painted by a local artist who needed better pictures of the nose configuration. But alas it will have to wait, in the hope that your fortunes change for the better. The loss of such a site would be a tragedy, especially to a car park. I shall therefore keep a watching brief of events.

Lez Fishman

Every dog has its day. MAG could do well to read these pages, as I am sure they surely do, and take on board that what goes around comes around. They will over the years be seeking all manner of planning approvals. I can foresee some of their statements coming back to haunt them when they get tens of thousands of objections. Hopefully it will not come to that, if only because it will surely cost more than the £1m plus the newts cost them at Manchester. MAG accountants please note! Lets all remember there is no more space available at Hurn! So say MAG. I am hoping that Bournemouth and Dorset authorities are well intentioned and are working positively with yourselves to pursue the development that they and all of us can can be proud of.

Michael Slade

My grandaughter, Rebecca, now aged two and three quarters, can't understand why, on Grandad day, she can't go and see 'Beccas planes' and sit in 'Beccas helicopter' (the Wessex) as she eats her cornetto. It results in tears when I say 'We can't do that, sweetheart.'
I can't explain to her that the greed of beancounters and lawyers is allowed to rob children and 'normal' people of the mind-broadening pleasures of our history and heritage.
My next subs are due in July....if you need them before then, just say.

Rich Wintie

I have just finished paging through your excellent website and am pretty disgusted at the problems you are having with MAG. The Museum was a valuable tourist asset especially with so many interactive and hands on exhibits. One would expect the Local Planning Authority, and the Airport Authority, to support and assist in Museum expansion - not closure.
As a retired DHE & RR production engineer I feel a duty to help in some way. What is the situation regarding membership? Contact details, and subs rate please.

Colin Brixton

WE ARE NOW LIVING IN CANADA SINCE 1980 BUT EVERYTIME WE VISIT MY HUSBAND'S RELATIVES IN BOURNEMOUTH WE ALWAY VISITED THE MUSEUM. SINCE HE WAS IN THE RAF AND I WORKED AT AIRWORK SERVICES AT HURN DURING THE 60S, WE HAVE FELT HURN IS OUR AIRPORT. WHEN WE FIRST CAME OVER WE WERE AMAZED AT THE GROWTH OF HURN AND THEN THRILLED BY THE MUSEUM SINCE WE WERE THERE THE YEAR IT OPENED AND HAVE BEEN BACK APPROX EVERY 2 YEARS. AS I AM IN TOURISM I CANNOT UNDERSTAN D THE THINKING OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO CAN ONLY SEE MONEY SIGNS FOR THE AIRPORT, DO THEY NOT REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISTS AND HISTORY? WE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE LATEST NEWS AND HAVE TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING IT. SURELY THERE ARE OTHER PLACES TO PUT PARKING.

ROD AND BARB FEW

I would like to offer my support for the re-homing of the museum, as I always used to visit the museum last year before its closure, and found it an ideal way to pass the time before my flight.
If you are compiling a petition, and would like support, please let me know.
I wish you the best of luck for the future of the museum and its collection.

Phil Mordecai

"Bosses at Manchester airport paid £ 1 million to save great crested newts living near a new runway" (yesterdays national newspaper).

It's a shame they don't have the same consideration (and finances) to save our heritage !

Name witheld

I was really upset to hear the aviation museum has had to close. My dad used to take me there all the time when I was younger, and I visited recently as part of a university project. Its a really special place and gives people a unique opportunity to experience first hand the cockpits of some of the collection. its incredible to see the vast array of switches, dials, and meters in each plane, its impossible to begin to fathom what they all do, and how it all works!
I'm glad I managed to see the museum again just in the nick of time, and cant wait until it finds a new home. I hope you keep the russian translation a tourist had jotted down on a scrap of paper next to one of the artifacts!
I'm not very well off, but if there is anyway I can help other than donating money please dont hesitate to ask. If I can volunteer in any way, ..to lend a hand cleaning or moving anything when it come to the big move, I'd be more than happy to get stuck in and help.

Jason

I am sure its on your agenda but just in case. I had a flash of inspiration - why not a site off drome - nearby say the "Wonderland" place with access across the road for occasional trips across for take offs etc.
There would seem to be other off drome sites on the perimeter..... Even a compulsory purchase order? by local council??? - lateral thinking there!
Keep up the good work,

Mike Slade

I visited Bournemouth Airports website today and was sad to hear that the museum had temporarily ceased. I have visited the museum on several occasions and found it to be one of the best I have ever visited, its not often you can get as hands on !

