ACA Woking News by Bill Bawden, PRO

28 June 2013

Ron Houghton

7 April 1925 - 17 June 2013

BofB
Ronald Clifford Houghton

We record, with deep regret, the death of veteran ACA member Ron Houghton.  Ron served in the RAF with No 221 Squadron as a wireless/ASV (Air-to-Surface Vessel radar) operator flying Wellingtons in the Middle East and Mediterranean areas in World War II.  Until last year, when his own failing health forced him to relinquish his post of ACA welfare officer, Ron was assiduous in his contacting, visiting and reporting on those members who had joined the sick list.

Ron will be much missed by the Association and we offer our sympathy to his wife Enid and family members.  The funeral will be at the Woking Crematorium at 12.30 pm on Tuesday, July 9th.


Vintage Fighter at Fairoaks

After a gap of three years, the AirCrew Association has revived the tradition of holding a ‘Flying Evening’ at Fairoaks Airport. This brought a large attendance and from this some two dozen members and guests took advantage of the opportunity provided by locally-based pilots to make flights over the Surrey countryside. Woking ACA chairman, Ron Hepburn, brought his Chipmunk trainer to add to the variety of aircraft taking part.

Passengers were conducted to and from their planes by marshals in authentic Second World War uniforms and all were served a barbeque supper on the terrace of the Flight Centre.  It all contributed to a very convivial and successful evening.

But the star of the event was the appearance of one of the very few Hawker Hurricanes still flying. This type of fighter equipped the largest number of Fighter Command squadrons during the Battle of Britain in 1940 and the sight of its graceful manoeuvres and sound of its Rolls-Royce Merlin engine prompted nostalgia among many of the spectators as the Hurricane was put through its paces over the aerodrome before departing for Biggin Hill.

'Wartime' Flying Night marshals in f ront of the Hurricane

Chairman Ron Hepburn taxiing out in his Chipmunk
with Treasurer Tony Rest in the back seat

President Jimmy James takes the right hand seat in a Cirrus Organiser Alan Milton taxiing out in his Fuji

 


Talking of Flying

Talks at recent ACA meetings have been given by two very interesting guest speakers.  Roger Annett, the author of a book on the subject, spoke of helicopter operations in Borneo during the ‘Confrontation’ with Indonesia in 1962-66.  On another occasion, Anita Mays, whose autobiography ‘Flygirl Adventures’ gives a light-hearted account of her experiences, first as an air hostess and then as an airline and private jet pilot, greatly entertained members with stories of life in the cabin and the cockpit.

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