As the October 31st deadline approached, volunteers at the Hinckley headquarters of the Vulcan To The Sky Trust, which restored and now operates the iconic delta winged jet, were opening envelopes containing up to £30,000 a day.
“The response to our winter appeal has been quite remarkable,” said a relieved Dr Robert Pleming, chief executive of the Trust. “In little more than a month, we went from being threatened with closure to having sufficient funds to maintain her through the winter.”
The success of the appeal will allow the Trust to focus on developing commercial revenue streams that will reduce its dependence on quarterly campaigns. At a planning meeting in November, it was decided to step-up the already successful Vulcan merchandising activities and to introduce new, high value items including unrepeatable flown components for collectors. There will also be new ways that supporters can see and experience the aircraft and meet the aircrew and other ‘Vulcan celebrities'.
“We will always need the support of the aircraft's incredibly committed followers, but now we can start to offer them more in return,” explained commercial director Michael Trotter. “There are only a few years of flying left before ‘safe life' considerations ground her permanently. In that time, we would like every one of our supporters to be able to see the aircraft at her unforgettable displays, get close to her on the ground and to have an opportunity to come and meet the people who maintain and fly her.”
“I would like to personally thank everyone who donated their time and money to help her survive,” concluded Pleming, who hopes to see the plane fly for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, exactly 60 years after the prototype first flew.
www.vulcantothesky.org
