The Trust offers financial assistance to individuals or groups to carry through restoration or improvement projects to completion. The Trust also invites enquiries about sponsoring one or more Awards.
David and Rick Bremmer, and Theo Willford
Two brothers and a friend found the remains of a Bristol Scout flown in 1916 by the Bremners’ grandfather in support of the Gallipoli campaign. They rebuilt the aircraft to flying condition
This is their story:
My brother and I had inherited the flying bug and had taken up hang gliding and microlighting in the 1970s and 1980s respectively.
That led to a close friendship with Theo Willford, and it was Theo, a Biggles fan, who suggested recreating 1264 from the souvenirs. Theo and I visited Yeovilton to see Leo’s machine and were lent a cherry picker to get close up photos. From there, we
contacted Leo who provided a useful collection of drawings and Sir George White who provided a miraculous copy of the parts list. I also visited the Royal Aeronautical Society in London to look at the sketchbook in which Frank Barnwell had drawn up the prototype in 1913. From a chance conversation with the librarian I got in touch with Derek Staha in Houston, who provided the majority of the original BCAC drawings.
By late 2007, we had assembled enough information to be confident that 1264 could be recreated exact in every detail, and we approached the Light Aircraft Association who would clear the aircraft to fly. With their approval, we ran out of excuses for not starting to build.
The National Transport Trust makes loans to groups, associations and individuals at advantageous rates for the restoration of artefacts - whether mobile or part of the infrastructure. Applications must be supported by a simple business plan which demonstrates the financial viability of the project. A sample business plan is available on request from the Treasurer.
The Trust does occasionaly make Awards for schemes which further the preservation movement. Again if you wish further information please contact the Treasurer.