This year marks the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
So it is fitting that they will be taking part in a launch meeting about an ambitious plan to bring to the Isle of Wight, an Aviation Heritage Centre. The meeting on 13 April 2016 is jointly organised by the Isle of Wight Flying Club, Royal Aeronautical Society, and Britten Norman Aircraft Preservation Society (BNAPS).
Anne Grant and Dr. Geoff Witt of Solent Aviatrix will outline the campaign to return to the Isle of Wight, a 1930s Cowes built Spartan Bi-plane (UK registration G-ABYN), currently in New Zealand.
Bob Wealthy, BNAPS chairman, will give an update on the BN-2 restoration and the need for a permanent home for this Island historic aircraft.
John Kenyon of the Isle of Wight Flying Club will outline the proposal to create an aviation museum, to tell the story of the Island’s rich history of aviation manufacturing.
Spartan G-ABYN (GB) ZK-ARH (NZ)
It is hoped the Spartan (New Zealand registration ZK-ARH) and BN-2 Islander G-AVCN will become the first main exhibits.
Attendance at this first meeting is restricted to members of BNAPS, IW Flying Club, Royal Aeronautical Society, and invited guests from the Island tourism, business and associated communities.
If you are a member of one of the above organisations and you do not receive an invitation from John Kenyon, then please request one from him by via email or phone.
Follow this link for John’s contact details on the printer friendly version:
Launch Meeting for an Isle of Wight Aviation Heritage Centre – printer friendly
R.S.V.P by Friday 8 April to John Kenyon.
Confirmation of attendance is required due to limited seating. If demand is high, further presentations can be arranged.
John Kenyon says, “We now have two iconic aircraft that could bring together the concept of an Aviation Heritage Centre as a visitor attraction on the Island to tell the wider story of IW aviation heritage. So we need the support of everyone on the Island to make this happen. So spread the word!”
An important announcement will be made on the night.
Anyone interested and wanting to get involved can follow news and developments on this website.
solentaviatrix 
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