Attached are some belated photos from the final Groongal Fly-in, held on 11th and 12th of November.
Initially it appeared that 19 Chipmunks would attend, though this figure had reduced to 16 aircraft as the event grew nearer. For a variety of reasons there were also three last minute “no shows”, resulting in 13 Chipmunks attending (in addition to 13 other aircraft). Chipmunks present were VH-BSV, -MMS, -AKW, -RSK, -DHW, -DCZ, -PUW, -WGI, -RCU, -CPI, -DHX, -OSR and –NMX. The last two are noteworthy, as they are comparatively rarely seen.
Notwithstanding the very hot and dry conditions, it was a fabulous event, everyone really enjoying themselves.
Again, I was pleased to put some more “faces to names”. For instance, I was delighted to finally meet Barry Bell and John Bruce. These gents were instrumental in importing three ex-RAF Chipmunks (these were to become VH-AFL, -SSJ and –PUB) in 1975. This event was significant since it was in the face of fierce opposition from the Regulators who then had a policy of not permitting ANY ex-military aircraft onto the register. Dogged determination and superior knowledge of the subject eventually carried the day.
Some 150 people attended the Presentation Dinner, held under a large marquee on the homestead lawn. Barry Bell had the thankless task of judging the “Best Presented” Chipmunk Award, which was eventually shared between my own VH-MMS (best ex-military) and Brian Kelly’s VH-DHX (best civil). Other than the usual awards, presentations were also made to Rob & Margaret Merrylees in heartfelt appreciation of their tireless efforts in running this even for the past 22 years.
And then it was Sunday! It was rather poignant watching the departures in the morning, and I can only wonder what Rob Merrylees was thinking.
For me the long drag home was rather unpleasant; hot, turbulent and into the inevitable headwind. It was further marred by my traveling companion having a throttle linkage failure, resulting in a successful forced landing at Wee Waa (truly in the middle of nowhere).
