As has become standard practice for the Midland Region, we kicked off the 2024 calendar of fixtures on the 13th January with a social get-together and luncheon.

Having established in 2023 a great working relationship with the team at Leicestershire Aero Club, we thought it would be nice to avail ourselves of the wonderful facilities at the airfield control tower at Stoughton.

In common with many small airfields, Stoughton still retains the structure of a WW2 watchtower with its flying club offices located on the ground floor and air traffic control on the second. The first floor contains the lounge, restaurant and kitchen facilities – which at Stoughton (thanks to a two storey extension) offer a larger footprint than those found at other locations.

Gathering at our usual time of 10am, and following a welcome cup of coffee, Keith Burns GAvA then presented us with an illustrated talk on how he initially became an aviation artist and the work he has done with Ladybird. Keith talked at length about the trials and tribulations he had to go through during college and his early years as an illustrator, eventually developing his very own unique ‘comic-book’ style.

The day concluded at 4.00pm whence we wall made our way homewards.

Thanks go to Keith and Chris for their presentations and also to all atLeicestershire Aero Club who looked after us so well and made us feel so welcome.

We look forward to our next visit !

Phil Hadley GAvA
Midland Region Organiser