INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE AT
COCKPIT-FEST – 14/15TH JUNE 2008 – NEWARK AIR MUSEUM
PART 1 - COCKPIT SECTIONS
This will be the ninth in the Cockpit-Fest series, and again I re-affirm the aims and structure of what we aim to attract. As the owner of an aircraft cockpit section, NAM would like to invite you to attend the above event. Last year saw around half of the cockpits arriving at NAM during the day preceding the event; the offer remains the same this time.
Friday 13th will officially be regarded as the events Reception Day , from this day forward cockpitters are invited to arrive at NAM between the hours of 12.00 and 20.00. Please advise me, in advance, of your intention to take up this offer. Should an arrival need to be made out of the aforementioned timeslot, I will need to know. For those who prefer to arrive on the Saturday I make the usual commitment of being on site from 08.00 to guide you into position. Last year also saw a requirement for a power source. For those that request this we will, in order of request, try to oblige, but where requests are higher that available power sources, sharing of this may become necessary. It could also be useful for you to plan on bringing along any extension leads you may have, just to give us a head start. Likewise to those with a requirement for tables for displaying extras, it would be best to be self-sufficient.
After deep discussions between many of the leading lights in this unique event it was felt that a policy of what the spirit of Cockpit-Fest is all about should be produced and distributed amongst the cockpit owning fraternity. To many, Cockpit-Fest is a social gathering, and is held in the relaxed setting of NAM during a weekend in mid-June. This event is supported by FlyPast, who each year have awarded certain projects with a special prize, these being presented for any number of reasons, and remain changeable from year to year. One thing that we need to stress is that we are NOT looking for perfection, although a line-up of perfectly restored cockpits, inside and out, with a side show of display boards as additions could look truly stunning, it only tells part of the story. It also needs to be stated that there is no charge for you to exhibit at Cockpit-Fest.
Cockpit-Fest is open to ALL cockpits, whatever there condition, with all equally welcome. We wish to see the newly acquired cockpit, that is about to undergo a restoration, and most years this has formed part of the event. We would also like to see cockpits that are part way through a restoration program, and maybe have not been seen for 2/3 years, as these show the public the second stage of cockpits restoration, especially if photos are used to show progress to date. The third type would be close to completion, maybe after 4/5 years of work, and again not been seen for a few years, but has notably changed during that time. This offers something different from all of the other stages, and is the most motivational for other cockpitters to see. Next would come the cockpit that has had a re-paint and looks stunning to view, (always the publics favourites), but is not complete inside. Follow this with completion of the interior as the next stage, and with added displays showing the history. This shows the many different options that owners of cockpits have when making the decision weather or not to display their cockpit at Cockpit-Fest, but if this leaves you in any doubt as to weather you should bring your cockpit along, or foresee any problems, then call me to talk it through. 01522 560541
These ALL make up what Cockpit-Fest is all about, namely the preservation and restoration of our aviation heritage, it has never been, or ever will be, a beauty parade of pretty cockpits. So hopefully the message will now spread that the Cockpit Section of Cockpit-Fest is open to all, so join us at NAM for Cockpit-Fest IX in 2008
For 2008 plans are afoot to incorporate a gathering of Hunters as a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the 22 ship Hunter loop. It is expected that all participating Hunter Cockpits will have a display area separated from the main gathering, thereby creating a greater impact. This also means that those who normally display together will have to be willing to fit in as part of the mix so that this aim becomes achievable. Tony Dyer is the driving force behind this theme, and will therefore be very involved in its organisation, so please forward information requested by him. His contact details are email rocketeer1940@btopenworld.com or phone 01980 849249.
Warning, I will need you to reply to this next bit
please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To allow us to plan space on what will undoubtedly be a very busy weekend, we would need to have confirmation of your intent to participate at this event, and an idea of the size of the exhibit itself. The more information we receive from you the better our service to you. See also the information requested on the event information sheet.
Bill O’Sullivan,& Martin Sibsy- Cockpit-Fests Event Team