Company

Former patrons were the late Sir Christopher Cockerell, inventor of the hovercraft, and his wife Lady Margaret Cockerell.

Broadcasters Michael Bentine (1968 Hovercraft Expedition to South America) and Raymond Baxter (Tomorrow's World).

David Jameson OBE (who setup hovercraft legislation with the Civil Aviation Authority).

Sir Christopher Cockerell and Lady Margaret Cockerell's daughter Frances continues to support the Trust.

Henry Hotham was a test pilot for HoverAir in 1970 and then ran Contract Hovercraft Limited for pleasure flights with 2 Hoverhawks.

Grandson of Lord Louis Mountbatten who was instrumental in getting the military to test and evaluate the hovercraft and was a great champion of the invention.

Lord Somerlayton was made a patron in recognition of the loan of some of his family's land to Dr. Cockerell when testing the early models back in 1955. Today a roundel marks the spot in the garden where the free flight model was proven, and a new column designed by Sir Christopher's son in law, will be unveiled soon in Somerlayton village to celebrate the invention.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE FRGS became a patron in 2008. Known as one of the worlds greatest explorers, he has undertaken expeditions on every continent, including to both poles. He led a pioneering expedition with two hovercraft on the Nile in 1971, towing a Hoverhawk Mk 1 and a Hoverhawk MK 2. The two velocette craft named Burton and Baker were displayed at various points on the river .One remained on Lake Victoria after damage and the other returning after 3200 miles across Africa. Now on display at the museum.

Christopher Bland right, pictured with Sir Christopher Cockerell, began with Britten Norman Hovercraft (Cushioncraft) went on to be MD of Hovertravel, Hoverwork and Air Vehicles Limited. Until recently he was Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight.

Joe Sullivan graciously allowed us the use of Wicor Farm from 1991 to 2001 to store hovercraft.

As a young engineer, Ray was Stressman on the SR-N1 design team and went on to be the Chief Structural Designer and Project Engineer for the SRN4. He later became Chief Designer and then Technical Director for the British Hovercraft Corporation. He also became Mayor for East Cowes.

The famous French explorer and author and broadcaster. Peissel took 3 hovercraft across the Himalayas in a 1970s expedition up the main rivers. He also designed early integral hovercraft using the same engine for lift and thrust.

In 2008 the trust celebrated 20 years as a registered charity with a BBQ.Pictured here sat on a Scrapheap Challenge winner are newest trustee Terry George , Chris Potter and sitting are Warwick Jacobs (one of the original trustees) and Capt Alan Burns. Missing from the picture is Mick Wells, ex Hoverspeed engineer.

The Museum is indebted to the help and support of the British Hovercraft industry, notably Griffon Hoverwork, Hovertravel and GKN Aerostructures. Thanks to the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain, the Association of Search and Rescue Hovercraft (GB) and The French Bertin Society.