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BCH ROADSHOW 2005:
KEMBLE "AIR DAY" & MOSQUITO ROLL-OUT

See also PROJECTS

Kemble Mossie fuselage out in public at the 2005 Kemble "Air Day"

The BCH Roadshow had a successful show at the Kemble "Air Day," where Dave Hall's Kemble Mossie Project had its first roll-out in this advanced build-state. The public were amazed ...

Originally for the 2005 Display Season we had taken the decision not to get the BCH Roadshow out on the road - despite many invites. The pressures of taking the organization forward with limited resources meant that other activities just had to take priority this year. However, display stands at events are a vital tool in helping to raise awareness of the subject of RAF Bomber Command of WWII and the work of BCH. As such this year there are some offers we could just not refuse. An invite to have a Display Stand at the 2005 Kemble "Air Day" and feature the public debut of Dave' Hall's Kemble Mossie Project in it's latest build state, was just too good an opportunity to miss.

We managed, after considerable grief and logistical problems to put a crude BCH stand together highlighting our objectives and some projects, and GLORY, GLORY - have the Kemble Mossie Project near-completed fuselage alongside.

The Mossie also had a few of Dave's display boards covering some of Dave's local history stories. Dave however, generously allowed us to use the Mossie for fund-raising by letting the public go on-board for a donation of 50p to BCH - to help us toward achieving that magical £1,000 in the BCH bank account. This would then allow us to apply for Charitable status and open up proper fund-raising possibilities.

The preparation for the show itself was once again a bit of a nightmare: lack of funds; display materials; transport problems; volunteer availabilities etc. However, there was a good coverage of BCH volunteers in the end. As feared, the weakest link was the the Mossie's temporary undercart on the cradle used normally only in the hangar. When transporting the Mossie on the long journey to the other side of the aerodrome and back over the weekend, the wheels repeatedly failed.

The event was surprisingly very good, and the crowds seemingly plentiful. The actual air display was fantastic and the whole event really looked like a good day out for serious "air heads" and the general public alike. The Mossie was certainly doing a roaring trade and proved very popular. We had ex-Mosquito chaps with their grandchildren going on board etc. This was most heartening! One very interesting phenomena was the number of children and "youths" (boys & girls) who were either "knowledgeable" about the Mosquito, or who were inspired by it there and then on the spot... several gambling off promising to at least make an Airfix kit. ...better than mugging old ladies!

We were able to make some very good contacts on the Stand and many people expressed their support for what BCH is trying to do. Apart from the countless thousands of people at the event itself, we estimate that around 150 people also got to go on-board the Mossie. A fantastic achievement and as certainly helped swell the BCH coffers!

The next stage of the Kemble Mossie build involves manufacture of the wings and final assembly. To do this hangar space or a large workshop or covered area is required, preferably in the Kemble area. If you can help sourcing even a temporary facility for this, then please get in touch with Dave.

Kemble Mossie gets out into the fresh air at last

eMail: dave@kemblemossie.org.uk

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