Nick Harding

It is disappointing to read the latest news from the Action Group that the suggestion for an outdoor aviation museum has been turned down by the airport authorities, particularly as the previous news item seemed to provide a lot of possibilities.
Whatever happens, I think it is important to keep together the aircraft collection actually owned by the museum if it is to provide the nucleus for a new museum in the future. Otherwise, it will be difficult to keep the flame alive, and for a reborn museum to ever be more than just an idea.
If it should not prove possible to keep the collection together, then an alternative solution might be to offer the individual aircraft on loan to organizations with permanent existing collections, with the proviso that a certain amount of refurbishment work should be undertaken on the aircraft, and that the aircraft should be returned when a new museum opens. An outdoor aircraft museum located at Bournemouth Airport would have been a most satisfactory outcome, at least in the short-term, and it is a great pity that the proposal has been rejected.
I look forward to hearing about any new developments.
Keep up the good work !

Jon Leake

My grandchildren (girls included!) loved the museum and I was always happy to take them there when they visited us, and enjoyed it myself at the same time. It is hard to believe that a mere car park is to take preference over such an institution. The perpetrators must be accountants! Such people seem bent on ruining the rest of Bournemouth and the rest of the local tourist industry by going for bars/casinos/night clubs/less centre car parking and so on. When it is no longer a family holiday area, only the brave (or the drunk!) will come here. I gave up on Bournemouth itself when car parking got ever more restricted and difficult, and go to Castlepoint or West Quay instead, but the aviation museum is not replaceable in the same way. I hope that some sense will get through in the end, and that this is not the end.

David Robinson

I would like to add to your comments how upset we are as a family that the museum has had to close. We have two young boys and we have enjojed many visits to your museum over the past two years. We live local to the airport and it has given us so much enjoyment to the boys and an education as they both love the aircraft and helicopters. The fact that you can explore them and get your hands on them makes it really exiting. This is so typical of so many things. You find a facility that is local and therefore kind on the environment, because you are not driving miles to get there. It is good for the whole family as it has something for everyone and then it all gets taken away from you. All because of a car park? Why can't they build on the existing car park and convert it to a low level multi- storey, like Wimborne market car park. I have just read your update on the web pages and I applaud you all for what you are trying to do. I wish you every success in finding your new home on the airport and look forward to visiting you all soon. I will certainly continue to support you with subscriptons and we would pay a little more if it means you can re-open.

The Bell Family

I'm delighted to read in the latest edition (March) of Flypast that there is still a possibility that BAM could re-open, though in a slightly different guise.
This is encouraging news and I wish you great success with your ongoing discussions.
My membership came up for renewal on 17th of this month. I'll be very pleased to continue my membership upon your advice.

Keith Endersby

I find it just amazing (but not surprising) that such an organisation should be forced to close to make room for ‘car parking space’ .
We have enjoyed visiting the museum several times when we have been on holiday in the area. Closure forced on you is nothing short of a disgrace, typical of business in general these days though I’m afraid.
We do hope that you will be able to find and fund an alternative and that the commitment, enterprise and heritage will not be lost to the community.

Every good wish with your endeavours.

I was completely unaware of the problem with the museum until the end of November when I visited with my husband and son and asked if I could buy an annual family membership. I was told that they were selling no more season tickets until further notice because the future of the museum was in doubt! I was horrified at this revelation!!
My son Eachan is fanatical about aircraft and we have been regular visitors to the museum over the last few months. Eachan also loves to visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton and the Compton Abbas airfield. However, the Bournemouth Aviation Museum is definitely his favourite because he can actually sit in all the aeroplanes. He loves to pretend he is a pilot. He particularly loves to sit in the Westland Wessex helicopter and be a helicopter pilot. Eachan also loves all the fabulous little models and can spend ages scouring the glass cases. There are so many models that he spots different things on each visit.
We only discovered this museum early last year when we were dropping Eachan’s Granny at the airport to catch her flight back to Prestwick. Granny is a regular visitor (about every two months) and Eachan is very close to her. He is always very upset and misses her a lot when she flies home to Scotland. Discovering the museum has made a huge difference to the otherwise painful partings. As soon as we have seen Granny off we head to the museum to spend the rest of the afternoon. We always take a snack and have a break in the aircraft viewing area in time to wave to Granny’s plane at the end of the runway before it takes off.
Although I was aware that there was some doubt hanging over the future of the museum, I was absolutely horrified to discover that it had closed on the 16th December. I had no idea that anything would happen so soon! Eachan’s Granny is visiting us again for half term week in February. How will I ever placate and pacify my distraught little boy when she flies home? No Granny and no museum!!!
What can I do to support your urgent case for suitable new premises? Can I become a Friend of the Museum or a member of your Action Group?

