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.
Michael Oliver MBE and Jean
Michael Oliver (MBE) and Jean are the founders of the Great Dorset Steam Fair and its organisers for 40 years. A regular fixture at the end of August each year, The Great Dorset Steam Fair GDSF now covers 600 acres of Dorset at the end of August every year and is the biggest event of its kind in the world, attracting international entrants, exhibitors and visitors. For one week it becomes the second largest town in Dorset, and the achievement of keeping it going let alone improving it every year in the face of changing legislation is an astonishing one. To find out more about the steam fair, look here.
Don Storer
Don Storer was recognised for his contribution to many forms of transport preservation, particularly aviation, and particularly in Scotland. He was Assistant Keeper in the Department of Technology at the Royal Scottish Museum when in 1971 a Spitfire was aquired. Finding a suitable home for this and the other aircraft which followed led to the establishment of the Museum of Flight at East Fortune. Don has written several books on the care and preservation of large objects which are still useful reference sources. With his wife Shirley he has served the British Aircraft Preservation Council since 1975.
Ellie Sallingboe
Ellie Sallingboe was recognised for over 30 years of dedication to the preservation and operation of Britain’s only airworthy Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Sally B. When her partner Ted White was killed in 1981, she took up the challenge of keeping his very expensive machine in the air both as a tribute to him and as a flying memorial to the tens of thousands of American aircrew who lost their lives in her sister aircraft during the Second World War. Problems financial, legislative, mechanical, all have been and continue to be overcome to ensure that Sally B is seen and appreciated in the skies above the UK.
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.