President's Chatter
June 2006 - Angus Clark
A final Chatter! It is hard to believe that I have almost come to end of my two year term as your World President. This last month has been particularly busy with visits to the Section Meetings in Belgium, Germany and France. My last Section meeting was, appropriately the UK Spring get-to-gether. As a Section they have given me great support and I would particularly thank Section Chairman John Bowden, long serving but now retiring Secretary/Treasurer John Ritchie and Ian Kerr who acted as World Bulletin Secretary. To that list I would add European V-P Feroz Wadia who is the unanimous choice of the Nominating Committee for the position of President Elect to follow incoming President Brian Souter. Thanks to all of you.
My thanks however go worldwide. To Alan Grady the Australasian V-P for his support and wise counsel. To Peter Gibbs in South Africa. To Phil and Diana Livingstone for their dedication to the task of turning round the fortunes of the Americas Region. From the Americas Region I have to say a special thanks to the Webmaster Peter More. Peter’s commitment has gone beyond what anyone has the right to expect – if I had not written a recent President’s Chatter I got a gentle reminder. I submit it and within hours it is on the Web – remarkable by itself but even more remarkable when Peter adds a footnote that he is Shanghai, Hong Kong or somewhere else in the Far East at the time. Thank you Peter.
I have to thank Tom Surowka who has kept me on the right path and served the Fellowship over the years in an outstanding manner. Tom, we are deeply grateful. Tom retires at the AGM in Copenhagen. Tom enjoy your retirement and your travelling with Margaret – you both thoroughly deserve it. Roy Marsden from New Zealand will be proposed as Tom’s successor at the AGM.
Finally I have to thank our incoming President Brian Souter – Brian I have enjoyed working with you, appreciated your support when it was needed. I know that the Fellowship is going to have an exceptional leader in the next two years.
Finally Alisma and I have to thank so many people around the world for the hospitality and kindness that we have enjoyed over last two years. Thanks to everyone – we are a remarkable Fellowship.
Tail winds
Angus Clark
April 2006 - Angus Clark
Thinking of a Summer of flying coming up I was reminded of the quotation: “When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” Now who said that and when? For those of you who don’t know I’ll give you a bit of time to guess and figure it out. The answer might surprise you!
Registrations have come in strongly for the post Convention Flyaround in Scandinavia. This promises to be one of the most popular that we have had –although registration for all the IFFR events at the Convention including the Banquet closed on April 10 Section Chief Bo Johnsson has extended the deadline to April 30 – so if you plan to go to any of the events now is the time to get signed up. Details are available at http://www.iffr.net/
I received an invitation last month from the President of the “Aero Club De Portugal”, Manuel Silva Salta, to attend a celebratory dinner at which the IFFR Trophy would be presented for 2005. Unfortunately I was unable to attend but Portuguese Section head Richard Goldschmidt attended on our behalf. I have visited Portugal a number of times since the accident and I have to say that we have true friends there who helped us at our time of need. The Iberian and UK IFFR Sections presented the Trophy in 2002 to the Aero Club on behalf of IFFR. This recognized the support the Club gave at the time of the Portuguese accident in which four of our members were killed. The Trophy is awarded each year to the person or persons that have contributed most to air safety in Portugal in that year. Last year it was awarded to an Air Traffic Controller who successfully guided a Canadian Airliner to safety when it ran out of fuel in Mid-Atlantic.
The 2005 winner was the Flight Safety Department of the Portuguese airline, TAP-Air Portugal. They took the pioneer initiative to use the data from the “black boxes” in their aircraft to make a systematic analysis of the data of each flight in order to identify the defective or potentially defective safety parameters. The initiative, called the Flight Analysis Program” began in 1962 with its then “Caravelle” jet fleet. Since then it has developed and is used by a number of other airlines. In 2005 ICAO recommended TAP´s procedure to all commercial aviation companies. In view of this the Award Committee of the Club decided to make the Award for 2005 to the Flight Safety Department of TAP. They are most worthy winners.
