For those who were unable to get to the AGM last weekend, the presentation slides are now available for download in pdf format by simply clicking here. Note that this is a 10mb file so may take a little while to download.

Stephen J. Hopson hails from Akron, Ohio, and is a speaker, author and the worlds first deaf instrument rated pilot. Check out his interesting and entertaining videos here and here.

Another great AGM was enjoyed by BDFA members and supporters at the Aviator Hotel, Sywell last Saturday.

Representatives from FSD were also welcomed - Sue Whitby, Alan Smith, Janet Bowen.  Peter Vacher and Rosemary Taylor also attended plus representatives from the MS Society and Besso Insurance. Mick Kirk's widow Janet Kirk and son also attended for the first presentation of the Mick Kirk Cup.

Picture below - Mick Kirk (back right) at the Bulldog launch event at Lasham in 2005

 
Chairman Mike Miller-Smith gave an excellent Chairman's presentation and recapped upon the BDFA's progress since the previous AGM in Feb 2006 - purchasing the Cherokee, our week at Farnborough Air Show, RIAT at Fairford alongside FSD with our aircraft parked next to Peter Vacher's Hurricane and Polly's aircraft, Louise Scotters fundraising skydive, our flying days at Elstree for Guideposts Trust and MS Society at Old Sarum, our weekend at Tollerton fly-in etc.  Mike thanked Louise for setting up the new merchandising and thanked Simon Rapkin for arranging the Ball, to be held in November. The generous donation of £10,000 from Rolls-Royce was also mentioned!
 
Malcolm Hollinshead delivered the Treasurer's report for 2006/7, Shona Bowman delivered the BDFA aircraft & operations report.
 
Presentation of awards:
 
The Jim Parkinson Trophy - the most supporting organisation to the BDFA - was awarded to Besso for their generosity in insuring our aircraft;
The Aviator Shield - the most meritorious achievement by a BDFA member - was awarded to Louise Scotter following completion of her solo nav qualifier in an R22 helicopter;
The Mick Kirk Cup - the most supporting member of the BDFA - was awarded to Roger Dickson in acknowledgement of his involvement in the Bulldog project and at Farnborough Air Show.

Picture below -Roger Dickson, winner of the Mick Kirk cup, 2007

 
The Executive Committee was elected:
 
Mike Miller-Smith, Chairman
Ben Bennett, Vice Chairman
Norman Tench, Secretary
Rob Sheward, Treasurer
Phil Reeve
Simon Rapkin
Martin Bethell
Louise Scotter
 
Dr Frank Voeten delivered a fascinating presentation at the end of the meeting, and a great social event and dinner followed.
 

Walking on Air have launched their new website - http://walkingonair.org.uk/

Walking on Air is a Scottish charity enabling people with disabilities to soar like birds. Offering a unique sporting opportunity for wheelchair users and other disabled people, Walking on Air utilises the facilities at the Scottish Gliding Centre (SGC), based at Portmoak Airfield, to provide an opportunity for people with disabilities and a sense of adventure, to be able to fly a modified K21 glider. The clubhouse, with panoramic views of the flying-operations, offers basic but comfortable accommodation, snacks, teas and meals, and a licensed bar. Ex BDFA chairman Steve Derwin is pictured below in one of the WOA gliders - Steve is now a qualified gliding instructor at WOA.

Contact them for more information,