ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING -2008 23rd November 2008
The Watts Bridge Annual General Meeting is an essential part of the efficient running of the airfield. Annual Reports are delivered and discussed and the Board of Management for the next year is elected. All important stuff.   But let's face it -AGM's can be a pretty dull affair.    So, somewhere along the line it was decided to hold an AGM Party the evening before.  Now that's more like it !!  All very informal, just meet at the aerobat's clubhouse, bring a plate, bring a drink and have a good time.  And that's the way it went. About 30 people showed up and did just that - ate, drank and made merry !! But - there's always one isn't there ??

The Festival of Flight 2008 got off to a remarkable start with the aircraft parking area virtually full by midday Saturday. And there was no let up, with a never ending stream of arrivals and departues. As if that were not enough for the thousands of visitors to the airfield, there were immaculate vintage cars, motor cycles and military vehicles on display as well.   The Queensland Vintage Aircraft Group are to be congratulated for all the effort that goes into making the Festival of Flight the success that it is. Also a big thank you for the local community's support of the event, assisting with everything from catering to car parking.   But the big winners were the aircraft themselves, from the heaviest meanist warbird, the most nimbble of aerobatic aircraft to the "flying for fun" recreational aircraft.  For those who couldn't make it and anyone else who simply can't get enough of vintage aircraft [Click Here] for many more photographs taken at the event. [Click the small photographs to view a full size image]

Ross Stenhouse's Percival Proctor Restoration
Mooch around any airfield and you will quickly discover that there are a lot more activities underway than simply flying aeroplanes.   Such is the case for Ross Stenhouse who is pain stakingly restoring a WWII Percival Proctor to full airworthiness. Ross has completed the tail section with work progressing well on the fuselage. Many other components are already on hand, including an entire Gypsy Major engine on mount.   When asked about an expected completion date Ross remained quite philosophical, "Well, if I don't get it finished - I am sure someone will - maybe my daughter Liz will see it done."   When not working on the Proctor, Ross is often seen patrolling the skys around Watts in his distinctive Tiger Moth.

 

In the past few weeks progress at Watts Bridge has been made with the supply and installation of the new Pure Blue toilet block. At the same time the trenches were dug to connect the QUA clubhouse, the new toilet block and the QVAG toilets to the sewerage system.   A small team led by Peter and Ian Ratcliffe worked to complete the plumbing for the clubhouse and arrange the council plumbing inspection and approval. With help from Rod Mill and Peter Freeman the trenches were filled and the site cleaned up. The water tanks and pump have now been ordered, with delivery planned in a couple of weeks.   Whilst a lot more work is required to make the clubhouse toilet and shower functional, more progress will continue as time and funds allow.   With the new Pure Blue toilet block now functional, the old toilet block was removed, the septic tank emptied and filled in. Another toilet block, including a shower is also planned for the airfield, adjacent to the old shelter shed to cater for that end of the field. Mike Smith supplied a load of gravel.

 

Congratulations Glenda ! Upon the successful maiden flight of her scratch built "TOUCAN" at Watts Bridge on 15th June.

 

The Queen's Birthday long weekend in June was reserved by the Queensland Chapter of the Australian Aerobatics Club for the State Championships. Unfortunately, the weather was really not playing the same game with a gloomy overcast Saturday. Ocassional showers and low ceilings saw very few arrivals and only the hardiest of pilots taking to the air. What a difference a day makes.  Come Sunday and the skies quickly cleared making for a great flying day. And fly they did. Up, down, over, under and inside out too!!  Thrilling to watch!! For the pilots of course, it was all very competitive. The judges set challenging sequences, missed nothing and marked accordingly.   That evening the winners were announced during the post competition revelry. And the Winners are.......... Intermediate Brendan Scilini - Qld Sportsman Clive Tudge - Qld Graduate Danny Robinson - Qld Entry Denzil Brunner - Qld The Aerobatics Club encourages pilots at all levels to increase their flying skills in a friendly club environment. So if you have ever had a yearning to experience "unusual attitude" flying, why not look up when the Aerobatics Club is holding their monthly training weekend at Watts, come along and say g' day ?

 

QUA Members and Guests attend the first meeting held in the new Queensland Ultralight Association's Meeting Rooms The Queensland Ultralight Association is a founding member of Watts Bridge Airfield. For many years it has been a goal of the QUA to build a Club House and Meeting Rooms at the airfield. Sunday 18th May saw that dream fulfilled when the first monthly meeting was conducted in the newly erected rooms. After the meeting a BBQ Lunch was on offer, setting the scene for regular meetings and future flying events such as the upcoming Fun Fly Poker Run. The clubhouse is freely available for the use of all QUA members whenever they visit the airfield, with tea, coffee and cold drinks already available. On-going improvements will see additional facilities become available, making Watts Bridge and the QUA a great place for aviation enthusiast of all persuasions to meet, share a cuppa, and generally have a relaxing afternoon's flying.

 

 
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PO Box 98, Toogoolawah, Queensland, Australia
Email: info@wattsbridge.com.au