That’s all the chatter for this month. The quotation – oh, it was Leonardo da Vinci back around 1500 – times and feelings don’t change for those who have the appetite for flight!
Safe and happy landings,
Angus Clark World President 2004-2006
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2006 - Angus Clark
As I said in my last Chatter this is the quiet time of the year for flying for us in the Northern Hemisphere. For that reason that I have combined the Chatter for the two months. My own flying has been restricted to my bi-annual check and the re-validation of my instrument qualification. On a more personal note we have also been restricted as Alisma, at short notice, has had to have hip replacement surgery. She assures me that the problem was in no way connected with lively jiving with an Australian gentleman during a lobster bake on last year’s Post-Convention Fly Around!! During the recovery period of three months, flying, both commercial and private, is out for her. As is the way with these things she has also had to voluntarily suspend her licence for the period.
Whilst our sights are firmly set on flying together on this year’s Post-Convention Fly Around in Scandinavian she should be back in the air for the UK meeting at the end of May. Certainly I, myself, will be looking to join in some of the Continental European meetings before then. The Scandinavian event, however, is without question the big one in Europe this year. So I would take this opportunity of, again, bringing to your attention, not only, the flying activity itself, but also the associated events. In addition to the Fly Around there is also the Annual Banquet and the opportunity to fly in a DC3. The closing date for registering for all these events is April 10. Full details together with Registration Forms can be found at http://www.iffr.net/
In addition to these happenings there is of course the Annual IFFR Board Meeting and AGM. At the AGM it will be proposed that Roy Marsden from New Zealand becomes International Secretary/Treasurer. Tom Surowka who has served us well over the years in this role is retiring. This will give IFFR a distinctly Kiwi complexion as my successor as President, Brian Souter, is another Kiwi. Indeed Rotary shows all the signs of being taken over by this flightless bird – the incoming of Rotary International President, Bill Boyd, is another from that beautiful country.
Finally two thoughts courtesy of Herman Hassinger, Section Chief of North East USA, – “Weather forecasts are horoscopes with numbers” and one he feels personally – “A ‘good’ landing is one from which you can walk away. A ‘great’ landing is one after which they can use the plane again.”
Safe landings!
Angus Clark World President 2004 -2006
JANUARY 2006 - Angus Clark
Firstly I would like to wish everyone both a Happy New Year and a year of safe flying. This, in the Northern Hemisphere at least, is the quiet time of the year as far as flying and IFFR goes. The ideal time for maintenance and a bit of repainting! It also the time to look forward to the events already planned for 2006. The highlight will, of course be the post-Convention Fly Around in Scandinavia. This tightly planned event will take in Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway in only seven days. I say tightly planned but with the long daylight in this part of the world in June - something of the order of 18 hours - there should plenty time to avoid weather, which is anything less than perfect. Full details are on this website and registration forms will be available shortly.
For those not going on the Fly Around there will be the usual IFFR events at the Convention – the Board meeting, the AGM and the Annual Banquet. The Banquet will take place, as in previous years, on the opening Sunday of the Convention. Those attending the opening ceremony will have to request the first seating as the second one is timed for 1900-2000 – I have contacted RI to see if special arrangements can be made for IFFR members – but unfortunately they have to declined to help. The advice is to register for the Convention as soon as possible and if there is a clash negotiate a change at the time of on-site registration.
European Vice-President Feroz Wadia is planning a particularly adventurous fight in mid year. He intends to participate in a journey organized by a group called 14 Degrees East. The trip starts in Salzburg on the 14th July 2006 routing down to Cape Town and returning to Salzburg on 26th August. The total trip covers 15000 miles and 23 countries. It also offers the opportunity to fly just 4 nights to Luxor, Egypt, or 14nights from Salzburg to Zanzibar, Tanzania and so on. He plans to do the full 44 nights in his Bonanza. To participate the aircraft only needs to have a 100-knot TAS cruise and a range of 700 miles. Feroz asks if anyone would like to join him or take his or her own aircraft? He can be contacted at ferozwadia@hotmail.com Full details are available on the organizers website at www.14east.org It would be great to have at least two IFFR aircraft on the trip.