Amanda Gallaher

To everyone concerned with the action group, good luck in all your endeavours to rehome the museum.
We have been family members for many years, probably amongst the first as our number is 21, and have spent many hours enjoying the exhibits and facilities provided by the museum. I have two sons who both wish to join the R.A.F. so they have built up their flying experience at the museum.
It is saddening that we live in a so called family seaside resort where the entertainment on offer consists of pubs, lap-dancing clubs and casinos and one of the few truly family friendly attractions is terminated for car parking.
We will continue to support you in what ever way we can in this battle and I look forward to reading some positive news on the web site.

Lynne Thomas

With reference to fourth paragraph of latest news from the action group I think any opportunity should be taken to at least keep something going in the hope that in the long term the museum can look forward to something more permanent.
So, my view is go for it and thanks to those responsible for taking things thus far.

Alan Howell

Reading of your closure comes as a great shock. Whilst being on rented facilities there is always the possibility of such action. However in this case the action being taken is unreasonable in the light of the outstanding position you hold as a tourist attraction operated on a charitable basis. The exhibits are in such good condition, the staff so welcoming and knowledgeable which attracts the most qualified people and those who seek information from our fast disappearing engineering background. Where else, than at such establishments as this, can our youth be educated and have that spark of endeavour and achievement imprinted in their minds. The facilities being offered appear totally inadequate and the situation has not been considered sufficiently well by the landlord, who truly has his head in the proverbial foundations of their project.
Having flown from local airports since 1935 and Hurn from 1951 until late 1959 in test and development aircraft,I see that this historical image is being overshadowed by narrow minded thinking and a total disregard for the monumental effort that has been put to good effect by the Bournemouth Aviation Museum staff, whom I applaud most wholeheartdly, for bringing the local history to life.
What more can one say about this tragic situation.

John Allan

Yet another example of big company greed! They are obviously driven by profit only and have no regard for history or heritage. If it had not been for earlier advances in aviation they would not be in business now.
They shoul be ashamed of themselves for their meanness when others who value history give of their time and expertise. Perhaps name and shame in the public press might help as well as an appeal to shareholders?

John R Fennell Sqn Ldr

It is outrageous that MAG can act in such a way. As a very frequent flyer (2-3 times per week on average) I shall actively avoid Manchester Airport and seek to avoid using any of MAG's services unless they reverse this decision.

David Tucker

It was quite a shock to hear that The Bournemouth Aviation Museum had closed. We visited the Museum, as a Group of ex-apprentices from the DHAeTS Christchurch in the 50’s, during a Reunion held on September 21st 2003. Chris Christie arranged for an outside display of ex DH jets – Vampires, Venoms and the air worthy Sea Vixen. The latter in particular had been worked on by many of the attendees (and in some cases flown in) so the afternoon proved a very memorable occasion.

It seems inconceivable that an aviation organisation, such as MAG, is prepared to sacrifice a well established museum for car parking. They should not forget that they would not exist had it not been for the pioneers whose aircraft are in the museum. Airspeed/DH was at Christchurch until 1962 and Vickers/BAC was at Hurn until the 80’s. The area thus provides a rich aviation heritage which should be captured at a site such as Hurn Airport where tourists and locals can go as families, historians or aviation enthusiasts. The nearest Aviation Museum is in Southampton which has its own space problems so the loss of the BAM is a serious blow to the Bournemouth area.

It is good to see an Action Group has been formed - I will thus e-mail this information to all the DHAeTS Christchurch ex-apprentices we have rediscovered, in the hope that some (particularly those in the area) will help in the campaign.

Garth Rogers DHAeTS (1955-60)
Reunion Organiser & Aviation Enthusiast

Hi, Just a 'quickie', I will be happy to continue my membership as a Friend of, at the same rate as before, though I wish I could afford more.... My young son and I greatly miss our trips over to the museum.

Freddie Thompson

I've wanted to write to you and express my feelings at the closure of the museum since our visit on your last public day. However, I have just felt so angry that MAG could just discard somewhere that had such educational and historical importance in such an uncaring manner. You have my utmost support ( and that of my two children aged 4&7 - and all of their friends who used to regularly visit with us ) for any forthcoming project, and frankly I just wish I could do more.

