I’m sorry if you’re offended that wasn’t the intention – but I stand by my point about the HLF project being the main cause in 2003. Not covered previously in any public domain were discussions by the trustees about the possibility of having to cancel that year due to potential construction work – however delays in sorting out the tendering process meant that didn’t happen.

It is still my personal opinion that there is a lack of understanding of what goes on to make it happen and the difficult job of trying to reach ‘behind the scene’ compromises that aim to keep everyone happy. Cockpiteers that I have spoken to will understand what I mean!

Obviously you still have concerns that indicate that this wasn’t achieved in your circumstances – again I can only apologise; but I fear that we won’t reconcile our different views on this topic, which isn’t really for a Cockpit-Fest USA thread!