Well that’s all for now – have as many safe landings as you have takeoffs!
Angus Clark World President 2004-2006
DECEMBER 2005 - Angus Clark
The end of another year just when I’ve got used to writing 2005 on my cheques! This one has certainly moved the fastest of any I can remember. With Alisma, I have been in 4 continents and visited 18 countries. Wherever we have gone we have been privileged to enjoy that special fellowship that IFFR engenders.
The year finished with a brief trip to the US to join the America’s Region at their AGM. This was held during the annual AOPA Convention in Tampa. It was my first opportunity to see, at first hand, AOPA in the US at work and I came away mightily impressed. With over 400,000 members the organisation is a tremendous resource for general aviation both in terms of the facilities offered and the lobbying platform provided. At the AGM I was pleased to hear of the renewed growth in membership in the Americas and look forward to the new V-P Americas – Fred Newman – building on the good work of the retiring V-P Phil Livingstone. A particular pleasure during this visit was a demo flight in a Cirrus. This, and the other new generation aircraft around, shows what an exciting future there is ahead in light aviation both in terms of the aircraft themselves and the avionics that go with them.
At the end of a year it is a time for reflection before we look forward to what might happen in the next. It might be considered invidious to pick out individual items but I’ll take that risk in the following list: Water flying in Italy; mountain flying in Austria; the special hospitality of the Scandinavian Section particularly when we had to divert from our planned route on the Baltic Flyaround; the brief visit to Australia followed by a stunning 2 weeks in New Zealand where there were too many unforgettable experiences to list; the Centennial Rotary Convention and its associated events; being entertained in member’s homes all around the world: and finally being at all the Section meetings that we managed to get to.
The year has therefore been particularly special for Alisma and me – one of great enjoyment. Yes, but any joy is usually mixed with sadness and so it was in 2005. We have lost friends and we will remember them with fondness. We have enjoyed each other’s company and we have built on those friendships. That is what a Fellowship such as ours offers and that is why 2006 is such an exciting prospect.
In closing I offer my very best wishes to you and your families at this time of celebration and festivity. Angus
Clark World - President 2004-2006
NOVEMBER 2005 - Angus Clark
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
October 1, 2005 - Angus Clark
September was my busiest month since taking over the Presidency. Following on from the Benelux meeting in Amsterdam, which I wrote about last month I attended the German/Austrian and French Section meetings on successive weekends. After a weekend at home it was our District Conference.
The German/Austrian Section meeting held in Kitzbühel in Austria was one of the most varied that I have attended. Our arrival airfield, 2200 ft up in the Tyrol was approached between peaks, which rose to 7600 ft. A spectacular arrival but, thankfully, one in totally clear conditions. Our options the next morning were to take an alpine balloon trip, visit a copper mine or have an introduction to alpine flying. We chose the flying. Our instructor Reinhard Haggenmüller was a most remarkable pilot – undoubtedly the most skilled that I have ever flown with. He had our aircraft doing things that even it didn’t know it could do! Friday evening saw the Gala dinner held in the hangars of the Red Bull organisation in Salzburg. Here there was an outstanding collection of aircraft, which were maintained regardless of cost. The next morning a cable car ride took us to the famous Hahnenkamm ski run. The day finished with a dinner at a mountain lodge with lively musical entertainment. When I tell you that one of our members showed his skill as a player of an inflated rubber glove you’ll get the flavour of the evening! Next day we flew home in crystal clear conditions.
We were not so lucky with the weather the next weekend. Morning fog delayed our departure with the result we arrived late for the French Section’s Strasbourg meeting. Unfortunately we missed visits to the Maginot Line and a military radar facility. No matter, we soon got into the spirit of things at the local wine tasting when we joined up with the party in the evening. The following day we toured the Alsace countryside visiting the impressive Haut Koenigsbourg castle. The day concluded with a gala dinner on a cruise through Strasbourg. Unfortunately the forecast for Sunday was not particularly good so that a number of the more distant flyers to decided to leave early. The wisdom of the decision was confirmed the further west we flew – eventually however we outran the bad weather and landed home in CAVOK conditions.
