The latest updates from our regional groups

As we leap into spring and leave the wet winter months behind (hopefully), we take a look at what our regional groups have been up to whilst flying time has not been so frequent.

During the colder months, we saw lots of activity amongst our membership. Social gatherings have been a wonderful way to keep the connections evolving and many of our members have organised a variety of fun ways to meet up in person:

• South regional members attended events at the RAF Club in London, Sunday brunch at Shoreham Airport, and a New Year dinner at a pub near Guildford.
• Midlands regional members attended a social gathering at Leicester airport.
• North West regional members had lunch at Barton Aerodrome clubhouse and a coffee morning at Ravenair Flying School.
• Essex regional members enjoyed a few social drinks and dinners at venues such as Andrewsfield Aerodrome, Stapleford Airfield and a couple of local pubs (we hear dancing shoes were worn for some live ’70s and ’80s music hits!)

Members have organised many online events, which have grown to be just as popular as in-person meet ups – recent events have included:

• A talk on how women were introduced into RAF service and accepted to fly combat aircraft.
• A discussion about operations at Manchester Barton Aerodrome and the airfield’s Flight Information Service provided to pilots.
• A personal account of the career route and life as a Helicopter Emergency Medical Services pilot.
• An informative lecture on infringements of UK airspace by light aircraft by the CAA’s Airspace Infringement Team.

Regional groups have consistently shared our members’ success stories and industry news across the very popular WhatsApp groups. These updates have included numerous scholarship wins, several ratings and licences achieved, including aerobatics and Instrument Rating (Restricted) ratings, and successfully achieving a Commercial Pilot Licence, plus many exchanges about job postings and advertised training schemes.

Across the regions there has been much to celebrate these past few months and we encourage all members to actively participate in the vast range of activities and events on offer for all to enjoy, and to praise and inspire one another.  To join a regional group, access your account through the Members’ Home Page and select the regional group or groups you would like to join.

As always, much gratitude is extended to our volunteer Regional Representatives, for actively organising and planning with our members and for capturing the many amazing events and activities taking place all over the country. We also recently welcomed two new Regional Representatives, Rania (South West) and Emma (North East) and look forward to seeing how they bring members together in their areas.

A big thank you to you all and here’s to a busy social calendar ahead…speaking of which, remember to check out the events section of the website and regional WhatsApp social groups for events near you!

Compiled by Natasha Rowson on behalf of the BWPA Regional Groups.