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 set up Hovercraft legislation with the Civil Aviation Authority).
Present Patrons
Frances Cockerell Sir Christopher Cockerell and Lady Margaret Cockerell's daughter Frances continues to support the Trust.
Lady Wilson of Rievaulx Lady Wilson named the SRN4 Swift in 1969 as the then Prime Ministers wife.
Lord Hotham Henry Hotham was a test pilot for HoverAir in 1970 and then ran Contract Hovercraft Limited for pleasure flights with 2 Hoverhawks.
Lord Romsey 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 Somerleyton 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 - was unveiled in Somerlayton village to celebrate the invention.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes 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 Mk1 and a Hoverhawk MK2. 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 Christopher Bland pictured below right alongside Sir Christopher Cockerell - began with Britten Norman Hovercraft (Cushioncraft) and went on to be MD of Hovertravel - Hoverwork and Air Vehicles Limited. Until recently he was Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight.
Viscount Coke A supporter of the Museum since 1990 whilst Equery to the Duke of Kent.
Joseph Sullivan Joe Sullivan graciously allowed us the use of Wicor Farm from 1991 to 2001 to store Hovercraft.
Ray Wheeler 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 SR.N4. He later became Chief Designer and then Technical Director for the British Hovercraft Corporation. He also became Mayor for East Cowes.
Michel Peissel 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 integrated Hovercraft using the same engine for lift and thrust. Michel sadly passed away in 2011.
Trustees The Hovercraft Museum is a charitable trust whose management is overseen by a board of trustees. Currently we have five Trustees: Warwick Jacobs who is one of the original trustees - Chris Potter - Barrie Eden - Ben Pratt & Chris Grief.
Sponsors 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.