The month ended with me addressing our District Conference on “Rotary’s Biggest Secret” – the Fellowships – and of course IFFR. There I had the privilege of meeting our sole Icelandic member, Ómar Steindórsson, who was the RI President’s representative. Another great month – thanks go to all those who made us so very welcome.
Tail winds,
Angus Clark World President
AUGUST 29 2005 - Angus Clark
August should, by rights, give good flying weather in Europe. Not so this year, at least not in the first two weeks. John Bowden, chairman of the UK Section had organised a tour of the Baltic States covering nine countries in as many days – this was to celebrate 40 years of IFFR and 100 years of Rotary. After a night stop in Holland our tour went on to Neubrandenburg in the east of Germany and then to Gdansk in Poland. We then spent a day in this historic city.
The planned route was then to take us through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to join the Scandinavian Section at their meeting in Finland. A horrendous low had set in which made this quite impossible. A look at both the charts and the forecast weather opened up the possibility of flying to Southern Sweden and up through that country. This would allow us to get to the Finish meeting in time. And so it was. Yes, the weather was wet but the heaviest of the showers could be avoided. Any difficulty was more than made up by the warmth of our Swedish hosts, who, led by Bo Johnnson, laid on impromptu hospitality in Kalmar and Västeras. A buffet at Kurt Bjerneby’s lakeside home was a particular pleasure.
The Finish meeting at Jyväskyla (now that takes some thinking about on the radio!!) was typical of the hospitality that one has grown to expect from this Section. A boat cruise, a sauna – Finish style (a most relaxing and social experience) and a gala dinner in the Air Force Officers Club gave us a weekend to remember. Thanks go to Matti Jyllinmaa and his wife Sari. On our way back to the UK we spent a memorable evening by a lake near Västeras– swimming, boating and barbequing thanks to Bo Johnnson. For Alisma and I it was then back home – we had had a great time of flying and fellowship – the weather had changed our plans but there are always options! Thanks, John, for all the time that you put in planning this.
Two weeks later saw Alisma and I at the Benelux meeting in Amsterdam. A varied meeting saw us visit saw us view this international city from its different aspects – by foot down its narrow and lively streets and by boat through its labyrinth of canals. Before the final gala dinner we were hosted by Karel Waagenaar at his beautiful home – a gesture that was much appreciated. Yes, Stan Jesmiatka and his team produced a splendid weekend – many many thanks. Well that was August!!
Fly safe,
Angus Clark World -President 2004-2006
July 2005 - Angus Clark
In my previous ‘Chatter’ I spoke of the four friends that we lost on the Fly Around. What I would now like to do is to recognize the efforts of those who had put in months of work prior to the event. This is not is intended as a report on the event – an article in the next edition of the Rotary Flyer will do that. What was different and special about this Fly Around was the hospitality that we enjoyed from Rotary Clubs all along our route. This added an extra dimension to the enjoyment of visiting new places.
At the start point in Lansing the two local Clubs along with the local chapter of the EAA put together a superb pancake breakfast to send us on our way. The Clubs had also met arriving IFFR members and ferried them to the Chicago city centre prior to the Convention. This set the standard in hospitality. Before we left our next stop at Niagara Falls we enjoyed a full breakfast with the Kenmore club. Rotary friendship, a beautiful lakeside setting and an excellent breakfast - what more could you ask for? The French toast was out of this world! At Portland, Maine, we joined the Club on a cruise around the rugged islands, which dominate the bay. During this I received, on behalf of the Fellowship, a proclamation signed by the Mayor of Portland welcoming us to that beautiful part of the USA.
Mystic was our next destination – the kindness, consideration and understanding of the members of the Mystic Club, President Barry and retiring DG Pamela, in the wake of the tragedy will make us, ever in their debt. This was a time when the extended family of Rotary showed its full support.
