Chairman’s Report - Ambrose Barber
In reviewing briefly this year’s activities I believe we have again
been fortunate in having been able to maintain a balanced and popular
programme. We have undertaken a visit to the Imperial War Museum,
regularly enjoyed each other’s company and been privileged to be able
to listen to yet another series of interesting speakers. Those members
who missed these continue to be able to catch up with them from the
excellent summaries regularly published in our Newsletter and on our
Website. All this, as you have heard me say before, provides a valuable
and reliable source of first-hand Hawker history which is consistent
with a major aim of the Association.
Since it is some twelve years since the membership voted to adopt
those six aims in their constitution it may just be helpful to remind
ourselves that they are:
In this the Association has been much assisted by the on-going work of the Kingston Aviation Centenary Project and also by the Kingston Aviation Heritage Trust, whose work having now been accomplished, is anticipating honourably winding itself up.
Where, if anywhere, does the Association aim to go from here? Two years ago we amended the constitution to offer Associate Membership to those who have not been former employees but have a strong interest in our aims. So far the committee has been careful to tread gently with its recruitment but if it is desired that the Association is to attempt to have an extended existence it must ultimately rely upon enthusiastic ‘outsiders’.