Monday 24th July - 18.45 for 19.30 hrs - ‘Aviation Around Poole Bay – 1910 to 1976’ - presented by Kevin Patience
Poole Bay played an important aviation part from 1910 to 1976, including in WW2.
Kevin Patience will explain how Seaplanes operated in Poole Bay in WW1 and during WW2 it became one of the busiest airports in the world, operating seaplanes and flying boats for the RAF, RAAF, the Royal Navy and BOAC.
In 1939 the harbour was taken over by Imperial Airways as a base for the Empire and Catalina flying boats. Brownsea Island, in the centre of Poole Harbour, became a ‘Starfish’ decoy base and part of the defences for the protection of the Royal Navy cordite factory at Holton Heath.
During the Battle of Britain, Poole Bay was a key port for the D-Day invasion. For nearly 10 years, between 1939 and 1948 it was the UK’s only International Airport. The last flying boat arrived in 1976.
Kevin tells a story about Poole Bay that few people realise took place in this seaside town in Dorset.
Monday 21st August - 18.45 for 19.30 - ‘The Royal International Air Tattoo - RIAT - the fun and the challenges’ - Presented by Mr Tim Prince
Inspired by Squadron Leader Jack Currie DFC RAF, a small team of volunteers staged an air show at North Weald Aerodrome in 1971, in support of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA).
To ensure that it would stand out from the numerous other annual ‘air shows’ in the UK, they called it the ‘Air Tattoo’. It was a success with the participating aircrews enjoying the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers, the spectating public happy with the exciting flying with aircraft from far and wide. It is now the ‘Royal International Air Tattoo’ and in its 50th year.
Tim Prince, who has been part of the RIAT’s story since 1971, will share some of the many stories about this important annual gathering of the world’s military aircraft and aviators.
Tim will bring audio videos to show the audience, as well as many photos.
AirACES is an aviation talk society, providing its members with regular talks, given by experts in many different fields related to the world of aviation.
The talks are held at the Chichester Park Hotel, Westhampnett Road, Chichester 7pm for 7.30 start. Members £5, visitors £7 and under 16s FREE. Doors open at 6.45 no pre-booking, no reserved seating. For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk or call David Batcock on 01243 823007