March/April 2020 Newsletter
Membership Matters.
Hangar closure.
It was with regret the committee made the decision to shut down the hangar and cease restoration activities.Our security systems remain active and monitored. We are endeavoring to keep in touch with our volunteers.
Previously, during our stores hangar collapse and lock out in 2004 we maintained the gardens and grounds, carried out external repairs and removed graffiti. This, to the passerby indicated we were still operational. Unfortunately, this time round that is not possible.
The Committee of Management will still convene monthly and carry out business remotely either by E-mail or “Zoom” and inform our volunteers of the activities.
Our biggest concerns at the moment are the loss of financial donations from visitors and groups plus ensuring our volunteers return when we are operational again.
An additional problem is that after the virus is defeated visitors and groups will have priorities of their own in the recovery phase, health, financial, employment and adapting to a changed set of traditional values.
Membership annual renewals.
Enclosed/attached is the membership renewal form for 2020/21.
The address for remittances is
Bank of Melbourne.
BSB: 183 879
Account 415 686518
Account name. B-24 Liberator Memorial
Australia inc.
As explained in the previous column a time of austerity has been forced upon us necessitating an era of caution that requires us to stabilize our current financial situation and plan for the recovery phase. Part of the stabilizeing plan is asking you to restore your membership at this time. The income from your membership renewal will allow us to plan with confidence our recovery phase.
We have achieved a lot in the past year, The Memorial flag installed with the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance, The confirmation of the relocation of Hangar 1 and the River Walk Liberator park.
The hangar may be closed, but we have not stopped.
Dave Miller.
Memorial flag raising ceremony.
On march 23 our approved Liberator memorial flag was raised at the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance. As we could not attend in person Mr Dayle Capron did the honour’s. This action confirms our flags acceptance within the Shrines boundary's This will now become an annual event.
It is pride that we achieved this honour and recognition for our veterans and members.
Liberator park opened.
On xxxx March we attended the opening of “Liberator” park situated in the new, adjacent housing development, River walk.
A poll was taken by Wyndham Council to select a suitable name from a submitted group. It was very pleasing to be recognized by the majority of respondents. The park is within walking distance of our restoration hangar.This result has increased our footprint in the area.
Our President, Lyn Gorman addressed the gathering.explaining the connection of our hangar and project to their suburb. Some were surprised to learn that aircraft operated from this site and regularly flew over head night and day during WWII.
We thank Melbourne Water, xxxxx, and Wyndham Council for this peacefull retreat that the residents can enjoy and perhaps reflect..
Pre ANZAC day lunch.
Due to the current health restrictions it was decided to cancel this event. This was done with regret but no alternative was possible.
Lest we forget.
Hangar news.
Museum precinct news.
Liberator, 2020 work plan.
Oxford 2020 work plan.
Museum activities.
Just for information.
Forthcoming events .
None planned.
For Gabrielle.
A french connection.
Not forgotten.
Just a blast from the past.
Research & Development.
President’s message;.
Lyn Gorman, President.
