THE AGM of the Penarth Aviation Society was held on October 6 with the existing committee of Brian Thomas (chairman), Barrie Howell (honorary secretary), Ed Oliver (honorary treasurer), Gordon Jones, Tonlas Evans and David Ephraim being re-elected.

The committee summarised last year's activity and put forward plans for the coming year.

The following Wednesday (October 11) a group of members paid a visit, splendidly organised by Barrie, to the helicopter museum at Weston-Super-Mare.

The museum is the world's largest dedicated helicopter museum with over

80 aircraft from round the world on display.

These include a Wessex of the Queens Flight and G-LYNX - the holder of the world helicopter speed

record of 250 mph (set 30 years ago and still unbeaten.)

We were able to see some of the conservation work carried out on helicopters due to be future exhibits.

Also on the airfield is a museum dedicated to the Weston-Super-Mare airport.

Here we learnt about aerial activities around Weston, starting with Samuel Cody flying his aircraft off Weston Pier in 1911.

Visits from Alan Cobham's Flying Circus were common events.

During the 1930's regular flights were made to other British airports, including Cardiff (for 10/- [50p] return).

Apparently this was particularly popular on Sundays.

In 1938 the veteran broadcaster Wynford Vaughan Thomas made the first aerial broadcast en route to Cardiff to mark the first scheduled internal night service in the UK.

All in all a very interesting day's visit.

We have an eagerly anticipated visit to the recently opened Museum at Filton planned for next March.

Our regular monthly meetings will re-commence on November 3.