Aviation open day set for take off

BY TIM HOWARD

South Grafton

Aerodrome will be a magnet for people inspired by the freedom of flight as the annual Wings and Wheels Open Day makes its return this weekend.

Last year’s floods grounded the 2022 event, but the Grafton Aero Club has opened up the throttle to ensure this year’s event takes off.

The club’s secretary, Kevin Wilson, said the break has allowed club members to work on the area and reported the the chance to get off the ground too.

“Helicopter joy rides will again be available,” he said. “And there will also be Warbird Adventure flights available in an ex-RAAF CT4 and Winjeel aircraft.”

He said barbecues would be going all day with sausage sandwiches, bacon and egg rolls and soft drinks available. There will be coffee and tea available in the clubhouse and a coffee cart will be operating plus ice creams and other food trucks.

“The day is free for all (exhibitors and visitors) however, as always a local charity is chosen and donations are most additional support to cancer sufferers and their families.

“Please throw a gold coin or whatever you can afford in to the donation bucket at the aerodrome entrance as you arrive or leave,” Mr Wilson said.

Mr Wilson said as usual there would be displays of terrestrial machinery as well with vintage car clubs and static machinery groups setting up exhibits

“The car clubs and aero club will have static displays of aircraft and motor vehicles in a cordoned off area,” he said.

This year’s Wings & Wheels participants are:

Club

• Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club

• Grafton

• SES

• Grafton Model Aircraft Club display areas are in the best condition ever.

He said visitors would not only get a chance to get up close and personal with a wide range of exhibits, but would have welcome.”

“For the children, there will be some aviation themed show bags courtesy of Recreational Aviation Australia as giveaways for the kids,” Mr Wilson said.

Mr Wilson said the club had chosen to support the Oncology Department of Grafton Base Hospital to assist them to provide

• Grafton Gliding Club

• Coffs C/ex

Classic and Touring Car Club

• Coffs Harbour

Veteran and Vintage Car

Historical Motorcycle Club

• Grafton

Stationary Engines Club

• Grafton GoKart Club

• Tractors

• Phil Munro with CT4 & Winjeel Warbirds

• Precision Helicopters

• Hot Rod Club

The display is open between 10am and 2pm 0n Sunday.

BY SAMANTHA ELLEY

Stan Foster is a volunteer with a passion.

Having recently celebrated National Volunteer Week, the Whiddon Group at Casino couldn’t go past all the work and love Stan puts into their Men’s Shed.

“The Men’s Shed started about five years ago,” said Whiddon Casino Leisure & Lifestyle Manager, Jeremy Watson-Bell.

“The men wanted to do something by themselves and feel part of the community and gain self worth.

“So they started making things they could sell.

“Stan was one of the first to join as a volunteer.”

Stan’s wife Marjorie had been a resident at Whiddon for eight years, up until last year, when she passed away.

Stan visited her every day, often bringing flowers from his garden to brighten her day.

“Now he comes with flowers for the other lady residents,” said Jeremy.

“We asked Stan if he would like to get involved with the Men’s Shed and he jumped at the chance.”

Stan was ready to help the residents to make different items, such as bee and insect houses, bird boxes and rustic Christmas trees and nativity scenes.

“I joined up when the group first started,” said Stan.

“I started helping the men and brought a lot of tools in.

“Then as we made money, we went and bought our own at Bunnings.

“We walked around Bunnings for an hour or two.”

Stan will tell you he is no spring chicken, but at 86 years old, he is loving the support he is able to give at the Whiddon Casino Men’s Shed.

“Sometimes we go for morning tea at Kyogle, or buy a Chinese meal or go out for a drink with the money we earn,” he said.

Everyone in the group