6 — Howick and Pakuranga Times, Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Avenger coming to Warbirds Ardmore
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arbirds On Parade is set to become even more of an exhilarating air show with a 1945 Grumman TBM-3E Avenger, affectionately known in Warbirds circles as Plonky, having now been confirmed to make a special guest appearance at the NZ Warbirds Association air show at Ardmore in March. She is flying in from her base at the Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre at RNZAF Base Ohakea especially for the days event, thanks to owner Brendon Deere. The Avenger was designed as a carrier-based torpedo bomber for the United States Navy, and was to become one of the outstanding torpedo bombers of WWII. Flying off aircraft carriers, the Avenger is characterised by her STOWing ‘compound angle’ wing folding mechanism to maximise what available storage there was on aircraft carriers. Frank Parker, NZ Warbirds President says it is a particularly unusual aircraft to watch as she shuts down, her wings can be rotated and folded back alongside her fuselage. In addition to the pilot, she carried two additional crew and flies at a top speed of 442 km/h. The New Zealand-based Avenger was built in July 1945 by General Motors and
This 1945 Grumman TBM-3E Avenger will make an appearance at the air show at Ardmore next month. Photo NZ Warbirds
served in a training capacity at San Diego before, post-war, moving around a number of US Navy bases including Pearl Harbour. Following those initial years she has been used in insect spraying and forest protection services before eventually arriving in New Zealand to be based at Wanaka in Tim Wallis’ Alpine Fighter Collection. On arrival she was painted in the colours of an Avenger
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that had been flown by US President George Bush Snr during WWII. After being onsold to Australia, it returned to New Zealand on a 3200km ferry flight via Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands in February 2012, in time for the Ohakea and Wanaka air shows. This Avenger has a continuous flying history since 1945. She was named Plonky and her nose art painted to copy that of the beer barrel pouring
beer, previously painted on an Avenger flown by Fred Ladd in the Pacific theatre. He felt her shape was better suited to a barrel than the traditional Disney characters normally chosen. The RNZAF operated 48 Grumman Avengers, mostly from Bougainville during the Pacific War, operated as bombers with 30 and 31 Squadron against Japanese targets alongside other RNZAF units. After the war a few Avengers were based at Ohakea with 42 Squadron as target tugs and operated through to 1959. They were also used in top dressing trials. ■■ Warbirds on Parade is being held at the NZ Warbirds Association, Ardmore Airport on Sunday March 15, gates open at 9am.
Scenic half marathon The GJ Gardner Maraetai Half Marathon returns for a second year on Sunday, March 15 as the fourth race in the Auckland Half Marathon Series 2019/20. Starting at Te Puru Park, the course hugs the highlights of the Pohutukawa Coast and offers unsurpassed views
of the stunning Waitemata Harbour. All events will enjoy a beautiful flat run along Maraetai Coast Road, passing the famous Maraetai Wharf and hidden beaches lined with Pohutukawas. Half Marathoners will run through the dual jewels of
Duders and Omana regional parks. All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and those in the 21km and 10km will accumulate points towards the season-long, Auckland Half Marathon Series. Organiser: Running Events. Distances: kids 2km, 5km, 10km, 21.1km
spca.org.nz
Virtual Village East
How to live a more meaningful life. A free seminar for seniors.
When we retire, children leave home or a partner dies, life changes significantly. Join us for a Virtual Village East event – a free information morning for all seniors in the East Auckland community. Come along for a morning of learning and friendship: discover strategies for creating meaning and purpose in your life as you age, and learn how to continue to set yourself new challenges. When: 10.30 am to 12.30pm, Friday 20th March, 2020 Where: Te Tuhi, 13 Reeves Rd, Pakuranga, Auckland Who:
All welcome! Morning tea will be served
RSVP:
For catering purposes to co-ordinator@virtual-village-east.org.nz or 538 0827
If you’re unable to attend but would like to know more, please email Lee.
Supported by JH15807
6 ROSÉS FROM NZ & FRANCE — ROSÉ TASTING BOARDS — PINK COCKTAILS — PINK O’ CLOCK $10 glasses of Squealing Pig Rosé & $14 cocktails Weekdays from 4pm-6pm.
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The Promenade, 1 Ara Tai, Half Moon Bay. Phone 533 0950
www.grangers.co.nz
JH15749
