2015

Spring Meeting:   Saturday 28th February 2015, London.

Venue:  The Royal Air Force Club, 128 Piccadilly, London.

Programme:

Chairman: Liana Middleton
	Registration and coffee
	President’s welcome and notices
	Captain Stewart Luck and Colin Knowles “Air Scouts and other UK youth aviation activities”
	Coffee break
	David Roberts “Europe Air Sports”
	Sally Evans, UK CAA Chief Medical Officer “CAA/EASA medical update”
	Buffet lunch
Chairman: Stephen Gibson
	Dr Juergen Knueppel “The Mountain Wave Project in Nepal”
	Jean-Marie Clement “Andean World Record flights, medical, technical and personal aspects”
	Tea break
	Dr James Vanderploeg, Virgin Galactic Chief Medical Officer “Medical Safety in Space Travel”
	Discussion continued in ante-room, bar available

Following the meeting, an association dinner was held at 7pm for members at the same venue.

Autumn Meeting:   11th to 13th September 2015, Newquay, Cornwall.

2015 summer meeting report by Dr Andrew Partner

The summer meeting was attended by 30 members and with the help of good weather, everyone had a great weekend.

 Friday 11th September.

Members arrived in Newquay by various means of transport.   Three BMPA aircraft opted to fly in despite the weather front passing through Cornwall.  Rather unexpectedly, the three aircraft all arrived within 30 minutes of each other.  The Guinness trophy was won by Dr Andrew Partner in G-AZWS landing 1 minute outside his ETA.  The hotel base for the weekend was the splendid VICTORIA HOTEL, on Newquay’s seafront.  No activities were planned for the afternoon and as per BMPA tradition, members dined together in the hotel that evening.

Sat 12 September

After breakfast at the hotel, two BMPA aircraft took off for an enjoyable day on the Scilly Isles.  They were able to head into St Mary’s and enjoyed a pleasant lunch.  Fortunately the weather held out and they returned safely.

The non-fliers boarded a coach for a morning visit to Trerice Manor Country House.  Rather surprisingly, the house was free for all visitors and we were all treated to a very informative history of the house.  Following the tour, we all sat down for an enjoyable lunch in a converted barn.  Returning into Newquay early afternoon, some members headed back to the hotel for an afternoon of relaxation around the hotel pool.  For those with good sea legs, a boat trip was arranged.  After a short walk down to the harbour, twelve of us enjoyed and hour in Newquay bay.  There was an opportunity to catch some fish and despite the choppy conditions, they were in plentiful supply.  Although we didn’t take them back for dinner, there was a friendly seal in the harbour who gratefully received a good meal!

Once back at the hotel, there was time to rest, freshen up and change, ready to be collected by coach for the 15-20 minute journey to our Black Tie Dinner outing at Royal Air Force St Mawgan Officers’ Mess.    The BMPA was hosted by the Station Commander,  Wing Commander Guy Bazalgette.  We enjoyed fine food and wine then were entertained with an after dinner speech about the history and current role of the station.  With full stomachs, the party returned to the hotel at 2300.

Sun 13 September

After breakfast, the  BMPA  AGM  was held at the hotel. For those not travelling back home, they were able to make the short trip in Truro to join the RAF St Mawgan celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain as part of annual Truro day.

To conclude, the BMPA continues to thrive and we all look forward to the summer meeting in Inverness next year.