After Mystic we had been due to fly to Manassas but the weather conspired against that. That prevented us from meeting the Manassas club and enjoying their home hospitality. We all felt for Dan Radtke and his team who had put in so much work planning our stay only to see their efforts come to naught. Perhaps another time? To all the Rotarians involved along the way many, many thanks.
I now come to the IFFR team – led by Brain Andersen and assisted by Caryl (or was it the other way round?) we had Phil Yoder, Herman Hassinger, Dan Nalvin, Tom Johnston and Dan Radtke. Each of you, in your own way, made a special contribution and on behalf of all the participants I thank you for that.
Angus Clark - World President 2004-2006
June 29, 2005 - Angus Clark
With great sadness, I report the loss of four of our members during the post Chicago fly around. The accident happened on final approach to Groton Airport, Connecticut. The four were Chip and Pat Rollins from Phoenix, Arizona; and Peter and Helen Walsh from Wagga Wagga, Australia. Chip and Pat were active Rotarians in their Club where Pat was secretary.
Chip and Pat had a special interest in the Angel Flight and Young Eagles programs. Chip had recently retired as a dental surgeon to focus more on flying. He held a full commercial pilot's license. Pat also held a pilot's license.
Peter was the current secretary of IFFR (Australia). A Past District Governor and PHF, he was highly respected in Rotary circles and did a power of work for Rotary Foundation. He and Helen were tireless workers in their local community and in their Church. Examples of this were in "Country Hope" - a charity concerned with the support of families with children with severe illness - they were leaders in the establishment of a Ronald McDonald home in their neighbourhood.
I had met Peter and Helen on the post Brisbane fly around - and meeting up in Chicago was an opportunity to renew our friendship. This fly around was the first time that I had met Chip and Pat - but even in less than a week I had felt I had know them as friends for much longer. This was a feeling shared by everyone on the fly around.
The spirit of all of us was strengthened by a memorial meeting we held on the day following the accident. Prayers were lead by the Rev. Tom Johnston, one of the fly around participants. Passages of Scriptures were read by other members. Those who knew the couples shared their reminiscences. It was a very moving occasion which bound us together and helped us both to grieve and come to terms with our loss.
The Fellowship's sympathy goes out to the relatives and friends of both couples.
Angus Clark, World President IFFR 2004-2006
June 2005 - Angus Clark
The Centennial Convention in Chicago is approaching fast. All the plans have been made so that we will have an exceptional IFFR occasion. Full details of the timing and location of the Annual Banquet, Board and AGM are given on this site. I look forward to meeting as many members - both old at new - as possible at what will be a unique gathering. If you can spare just a few hours of your time your assistance in manning the IFFR booth in the Hall of Friendship would be much appreciated. Contact Tom Surowka - surowka@iffr.org - he would be very pleased to add your name to the roster.
As a form of preparation for the Post Convention flyaround, which is approximately 2000 nm long, Alisma and I joined the Italian Section for their meeting at Lake Como at the beginning of June. This trip of around a similar distance was however was done over the weekend - out on Thursday – back on Sunday! Now we know how a Transatlantic crew feels after over eight hours flying in a day – but we didn’t have an autopilot!
The journey was most worthwhile – the Italian Section have taken their mission further than most Sections – apart from the form of Fellowship that we all enjoy – they have worked jointly with a university to fund a scholarship and they are working both with their National Aero Club and the central authorities in European Union in Brussels to promote the interests of Disabled Flyers. Not content with that, the opening part of their weekend meeting was a symposium on water flying in Europe. This I had the privilege to chair. It attracted speakers of the highest order with a quality attendance of external interested parties and IFFR members. The social side of the weekend was beyond the standard we have come to expect form the Italian Section – the flying highlight was unquestionably the seaplane trips from Lake Como. At the final dinner I was honoured to be able to present, on behalf of the Italian Section, a Paul Harris Fellowship to Giorgio Aletti in recognition of his four years leadership of the Section. A much deserved award.
