BMPA Members
Members > Winter 2002/03
From Madam President:
Surely it is the sign of true club spirit that the President elect ( Kevin Gibbin for those who did not make the AGM) should abandon his wife to the care of the President's husband. Well a little poetic licence as in truth Ann has volunteered to fly Civair with David to allow Kevin and I to arrive at the French Medical Pilots Association meeting together in Kevin's aircraft- a question of balance perhaps!! The meeting is the last weekend in May so I hope you will join us in Carcasonne.We have a stimulating programme ahead. Jeremy has given us the challenging subject of Disability for our academic meeting - there are points on offer and as this subject is likely to have wide interest do invite colleagues to join you.
A Thruxton 'Fly In' will be combined with an evening option so that you have the choice of dropping in for lunch or staying for the exciting Army Museum of Flying big event 'Music in the Air'. The existence of this Museum is largely thanks to one of our members, sadly no longer with us, Mike Somerton-Rayner. Do visit the
website to get the full flavour of the event.There has been a slight change to the date for our late summer meeting. This was agreed so that John and Sheila Davidson could ensure you enjoyed the 'Best of Brighton'. They have an exciting programme - see you there.
A message for 2003: 'Yes! I can go............. Who can I take with me?'
Frankie Walters
From the Secretary:
Pin badges. Those of you who were not at the Newcastle meeting should find one in this posting. I hope you like it. My experience is that the pin, as delivered, is too long for the little snagging tag on the retainer to catch in underlying cloth, thus allowing the badge to rotate. I have tried two fixes. The first is to drill a hole in the retainer that allows the pin to go through, ok if there is padding between you and the point. The second is to shorten the pin with some wire clippers and then resharpen it. This is less secure than the first. Both work and both have their disadvantages. If you weren't at Newcastle and I haven't included a badge for you please let me know.Sywell is in the capable hands of Jeremy Radcliffe and, as you know from your Diary sheet, is about flying for the disabled. Not only will there be presentations by experts but there may be real experts i.e. disabled pilots and hopefully their aeroplanes for your further edification.
Shenington has had to be abandoned this year because of conflicting traffic allied to uncertainty over Go Karting. It is however provisionally booked for 2004.
Thruxton is the fly or drive in venue for lunch on Saturday 2nd August. Those who wish may then go on to watch the annual
'Music In The Air' extravaganza at...Middle Wallop. We have 30 places in a BMPA area of the Garden Enclosure for that and Madam President will organize al fresco dining a la Glyndebourne - she has got the bit between her teeth following her Shenington experience last year. Hotel accommodation will be near Andover and the cost will be that of your lunch on Saturday (the Association pays landing and parking fees) plus an estimated £150 per couple for the display, champagne supper, hotel and breakfast if you stay. More information nearer the time.
Brighton and the delights of the Regency will complete our year's meetings. Our AGM with new officers will be held there. Officers elect: President Kevin Gibbin; Secretary Norena McAdam; Treasurer David Hillam.
So there we are. The evenings are lengthening, the seasonal affective disorders are lifting and I hope that this letter will hasten the process and stiffen resolution to attend our meetings, especially by air.
Andrew Clymo