PRESIDENTS CHATTER

NOVEMBER  2005

I have just returned from our busiest and most varied IFFR trip of my Presidency. Alisma and I took a three-week trip ‘Down-under’ visiting the very active Australian and New Zealand Sections.

In dividing our time, we decided, as we had had an extensive visit to Queensland in 2003 at the time of the Brisbane Convention, to limit our stay in Australia to five days. This allowed us to renew our acquaintance with Brisbane and attend the Australian Section meeting in Hervey Bay. There we enjoyed the Australian hospitality that we so value and picked friendships where we had left off. No one can accuse our hosts of being reserved!! Unfortunately rough seas caused the Friday evening pre-dinner cruise to be cancelled but sea trips were not excluded, as the main event on the Saturday was a visit to the ecological gem of Fraser Island. After the hour’s crossing of the still active seas I think we all now knew how it felt to be on a landing craft when there was a bit of weather around!! The contrasts on the island were exceptional – a tropical rain forest, a 75 mile long sandy beach, a shipwreck, tracks that only four wheel drive vehicles could master, freshwater streams to be paddled in and lakes to swum in. The local Rotary Club hosted the dinner on the Saturday evening where I had the privilege of talking about Fellowships and IFFR in particular. I was to have a similar opportunity in New Zealand later. Particular thanks for the hospitality we enjoyed go to Alan and Maisie Grady, Laurie and Helen Chapman and Trevor and Denise Steel.

The New Zealand visit included the greatest variation in flying experiences – Cessna’s 172 and 206, a Robinson R44 and a Catalina with its water landing. All special in their own way. We saw some stunning scenery – extinct volcanoes, hot springs, snow covered mountains, lush pasture land, caves lit by glow-worms and so much more. The Section meeting combined flying, air museum visits, a boat cruise to see dolphins and other wildlife, and dinner at a winery – something for everyone. We have to thank so many people and in doing this there always the danger of leaving someone out but here goes: Graham and Carol Gimblett, Phil and Judy Pacey, Roy and Marlene Marsden, Roger and Glenys Leadbetter, Chris Snelson and Vickie, Keith Sinclair, Keith and Heather Mitchell and finally your next President Brian Souter and his wife Jeanette. To you and all the others in the New Zealand Section for making this such a memorable visit, many thanks, many thanks.

Our only complaint on our return is that we did not have enough time in the three weeks to properly enjoy what the two great countries have to offer. But be warned down there we will return!!

Angus Clark

World President 2004-2006