Struts 4U

by Anne Hughes

The spring brings some optimism for Struts as they aim to return to ‘business as usual’, with reports of a slow return to monthly gatherings. It’s understandable that there’s a little hesitancy as we move on from the restrictions of the last two years. With the rhythm of regular meetings disrupted, the momentum that was in place has taken a step back in some areas and Strut committees are working hard to redress the balance. At the end of March, Strut leaders are meeting at LAA HQ to address these issues and to share initiatives from across the country. We will report back in this column next month.

However, we have heard from across the Struts that plans are afoot for fly-ins and events during the summer months, and we look forward to meeting up with aircraft around us and catch up with news of plans completed and projects ongoing when it comes to new-builds and restorations.

The North West Strut has always been very closely associated with the Lancashire Aero Club. Ninety per cent of the members have been, and still are, belonging to both clubs. Meetings of the Strut have generally been held at the airfield run by the LAC, i.e. Manchester Barton.

In June, when the Lancashire Aero Club reaches a birthday of some significance, the NWS will be very pleased to be totally involved to celebrate 100 years of the club. A full day at Barton with numerous dignitaries, exhibitions, and the usual speeches will give the club a send-off for another century of flying activity. Cliff Mort, from NWS, explains that, as we get to the better weather of the summer months, they will be using the other facility that the LAC have, which is the airfield at Kenyon Hall. This is a very pleasant venue for the summer activities of the Strut, BBQ’s, fly-Ins, and many outdoor activities.

Based in Bodmin, the Cornwall Strut is gearing up for a full programme alongside the Cornwall Flying Club. In May the annual Ladies Day Fly-In returns followed by a Grasshopper Gathering in June. In July the Vintage Aircraft Club also returns for a fly-in weekend which will include the LAA ‘Meet the Members’ event. This is followed by the Lundy Fly-In. If you haven’t visited Bodmin Airfield these and many more events should tempt you to visit one of the country’s designated unique areas of biodiversity.

Jay Gates, airfield manager, and Pete White are always pleased to share the story of their extraordinary discovery that their airfield is covered with rare plants, including thousands of orchids, flowering in the summer months.

Neil Wilson oversees a busy programme at Henstridge, and the Wessex Strut is starting its season of events with a Strut fly-in at the end of April. After the difficulties of the last two years there will be a welcome for all arrivals! Devon Strut is looking forward to fly-ins at Farway Common, with a ‘Welcome to Farway Hangar Party’ in June and a visit to Branscombe in July. Meanwhile, in Scotland, the East of Scotland Strut are planning a ‘Drop of the Hat’ fly-in event – keeping all their options open regarding a weatherwindow for aviating!

Many of the LAA’s Type Clubs are also advertising events for the summer months and details of these can be found in Light Aviation’s Where to Go page. The Vintage Piper Aircraft Club will start the season with fly-ins at Sleap, Goodwood and Welshpool, while the Vintage Aircraft Club will be holding events at Turweston, Popham, Fenland, Breighton and Old Warden among others. In June the Aeronca Club are looking forward to celebrating their 30th Anniversary at White Waltham.

We have every reason to remain optimistic in the coming months and we hope that our only pre-occupation during the summer will be the unpredictability of the great British weather! In the meantime, do contact your local Strut to find out how you can best support the group and enjoy the company of like-minded aviators, aircraft builders and enthusiasts. ■