Since I became a Regional Organiser, I have built up quite an extensive and varied selection of venues for Midland Region meetings, which means that we now visit many of the locations only every 2 years or so.

Our 4th visit to the Aeropark took place on 11th May and it was hard to believe that we had last been there in 2022. As ever, the staff and volunteers of this very interesting museum made us feel welcome and extended their warm hospitality.

Eighteen had booked in for the day, and the weather proved to be very kind to us for the occasion, albeit there was quite a strong wind blowing in from the East. The effect of this manifested itself profoundly following every B737 or A320 landing on R09 when a hot blast of intense burning rubber/kerosene mix would waft its way across to us in the Aeropark. (Ah!! Bisto !!)

Another advantage of visiting every 18 months to 2 years, is that you get to see big changes in the exhibits. Not only new additions to the collection, but the transformation of aircraft following extensive refurbishment and repainting by the Museum volunteers. Most of these projects are long term and take considerable time and effort.

As ever, our day at EMAP concluded with another welcome cup of tea and our Crit in EMAP’s meeting room, presided over in their usual professional manner by Robert and David Calow.

Another enjoyable meeting over at EMAP. Thanks to Robert, David for the Crit, and Graham and all at EMAP for their welcome and hospitality. EMAP, we’ll see you again in 2026?

Phil Hadley GAvA Midland Region Organiser