2023 AGM and Festive Weekend wrap up

Our AGM and Festive Lunch took place near Blackpool, on the sunny, frosty weekend of 2 and 3 December. Early arrivals spent Saturday afternoon at the Spitfire Visitor Centre, Hangar 42, at Blackpool airport. Our hosts Paul, Joy, Dave and Keith showed us various displays in authentically furnished rooms in the original World War II hangar, which has undergone a refurbishment over the past 15 years. The varying environments of the briefing room, NAAFI, crew room, dispersal hut and the hangar itself made the visit a rich experience. BWPA members also enjoyed the Lancaster bomber and Spitfire simulators. Many members were also interested in the importance of Blackpool to Amy Johnson, including her death; also represented in Hangar 42.

Our AGM took place on Sunday 3 December at The Villa Wrea Green, starting at 11:00 with around 30 people in the room and others joining online. Following the Chairwoman’s report, there was an update from the Treasurer and an outline of proposed changes to the BWPA Rules. There were three votes: approving the committee composition, increasing the BWPA fees, and adjusting the membership types. All were passed.

The AGM was followed by a guest speaker, Mariya Tarabanovska, who is originally from Ukraine. Mariya came to speak to the group about Flight Crowd; her educational not-for-profit organisation focused on the future of flight.

Following the talk, around 60 members and guests settled down for a festive lunch in the festively decorated marquee-style Pavillion room, complete with Christmas tree. A three-course lunch was enjoyed as BWPA members reconnected with old friends and made new acquaintances. After the meal, the 2023 scholarships and awards were presented by BWPA Chairwoman, Sharon Nicholson, with many of the winners able to accept their awards in person.