MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Philanthropist who funded recovery of Falklands' SS Great Britain had died
'Union Jack' also helped fund the return to Bristol of Brunel's ship from the Falkland Islands in 1970 Sir Jack Hayward, the man instrumental in bringing the SS Great Britain back to Bristol, has died. The 91-year-old multi-millionaire helped fund the project to return Brunel's ship from the Falkland Islands in 1970, a journey of 8,000 miles. Known as 'Union Jack' for his patriotism, the businessman was a former owner of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
'Union Jack' also funded the British and Empire Commonwealth Museum. If it was not for his support, the Bristol Docks could well have been tarmacked over.
In 1969, in another moment of impressive philanthropy, he bought a small island in the Bristol Channel for £150,000. It was Lundy Island. He gave it to the National Trust who leased it to the Landmark Trust who continue to manage it today.
In recent years he gave half a million pounds to the Vulcan to the Sky appeal - to get the cold war bomber flying again at air shows. The bomber also participated in the 1982 Falklands' conflict.
Outside Bristol, the businessman was better known as a former owner of Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he is fondly remembered.
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Read all commentsRIP Sir Jack.
Jan 14th, 2015 - 09:28 am 0He also funded the first lot of sheltered accommodation for the elderly of the Islands. Thanks Sir Jack for your kind support.
Jan 14th, 2015 - 11:23 am 0Whilst I was in the UK a couple of years ago one of my wife's relatives took me to see the Great Britain - absolutely amazing.
Jan 14th, 2015 - 11:30 am 0Sir Jack was obviously a man of great vision, a true patriot and philanthropist.
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