Can you help? This appeal has been sent out by Daniel Kennedy, RAF Waddington :

Thanks to the generosity shown by all those who contributed during last October’s appeal, and to those who have purchased from our expanding range of merchandise, we are approaching the completion of XH558’s winter service. She is in excellent condition and will be taking to the air much earlier than in previous years, allowing us to visit more airshows across more of the country. All thanks to your support.

But I have to tell you that due to factors beyond our control, we see that we risk running out of money ahead of the air shows themselves.

One significant reason is that the VAT regulations applying to large non-commercial aircraft like the Vulcan were changed with very little warning at the beginning of January. In practice, this means the sudden imposition of 20% VAT on all the parts and services for the maintenance of XH558, which up until then were zero-rated. Added to this, our fuel budget is now nearly double that originally planned.

Finally, we are close to committing to the production and delivery of an exciting new stage of our educational programme that will be available countrywide in the autumn. We have already delivered education packs for 7-11 and 11-16 year olds that have been very well received. If we raise an additional £50,000, not only will we extend the audience to all Key Stage age groups, we will also be able to offer the package nationally in an award winning format - a core educational objective.

Help XH558 take-off in March

When we add these extra costs to her ongoing operational expenses, we need to raise an additional £350,000 by the end of May to ensure that XH558 arrives on the air show circuit with stable finances. This amount is rather smaller than in previous campaigns and we have longer to raise it – a sign of the growing strength of the Trust – but that doesn’t mean that we can fly XH558 without your support. Your contribution is vital.

Can you spare £5.58 each month – the price of a gallon of petrol – to keep XH558 alive? This will entitle you to have your name on the Summer Season 2011 plaque that will be fitted ahead of the main display season and will be unveiled with a special ceremony once she is on the ground in front of the public. Like the Winter Service Plaque and the Restoration Plaque, it will be proudly displayed wherever she lands and will stay with her at her permanent home, celebrating the generosity and commitment of her supporters. Recognising the additional commitment of those supporting the Summer Season campaign, you will also be entered in our monthly Flying Fund Draw where you can win cash prizes every month. We will also send you a colour A4 certificate, recognising your generous support.

Every donation makes a difference and takes us closer to seeing her fly as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, the year that is also the 60th anniversary of the first Vulcan flight and the 30th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict.

Thank you in advance for your support and for your commitment to helping XH558 remain, the last flying Vulcan.

For more information visit the “Vulcan To The Sky” web site.