North East Land Sea and Air Museum appeals for public support as it prepares to reopen after being forced to close due to coronavirus crisis

The North East Land, Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM) shut its doors on March 18, just before lockdown began, and the team is now appealing for public help to support its reopening and the preservation of its aircraft.

The museum is hoping to reopen July 18 if restrictions allow, and the team is crowdfunding for the preservation of the Avro Vulcan XL319 plane, one of the site’s main attractions.

NELSAM is hoping to debut a newly complete collection layout and the introduction of a new Spitfire.

David Charles, chairman of the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum, said: “The museum obviously has been affected by the COVID19 pandemic. COVID19 has resulted in a complete loss of revenue, however we have launched a crowdfunder to support some development work when the museum re-opens.

“To continue to preserve the Avro Vulcan XL319 plane and tell its story, the museum is asking for donations to complete the restoration of the airframe and establish an information centre next to it explaining its role and history, and the history of Britain's V-Bomber force.”

When the museum reopens, it will introduce a number of social distancing measures in order to adhere to government guidelines.

This will include hand sanitising stations, signs encouraging two metre distances, regular cleaning and doors being kept open to avoid contact.

To support the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum, visit their crowdfunding page.

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