The current Covid-19 pandemic has caused businesses and charities to close to the public. Shuttleworth is not exempt from this and has been closed for a quarter of the year. The first airshows of the season have already been cancelled.
The Collection is seeking permission to attempt socially-distanced air displays later this year but capacity at these events is likely to be severely capped, meaning that income will be greatly reduced.
As friends of the Shuttleworth Collection, the Shuttleworth Veteran Aeroplane Society (SVAS) supports the Collection in many ways, including providing funds which in normal circumstances assist with the cost of maintaining and restoring the aircraft and vehicles, income from air displays and admissions has covered most other costs. Now SVAS reserve funds are being used to support the Collection during the current crisis as, as despite the site being closed and generating no income, heavy fixed costs are still being incurred. Even after reopening areas (in accordance with government guidelines) income this year will be decimated due to reduced visitor numbers.
We are now appealing to you to support us in an emergency fund raising effort to help secure the future of the Collection so that we and future generations can all continue to enjoy the Shuttleworth experience when this dreadful crisis is over.