AWARDS
The Bremont Special Recognition Award 2022 from the National Transport Trust. The presentation was made by Edd China.
The Robert Pleming Memorial Award 2022, including a trophy and a cash prize of £500, was awarded to the Waterbird Team by Aviation Heritage UK. The Award is to recognise a team who have jointly managed and delivered a commendable project. The presentation was made by Allan Winn.
The Desmond Penrose Silver Salver for vintage aeroplane of the year 2022, was awarded to Ian Gee and The Lakes Flying Company Limited by the Vintage Aircraft Club. The presentation was made by Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE. It was an honour to meet Captain Penrose, now aged 92, at the presentation.
The magnificent Salomons Trophy 2022 for a special or outstanding performance was awarded to Peter Kynsey and Ian Gee by The Royal Aero Club. The presentation was made by Admiral of the Fleet Sir Ben Bathurst GCB DL. – The 100 guineas Cup was originally presented to the Club in July 1906 by Sir David Salomons. It was won by Charles Rolls for a circular half mile flight on 1 November 1909 at Shellbeach flying ground, Isle of Sheppey, in a Wright Flyer aeroplane (built under licence by Short Brothers, which was the first aircraft production contract ever awarded). Out of 36 years since re-established, it had only been awarded 14 times.
A Red Wheel of the National Transport Trust was unveiled at Hill of Oaks, Windermere on 12 June 2023 to commemorate Waterbird’s first flight. The ceremony was performed by Mrs Claire Hensman CVO, Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria.
The Phoenix Group Diploma 2023 from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale: the World Air Sports Federation, for the best reconstruction or restoration of an aircraft by a group was awarded to the Lakes Flying Company. The presentation was made by HRH Prince Michael of Kent. – Out of 28 years since established, it had only been awarded 16 times.
The Group Trophy 2023 to The Lakes Flying Company Ltd from the Vintage Aircraft Club, for the best group. The presentation was made by Air Chief Marshal Sir John Allison KCB CBE.