Loss of a British Icon

Your Help Needed to Prevent the Loss of another British Icon.

The last flying example of one of Britain’s most iconic historic aircraft, Avro Vulcan XH558 only has weeks to live and Nuneaton Based Air Cadets are urging air enthusiasts and members of the public to pledge their support in a bid to help to keep her flying.

The Leicestershire based Vulcan to the Sky Trust who operate the Vulcan XH558 have until the end of February to prove that they can raise the funds needed to carry out the engineering work needed to keep her Alive.

Flt Lt Paul Hincks of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron said, “Generations of young people have been inspired by the sight of the Vulcan’s unique delta wing shape and sound of its four mighty Olympus engines. As a young apprentice I have fond memories of working on Vulcans at Bitteswell and I think we need to do everything we can to keep XH558 in the air for future generations. Last year our Cadets had the chance to see XH558 in action as she did a low fly past during the Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing field day at Gamecock Barracks Bramcote near Nuneaton. Hopefully with the support of the public Vulcan XH558 will continue honouring the past and inspiring future generations of air minded young people.

2010 is XH558’s 50th Birthday but she and we, may not be able to celebrate it if the trust runs out of money by the end of February so Vulcan to the Sky Trust is asking people to take part in a world record Birthday card signing.

Mindful not to solicit donations at this time whilst they are uncertain about XH558’s future, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust have launched the XH558 Survival Appeal Pledge Scheme and are hoping that they can raise £650,000 in new pledges by the end of February to reach their target.

If you would like to sign XH558’s Birthday card and pledge your support and help to keep her flying, please visit the Survival Appeal website at http://www.vulcantothesky.org/

If you would like to know more about the Vulcan to the Sky Trust please visit their web-site at http//www.vulcantothesky.org/

Editor: Flt Lt Paul Hincks RAF