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Bournemouth Aviation Museum

Bournemouth Aviation Museum set for closure

A unique aviation museum at Bournemouth airport, featuring rare examples of British aviation history, is set to close to make way for a car park. Have your say.

At Bournemouth aviation museum
	BBC South Today: Aviation museum to close

Bournemouth Aviation Museum, at Bournemouth airport, is likely to close so the site can be turned into a car park for the airport.

And it means the collection of vintage aircraft has to find another site - or risk being split up.

Exhibits on show at the museum, housed in a 30,000 sq ft hanger, include rare examples from British aviation history, including a Hunter, which was the first British-built jet fighter in the 1950s, and one of only around 2000 built.

The Bournemouth built 1-11 passenger jet

There's also a 1-11 passenger jet, built in Bournemouth for British Caledonian in 1972.

Gary Ellson from the museum says: "We're looking at another building the airport has offered us but at the moment it's looking like it's too small to house all of the exhibits, and the rent's a bit more so we're not sure if it will be financially viable to continue."

"Some [of the planes] are owned by individuals who will have the option to take them back, but the airport have been very kind in that they have offered to store certain items for the future in case there is some way we can rekindle the museum."

Bournemouth airport has said that the trustees were aware that they might have to vacate the site when their lease expired, but they are doing all they can to help the museum relocate within the airport site.

Bournemouth Aviation Museum >

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last updated: 05/03/2008 at 13:24
created: 05/12/2007

Have Your Say

Have you been to the Bournemouth Aviation Museum? Should it be closed? Leave your comment below.

Andrew & Maria Sheehan
NO! we have two children who are very interested in the aviation history. Wonerful place and great idea for childrens partys.

Jacqui Crawford-Webb
NO NO NO! why can't the museum be relocated or incorporated in some way? why must it close? For many years Hurn/British aerospace was a large employer in Bournemouth which has sadly died, all we have left to remind us of these bygone days are exhibits at this museum. I love to sit on the 1-11 knowing all those years ago how proud my Grandfather was to be part of the building team of this arcraft. Please reconsider .

Paul from Poland
I was just to come with my 10 colleagues to show them what I have seen last year - this wonderfull place for all aviation fans. I just wanted to check opening hours and the information ablut closing have realy shocked me! I hope I can visit this place once again

alan tubb
This is a great shock I will be sorry to see it go,

Robin Powell
We have a gem of a museum on our doorstep, to lose this is a crime. Even my daughter of 11 cried at this news. These exhibits also have real local historical significance that most not be lost. Aviation museums are currently being vandalised by their landlords and custodians all over the country and if Bournemouth joins this list then I'm sorry but I'd rather fly from Southampton.

jack marsden
I AM ABSOLUTELY ANNOYED TO FIND THIS OUT! I WON'T EVER GET TO GO THERE AGAIN. YOU DON'T NEED ANOTHER CAR PARK, AIRPORT PEOPLE! MAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Graham Scott
I am very much in favour of keeping the museum open at its present site.

Simon Avery
Is it not nice to see the DCC get rid of somthing that is a reminder as to what war can do to lives and the heros it has created saving the world from tyrany...for a car park

Richard Drew
On a building in Harrogate, Yorkshire there is a notice that states that it was the site of the Montpellier Baths built by Joseph Thackwray around 1822, they were the best in Harrogate and were demolished to make way for a car park. Things don’t change. Well done to the airport owners to close an historical site loved and enjoyed by many to make more money from car parking and possibly plenty of parking fines. Always remember the fines!

Roy Sparrow
What a shame! It was always a pleasure to visit the museum and as I have spent a lifetme in aircraft design at Gloster aircraft and at Hawkers/BAe at Kingston it was very nostalgic to be able to see the military aircraft especially the Hunters and Sea Vixen. Surely, there must be plenty of space available for car parking in the immediate area without breaking up the museum and its priceless collection of aircraft and exhibits.

Simon Spendlowe (Museum member no, 922)
I AM EXTREMELY ANXIOUS AND SAD TO LEARN OF THE IMMINENT CLOSURE OF THE MUSEUM. MY SON, AUSTIN (3 YEARS OLD, AND I FREQUENT THE MUSEUM AND HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES. I OFTEN THINK THAT AUSTIN WOULD BE ABLE TO VISIT IN YEARS TO COME AND REMINISCE WITH HIS YOUNG FAMILY.....SADLY THIS MAY NOT HAPPEN.

Mrs. D.M.Ford
No, no, no it should not be closed or moved. Me and my family have visited many times and will no doubt visit many more times. The 'staff' are very knowledgeable and friendly,it is unique and educational and it is our HERITAGE.

Mick Britten
If the aircraft have to move why not to Yeovilton FAA Museum if they could display them.

Mr.andMrs. P. Haskett
What a shame !!! we go to the Aviation Museum with our 4 grandchildren, they really enjoy the trip, we usually have a picnic after watching the regular planes.

OJ
I've been to the museum many times & it will be a huge shame to see it close. I don't see why the large field to the south of the existing long stay car park at the Bournemouth Airport can't be used for car parking. It would be a much appreciative option for aviation enthusiasts!Hopefully the future will hold a more positive outcome.

Bill Gubbins
This used to be an important area for aviation.Locally were De Havilands,Vickers and Flight refueling. Exhibits from all three firms were shown in this museum. Bournemouth Council should oppose this short sighted idea. There is more to life than finding somewhere to park your car

Peter Laker
Is this a case of the Airport Owners being bloody minded - How much space do they need? - so much needs to be done to better manage the airport site.

Nigel Paton
The museum must not be allowed to close - surely the3 airport could incorporate it into their own infrastructure/attraction.

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Bournemouth Aviation Museum set for closure

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