News
Southern committee’s high flyers head to RAF Halton
The Furniture Makers’ Company Southern Committee had an enjoyable visit to the Trenchard Museum at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire last week.
Around 20 people attended the committee’s inaugural trip on Thursday 2 March, including chairman Peter Keen, president Mike Clare and senior warden Tony Smart, following the group’s meeting.
The museum aims to preserve and display items that relate to the history of Royal Air Force Halton. It was named in honour of Lord Trenchard, the father of the Royal Air Force, who also founded the Aircraft Apprentice scheme with which the name of Halton has become synonymous.
The museum was opened by his Lord Trenchard’s grandson, the Viscount Trenchard, on 26 June 1999.
Tony Smart said: “Apart from viewing all the various items made by RAF apprentices over the years and inspecting the guns installed in the Spitfire, members of the group were able to see some of the oldest flight simulators working. Some also experienced first-hand what it is like to fly blind in a dark cockpit with only your instruments to tell you where you are and where you are going. A most interesting collection of items well looked after by a team of volunteers who are very knowledgeable and made us very welcome.”
Peter Keen said: “On behalf of the Southern region and The Furniture Makers’ Company, I want to thank everyone who attended and made the first event a success. This is one of many trips that we have planned to raise vital funds for our charity as well as host networking events for local members of the furnishing industry.”
The Furniture Makers’ Company has five regional committees – the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Central, South West and Southern.
Each committee aims to organise a number of fundraising and networking events in their area for members and non-members of The Furniture Makers Company.
To find out more about upcoming events in your area and to contact the regional chairman in your area, go to www.furnituremakers.org.uk/regions