Two years ago I stepped down as a trustee of the Tank Museum in Bovington after four excellent years.  When I left the development of the building with lottery money was just at the planning stage - today I went back to see progress.

There is another year to go before this £17 million rebuild will be completed but it is now possible to get a feel for what it will be like.  The main hall will be spectacular offering visitors from the restaurant area a birds eye view of the history of armoured warfare.  So be it Little Willy who helped us win the First World War, through to today's Challenger II the iconic tanks will be set out in proper space.

There are many enthusiasts for tanks.  The museum's website gets over 600,000 hits per year.  But beyond fan they are also a key part of the history of the last 100 years.  For me the most pwerful image is from Tianneman Square, but for others it is Prague in 1968, the trenches or even Mrs Thatcher with her headscarf.  Not only will visitors be able to appreciate these monsters and their place in history they will also be able to see them in action on a daily basis in the new arena. 

This will be a great enhancement to the toursim and educational offer of the area.

After the museum I popped over to see Malcolm Curtis the new owner of Weymouth FC.  We talked about his plans for the club and the ground.  He's the fourth Chairman of the club I've known and they have all had an exciting vision for the club.  The proof, as ever, will be in what happens but I found Malcolm professional and straight talking which is a great start.