The following newspaper article appeared in the Independent, 4th February 2000.

"Military Museum Set To Take-Off At Airport Site

By John Quirk

A museum dedicated to the Island's involvement in aviation and military history has received the green light from planners and could be open to visitors by July.

Plans by the Manx Aviation Preservation Group to convert a disused bungalow on Ronaldsway airfield were unveiled in our sister paper, the Isle of Man Examiner, in November.

The building was used during the war by the Fleet Air Arm, and the Department of Transport, which now owns it, has given its full backing to the project.

Although much work is needed on the building, particularly on the interior, the group is confident of opening to the public on time, which it believes will be perfect timing because August sees a reunion of ex-servicemen from RAF Jurby and Andreas.

MAPS press officer Dean Johnson said: 'This is fantastic news not just for MAPS, but for the Island as a whole.'

'The museum will provide an opportunity for everyone to see the significant involvement of the Island in aviation and military history and the contribution made by the Manx people and businesses to the armed services and civil aviation over the past century.'

'We had a museum as our main goal right at the outset when MAPS was formed six years ago and the long and careful planning is now about to bear fruit.'

MAPS says it wants to complement facilities already provided by the Manx Regiment's museum at Tromode and by Manx National Heritage.

'Promoting a little known but very important part of the Island's rich heritage is what motivates all of us in MAPS,' explained Mr. Johnson.

'Many Manx men and women served, and are still serving, in the forces and we feel it is vital for present and future generations to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by them for all of us.'

Mr. Johnson said the society is hoping the public will help make the museum a success, by visiting it when it opens and by donating or loaning military or aviation items for display.

He said: 'For a museum to work, we need public support and items to display. We have many items and photographs already, but we always need more.'

'It needn't be a big item: very often what people think is an insignificant object in their attic turns out to be a link in Manx history.'

'We will not be collecting items to be hoarded away. They will be put on display and the museum will be open regularly so people can see them.'

'We want to represent all servicemen and women, including the Home Guard, and the civilian services - date or nationality is immaterial.'

Mr. Johnson added: 'It's amazing what some people have thrown away over the years thinking nobody is interested. Even if people don't have any souvenirs, we would still like to hear their stories and memories.'

MAPS is hoping local businesses will be keen to support the museum through sponsorship, either by material or financial help, and anyone who does will have their contribution acknowledge on a 'sponsors' board'.

For more information or to help with exhibits or sponsorship, contact Mr. Johnson on 614337 or society secretary Ivor Ramsden on 823764."

By kind permission of Isle of Man Newspapers Limited.