Many thanks for your considerable efforts Mike!
Out of interest, I just received the following in an email from IWM - which ever way you read it, I think IWM might have handled things slightly more delicately!
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Thank you for your email concerning the charging of veterans at the D Day Anniversary Air Show at Duxford on 6 June 2004.
The Museum recognised that there would be veterans who would not be able to travel to France for the 60th anniversary celebrations and might wish to attend an anniversary air show instead, we therefore wanted to offer some special facilities where the veterans could enjoy the show in a VIP marquee. The reserved area for veterans included private seating in an advantageous viewing position, access to the flight line walk, a complimentary souvenir programme, cloakroom facilities, etc. The decision was made to make an £8 charge (the standard senior citizen charge on a non event day) for the veteran and a guest as a contribution to the cost for these facilities. The Museum has been working with the Normandy Veterans Association throughout and this organisation has fully supported our plans.
We have also been working with the NVA and the Royal British Legion to auction a valuable solid silver scale model of a Spitfire. All the proceeds from this will be split equally between the Normandy Veterans Association and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. For information the NVA will also be holding a major reunion here at Duxford on 12 July 2004 when approximately 1,000 members are expected to attend. The Museum is not making any charge for this facility.
The Museum is pleased to announce that, following some very generous donations from members of the public which has been added to the Museum’s own subsidy, veterans of the Normandy campaign will now be able to enjoy the D Day air show at Duxford free of charge. All veterans who have already purchased tickets will have their money refunded next week. Any monies remaining in this fund after the air show will be donated to the Normandy Veterans Association and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
I hope this information will provide a balanced view of the way the IWM Duxford has approached this very important anniversary. Thank you again for your valued input.
Yours sincerely
Stuart Lawson
Front of House Manager