The weekend also gave me opportunity to wish members of the French section well as they left on their five-day flying trip to Croatia. This followed their groundbreaking visit last year to North Africa when they visited Morocco. It is good to see IFFR so active and innovative.
Chicago here we come!
Angus Clark - IFFR World President 2004-2006
May 2005 - Angus Clark
Firstly I would like to welcome Peter More as our new International Webmaster. Peter has done an excellent job with the Americas South West site and I am sure will be equally effective with the International site. Peter takes over from Simon Barlow and I would particularly thank Simon for his most professional contribution to this vital aspect of Fellowship communication.
Since my last ‘Chatter’ I have visited one of the ‘mega’ aviation events in the calendar - Sun ‘n Fun – held at Lakeland, Florida. As ever it was a light aviation feast with more aircraft than you could hope to see in the time available. The organisation of this event is truly awesome and is something that our American friends do extremely well. My only regret was that, surprisingly, we did not bump into other IFFR members in spite of wearing our IFFR hats for identification.
Back in the UK we attended our first event of the year – the UK Section Fly in to Swansea in South Wales. As ever the fellowship was of the highest order – and whilst it is always dangerous to pick a highlight on this occasion it was rather different. On our visit to the Gower Peninsula we came to rocky outcrop, which was separated from the mainland by a rocky causeway. This can only be crossed 2½ hours either side of low tide. Two unfortunates had ignored the warning notice and found themselves waist deep in the rapidly advancing tide. Fortunately they made it back to the outcrop – onlookers called the coastguard and then, impressively, within 15 minutes a helicopter had arrived to pluck them to safety. A very practical demonstration of the value of aviation.
Next month is approaching fast with the ‘big one’. The Chicago Convention and the associated IFFR events. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the Convention, at the Booth and at the IFFR Annual Banquet. This is very special this year as it is not only Rotary’s 100th birthday but also IFFR’s 40th. To mark this a special anniversary Members Directory is being produced and should be in the hands of all current members in June.
See you in Chicago!
Angus Clark - IFFR World President 2004-2006
Wednesday, March 16 2005 - Angus Clark
Two months down in 2005 and the end of the Northern Hemisphere winter period is almost in sight. Time to firm up plans for the year ahead. As ever with IFFR it will be busy. Australia and New Zealand have events in March. The Americas hope to set up a social gathering at Sun’n Fun in Florida in April – if they do we will be there – and they are also thinking of a weekend trip to the Bahamas....
.... The European Sections have a string of meetings in May and June. The post Chicago Convention Fly-About takes place in June. Isn’t life busy and that’s barely four months gone! The remainder of 2005 will be just as active but more of that on a later occasion.
I would, however, mention that in August, John Bowden Chairman of the UK Section is planning a tour of Northern Europe to celebrate 100 years of Rotary and 40 years of IFFR. Arrangements are flexible so participants can join and leave the tour as they wish. The tour takes the flyers through seven countries including Poland, Lithuania and Latvia before joining up with the Scandinavian Section at their annual meeting in Finland. This is a unique opportunity to fly to some of the less visited parts of Europe but to do it in with the reassurance of being part of a group.
On a sad note I have to record the passing of one of the pillars of IFFR in Europe – Marc Bonnet. Marc led the Swiss Section for many years and with his wife, Ruth, were ever-present participants in the French Section’s meetings. They also travelled extensively to the other European Sections. Marc’s cheerful presence will be much missed – our sympathy goes out to Ruth.
Tail winds,
Angus Clark - World President 2004 -2006
Friday, December 10 2004 - Angus Clark
It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I had the privilege of attending the 100 years of flight celebration at Kitty Hawk. That event, in spite of the monsoon downpour on the special day, was one of the best, if not the best, aviation highlight of my life. Indeed the whole of the last twelve months have gone in a flash particularly since May when I took over the IFFR Presidency.
Alisma and I have had tremendous fun in that time. There have been so many fine events and people to thank I won’t try. I would like however to indulge in a few snapshots.
