Lecture Programme :
All lectures (execpt May) are held during our monthly meetings at our Kents Hill Community Centre venue (see the 'Contact Us' page for full details).
Doors open at 19.30 for a 20.00 start.
8th September 2020 - This lecture will be presented via Zoom
Dr Graham Rood -The Royal Aircraft Factory in World War 1
The centenary of the RAE in 2018 focussed on the 100 years of research & development after the formation of RAE in April 1918. This has resulted unfortunately, but necessarily, in the significant work carried out between 1914 and 1918 by the Factory being left aside. Not only was normal Research & Development carried out on aircraft, engines and systems in great quantity but the Factory also produced a significantly large number of components for the nascent British aircraft industry. This lecture looks at the advances made in the development of aviation science & technology, the local and wider production problems and the role of women in all aspects of the work at Farnborough, As with all wars, technological progress accelerated as a result of Treasury funding increases and the Royal Aircraft Factory made good use of the opportunity in this, the First Air War. Read more....
13th October 2020 - This lecture will be a video presentation to members via Zoom
Air Cdre Phil Wilkinson (ret'd) - Red Star and Roundel
Air Commodore Phil Wilkinson (ret’d) presents a lecture based on his new book ‘Red Star and Roundel’. Phil spent several years in Russia during the Yeltsin years as Britain’s Defence Attache. Drawing on this experience and his travels around the former Soviet Union with RAF veterans, Phil has produced a detailed account of the history of the RAF in Russia. Read more....
10th November 2020
Sqn Ldr Andrew Melville-Jackson (ret’d) - Cdr George Melville-Jackson - Battle of Britain Pilot and Beaufighter Ace
Sqn Ldr Andrew Melville-Jackson (ret’d) presents the whole story of George Holmes Melville-Jackson. From his German girlfriend, joining up as a volunteer to the Battle of Britain and his story beyond. How he became a Beaufighter ace and the turn of events that led to joining the 'Most Secret Squadron' with time spent with Barnes Wallis - the story behind 618 Sqn in the North Atlantic and Pacific
8th December 2020
Peter Griffiths - Sextant to SatNav - 45 Years in Aviation
Peter Griffiths takes us on a journey through his aviation career. Peter started his flying with BOAC in 1967, navigating by map, compass and sextant. After 8 years he joined Cathay Pacific and stayed with them for 29 years, reaching the position of Fleet Manager B747. After leaving Cathay, he flew executive jets until retiring in 2013. Read more....