Annual SoA Picnic at Bowldown Farm

A number of Squadron members and friends gathered at Greville and Dawnie Vernon’s private strip on Sunday, 3 July.

The purpose of the meeting was to help support the Sir John Thomson Spirit of Aviation Scheme that has now been running for the past seven years. Covid has affected the last two years and so it was wonderful to get together again in 2022.

The object of the day was to thank our volunteers and those who look after the students by offering a BBQ and some free flying. We had representatives from the 3 Bristol schools involved (soon to be back to four again) particularly from The Bridge Learning Campus. We were also most ably supported by a team from Jet2 who briefed a few of our mostly younger visitors on the Airline, and its training schemes. All our guests had some flying in the afternoon in perfect weather.
Getting people from the schools to come out for the day has always been a problem, for a variety of different reasons, but the day was summed up by one parent who said: “People like us do not get to do things like this.”

All our guests were overwhelmed by the hospitality and welcome we gave them…and most appreciative. The day could not have been the success it was without the help and support of Greville and Dawnie, and their daughter Zara, plus many Squadron members and sponsorship by Christopher Sharples, to all of whom I offer my sincere thanks.

Ian Macfadyen