28 April 2015
A weekend of events for all aviation enthusiasts will mark the 60th Anniversary of The British Women Pilots’ Association. Women in aviation, past, present and future will feature in the talks, flying displays, exhibitions and book signings at White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire, on 30-31 May 2015.
Among those who will be flying in for the event (subject to weather) is Tracey Curtis-Taylor (pictured), who will bring her 1942 Boeing Stearman, Spirit of Artemis. Her flight from Cape Town to Goodwood in the plane feature in the recent BBC documentary, The Lady who Flew Africa. She will describe her experiences on 30 May when the focus will be on Aviation Today and Tomorrow.
Other speakers will include Dorothy Saul-Pooley, Master of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots; Dr Heather McGregor (Mrs. Moneypenny of the Financial Times and private pilot); Dr Vivienne Lee, speaking on the Aeromedical Challenges of Fast Jet Flight; and Professor Monica Grady, looking at Space Research and Space Travel. In the evening there will be Champagne Reception and Dinner, with guest speaker, Clare Walker, of the Royal Aeronautical Society ‘Women in Aviation’ Initiative.
Sunday 31 May is Vintage Day, featuring; Richard Poad, Chairman of Maidenhead Heritage Centre on the history of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). He will be followed by Candida Adkins, who will talk about her mother, Spitfire Girl, Jackie Moggridge, one of the great ATA pilots. Midge Gillies and Jane Priston will give a joint presentation on, Amy Johnson, Lone Girl Flyer. Poet, Alison Hill will read from her forthcoming book of poetry, Spitfire Sisters. There will be a display of vintage aircraft flying, information stands to explore, and book signings over the weekend, including Midge Gillies, author of Amy Johnson, Queen of the Air.
The event has been supported through a number of sponsorships.
Julie Westhorp, Chair of the In the Sky with Diamonds Working Party said, “On behalf of the British Women Pilots’ Association, I would like to say a big thank you to our generous sponsors – both commercial and private – for their support of both the anniversary event, and the work of the BWPA in encouraging women to take up flying.”
Visitors will be able to fly in or drive to the event; discounts will be arranged with selected local hotels. Entry is by advance ticket purchase and is open to all aviation enthusiasts. For further information about registering for the event go to <a href=’http://bwpa.co.uk/event/diamond-jubilee-celebration’ target=’_blank’>bwpa.co.uk</a>
