Canadian Aviation and Space Museum - July 2011
We are deeply saddened to advise that the museum closed in September, 2011 due to lack of funding.
To view the news article CLICK HERE.
On Saturday, July 30, 2011 the second summer Rendezvous was held at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum at Downsview. While the turnout was a little disappointing, those who attended had a thoroughly enjoyable time..
Attendees
Carl Mills, who organized the event and sent out over 80 email invites
Gerry Gilroy, our 23rd Commanding Officer.
Charlie Coward, our beloved Chief Warrant Officer.
Bill Bishop, our History Hangar Webmaster
John Tapper, our token 'Teddy Bear' from 411 Squadron
Activities During Our Visit
We individually toured the museum which has quite a variety of interesting aircraft and displays (many of them interactive). You can visit them on the internet by clicking HERE .
Like many other museums, they receive limited government support, and private donations of any amount are always welcome.
We gathered for several group photos, the first at the Kiowa Helicopter display. This aircraft was flown by 400 Squadron.
Carl bought along two of Peter Mossman's paintings, the Otter and the Vampire. Peter had planned to be with us but medical problems prevented him from attending our Rendezvous. Peter's paintings and many others can be viewed in the History Hangar's Squadron Artwork section.
Carl also bought along the 110 Squadron flag/pennant and we took the opportunity for this group photo.
Carl's Dioramas have a prominent display just behind the Squadron's Kiowa helicopter.
The dioramas on top of the case will, when completed be added to another identical display case. When all are completed there will be 8 dioramas per display case on permanent display. Judging from the interest shown by visitors to the museum when we were there, Carl's dioramas are a popular stop on their tour of the museum.
The metal mock up of the Avro Arrow (curses on you John Diefenbaker) was a must stop for our group. I wanted to boost Gerry Gilroy on our shoulders to get a photo of him trying to get to the cockpit. It was not one of my better ideas so we settled for these shots.
Following our photo sessions, we adjourned to The Hangar restaurant located in our old maintenance hangar where the indoor sports complex is now located. Beer and burgers were ordered by all and we got so engrossed in sharing our memories we forgot to take photos of this part of our excursion.
I advised all that I have worked out the technical requirements and obtained the necessary 'stuff' to shortly add to our History Hangar website the ability for anyone to, with just a couple of clicks with their mouse, record up to 2 hours of their personal reminiscences for inclusion on our site.
Gerry Gilroy kindly accepted (read was coerced) into testing this feature to work out any kinks before we make this a permanent feature of the History Hangar in the not too distant future.
Thanks to "The Grizzly Keeper", John Tapper for his photos.
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