K9F wrote:

Wonder if the refurb is 'on tick?'

I spent 32 years in the RAF and was at Marham when these and the Victor Tankers were still operational. Each and every year the funding for this iconic Cold War aircraft is seriously in debt and the begging bowl has to be continually rattled. With creditors such as Marshalls of Cambridge generously writing off £415k of debt a couple of years ago. Also they rely heavily of time donated free by serving aircraft engineers to 'assist.'

It is emotive to me as it truly is an unforgettable sight but people do tire of continual announcements of threats to stop it flying and continuing to donate just to be disappointed when it doesn't appear.

My post to the Bournemouth Echo 2009....

I was fortunate enough to see this aircraft take off from my place of work this week, and what an awe inspiring sight it was! Many people have dug deep to donate to keep this aircraft in the air. Last year due to unserviceabilty it did not reach public expectation, failing to show at several events. Revenue could suffer if this trend continues as people are not prepared to donate to something that does not deliver. Let's hope it can 'step up to the mark' this year.

Bournemouth Echo 2010....

There has indeed been much debate about the Vulcan and the fact that it appears that the fundraisers appear to permanently 'have cap in hand' metaphorically speaking. I do indeed have my own views, nevertheless here are a few choice comments from a Vulcan thread on another website, you can make your own minds up;

It seems that the plea for funding for the Vulcan seems to be becoming an annual event (if not more regular).

They need more money eh? Oh there's a shock, not! Many predicted this the last time they launched an appeal.

Much as I am pleased to see the Vulcan flying, if it cannot become self supporting then I think its days are going to be few.

You only have to look at the Permit to Fly fiasco at Waddington for proof of their lack of competence.

I know the "funds" don't yet exist, but my point was that there are better things in this world to "donate" money to rather than keeping an ancient hunk of junk up in the air.

I’m sure Headley Court and Selly Oak could use that money a lot better than the Vulcan fund could.

At a time when finances are tight for many, I'm afraid this falls way down the list of priorities.

Enough said!

Bournemouth Echo 2010....

As a footnote almost 25% of revenue namely £592,000 goes on 'overheads, administration and management costs' and 'staff costs excluding aircrew!'
How many people actually work full time and what are their salaries? A little more detail woulds be nice! Just an honest query from an historic donator!

Today....

It seems that yet again they are desperate for money....believe they had Lottery Funding donation too.....