As an atheist I strongly refute Planemike’s comment. I know as many deeply compassionate atheists as I do christians. In fact the atheist, untroubled as he is by loyalty to any “godly” being, or any dogma, can be wholly caring and compassionate for his fellow man.

I do not have the impression that the PR side of things is very effective. I have seen little or nothing on TV and little or nothing in the press. Perhaps I’ve been unlucky and missed it but the media is the only way to persuade more people to take a longer term interest. And particularly in the Anniversary year I would have expected much more than just the aviation press.

I admire AndyG’s blind optimism about the future but the project needs more than hope and optimism, it needs lots of money, so my question to Andy is, from whom and when will it materialise? Christrmas approaches, many people are feeling less well off, others are holding back to see how they and their jobs will be effected in the weeks to come. Aside from another lump donation I do not see where the money is coming from.

I have asked myself the same question about the aircraft “hanging” in the Airspace and US Air Museums at Duxford.

Being curious by nature, I would like to know more, but his privacy should be respected, whomever he is. And he has clearly been able to maintain his peaceful position without interference from passers-by or the local police, always assuming they are a presence in your neck of the West Midlands.

Isn’t there a CoC ruling on posting this sort of picture?

As someone who strikes me as being interested in human beings, have you ever thought of talking to him?- sharing his bit of pavement for a spell to see if he wants to talk to you. Perhaps he is very self-contained, perhaps he would like to talk to someone. If he is as polite as he seems I am sure he would rebuff you with courtesy.

Surely it is the opposite. We are all desperate for it to succeed and no one could wish more for a successful 2011, as I missed out this year, but how good do the augurs look? I think we are hopeful, but realistic and why shouldn’t a few ideas be lobbed about? Perhaps some might even be good ones!;)