We have an extensive programme of visits to airfields, museums and places and events of interest. We organise regular social functions all of which are open to visitors and friends.
Although we have no official link to Shuttleworth we are avid supporters of the Collection and many of our members are also members of the SVAS.
2025
In June 1999, the third year of a WEA course of lectures on the history of aviation was coming to an end. The twelve regulars who had attended the lectures were disappointed that there no further lectures were planned. They were sufficiently enthused by the course to wish to continue their association and determined to keep together as a group. Thus the Aircraft Enthusiasts’ Group was formed and the course lecturer, Barry Lance, became an active member. Paddy Weldon was nominated as Chairman and his energy drove the Group forward. In 2009 Paddy became the Group’s President.
In the early years it was a nomadic life – Ickwell Cricket Club, local pubs and so on. Thanks to sympathetic supporters at the Shuttleworth Collection, the Group was able to meet at the Old Warden site where we have been ever since.
The Group organises visits to a wide range of venues, museums and air shows, both in the UK and abroad. Other trips are purely social and are popular with wives and non-member friends.
An early host for the group was Wg Cdr Ken Wallis and the trip to Norfolk to enjoy his engineering and demonstration flying of his autogyros became an annual event. The frequent visits to his home formed a special bond and at the annual lunch in 2007, Ken became the Group’s first Honorary Member. In 2008, a similar invitation was extended to AVM Alan Merriman, former CO of the Empire Test Pilots’ School who has been a speaker on several occasions. We are honoured and proud of our association with these distinguished aviators.