Solway Aviation Museum has launched a £60,000 funding appeal
Solway Aviation Museum to rescue the last aviation colossus
Solway Aviation Museum has launched a £60,000 funding appeal to rescue and preserve the world’s only surviving Blackburn Beverley transport aircraft.
The last of only 49 ever built, the giant Blackburn Beverley was used for troop and cargo transport by the Royal Air Force until 1967.
The proposal will see Beverley XP259 dismantled and transported from its present location at Fort Paull, Hull, to Carlisle Lake District Airport to join the Solway Aviation Museum’s outstanding collection of historic aircraft, including the enormous Avro Vulcan XJ823.
The work to reassemble and restore the Beverley will be carried out by a highly experienced team of museum volunteers. The appeal has been launched to help fund the lifting and transport costs for the huge sections of aircraft, as well as ground preparation for the new site.
Museum Chairman Dougie Kerr said:
“This is a last gasp rescue mission for the Beverley, and once it is here, it will form an important part of our collection of iconic British-made aircraft.”
Blackburn Beverley XP259 has faced an uncertain future since the closure of the small museum at Fort Paull in 2020.
Saved from the scrap man by a private individual, the road towards finding it a new permanent home has proved difficult. With uncertainties continuing, the intervention by Solway Aviation Museum has at last provided an opportunity to see the Beverley saved as part of Britain’s heritage.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has helped so far raise a third of our target; we’re nearly there, but we just need more help.”
“This Blackburn Beverley is the last remaining one ever, and it was the very first one off the production line, amplifying how historically important this particular plane is. Donations are coming in from across the UK and from across the world, including New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.”
To donate, please visit their JustGiving page, or to arrange sending a cheque, call or email [email protected]
Solway Aviation Museum is open from March 15th; Friday to Sunday, and Friday to Monday from June 24th. Open Bank Holidays.
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