Source : Paul McTaggart (News & Star)
The chairman of the Solway Aviation Museum, Dougie Kerr, has been awarded the honour for services to aviation heritage.
Dougie Kerr is amongst a group of local community champions, volunteers and people who have been recognised in the honours list.
Dougie, who has worked at the Solway Aviation Museum for almost 40 years, said he was ‘so proud’ to be recognised.
“I am really pleased that I’ve been given this, and there are other people here who deserve it as well,” said Dougie.
“I started here in 1986 when it was the Solway Aviation Society, which was formed by a bunch of people who were enthusiasts of aircraft and I started the museum in 1989, and it’s been going strong ever since.”
“When we started, we had just two aircraft on site, and now we’re up to 25 at the minute, which is great.”
Dougie and the museum team have been instrumental in the restoration of the last surviving Blackburn Beverley.
Long after it was stationed in Hull in 1974, concerns loomed over the possibility of failing to secure a buyer, that the cargo plane may have to be dismantled, until the museum stepped in a ‘last-gasp rescue mission’ to preserve the iconic aircraft.
The 36-tonne aircraft with a wingspan of 162 feet has been undergoing a two-year restoration project after an £80,000 fundraising effort helped the museum acquire the cargo plane.
“I retired from work two years ago, and I’ve never stopped – I’m busier now than I ever was before,” said Dougie.
“It’s great when people come up to visit, and seeing their smiling faces is the best part.”
“I joined here because I love to play with aeroplanes, and it’s amazing to see others have that same passion.”
“This award isn’t just for me; it’s for everyone here and the whole team.”
