Gatwick Aviation Museum a charitable trust

Following the death of curator and collector Peter Valance, the Gatwick Aviation Museum (GAM) is now being run by a Charitable Trust that was set up for just this eventuality.

The trust which should be fully formed in the next months, states that "The museum will continue, it will grow and strengthen and will achieve the status that Peter fought for, for so many years." A new round of planning applications are being made. 

Please give your support to the trust.  Do make a trip to visit the museum soon, especially if you live in the area. You will find a fascinating treasure trove of British Aviation History & Innovation. It is a fitting tribute to Peter Valance's decades long struggle with Mole Valley Council as documented on this blog.

The museum is Open every Saturday from the 30th of March 2013 until the 26th of October 2013  (see directions)

The Museum has a unique collection of British Aircraft from the "golden age" of British aircraft manufacture. From the end of WWII until the 1970's British aircraft designers produced some of the most innovative and advanced aircraft of the day. From post war to cold war, this museum clearly shows that timeline in aviation terms. In this collection there are examples from the major manufacturers of this period. Amongst the list are classic names, English Electric, Avro, de Havilland, Hawker, Fairey, Blackburn, Percival.

Peter Valance passes

It is with great sadness that we have heard of the death of Peter Valance.

Over 200 people attended the funeral of a much loved man on Friday 8 Feb '13 at Crawley Crematorium.

If you wish to donate, his charity is the British Heart Foundation

Clearly his devotion to protecting these National Heritage Assets has been noticed by many, despite the efforts of local councilors to block him at every turn, over all the years he struggled with his deteriorating health.

"These planes need to be kept indoors" says UK aviation hero Peter Valance

In an article by Chris Madden writing in the Surrey Mirror, Peter Valance curator of the Gatwick Aviation Museum states "These planes need to be kept indoors". Fearing they will be destroyed by the elements or an intervention, Mr Valance is pledging to continue the struggle against Mole Valley planning decisions.

(Click image for larger size)