The unofficial but excellent IFFR annual dinner held in Osaka where the restaurant staff spoke only Japanese. We had the benefit, however, of a Japanese speaker – Stan Jesmiatka.
The Hawaiian Fly Around with the memorable evenings enjoying fellowship as the sun set in spectacular fashion.
The aerobatics in a two seater, courtesy of the Benelux Section, when they celebrated their tenth anniversary.
The celebration, in my home village, held to mark my taking on of the Presidency, when members from six IFFR Sections did me the honour of attending.
The hospitality of the Scandinavian Section in Oslo. The IFFR Dinner in the Great Hall of Queen’s College at Cambridge University.
The visit to the Normandy Beaches with the French Section.
The return to site of the Sintra tragedy and the kindness of our Portuguese friends.
A first visit to the Black Forest in Germany. The language lesson from Karl-Heinz Netsch, which resulted in an almost perfect speech in German!
Dining on the banks of the River Tiber in Rome with the Italian Section.
And, finally, meeting so many fine people around the world through my membership of IFFR.
Yes, it has been a great seven months. What is so tremendous is that I know that 2005 will just as good as we celebrate 100 years of Rotary and 40 years of IFFR. The diary is already filling. What about joining us at the Chicago spectacular? Details are on this website. In conclusion, at this festive time, I would wish you and your families ‘happy landings’ in 2005.
Tail winds,
Angus Clark - World President 2004 -2006
Wednesday, November 03 2004 - Angus Clark
At the end of September Alisma and I attended an excellent Iberian Section meeting at Santerem – 60 miles to the north of Lisbon. The event was well supported by local members together with a good representation from the UK and German- Austrian Sections. The hospitality was of the highest order throughout the full programme – an official greeting by the local council, a city guided walk, a wine tasting and lunch in a Rotarian’s vineyard and a meeting with local Rotarians. We also met up again with the President of the Portuguese Aero Club who proved such strength in the wake of the Sintra tragedy two years ago. Some of us took the opportunity to visit the memorial to the four friends we lost where fresh flowers were left. Thanks go to Richard Goldscmidt for all his hard work. The following weekend we attended the final UK Section meeting of the year at Bristol. If ever an organiser had reason to tear his hair out Geoff Watkins certainly did that weekend. The weather was forecast to be unsuitable for a return trip so we drove and one of the weekend’s principal visits that to a Concorde had to be called off as the site was closed. Bristol was where the British Concordes were built and it was also where a ship, which was equally revolutionary in the 19th Century as Concorde, was in the 20th was constructed. This was the SS Great Britain, the first ship built of iron, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. We also visited another of Brunel’s engineering masterpieces - the Clifton Suspension Bridge. I said that Geoff had every reason to become hairless – in the event he needn’t have worried. By common consent the fellowship experienced during the weekend was some of the best of the year. Later in the month some 5000 miles away the Americas Section held their AGM at the AOPA Expo in Long Beach. From the reports I have had back Americas Vice-President Phil Livingstone ran a strong meeting and has fired the Section with new enthusiasm. 2005 is going be a busy year for them with the Chicago Convention and the Flyaround that follows. We are looking forward to it.
