Tucked away at the back of Bournemouth airport is one of the very last complete BAC 1-11 Aircraft. Built and designed here in Bournemouth way back in the 60’s in the hangers that still survive to this day, by a lot of amazingly skilled local people. This is something the people of Bournemouth can be rightly proud of and should be celebrated.The history of aircraft manufacturing in our town is sadly not celebrated in anyway from the airfields in Christchurch to Hurn its self aircraft such as Concord and the Viscount and many many more have all played their part in the history of Bournemouth’s aviation industry.
The 1-11 has now become surplus to requirements by the new airport owners and the fire service. It was offered to our local museum, but unfortunately they were not able to accommodate due to lack of space and therefore unless we as a group can save her, it will be cut up for scrap . Our aim will be to create a trust charity, so that we can hopefully turn her into a gate guard for Bournemouth airport, the home of the BAC 1-11. if your not sure what gate guard means picture the Emirates Airlines’ Airbus A380 which now adorns the entry roundabout to Heathrow.We hope to show the history of aircraft manufacturing in this town alongside the 1-11 Which will have its exterior repaired and repainted. Details are still to be worked out.
A meeting to appoint roles and to create a plan is to take place on the 6th June at the Avon Causeway Hotel where We will need someone to chair and take minutes of anything we do and also have a plan of action and a final goal.
Anybody who is interested in saving this wonderful piece of British engineering should attend, especially anyone who has experience in running trusts or charities.
https://www.facebook.com/events/854915228028187/
Phillip Smith
