The following report appeared in the latest MAPS Newsletter (Spring 2000).

News From The Secretary - The Museum Is 'Go'!!

At last we have got a lease agreement and planning permission to go ahead with our prime raison d' etre, that is the opening of a museum of Manx aviation and military history. The only obstacle now left is to arrange how we can get access to the building. The airport's powers that be have said that we cannot be allowed onto airport property without a fence to isolate our museum and car park area from the 'live' part of the airfield. Some time ago they agreed to erect a fence but work has not yet started. It is hoped that we can persuade them to allow access to Society members before the fence is erected otherwise we shall not be able to open to the public until very late in the year. It would be a shame if we couldn't have something to show to the ex-11 Air Gunnery School people who are to attend a reunion on the Island in August.

The museum will be situated at the Airport Bungalow which is mid way between the airport terminal and the entrance to King William's College. It is currently sign posted as the Rendezvous Point for emergency services and is in an excellent position; clearly visible from the main road whilst at the same time being within the airport's security zone.

Recent press coverage has resulted in offers of items for exhibition in the museum but no offers of funding. I have sent out large numbers of letters to local businesses appealing for support. These have not yet proved very productive but nothing ventured, nothing gained! Shoprite have offered to help in some way and I shall discuss with them what form this will take. Manx Telecom have kindly provided us with two 'Relate 180' telephones. Geoff Cole of the recently-closed 'Tool Box' in Port Erin has donated a large quantity of shelving and display units. A kitchen has been promised by Magnet, and toughened glass for display cases by PVC Windows.

All MHK's have been provided with information about MAPS and its aims and very supportive letters have been received from several of them including the Chief Minister in whose constituency the museum is situated. Malew commissioners have been informed and they have replied wishing us well with the museum. Hopefully in time we shall become an asset to the south of the Island in a small way.

As soon as we get access to the building work will start in earnest. We need to strip the interior and redecorate both inside and out. Display cases need to be bought or built , signage and labels are needed. We intend to be open to the public as soon as possible, hopefully early in July, but this depends upon when we can actually start work.

All of you are welcome to come along to help. It doesn't matter if you're skilled or not, there are plenty of jobs to be done, in fact something for everyone! By the time you read this we should have got the keys and work parties will be on site regularly so contact me if you feel you can wield a paintbrush or similar. Don't be shy!

If you know any local businesses which might be willing to support us with materials such as decorating materials, plumbing and electrical supplies please either approach them yourself or tell me who they are so I can contract them. We aren't looking for a fortune from anybody, just a few bits and pieces which will add together to allow us to complete the project to a good standard. Right from the outset it was agreed that we would be aiming for a professional standard of presentation and this will be achieved more easily with a little outside help.

Ivor Ramsden.