Gatwick aviation museum to reopen after its owner died

An aviation museum is to reopen three years after its owner died.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Mar 2016, 15:10 BST
Updated 2nd Mar 2016, 15:14 BST

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Peter Vallance in front of a Shackleton aircraft at the gatwick aviation museum. Photo by Jon RigbyPeter Vallance in front of a Shackleton aircraft at the gatwick aviation museum. Photo by Jon Rigby
Peter Vallance in front of a Shackleton aircraft at the gatwick aviation museum. Photo by Jon Rigby

The Gatwick Aviation Museum (GAM) will open in its new hangar in Lowfield Heath Road, Charlwood, on Good Friday (March 25).

Founder Peter Vallance’s proposals to rebuild the museum were accepted after he died in January 2013.

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Peter, from Charlwood, was an aviation expert who fought to protect Britain’s aviation heritage. A family tribute said he was a ‘passionate and committed’ grandfather, who ‘lived his life to the full’.

A GAM spokesman said: “Building a modern version of Peter Vallance’s museum has been a considerable challenge for its volunteer staff and much remains to be done over the next few years under new management.

“Like many such volunteer-based organisations, GAM offers educational and charitable organisations free access to its facilities and we look forward to seeing the return of Scouts, Cubs and Beavers during the rest of the year as well as the motoring and photographic clubs who have in the past used the museum’s facilities to enhance and emphasise their members’ particular interests.”

Tributes paid to Gatwick aviation founder

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Related topics:ScoutsBritainBeavers