Home Heritage Centres  RAF Dunkeswell  RAF Upottery  RAF Culmhead  RAF Merryfield   RAF Exeter  Other Airfield Links 

 South West Airfields Heritage Trust

   “Preserving Aviation History for Future Generations”


Tours & Talks Living History   Support for Schools  Corporate Sponsors  In-House Roles Support Our Work   RAF Chivenor Contact Us 

  DONATE

 Control

   Tower

Home Heritage Centres  RAF Dunkeswell  RAF Upottery  RAF Culmhead  RAF Merryfield   RAF Exeter  Other Airfield Links 


Why We Are Not Open


As most of you already know we are currently closed due to the COVID-19 lock-down.


However, following the recent decision to relax the lock-down we have reluctantly decided, that at the moment, we are still going to keep our centres closed.


In order that you may understand why we felt that it was important we stay closed; we have outlined the reasons why we have come to this decision:


1. Staffing – Nearly all of our volunteers are in the vulnerable age group; some also have health issues and are shielding.  So, we feel we cannot ask those who volunteer to place themselves at risk  for what is, in essence, a non-paying activity/interest/hobby. We also do not have the numbers of volunteers available to staff the centres with at least 4 people at a time, which would be needed for Covid management


2. Logistics – Because of the limited volunteers available we also do not have people to undertake the additional tasks that opening would require. Repositioning exhibits, ongoing cleaning and the management of visitors are just a few extra things that would be required by us to operate safely.


3. Cost - In order for us to operate we would need to spend money on lots of signage, new systems, sanitisers, masks, etc, with no guarantee that visitors would actually come – and if they did come -  that they would actually leave us a donation to cover our costs.


We have therefore decided that the best thing for us to do is to remain closed, probably for the rest of the year and wait for better times.


Kind regards


Brian Lane-Smith

Chairman




Back to Top


  Southwest Airfields Heritage Trust  © 2017