Dave Pimbblet

I recall watching the new fangled Britannia doing circuits and bumps at Hurn - my father was a design draughtsman at deH's on Vampires/Venoms and the 110. I served in the RAF as an engineer until 1988 and recently took early retirement from a jet engine related job and moved back to the area and had hoped to become involved in the museum.
The decision of the MAG is unpalatable but these days, unfortunately, there is not much consideration given to topics that don't improve the bottom line for the shareholders.
I can offer organizational ability and/or hands on help when the time comes to move.

Stephen Robson

I’m sad ! Because I really love coming here.

Toby aged 5

So sorry to hear of your closure, a real loss to the aviation heritage world, I was only a recent visitor but found Bournemouth fascinating, I was looking forward to further visits in the future.
Is there anything that may be done ?

Steve Machin

I was so upset to find a closed notice on the door, we have loved visiting this museum and cannot believe a car park is more important, I could have understood a need for the Hanger by new travel companies etc. My family are very sad and happy to be involved where we can to support you. The historical content of the museum is very important as is the availability of the larger exhibits for the children to climb on and sit in. The pleasure of watching the planes take off and land will be greatly missed. My 4 year old son has spent many hours with these planes and is very upset he can no longer visit them.

Tina Chambers

I have only just heard about the closure of Bournemouth Aviation Museum and I am so upset and annoyed as I have visited many, many times with my grandson. He says it is his favourite place to visit and just can't get enough of it. I think it is so unfair and unnecessary and will be sadly missed. There is nothing anywhere else around this area which gives so much pleasure to boys who are interested in aircraft.

Sylvia Allen

Very sorry to hear of the museums closure. Visiting it was always a pleasure. I will now have no reason to fly in.
Hopefully the exhibits will all find new homes and we can be spared another Cosford / Cardiff / Hendon (Beverley) scrapping outrage.

Terry Willis. EGTR

I have just heard of the closure of Bournemouth Aviation Museum which is terrible news. As a regular visitor, I have always been impressed by the quality of the displays and diversity of the aircraft in the collection. I have particularly enjoyed the collection outdoors and the setting which places the museum amongst my favourite museums and I have been to quite a few! I always enjoyed speaking to the volunteers and folks around the site, there is a great depth of knowledge and experience associated with the museum.

The reported actions of the Manchester Airport Group are outrageous in my opinion. Airports are effectively regional monopolies and, in my view, airport operators should not be allowed to operate in such a way. They have a responsibility to the local communities to support educational and charitable organisations such as the museum. I am afraid I have also experienced similar action as a member of a light aeroplane syndicate at Southampton Airport when the airport operator there, BAA, decided that they wanted to build a car park where the few resident light aircraft were situated. Needless to say, they did not offer us any alternative but to leave saying that they had no space left at the airport. Please count me in as a supporter, I would like to see the museum survive and hopefully prosper in the future.

James S. Mason

Firstly I am shocked and saddened that the closure has taken place so quickly. I also hope that all of the people who make (and have made) Bournemouth Museum are coping with this dreadful situation, it must be incredibly stressful and very upsetting for you all There are lifetimes of work and enthusiasm with an uncertain future which also must be very upsetting for everyone concerned.

As a family with a young boy, we have loved the museum. As regular visitors we have picniced and been able to watch aircraft and helicopters. And to see the Red Arrows land and take off has been a highlight of our 'watching' years. As a young girl I was regulary taken by my father to watch the aircraft at Bobbington (now Wolverhampton International!) as well as a regular to the fabulous Cosford. So it has been in my blood and I was delighted to find such a wonderful facility at Bournemouth to share with my son and re-live some of my childhood dreams too.

I read with interest about carbon foot prints, overuse of vehicles on our roads, childhood obesity, kids spending too much time in front of the TV and on computers. And now I am in a situation where a fabulous day out for us, in fresh air, with a clean picnic area, only a 15 minute drive from our home has been closed. So what are my options now? Well I could take him to Whitcliff Park (but the last two times we have been there I have had to deal with dog poo all over his clothes) , how about the IMAX (ahh that's closed), the aquarium (lovely, done it a few times, expensive, not much fresh air in there), It is really quite difficult to find some cheap and interesting days out for youngsters. Back to the beach again!

