Crowdfunding Appeal Launched To Help Save International Bomber Command Centre

The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincolnshire is asking the public to help save it after launching a nationwide crowdfunding appeal.

The centre, which was forced to close its doors earlier this year during the coronavirus lockdown, says its finances have been "decimated" by the pandemic, losing 90% of its income.

CEO Nicky Van Der Drift told Forces News if the centre is unable to get enough money through either campaigns or Government support, then there is a "real risk" it will have to close its doors.

She said: "We are appealing to all of our ardent supporters in both Lincolnshire, the UK and globally, to help ensure that the story of the brave, and often heroic, members of Bomber Command are not lost but are heard."

After reopening on 21 July, the reduction in numbers to allow for social distancing led to 87% of the centre's original bookings being cancelled.

The IBCC has warned that without vital funding, it could be forced to close as soon as January.

To secure its future, the IBCC needs £140,000 pounds overall but for now, are hoping to raise £20,000 through the fundraiser.

IBCC patron, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon, told Forces News: "It's the only place that has every name that was lost in that war and it has meant so much to so many people all over the world.

"It’s a truly remarkable centre and to lose it now I think would go down as one of the great tragedies, certainly of the last 40 or 50 years."

Since opening in 2018, the IBCC has become one of Lincolnshire’s most popular visitor attractions.

It is the largest single memorial to the RAF's Second World War Bomber Command and has also created the biggest free-to-access digital resource on the Command in the world.