The following newspaper article appeared in the Isle of Man Examiner, 30th November 1999.

"DOT Backing For Military Museum Plan

By John Quirk

Plans have been unveiled which could see a dedicated military museum open to the public by the middle of next year.

The Manx Aviation Preservation Society has submitted a planning application (99/1508) to convert a disused bungalow on Ronaldsway airfield into a museum.

The building is owned by the Department of Transport's airport division which has given its backing to the proposals.

MAPS chairman Steve Poole says the idea is to provide a resource and heritage centre where people can enjoy the military history of the Island and research information.

'We want to get it open to the public and then enhance the service and displays as we go along,' explained Mr. Poole.

'We want to cover military, aviation, the Navy and all other branches of the armed services, using photographs, uniforms and records.'

'The idea is to complement what is already on offer in the Island. We are not setting up competition to anyone.'

'The plan is to stage displays and exhibitions which we would hope to rotate at different times of the year.'

'A number of our members have links with schools and have given living history lessons, and we want to promote more things like that, and if schools want, they could bring classes to the museum.'

Mr. Poole revealed that a name hasn't yet been chosen for the museum, but said it could be a topical name, Island-related or in memory of a person.

Mr. Poole revealed that plans for a museum were first formulated five years ago, but initial discussions with the DOT failed to find a suitable site.

The bungalow is alongside the entrance to the rendezvous point used by the emergency services, and Mr. Poole says this fact had been taken into account when drawing up the plans.

'Obviously the go-ahead is dependent on a number of things, including the success of the planning application,' explained Mr. Poole.

'We've been told by the planning committee that the process could take up to eight weeks, and if it is successful, then we can go back to the DOT.'

'After that we would hope to have it open in some form within six months. But it does need a lot of work and we are only a voluntary organisation. It was a residential building so there are things which will be surplus in there, so I think we're talking maybe May or June before we're ready.'

'We're estimating it will cost between £5,000 - £7,000, but as it is anticipated that there won't be an admission charge obviously our funds are limited.'

MAPS is hoping to secure some sort of commercial sponsorship and would also welcome any kind of support or help from individuals, with all sponsors recognised on a sponsorship board within the museum.

Mr. Poole added; 'We'd also be very happy to hear from anyone who might have something which we can borrow and put on show, anything to do with military history on the Island, perhaps a uniform, picture or even reminiscences. People sometimes have things stuck away in their attic and it would give us the chance to show these things to others.'

DOT Minister Tony Brown is pleased a suitable site has been found for the museum.

He said: 'The society has been looking for premises at Ronaldsway for a number of years. We have agreed to give them a lease for the old bungalow for a nominal fee. I welcome the museum. It is a great idea because the Island has an interesting aviation past and anything that will provide an historical look at this can only be a good thing.'

Anyone who would like to sponsor the museum or just offer help can contact Mr. Poole on 620956."