I agree with a comment that was posted earlier, we live in a fabulous place and have fabulous beaches, and some nice areas for our kids to run around in freely, but taking away such a wonderful facility like Bournemouth Aviation Museum, which gave us a clean open space, an opportunity to look, watch, learn and communicate with other human beings as well as the opportunity to spend a day together as a family having a picnic I do agree is a disaster for Bournemouth Tourism.

I will also miss very much some of the great conversations with the people who ran this facility, I learned a lot about the history of the airport and the opportunity to share in the stories of the lives of the people who have been so dedicated to this museum. I really do feel for you all. What is this world comming to. Oh no take away my soap-box - I am sounding just like my dad. He did say to me about 15 years ago when he got made redundant that the bean counters were taking over. C'est la vie!

The Pipe Family

Having only recently arrrived to live in Bournemouth I share your distress on the current situation. I have a background as an RAF pilot and am keen to preserve the collection of aircraft and enable people to understand their cultural aviation heritage.
I would like to come to your next meeting and explore any way that I can contribute to the next era of the museum.

Clive Knowles

Other than the obvious in seeking Lottery Support in the future and winning over MAG by default on their part I can see a much much brighter future and wish you all well. Do have a question on the trustees letting it go beyond the line, but lets turn that into a victory stance and firm launch pad! One thought. Qinetic and Boscombe Down always seem to be embarrassed in having a museum and yet not having one, imagine getting their support and their exhibits! I reckon they would appreciate a small airshow of their own with you each year - great for their PR and a mini showcase - terrific for Bournemouth Museum too of course. MAG - tough! Its time civil aviation had its own showcase show anyway. Qinetic of course can be reminded of their Christchurch ancestry. FRA I am sure are already in your pocket. Civil Airports these days they just withdraw facilities for enthusiast viewing all over the place Southampton and Bournemouth included. I am always asking them where do they think they will convert their enthusiastic staff and pilots of the future - with four hour enforced drags for kids in airport terminal shops - never ever seeing an aircraft let alone ancillary facilities!!!

Do try and initiate a major monthly meet with a guest speaker. The mind boggles at who would attend ( Branson, O'Leary...... my first choice Brian Grant) - make them accessible by the children - Saturdays Sundays!) I have suggested them in the past but had no reply. Lets see a kids site on the website - write ups on aircraft, pilots tips, kit building, blog thing, forum ........ I arranged a fly-in Gazelle at our local primary school with two test pilots from ETPS Boscombe Down this year. Whole school went on board! Was trumped though - a NASA astronaut gave them a talk!!!! There's an idea - a weekly Bournemouth fly-in!!! Just one special aircraft or individual. There are loads who who jump at the excuse to fly-in. Unis, Cadets, Trainers, Yaks, Fireflies, Bulldogs, Helis, AAC, Typhoon, Harrier, Spitfire, Hurri, ex Red Arrows..... The schools would love it. S*d the schools - I am getting excited!!!! A new name should be considered at least - Wessex Heritage and Active Aviation Museum - WHAAAM ! ...... Seriously it would attract the attention of local counties, cities and all the defunct aerodromes, units and their societies etc.

Michael Slade

We cannot believe that the museum has to close down in place of a car park !
We have visited the museum several times and love its mixture of flying aircraft, those under restoration, and whole aircraft you can actually walk in !
We wish you all the best in keeping this excellent museum running.

Steve and Jack Lee

Members of the action group, you have my support and best wishes.

Andy W. 1064

I would like to add my support to the actions to save B.A.M.

Trevor Scarr

This seems to be an ongoing trend in our society today , the BEAN COUNTERS seem to rule, where once common sense prevailed .
The History of Aviation was a thing to be nurtured and preserved for our children and their children after them.
Now lets build a car park and make a few more sheckels .
Hope you can make something out of this setback. GOOD LUCK!

Bryan Richards ( EGNX)

It was with great sadness that I discovered the closure of the museum today. Whilst I actually live in Bristol, I am a regular visitor to the Bournemouth area as I have family living there. As such, I often take the opportunity to visit the museum when I am there. My three year old son loves to visit and always asks if we are going. I have visited three times in the last twelve months and on these occasions I have brought my father in law and grandfather law (who served in the RAF during the war) along with my son. It is always a fulfilling and enjoyable time. Each of us has found their visits rewarding for different reasons. The accessibility of the exhibits adds a dimension to your museum that others cannot emulate. Add to this the variety of exhibits, the proximity to a busy airfield and the "working" aspect of the facility and you have a recipe that makes this museum stand out. Some may have felt that because the facilities were not the most modern, it lacked some of the polish of some other museums but I have always thought that simply adds to the atmosphere.
In the short term, what will happen to the airframes and other exhibits? Is the airport providing storage?
I really hope the airport authorities can provide you with some suitable alternative accommodation and that a speedy solution can be found.
If there is anything that I can do to be of assistance, I would willingly do it. Is there someone I can write to? I do have contacts on tourism committees within Bournemouth Council and I will be pursuing those in the New Year in case that can help.

