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New Aviation Library Officially Opened New Zealand Warbirds are developing a Visitor Centre complex as part of their main hangar at Ardmore Airport. The first step has been the recent official opening and dedication of the “TTBland Library”- an aviation library resource which brings together the great number of aviation related books and magazines and memorabilia that have been donated over many years. ‘TT’ or Trevor Bland is well-known and respected internationally as the founder President and Patron of New Zealand Warbirds and it was his foresight and vision that provided the leadership to form and develop the organisation more than 30 years ago. At the cocktail function held last Wednesday, invited guests included Papakura MP, Minister of Police Judith Collins and representatives from local councils, the RNZAF and organisations and Ardmore airport businesses closely linked with the Warbirds. In his welcoming speech, President Gavin Trethewey said .. “This evening is to thank the many folk who have contributed their time and/or donated material to enable the Library to become a reality. From the many compliments received already it is obvious that this is going to be a valuable asset for members and the aviation-minded public alike. Recently, we’ve had groups of up to 180 school children visiting the hangar It is expected that the Visitor Centre when fully operational early next year will offer guided tours of the hangar as well as access to the library and display floors both of which offer great views of the many fully-operational warbirds’ aircraft. Ends Contact: |
The objective of all these events has been to show to the public, for education and nostalgia the sounds and sights of our historic and ex military aircraft. In the past this has been a major draw card to raise the profile of the airfield to the population of Auckland however it has been at a cost to the operators on the airfield in terms of interference to their business. In recent years, competition from many Auckland events has reduced the crowd numbers. Difficulties of traffic management, display line compliance and spectators on both sides of the airfield, make it a difficult task to promote our heritage by way of financially successful airshows. It is our intention to regularly run smaller events based on the “Airfield Open Day” concept for the benefit of all operators on the field and the promotion of Ardmore as a destination. In conjunction with Ardmore Airport’s initiative to raise the profile of the Airport the Association has embarked upon the development of a visitor centre in our main hangar on the south east apron. This will be opened on 8th November and will incorporate a new walkway gallery along the inside rear hangar wall, expanded library, extensive model displays and the beginning of a number of planned billboard type displays in the hangar, depicting Ardmore in its original ” Wartime” role. The development is “A Work in Progress” with much more planned, but as always will be controlled by the members’ ability to fund the activity. The Association has lodged applications with several major charitable organizations. This is a new initiative for the organization which has historically been focused on the need to maintain and restore the aircraft on which the Association has been founded. We are now looking for volunteers to man the centre and guide groups and visitors around the displays and aircraft. Next year with the expectation of an adventure aviation rule we will be advertising flights in all our members aircraft from Tiger Moths to Post WWII jets. |