SUNDERLAND History

[Ian Warren]

This from Dave Homewood, course he will be here at Wigram Museum 30th , the Video link below is a must watch, so this makes it a interesting October with this meet added .... viewtopic.php?f=6&t=26348

It's been a busy few weeks for me lately. On Friday 23rd of September i had the great privilege to accompany 1950's-60's RNZAF veterans Barrie Irvine and Jim McHerron as they stepped into and toured the Short Sunderland at MOTAT, the Museum of Transport and Technology, in Auckland. Barrie and Jim were in the same crew on Sunderlands back in the late 1950'sand into the 1960's, and this was the first time either chap had been into one of their old aeroplanes in over 50 years. It was marvellous to see the big smiles as the memories flowed for both men. I took my stills camera and managed to capture this encounter as a movie on it. Here's the result, which is well worth a watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewVjfmTBlZk

I'm a bit disappointed that on putting this on Youtube I have had to compress the original file quality. The original is much sharper and more vibrant. If I can work out a way to release the better quality version I will. My thanks to Barrie and Jim for allowing me to be there to witness and capture these special memories, and also big thanks to Michael Frawley, Vanessa Hefer and Frank Hannay from MOTAT, Grant McHerron (Jim's son and my WONZ Live Show co-host) and Errol Cavit (our official photographer for the party).

That evening we went along to the No. 5 Squadron RNZAF Reunion, marking 75 Years since the Squadron was formed, and 50 Years since their current Lockheed P-3 Orions entered service. This was a marvellous occasion, which spanned the Friday and the Saturday. I was treated wonderfully by all the members of the squadron I came across, past and present, a nd I am pleased to have been able to capture some of the memories of squadron members spanning the different generations. This has resulted in a pretty special WONZ Show, which you can listen to here:

[deeknow]

What a great video, I only skim watched it, will watch in full over the weekend some time. Was impressed by how roomy it seemed inside, kinda tardis like.
Thanks for sharing I-man

[Ian Warren]

I did get into this aircraft same time as the Lancaster in the mid 1980s .. it was not worked on in that stage .. but its quite an amazing site to really check out, I am very pleased they are, the MOTAT museum restoration team are really hooking into it .. only wished I had a good camera back then, Dean .. Forget the ski field next holiday with the young ones .. off to MOTAT , there is everything there , you may need to phone in for special pass's , thinking about , I could help there if you want.

[deeknow]

I may just hit you up for that Ian

[Ian Warren]

I may just hit you up for that Ian

I have promotions manager mailing me regard to artwork of the two flying boats, I sent MOTAT samples of my artwork last year, I can't see any reason why we cannot get extra special pass's for a tour of both boat, try for the Lancaster, maybe also , when if planning I'll will see what I can do this end