2021
January - September 2021
WNAS meetings during this time were disrupted by the CoVid-19 pandemic.
WNAS would like to pay tribute to those civilian and military personnel who worked tirelessly during this time, and remember all those victims and their families that were, and continue to be affected by these terrible events
November 2021
The image one received when first arriving at the Mundford Bowls Club this month was not that of a band of riotous aeronautical enthusiasts but instead, gave the impression one had mistakenly joined a gathering at a catering exhibition with tables adorned with mouth-watering morsels all created by the Fare-hostess, Val.
After our last meeting it had been anticipated that we would be brandishing our own cinema environment but, unfortunately, this was not to be. Following a delivery hitch the problem was overcome by crew members Steve and Jean who came to the rescue with their own set-up consisting of a ten foot screen with hi-fi sound and vision equipment. This, in conjunction with David’s video recording of ‘The World's Greatest Air Shows’ compensated for any disappointments.
Not only did the film depict clips of barnstorming pioneers in action – some out of action -- but also, aeronautical participants from all periods leading up to the modern day.
Described as well, were the comments made about the psychology of entertainment; a PR exercise in allowing exponents to show off and provide an audience with what it seems to need: thrill producing images of risk-taking aeronauts challenging themselves, their machinery and the environment but, not each other; a team of performers working together without animated opponents.
It was interesting to contrast this with other thrill producing scenarios. Take football for instance: another spectacle with audience appeal but, with a difference; losers as well as winners. It has to be asked whether it is as satisfying to witness humiliation as it is to witness victory.
Wikipedia sites the figure of 90,000 paying supporters at Wembly on FA cup final days whereas 185,000 tickets were sold to spectators at the Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford. Perhaps this is an unfair comparison if one doesn’t take every parameter into account.
We would also like to thank bartender Len who always fronts an exemplary side-show on our behalf.
October 2021
The West Norfolk Aviation Society rose again on Tuesday 5th October at the Mundford Bowls Club. The chairman, Chris Halliday, also rose to the occasion by mounting a chair, thus allowing room for his copious cue cards to parachute to the floor. But, prior to these theatricals, David Allen, founder and multi-roled member, gave a résumé of the part played by the society since its inception nearly 30 years ago; its motto then: ‘Dedicated in the Desire to Defy Gravity’.
Between the two of them, 'Manager' and Chairman, the meeting was conducted with professionalism and good humour, many objectives being achieved with willingness among attendees to be appointed to ranks in the chain of command. Attendance was better than expected; there were present two ladies, two prospective new members and a forty year old boy who might have been a lot younger; our president until a few years ago was a 97 year old Wing Commander, Ken Wallace.
There was no guest speaker on this occasion but there was, nevertheless, no shortage of entertainment with aeronautical anecdotes and banter ascending from the floor.
It was decided that with a surplus in the kitty, the club should squander some of this on a visit to some exotic aeronautical extravaganza and also, purchase some sound and vision enhancement equipment in order to create a fold-out cinema environment for future events.
The meeting ended with our grateful thanks to the ever popular Val and Len for their customary hospitality, humour and wholesome fare.
December 2021
It was a dark and stormy night when the crew of the WNAS returned to the Mundford Bowls club base last Tuesday evening. The few that didn’t make it back for fear that their high sided vehicles would be overturned in the wind deprived themselves of entertainment they will regret for weeks to come.
Steve and Jean again, provided the ammunition to shoot at the ten foot screen. It took the form of long range stills that Steve had shot himself with a camera that could compress an image from two miles into two feet; the same distance that existed between participants’ wing tips. The fighter squadrons in the field of view were multinational: those represented were British, French, Spanish, Italian, American and Jordanian. It was the consensus of opinion in the mess that the Italians were best and, having met all crews, it was Steve’s opinion that the Jordanians were the friendliest.
After the Fare-stewardess’s banquet Steve returned to the cockpit with a period movie demonstrating how pilot training and experience was paramount to an aircraft’s safety, particularly when it was landing. The scenario was proven by a series of clips of battered B24 Liberators making various attempts. The film showed how a skilful pilot could not only cope with an aircraft’s inherent foibles but also the way he adapted his landing strategy to the type of damage the aircraft had suffered.
To demonstrate the society’s appreciation for the caterers’ culinary qualifications Val and Len were presented with a rose bush in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.