Name witheld.

Just a few lines, on the sad news.
Firstly can the airport authorities not consider building a multi-storey carpark upon the foot-print of an (or all) existing carpark(s) at the site ?
Secondly, I and my young son Jake(who has grown-up with the Museum), offer our continued support to the Museum and its fight, for its right, to survive, preferably on the same site, as it presently stands.
Thirdly, no, sadly no thrid at this time as words fail me, at the Authorities current stance.

Freddie & Jake Thompson (553)

I find it very sad that another piece of our history is being 'let go of', part of the general dumbing-down of this country, and most certainly incorporated within the present 'throw-away' culture.....
I really do find it hard to reconcile the following two sentences sent by Michala Broadhurst (Airport Press Office) in her response to John Rowley:-
"....A prime location which we intend to use for vital passenger car parking that is within walking distance of the terminal, thus NOT USING (my emphasis) a bus service to transport passengers to the terminal. Please be reassured that we are encouraging passengers to USE (again, my emphasis) public transport, having introduced our new bus service earlier this year......"
If she had one iota of common sense, or even a brain-cell to call her own, she will surely see that she is spouting absolute gibberish, in one 'breath' championing the fact that public transport is not necessary, and in the next, championing the very opposite.
There is an old saying that you don't know what you've got until it is gone.....
I do hope that the Airport authorities don't come to regret their short-term expediency......it is still not too late for them to get their collective heads out of the sand.

Norman Crook

I read with dismay of the imminent closure of the museum.
My brother and I last visited in August this year renewing our aquaintance with a lovely venue, which has everything we like in a museum, a friendly reception, static and live aircraft with a viewable engineering facility and nice views across the airfield with an active runway.
Both being members at Duxford and my brother living close to Lelystad in the Netherlands we tend to take for granted that these facilities will be here for ever.
We both wish all involved a better new year and hope that there is a way of saving this treasure in a great part of the country

Ivan & Stuart Jessup

I am the Editor of an online magazine called Purely Nostalgia.
I am saddened to hear of your current plight and would like to lend our support through the magazine.
Our current readership tops 10000 and I would like to mention your situation to them, the next issue due out January 6th.
So if we can help we will.

All the best, Ian Mansell
Purely Nostalgia

I was born in bournemouth I first visted the museum when Concorde visted in 1996, my wife and I used to vist you untill we immigrated to USA in 2002.
The museum is very important to aviation and young kids who can learn history and ride on the vanguard simulator.
I am very ****** off with Bournemouth Airport to get rid of the museum I hope they get kicked in the teeth.
I hope you get located where they use to house the 1-11's and people come to visit you but not the airport.

Name witheld.

I am so very sad to lose the Museum at Bournemouth Airport I would like to share my thoughts on the subject.
Bournemouth Airport is the birthplace of the BAC One-Eleven it provided jobs for a lot of people at the peak of production. Thanks to European, the Museum was able to preserve one of these aircraft at its place of birth, with the closure of the Museum we stand to lose what is a true piece of local history.
The museum offered an attraction for casual visitors who were waiting for flights to arrive or depart, for a relatively small price they could view some aviation heritage and keep out of the way of the terminal areas, where are these people going to go now? They are not going to want to travel several miles to the other side of the airport to the museum (should it be relocated), they will most likely hang around near the terminal causing even more congestion. Lets face it the car parks are not cheap, so it will probably cost more than a visit to the museum!
I used to visit the museum weekly and enjoyed talking to the enthusiastic volunteers and making use of the facilities that the museum had to offer. As an aircraft enthusiast (or ‘spotter’ as the press have branded us), I am also disappointed that we will lose a superb viewing facility offered by the museum picnic area. I know that the viewing area is not what the museum is about, but it provided regular income for the museum from the enthusiasts and also from visitors who wanted to see their loved ones arrive and depart from the airport.
I know that the lease has run out, there is a need for a car park and no doubt I am unaware of all the arguments that went together to cause this sad event to happen, but I would like to encourage the local authorities and the airport owners/planners to reconsider the closure of the Museum. I am sure that if they really wanted to save the museum (in its current location) and the local heritage that it provides, they could find a way to do it! I expect that my arguments are flawed and my plea to keep this facility opened is tainted by a selfish need to enjoy my hobby, but that none the less does not hide the fact that we are losing an important part of our local heritage and aviation history, just so that a car park can be built.

