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The Grumpy Gang

The Grumman Aircraft Pilots Association European Branch

On our return to the airfield, even more aircraft had arrived, the total now being 29 Grummans, bringing over 70 members and guests to enjoy the traditional Euro Banquet. Members from thirteen countries were welcomed to the dinner, including many first-timers. A special welcome was made to Judy and Tom Lashmar from Queensland, Australia, who, with their son David, travelled all the way from London by car, setting out on the previous Tuesday just to be with us. Also present were Californians Pat and Ed Manning.

So regular now is the Manning's attendance at our events that we are applying to have them transferred to European Region status. Although regular attendees Jane and James Allan could not be with us for the first time in many years, their home country, Scotland, was represented this year by new members from Edinburgh, Martin Walker and his girlfriend Elaine. Martin joined AYA only two months ago and is a relatively new pilot. The fact he had probably flown one of the longest distances, through far from ideal weather conditions, earned him the Norman Whisler trophy for the most meritorious flight.

The announcement that I intended to stand down as director was immediately pounced upon by those present, nominating longtime GUST tour organiser, chicken fancier, and Head Grumpy Captain Nigel Thomas to be my replacement.

This nomination came as a great shock to Ni, who was heavily into the bottom portion of a of Vin de Pays and didn't quite notice what was going on until it was too late! Despite pathetic protests he did let slip that if he was to undertake the post, he would only do it for two years. Again to us Euro AYAers, an offer is as good as acceptance, and Richard North immediately stood up to welcome Nigel as our new director.

Mission accomplished. European needlework may be not be of the highest quality, but our stitching up is hard to beat!

Ni soon got into his stride for his new role by announcing that next year's event has been provisionally booked for Welshpool in Wales, and for 2004 we hope to go to Grenaa in Denmark--but this needs to be confirmed, so don't book your flights just yet.

Sunday's fly-out, the destination of which was kept a closely guarded secret by Dominique until the last minute, was to take us to the northeast some 70-odd miles to the Dordogne region and then to follow the similarly named river, west through the valleys, past some of the most beautiful Chateaus in France.

So numerous were these fabulous houses that at times it was difficult to know where to look. It is the only time I can remember when a slow Cessna may have been a better mount! (Nigel interjects: "Wash your mouth out, Matterface.") The secret destination was Belves, a small grass airfield just to the south of the river. There, in the sun and under the trees by the small club house, we all sat down for our picnic, French style. A leisurely flight then took us back to Marmande for a beer in the tower clubhouse before yet another of Chef Michel's excellent evening meals and celebrations of the finest European fly-in yet.