Fortune smiled on the Squadron on the 29th April for the first Fly-In of the new Millenium. A really beautiful day and for those who flew the coastal route there was a sparkling Solent filled with white sails and the long white streaks of power boats. Daedalus and Thorney were clear to the eye as visibility stretched to infinity and hearts grieved over the loss of such fine runways to an uncertain future - gravel extraction ? housing estates ? factories ? Once gone - lost forever…….

Goodwood or Westhampnett, as wartime flyers knew it, owned by Lord March the motor racing enthusiast and host of the magnificent Festival of Speed at Goodwood House, made us feel very welcome. Those who flew in were greeted by Bill Walker, FISO in the tower, an ex-RN observer who flew in Skyraiders, Gannets and Buccaneers. Mark Hubbard, CFI of the Goodwood Flying School, very kindly allowed us to use the facilities of the Flying Club on arrival for coffee and as r/v for car and airborne members of the Squadron.

A total of 12 aircraft flew in including the Bonanza B36 of Michael Bonham Cozens who on the way from Henstridge collected our honoured guest from Bembridge, Commander Mike Crosley DSC RN retd. Although Mike was to have been our honoured guest at Henstridge last year, sadly bad weather and a 50 foot cloud base prevented his collection from Bembridge at that time.

A 49 seater coach took the squadron to the Anglesea Arms at the nearby village of Halnaker , the FOTM r/v for the West Sussex members of the FAAOA, two of whom, George Baldwin and Lionel Hooke joined us at lunch. The proprietor,Chris Houseman, had everything very well organised, we had an excellent lunch and the service was exemplary.

We re-embarked in the coach for the short trip to the Tangmere Aviation Museum of which our member Neville Duke is President. Although small, the museum is extremely well displayed and presented, and features many aspects of flying including the fascinating section on the activities of the SOE. The two world speed record breaking aircraft of Group Captain Donaldson (Gloster Meteor) and Squadron Leader Neville Duke (scarlet Hawker Hunter) were featured side by side, in addition to the Supermarine Swift and full size replica versions of the Spitfire Mk.1 and Hurricane.

Returning to Goodwood the squadron dispersed having enjoyed a most informative day, fine flying weather and good company.