Paul Rushton
For Vintage British Military Jets forum visit http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Vintage_British_Military_Jets
For Aircraft Wrecks and Relics forum visit http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/wrecksandrelics
Help save British History; BAC 1-11 G-AZMF: http://www.mikefoxtrot.org.uk/

I was saddened to hear of the closure. As an ex ATC Cadet I am always mindful that without such places present and future generations will have lost the opportunity to study and enthuise over aircraft development.
Like it or not air travel does have a role to play in public transport but it must be integrated with everything else and its use must be carefully considered and balanced in a sustainable way against other forms of transport, particularly rail.
The use of park and rides is a perfectly acceptable solution that appears to work elsewhere and given the common problems of traffic congestion on the south perimeter road from Parley Cross to Hurn Village I see no reason not to consider such a system using an electric traction or fuel cell bus fleet.
I don't see why the museum should be a casualty of any improvements that are being considered mindful of the fact that Hurn is not strategically as well placed or linked as Southampton which to my mind makes any expansion here quite unsustainable anyway.

Malcolm Munro

It seems criminal to close down this excellent facility, which is not only an excellent day out, but also an exceptional education experience for those who have grown up in the jet age, and can get an idea of the earlier piston aeroplanes and the development of the jet aeroplane.

John Stopher

One of Dorset's best attractions. It is a tourism disaster for Dorset. To close the Museum to build a car park is anti-social. It destroys the local heritage.
I wrote and told Bournemouth Airport that from now on I will not be using the airport for my flights. I will instead use Southampton, Exeter, Bristol or even Gatwick rather than venture there again.
The airport might as well be turned into a housing estate as far as I am concerned.
This was the reply .... "Dear John Thank you for your email. I was saddened to read your comments and wanted to address them below. Bournemouth Aviation Museum's three year lease on its current site expires at the end of December, and they have always been aware that they could be asked to move from this location as the redevelopment commences. We have offered the Trustees suitable accommodation on the north east of the airport. In addition, we have also offered to make the building suitable for occupancy, to improve the area attached to the premises, and to agree a three month rent-free period to allow for the relocation of exhibits. Sadly, the Trustees feel that the site is unsuitable. The area that the Museum currently occupies is in a prime location which we intend to use for vital passenger car parking that is within walking distance of the terminal, thus not using a bus service to transport passengers to the terminal. Please be re-assured that we are encouraging passengers to use public transport, having introduced our new bus service earlier this year. I do hope that you will re-consider using your local airport in the future". Kind regards Michala Broadhurst Bournemouth Airport Press Office
They are sad!!! - well it is in their hands - build the car park somewhere else. If they did, I would use the airport and wouldn't mind the walk. When I use Gatwick, I have a 20 minute walk from where I park the car. Generally I have another walk to the aircraft that is a lot further than from Bournemouth Aviation Museum to Terminal Building.

John Rowley

I would just like to add my support to the calls for the museum to be re-opened.
I live locally and have spent many happy days walking round all the exhibits and photographing aircraft.
The best part though was taking my Grandchildren to the picnic area and watching their faces light up as aircraft flew in.
They are after all the future generation who will be using the airport facilities. Wouldn't it be lovely to think that they could take their children and their children's children to the museum?
I am a realist and of course we are looking at a commercial concern here.
Have the Manchester Airport Group thought about the fact that fossil fuels are becoming rarer and therefore the use of cars will reduce substantially over the next few years?
Have they looked at 'Park & Ride'?
They have found space at their airport, (Manchester), for an Aviation Museum. Why not at Bournemouth?
Best of luck to all involved.

