Treat in store for the 2,000^th visitor to aviation museum celebrations

By John Quirk

The Manx Aviation and Military Museum celebrated its first year on Remembrance Day, Sunday 11th November 2001, with a treat in store for its 2,000^th visitor.

The museum, housed in a building close to Ronaldsway Airfield just off the main road between the airport and King William’s College, was opened by Transport Minister Tony Brown last November 11.

Ivor Ramsden, secretary of the Manx Aviation Preservation Society which runs the museum , said "The museum looks tiny from the roadside but it’s really much bigger and packed with a fascinating collection of exhibits covering the Island’s aviation and military history."

"It has gone from strength to strength during the year with an almost overwhelming number of items being handed over by the public for display."

"The appeals for items have been so successful that the exhibition areas are to be doubled in size by building a wartime Nissen on the site."

"The hut will contain hands-on exhibits as well as larger items such as an engine from a Spitfire."

Mr Ramsden added: "All our hard work in putting the museum together has proved worthwhile judging by many comments in our visitors book which what we have done."

"We have tremendous support from local organisations and individuals and we hope that we have done justice to their confidence in us."

The running of the museum is funded by donations and the small entrance fee the museum charges.

Mr Ramsden explained: "During the year, despite the numbers of visitors to the Island being lower than usual, we have seen people from all over the world, including one fellow from Berlin who brought us a piece of a Russian Nig Fighter!"

"We have been very pleased with the numbers – we are expecting our 2000^th visitor before the end of the month – not bad considering that we only open at week-ends."

"That special visitor will be pleasantly surprised – but I can’t say more that that!"

The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4:30pm.