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 | We try to hold a seminar about every two years. This is over a full weekend, and
comprises a series of presentations from acknowledged experts, a formal dinner, a visit to
a site of WW1 aviation interest, plus the obligatory book sale!
In addition (the main attraction for many) there is the chance to chat over a pint with
many of the world's leading experts in the subject.
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| What have we done so far? What are we planning??
1995 - 1997 - 1999 - 2001
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| 1995
The 1995 seminar was our first - and a resounding success!
On the Sunday we had a behind-the-scenes visit to the Shuttleworth Collection hosted by
the General Manager.
A special edition of the journal containing the full text and illustrations of each of the
excellent presentations made over the weekend can be purchased from the Sales Manager.
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| 1997
The latest Seminar was held July 1997 in Bedford, England.
On the Friday afternoon we enjoyed a guided tour of the RAF Reserve Collection, housed in
the old airship station at Cardington - home of the enormous sheds which once housed the
ill-fated R.101. We saw a replica Sopwith Dolphin under construction, utilising many
original parts; the RAF's Fokker D.VII - now almost ready to return to Hendon; an original
Farman F.40 awaiting renovation; significant chunks of a Morane Saulnier BB; the
beginnings of a reconstructed RAF FE2b; plus racking full of all sorts of bits and pieces
- including a complete Bessoneaux hangar on pallets!
During Saturday and Sunday we heard from the following speakers:
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Presentation
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Speaker
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| Introduction |
Air Marshal Sir Frederick Sowrey |
| Keynote Address |
Chris Hobson |
| WW1 Observers |
Jeff Jefford |
| Flying Training at Daedalus in WW1 - RNAS/RAF Cranwell |
Peter Dye |
| The RNAS |
Graham Mottram |
| WW1 and the Medal Collector |
Jeff Taylor |
| RFC/RAF Logistics in WW1 |
Peter Dye |
| Night Bombing in WW1 |
Trevor Henshaw |
| Films from the IWM Archives |
Brad King |
Couple this mouth-watering selection with an excellent hotel (no driving!)
and a bar which stayed open well into the night and you have a recipe for pure WW1
aviation delight. We had well over 50 attendees this year, and all declared the event well
worth while, and most enjoyable. A vote was held at Sunday's wind-up session at which all
present made clear their wish for a repeat performance ASAP.
| 1999
The 1999 charabanc trip to Paris, with a visit to the Musee de l'Air! Led by
noted French WW1 aviation buff Mike Pearce, the trip was memorable.
The whole of Saturday was spent in the Musee de l'Air, viewing their extensive collection
of WW1 and other aircraft - plus a full guided tour of the workshops.
See French Trip for a full report.
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| 2001
Another chara trip to France - similar agenda to the 1999 outing - and
an equal success!
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