Brian Winston Wren

The Bristol Aero Collection has recently lost one of its most energetic volunteers, Brian Wren. Brian passed away on 29th July 2006, just over a month before his 81st birthday. Until recently he managed the hangar at Kemble, but had been very much involved in the BAC since the early days. He became chairman of the volunteers when the BAC was in its first home at Banwell. When the collection had to vacate these premises in 1987, he oversaw the move to Kemble, and turned the haphazard collection of artefacts into a workable museum open to the public. His devotion to the Bristol Aero Collection was apparent to anyone who met him, and he had a real skill in persuading local companies to make donations. When the BAC had to move again, over the winter of 2005/06, he planned the relocation, despite the deterioration of his health. His great regret was not to see the fulfilment of proposals for the establishment of a heritage museum at Filton to house both Concorde and the history of the aircraft industry as represented by the BAC. His colleagues at Kemble, the volunteers committee and the board of trustees will all miss his tremendous enthusiasm, but will never forget him.

The photograph here shows a proud Brian receiving a South Gloucestershire community award in 2004 for his work with the Bristol Aero Collection, and the successful appeal to bring a Concorde back to Bristol.

posted by Bristol Aero Collection on 11.8.06