Whether you are a flying fanatic, just keen on planes or a mildly interested observer, you will find a visit to Vallance By-Ways, Gatwick utterly absorbing.
Sixteen aircraft with legendary names such as 'Shackleton', 'Buccaneer' and 'Sea Hawk', together with numerous piston and jet engines, are on display at the only place in the country where members of the public can clamber into the cockpits of these vintage and classic aircraft, sit at the controls and get a 'hands on' feel for what it might be like to pilot one of these majestic machines.
Representing a wealth of British aviation history, each aircraft is a milestone in our country's contribution to post 1945 military and commercial aircraft, a living reminder of the technical and scientific genius of this island.
One Man's Battle Against Bureaucracy
Peter Vallance is the man responsible for gathering together this superb and unique collection, and just as fascinating as the collection is the history of his battle to be allowed to build and keep his one-man project alive.
Despite the fat that he has the support of such organisations as 'The Shackleton Association', local schools and colleges, DADIA, GAMA and BAA, the local authority insists that next to an international airport is an inappropriate place for an aviation heritage and education centre to be located.
Peter's battle against bureaucracy began way back in 1981 when he purchased a 40 acre run down, rat infested battery farm close to Gatwick Airport and transformed it into units for small businesses, In 1983, with about 15 companies installed, the Mole Valley District Council issued a notice to cease trading and return the buildings to farming as no permission had been granted for change of use. On Appeal, in 1985, the DOE overturned this decision and granted temporary planning for four years which, after further Appeals, was eventually made permanent in 1992.
The aviation collection on the site began in 1986/87 with a Hawker Sea Hawk XE364G-JETH as a gate guardian. As Peter's enthusiasm increased and his collection grew, so did the interest from local colleges and youth clubs whose members use the aircraft as work experience prior to obtaining employment with local airlines. But as this happy arrangement has prospered, so has the local authority's determination to have the aircraft removed.
Peter has fought the Council for over a decade to fulfil his dream.
His one aim is to build a centre where schools, colleges, aviation enthusiasts and members of the general public can come and learn about our nation's aviation history, whilst preserving the very heritage that the Council wants removed. Moving these 16 planes is not an option - the cost is prohibitive.
Peter and his planes are still here. Calling and making an appointment to inspect the collection will ensure that you will receive his undivided attention and details of the varied histories of each aircraft. And after your visit, if you feel, as do thousands of others, that he should be allowed to fulfil his dream of building his centre of aviation heritage, will you help-either by donating what you can to his 'fighting fund', or by writing to the Council - Mole Valley District Council, Pippbrook, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1SJ - supporting his scheme to preserve out nation's heritage here next to Gatwick.
