The programme almost suffered a ‘perfect storm’. If the lockdowns and social distancing were not bad enough our team had to remove all large components from Brooklands Museum when a workshop that had been a fundamental aspect of the programme at the outset became unavailable.  An alternative area was arranged but was suddenly withdrawn.  Our use of Dunsfold was always our fall-back location but for a period that too was at risk as major site construction work loomed, potentially stopping our access. However, the housing development at Dunsfold has been postponed so the site is still available to the team of volunteers. Unfortunately this means that all the work has to be either in the open or under makeshift shelters.  It will be quite a challenge to complete the tasks out in the English weather. In many ways the project has been a challenge since it started, and it is a testament to Paul Rash and his team that so much progress has been made.
    There have also been some distractions; for example, we were instrumental in recovering G-HAWK from BAE Systems at Warton and reassembling the aircraft at Brooklands.  It was, of course, very worthwhile to have G-HAWK re-united with G-VTOL on display to the public in the Aircraft Shed.
    XL623’s refurbished rear fuselage was moved to Dunsfold from Brooklands in May. The brake parachute doors have been installed together with blanks in the tail cone and the front end and the unit has been wrapped in industrial cling film to prepare it for the winter weather. The fin, rudder and air brake are in primer and remain in storage at Brooklands.  The tail unit will be re-assembled next year when the tailplane has been painted and some outstanding elevator repairs are finished.
    The forward and centre fuselages were split in August allowing the interior of the forward fuselage to be stripped and cleaned prior to painting. There is a little corrosion on the lower panels which will have to be dealt with but the nose section is in relatively good condition.  The cockpit was stripped of most things of value before the aircraft was erected in Woking in the 1990s and now the team is completing the strip to make it easier to preserve the structure. The front undercarriage door is missing so a replacement will have to be made as we have not identified where there may be one available for a TMk7.
    Some more good news.  We are managing to keep our spend below our income, but we are not yet fully funded. Your help will continue to be gratefully received by Paul Rash at Rowallan Lodge, Farnham Lane, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 1HE or, alternatively via our bank account: ‘The Hawker Association Hunter Project’, Sort Code 30-84-46 Account 36893268.  As a reference, your name please. Progress on the project, with some interesting photographs, can be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HunterXL623. Look out for the picture of the previous Woking residents in the rear fuselage. Some resolutely remained in their home making the trip to Dunsfold, all the while complaining about the disruption!