2024 AGM and Festive Weekend wrap up

Our 2024 Festive Weekend took place at Art Deco themed Sywell Aerodrome and Aviator Hotel on the rainy weekend of 30 November and 1 December.

Saturday arrivals met at the Aviator Hotel bar, where they were welcomed by Theo Claassen, trustee of the Sywell Aviation Museum. Theo was kind enough to open the museum especially for us and gave us a guided tour, which highlighted the rich heritage of the Northamptonshire area and beyond, from the early days of flying to the present day, with an emphasis on World War Two.

The tour was interactive, with Theo even cranking up a World War Two air raid siren! Two of our members, Bev and Nancy, jumped into a wonderful de Havilland Canada Chipmunk cockpit exhibit, named Clare, for a superb photo opportunity. Every inch of the museum was covered with displays, memorabilia and artefacts in various halls, telling the stories of the RAF, Luftwaffe, USAAF, and the Paul Morgan Hall showcasing the story of local aviation.

Fifteen members then met for dinner and drinks at the Aviator Hotel, where they stayed overnight. They took the opportunity to get to know each other and swap aviation stories.

Our 69th AGM took place on the morning of Sunday 1 December at the Aviator Hotel conference facilies. The AGM started at 10:30 with around 50 members present in the room and others joining online.

The Chairwoman, Sharon Nicholson, welcomed all, and then gave her report and the Treasurer’s report, and talked through the proposed changes to the BWPA Rules. She also covered changes and re-elections in the committee and directors. The Deputy Chair, Annabel Cook, requested additional ideas for the 70th anniversary in 2025, with themes to include regional and national events, scholarships, merchandise and PR opportunities.

The formal business of the AGM was followed by a group photo and an inspiring talk from BWPA member Harriet Gamble on Earth Observation satellites and chasing her space dreams of being an astronaut. From her early passion for designing and building things, horses and gliding, right through to currently working for Airbus on a project for the European Space Agency.

Following the talk, around 60 members and guests settled down for a three course lunch, in a festive decorated room complete with a Christmas tree!

After the meal, the 2024 awards were presented by Sharon , alongside BWPA Patron Stuart Smith, with many of the winners able to accept their awards in person.