Alan Greatbatch

Having visited the Bournemouth Aircraft Museum on a number of occasions I would like to echo the sentiments of so any who have lodged their objections.
Having been a close freind of the late Marcus Edwards who pushed the CAA on behalf of Gwynn Jones the certification of the Sea-Vixen I'm bitterly dissapointed that this majestic aircraft is again under threat of becoming homeless.
Hurn has a long heritage in aviation having been home of BAC it employed several hundred keeping the airport open long before the "bucket & spade" holiday flights arrived here.
Surely a new home could be found in this area of the airfield. Good luck to all those working to retain this feature & may the New Year bring some beter news

Mike Kemp

What a total shame, I cannot believe that the so called need for customer parking can be used as the excuse for this total disregard of aviation history.
Why can't passenger parking be located off-site with arranged shuttles to the terminal? (as is the case in so many other airports).
Aviation is the future, but it is also a huge part of our past and deserves to be preserved.
All too many things these days are being destroyed for the sake of the 'financial' cause.
Keep you chin up and good luck.

Amanda Dixon

On behalf of myself and three other non aviation minded people who enjoyed a visit to the Museum in October, we say it must be kept open.
Every avenue to find finance must be explored.

Trevor O'neill

It is a great pity that it is closed
Everytime I visited Hurn from Luton I made a point to visit the museum
Its aways financial reasons to build a car-park
Our heritage is gradually being whittled away

Gerald Lowther

Please keep us updated of the developments surrounding the future of the museum, and may I wish you all the best in your endeavours.

C K Kinnear
Webmaster, South African Air Force Museum.
Chair, South African Aviation Foundation
www.saafmuseum.org.za

Howard could not have said it better.

Tim.

For nearly ten years the museum at Bournemouth has been very much part of my life.
It has always been a place of fascination, with interesting displays, a changing collection of aircraft and having a picnic area which has superb views across the airport, something which few other UK airports can boast and something which has kept me coming back, year after year.
As my children grew up it also became a treasured place for them and the excitement that they showed when about to visit is a memory that I will always recall. My children were also made to feel welcome at the museum, too, a fact that I can't say about every local attraction we've visited. The museum itself has always been a friendly place with a bunch of enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about preserving the local aviation heritage.
Consequently, I am deeply saddened by its closure.
At a stroke the airport has lost an attraction that few UK airports have and perhaps it has also alienated a group of local people passionate about aviation which seems a shot in the foot given that airports don't always have good relations with their local neighbours.
I fervently believe that we should also be protecting facilities such as the Bournemouth Aviation Museum. Those who follow us need to know about the sacrifices made by men and women who served at Hurn and history has so many lessons to teach us that better prepare us for the future. As an educational resource as well as a tourist attraction the museum's loss will certainly be felt.
I hope that the museum can somehow survive - how nice it would be for the airport operator to recognise its value and be seen to be taking a lead!

Howard J. Curtis
www.aviation-links.co.uk

I have been visiting Bournemouth Aviation Museum since about 1989 and it is one of the few attractions in the area that is not only educational for my children but they also never tire of going - in fact, it's usually their idea.
Obviously I also enjoy going (big toys for big boys) but the truly amazing thing is, even my wife enjoys going especially in the summer when we also take a picnic.
It's one of the few attractions that can give a whole day out for all my family thats local, interesting and easily affordable.
If the car park has to be extended then I think that the airport authority should build it around the museum not over it.

Name witheld.

So, what a bombshell that it is all going to disappear. I have been to the proposed site re-location and I have to agree that taking everything into consideration the project could not possibly be viable.
The only way to proceed is to stay where we are but we are told this is definitely not an option.
..... I only hope that somebody in authority at Manchester Airport Group will see this and realise what a disaster the decision to make the area into a car park will be.

Name witheld.

Firstly, let me wish you all the best for the ongoing battle to save your museum.
Sadly, I think this situation is going to become more common for any organisation who rents land and buildings, as development land becomes scarcer and scarcer, and it wont just affect aviation either.........

Name witheld.

I was saddened to hear that the muesuem was closing , I have been visiting the mueseum since I was 8, and it was known as the Jet Heritage Muesuem.
From that moment of first stepping into the orginal BAC 111 - MIKE NOVEMBER!
I avisited on Saturday, it was a fantastic sight to see it so busy and I was just writing to you to inform you of just high highly I regarded the mueseum and the wonderful volunteers that are always happy to help and also if you need any help regarding the movement of aircraft etc...
I have written a very obscene letter to the Managing director of the Manchester Airport Group as I find it unbelieveable that the group would want to close such a fantastic attraction , as Manchester has an airpark.
All the best in the future and I look forward to the day when the Mueseum is re-instated... would it also be possible to add onto the website the new locations for the aircraft ?

Name witheld.