Avro Lincoln for Oz.

Oscar,

While there was a lot of interest in the outcome of the Lincoln coming to Australia, that did not translate from wishes of “good luck” to cheques in the post or “money in the bank”, despite ongoing calls for donations.

Perhaps some people were holding off assuming their funds were’nt needed as others would donate, or perhaps there was a view the project wouldnt succeed and their funds would be wasted, but in either case many funds offered initially, never actually arrived.

While we received the generous support of a few individuals and groups to allow us to reach the first installment amount, the rate and level of donations did not give our committee confidence the second installment could be raised in the time line committed.

Consequently our group was unable to meet the deadlines set down in the agreement with the owner, of first installment of deposit by end of September 2005 (and extended to October), and second installment by end of January 2006, and consequently we withdrew from proceeding with that arrangement as it would have resulted in the first installment of the deposit simply being forfeited outright.

Our option to purchase has therefore expired, and others have now been making bids from elsewhere for the Lancaster and Lincoln seperately to remain in the UK or go elsewhere other than Australia.

We have put an alternative proposal to the seller in the hope to extend our payment periods more in line with the level of fundraising support shown so far, however at this stage unless that alternative proposal is acceptable, and the level of donations dramatically increase, it is most likely this project to recover the Lincoln to Australia will not proceed.

Our Group in that instance will be refunding the moneys so far donated, rather than issuing receipts for tax deductable donations.

It is most likely the future of the project will be finalised one way or another by the end of March.

The equation remains as before, if people are interested in supporting this outcome then the only way it will be achieved will be through hip pocket support.

This problem exists for all such projects, if Australian Aviation Enthusiasts want to see a Lincoln preserved in Australia this is the last opportunity for that to happen.

Thanks to those who have financially supported the project at this time, and thanks also to Bruce for surveying and photographing the components for us.

Please feel free to cut and paste this information and email it widely.

regards

Mark Pilkington

DONATION METHODS

Cash/Cheque/Money Order Donation within Australia

Donation by mail of Cheque or money Order,
Please post with details of your name and address for tax receipt

OUR POSTAL ADDRESS FOR DONATIONS:

Avro Bomber Preservation Association Inc
PO Box 176
LARA 3212
Victoria AUSTRALIA
Please provide details of name and address for donation receipting.

Over the counter at ANY Westpac Branch
Donation of Cheque/ money order or Cash by Account Deposit

Anyone can complete a normal Westpac Deposit form and lodge over the counter in any Westpac Branch, complete the deposit name details as well as filling your name and address and amount deposited on the Deposit Slip Butt, and when stamped on deposit, please mail the deposit butt stub to our postal address to allow us to match deposits in the statement to your donation for receipting purposes. See account details below!

EFT or Bank Transfer Donation within Australia/Overseas

Electronic Funds Transfer by online banking “Pay Anyone”,&“other bank “over the counter

For EFT Please cut and paste copy of online transaction receipt into an email to: [email]avro_bomber_assn@hotmail.com[/email]

For Other Bank over the counter, please request Bank transaction statement and post to our PO Box 176 in Lara 3212 Victoria Australia.

OUR BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS

BANK:
WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION
360 COLLINS STREET
MELBOURNE 3001 Victoria AUSTRALIA

ACCOUNT NAME:
AVRO BOMBER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION

BANKING NUMBERS:
BSB NUMBER : 033065
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 255339