Canadian Aeronautical Preservation Association

Holds 2006 Conference at the 

Greenwood Military Aviation Museum

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Traditionally the annual gathering of CAPA delegates assembles on the last weekend of October. This year was no different and the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum played host to the delegates from all corners of Canada. GMAM had been eager to host the Convention for many years and were not about to let Wetaskiwin out perform them.

 The delegates were treated to a meet and greet at the Museum on the Thursday evening. Many old acquaintances were renewed and much talk of the past year’s achievements was discussed. The Wing Commander Col. Perry Matte greeted the group and wished them a fulfilling and successful weekend.

 Early Friday morning the group assembled at the Annapolis Mess to be formally welcomed by Col. Matte, a special guest the Hon. Len Goucher, NS Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage who was clearly delighted to be among aviation enthusiasts. Mr. Leo Glavine the MLA for West Kings also welcomed the group.

 A tour of various sections of Greenwood’s operational side of the Wing were conducted through-out the remainder of the morning.  From the talk around the lunch table the new CP-140 Aurora simulator was the hit of the morning. This multi million dollar state of art simulator designed and manufactured by CAE Canada, had just been installed and the CAPA delegates were one of the first group to be toured through the new facility. There is still much debate as to who had the best landing!

 The afternoon was spent at the Annapolis Mess as various museum experts from the Nova Scotia region shared their expertise with the delegates. Members from Nova Scotia Museums, Shearbrooke Village and others presented lectures ranging from collections management to retail sales in today’s museums.

 Friday night seemed to be the highlight of the conference for many. It was the Lobster Supper or as the folks from GMAM called it: a KITCHEN PARTY, prepared by chef Kelly and held in appropriate location, the VP International headquarters. Volunteers from VPI tended the bar and ensured that CAPA delegates were enjoying the festivities. A “Down Home Band” of local musicians were in attendance to provide the proper atmosphere.  Lessons on cracking the local sea fare were given to those having difficulties. For those who’s fare was NOT lobster Chef Kelly prepared a fine steak on the outdoor BBQ. I understand that tales of this “Kitchen Party” have spread across Canada. As a note, the Wing Chief Warrant Officer Hammy Hamilianen set a new record consuming, and I was keeping count, 6 lobsters. Indeed, he tried to steal his boss’s but was caught in the act.

  Saturday’s agenda started early with additional educational lectures with the last half of the afternoon reserved for the Annual General Meeting. A number of topics were discussed with the major resolutions consisting of the Centennial of Flight Celebrations. The AGM saw Mr. Brett Binnie step down from the Executive Director’s position to be replaced by Bryan Nelson of GMAM.

The new Board of Directors now consists of George Elliott Winnipeg, Mike Rozak 17 Wing Heritage, Mark Peapel ACAM, Justin Caffee CAHF, Paul Cabot from Toronto Aerospace Museum, and Tom Sand, 14 Wing Greenwood.

 Saturday night proved to be entertaining as ever, for this was the traditional banquet night. This event was held in the splendid surroundings of the Annapolis Mess. The Canadian Forces cooks once again proved their competence and the Mess staff served an excellent meal. They seem to hover over the delegates as if we were in their kitchens at home. With Don Pearsons absent Bert Campbell stepped up as the auctioneer. Many museums and companies we do business with donated the auction items. As in past years the auction proved to be a resounding success. Thank you Bert.

 Sunday was the road day as the group headed to Shearwater Aviation Museum to be hosted by the lovely Christine Hines and on to Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum hosted by Mark Peapell and the Executive of ACAM. But first a stop for breakfast provided by the Spitfire Arms Ale House in Windsor NS. Our host and associate member, Troy Kirkby who rolled out the red carpet for the Conference attendees, greeted us with a hearty meal. The group then moved on to the Metro Museums and most departed from ACAM voicing a well done to GMAM.

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