Tail winds
Angus Clark - World President 2004 -2006
Tuesday, September 21 2004 - Angus Clark
Early September proved very lively. The German-Austrian Section held a meeting in Tonbach in the Black Forest. Alisma and I have often flown over the area but this was the first time that we have been at ‘ground level’. It was truly spectacular with a different view at every corner, charming villages and towns and an unbeatable landscape. Peter Schindele put on a programme that ensures that we will return and explore the area further. I cannot speak highly enough of the quality of the hotel and Peter’s attention to detail. I surprised more than a few of the local Section by giving a speech in what I was told was faultless German. I take no credit for that – I had a dedicated and patient tutor in Karl-Heinz Netsch! We then had a week touring in France – our first stop was Colmar, a short flight from Germany. This was our first visit and we were not disappointed – the old town is almost unchanged with buildings worthy of a film set. Certainly I would recommend Colmar as a stopping off point – a friendly airport with limited traffic only a short distance from town – and a town with much to see. After two days it was on to Autun to the west of Dijon. Another little gem which we had over flown before but never landed at. From there we went to French Section meeting at Deauville. The threatened bad weather never fully materialised on the arrival day – but with the combination of aerial and ground arrivals there was an exceptional turnout. Two features dominated the weekend – the 40th anniversary of D-Day and the Bayeux Tapestry. The former reminded us of sadder times but also hope for the future. The new Caen exhibition was particularly strong on this. On Saturday we visited many of the key D-Day sites – Pegasus Bridge, the Mulberry Harbour and the American Cemetery. Later that day we saw the story of a much earlier conflict. The defeat of King Harold in 1066 by William the Conqueror laid out on the Bayeux Tapestry. It is remarkable that such a magnificent piece of work could have survived almost 1000 years. In the evening at the Gala Dinner I had the privilege of inducting three new members. It is good to see the Section in such good health. Shortly we will be off to Portugal, but more of that next month. In the meantime I am sorry that I will be able to make the ‘down under ‘meetings in New Zealand and Australia. It will be in the diary for next year. I will also miss the Americas AGM in Long Beach. To all attending those meetings I send my best wishes.
Tail winds,
Angus Clark - World President 2004 -2006
Wednesday, August 25 2004 - Angus Clark
Three months into the job and already I have been literally around the world! Retiring President, Tony Watson, handed over the control column to me at the Rotary Convention in Osaka. Tony did a great job during his two years and I know that his visits to Europe and Australasia were much appreciated by the Sections there. Thanks Tony. After Osaka it was off to Hawaii for the post Convention Fly-around there. By flying with two local pilots we saw some very special things that only local knowledge can reveal. For example the sight, from 200 feet, of the hot lava hitting the sea below us was spectacular. Thanks Eliot and Steve. It was a particularly friendly event. Congratulations to Joe Keifer for producing such a memorable ten days. My feet had hardly touched the ground when three days after returning to England I was off to Holland to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Benelux Section. As ever Stan Jesmiatka and his team entertained us royally. They even had me as passenger in an aerobatic aircraft – self-respect was preserved as I kept my lunch where it should be! At the end of June it was off to Rome to join up with Italian Section. We broke our 1000 nms. journey on the way out at Cannes where we spent a very enjoyable evening with Past President Charles Strasser and Do. Giorgio and his team put on excellent weekend that I cannot do justice to in a paragraph. Suffice to say the that the Italian Air Force Museum was one the best that we have visited and the memory of eating dinner in the open air on the banks of the River Tiber will stay with us for a very long time. The brief visit to the city ensured that Alisma and I would be back to Rome to explore it further in the future. At the beginning of July over 80 IFFR members and friends joined us at our home village to celebrate my becoming your President. It was a truly international gathering with members from South Africa, France, Germany, Holland and Portugal joining up with those from the UK Section and members of Alisma’s and my Rotary Clubs. If this was not enough earlier in the week I had attended a mid-week IFFR-UK visit to Bletchley Park where the breaking of the Enigma code had taken place during the Second World War. At the end of August we flew ourselves the 700 nms. to Norway to join the Scandinavian Section at their annual meeting. The weather was not particularly kind but we left the UK a day early to successfully stay ahead of the bad weather. Others were not so fortunate and regrettably had to cancel. Rolf Mikkelsen put on a first class event and when the weather did not allow us to fly to the mountains we visited Oslo instead with the opportunity to visit the Kon Tiki and Viking Museums. The sun shone on Saturday when we had a boat trip that took the breath away as sailed around the archipelago south on Fredrikstad. Well that’s only my first three months! Finally I would like to thank retiring Web-Master Luis Henriques for the dedicated job that he did. Luis, your efforts were much appreciated by everyone. I would also welcome our new Web-master Simon Barlow who has already put in a power of work. Thanks for taking this on Simon.
Tail winds – except on landing.
Angus Clark - World President 2004 -2006
