Our annual
Christmas Dinner and presentations took place at the end of November 2004.
We had a full attendance by members. A number of presentations were made to
those members who had excelled themselves during the course of the year. Some
received certificates, others received gifts for their achievements and support.
On our Open Day 2004 we were fortunate enough again to have Anglia Television to view the workshop and see the engines run (see video clip at bottom of page). Also in September/October, Airplane Monthly and Classic Wings published articles about our restoration work.
Open Day images from 2004 at the old workshop:
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During 2004 we have been contacted by the Lewis family with a view to becoming more involved. There will be a section dedicated to Pilot Officer Lewis added in due course.
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In the latter part of December we have taken our first consignment of wing-mounted brownings. This type of browning was commonly used in the majority of military aircraft. The early ones were mechanically controlled and others, pneumatic. The ones on the Fury were of the hand cocked variety which were situated in the front of the aircraft. Two were fitted in the Fury and eight fitted on the early Hurricane. |
During the course of the year there will be a two-page article in an American aviation magazine - watch this space!
Recently we have formed close links with the Hawker Hurricane Society who have offered their support and experience to aid our restoration work. We would like to give a special vote of thanks to Nigel Harrison and Tim Warrener (the Chairman) and the founder, Ian Arnold.
We would like to say a big thank you to aviation journalist, Michael Shreeve, for his contribution in promoting the Battle of France Hurricane.
It was great to have discussions with John Osbourne, a local artist, at the Open Day whom we have commissioned to sketch limited edition pictures of the Hurricane prototype K5083 and also a scramble action scene at Seclan/Abbeyville (Northern France) depicting war-time operations. Not to be missed! These can be purchased directly from us.
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The 2003 Open Day in August was a huge success with many visitors, from as far as Norwich and even Liverpool, as well as the surrounding area. Here are a couple of images of the days events:
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During the summer of 2003 Terry Reid paid us a visit following discussions with Robert Plant (Led Zepplin) about the fund raising concerts in the US.
Above is a picture of when Terry visited Duxford and some of our members (left to right: Steve, Paul, Terry, Brian). He was very keen to view the Shackleton Bomber and was 'over the moon' at being allowed to sit in the Spitfire (right). This was a very special day for Terry and all of us. |
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We have just acquired a 1940s unused, complete parachute to be placed in the Hurricane seat.
During the year we have had various castings done but the highlight was the TR9 controller for the cockpit. We now have several - one to put in our cockpit and one for disposal. These are very rare items indeed.
We have had various enquiries about people wanting to become Friends of the Society which we have now inaugurated.
The centre section is nearing completion with main ribs and undercarriage booms in position and fuselage mounted thereon. Rudder is now being stripped down and refurbished. Control wires will be fitted in the next few months.
Work should commence on the wings in around 18 months time. Our priorities have now changed and we will build the wings off our centre section so that the datums are correct.
The dog kennel has now been fitted to the fuselage and is now on in a permanent position. All rear formers are located in correct stations and locked. All fair leads and control wires are beginning to take shape. Tail leg, wheel and others have now been fitted in their permanent stations. Most of the instruments are in position. We have nearly completed the main bulkhead firewall and work started on the fuel tank firewall. Fuel tank near completion.
During the last month we have been contacted by the legendary aviation photographer, John Dibbs to promote his new collection of Hurricanes in action. We have therefore dedicated a separate page to his work.
We have had yet another article about our project in the press and on local radio (BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Three Counties).
Airplane Monthly have now placed a reciprocal link on their web site which is very good news. They have promised to do an article in 2004 with an in-depth profile of our project.
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During July 2002 yet another article was published highlighting the Terry Reid 'supergroup'. Prior to his performance at the Reading festival (WOMAD),Terry visited us to discuss proposals regarding the forthcoming US (and possible UK) gigs and the 'supergroup' line up. Terry has received positive feedback from well-known rock/pop artistes. We would like to thank Terry for his help and enthusiastic support for this famous aircraft.
On Monday 6 May 2002 an article was published in the Daily Express regarding Terry Reid's interest in our project.
During April 2002, Paul was contacted by legendary rock and soul artist, Terry Reid, about becoming a very active member of the Society. Terry, born in Huntingdon and now living in L.A., saw our poster in the local area. He regularly performs in a Beverley Hills Club on Monday evenings with a prestigious line-up of rock and roll legends (including Jack Tempchin, former songwriter for The Eagles), playing some of the well-known tracks 5th of July and The Driver. Terry has given us his permission and full support to use these tracks and other information. See Terry's web site for more detailed information.,/p>>
We also have permission from Tony Ditheridge to link with HRL, which will be a valuable source of information and reference.
On Tuesday 22 January 2002 the national Daily Express newspaper mentioned our restoration project and tribute to Group Captain Peter Townsend following a previous article published the week before.
We have now received an early Mark I 1938 radiator.
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PLEASE NOTE, Paul can be contacted at the Workshop on 07703 832099.
