This picture was taken in March 1993 just minutes before XH558 touched down at her current home Bruntingthorpe in Leicestershire. This last pass was quite an emotional moment for many of us in the crowd that day, after all those years of seeing Vulcans display, particularly XH558, the realisation that this could be the end was very real.

I remember the crowd running across the airfield, almost in a frenzy, to meet the big delta as she made her way back to the pan to shut down. She was greeted like some conquering hero and the crew were engulfed as they climbed down from the flight deck, perhaps for the last time. This just epitomised the passion felt for this aircraft type , moreover this particular airframe. We have all seen or have been part of a 'keep em flying' campaign at some time, but none to the extent of this one, this is passion, this is real and we can all help.

The Avro Vulcan first flew in 1952, came into RAF service in 1956 and ever since that day it has been held in awe by anyone who has witnessed a display or an operational scramble. There is nothing quite like that roar as she starts to roll.

But this is a sound that we can all hear again if the funding targets are met and you can help by buying a copy of the picture above. 12 x 8 crystal prints from the original slide are available for just £5.00 a print and all profit will go directly to the fund (TVOC). For details of how to obtain a copy contact Phil Neale at PPhilneale@aol.com.

Just imagine the emotion of that first take off and display in XH558's new life and the thought that you had helped.