WIX Archives
Toronto Aerospace Museum Symposium on the Mosquito
Posted by Lee Walsh on Thu Oct 16, 2003 10:01:47 AM
In reply top null posted by null on null
Posted by Kenneth Swartz
On the www.cahs.com website on October 9
Toronto Aerospace Museum Symposium on the Mosquito for November 8, 2003
At the TAM Board of Directors Meeting last night there was unanimous and enthusiastic consensus that the Toronto Aerospace Museum should go forward with plans to have a Symposium on the DH 98 Mosquito at the Museum at Downsview on Saturday, November 8, 2003.
This idea was suggested to Director Richard Banigan by the Mosquito Group of the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association of Windsor at last month's 75th Anniversary of the Windsor-Walkerville Airport Airshow. The Mosquito Group had already contacted Russ Bannock to ask if he would speak, and Russ had agreed so long as it was before the middle of November (Russ will be spending the winter in Florida). The Mosquito Group said that if TAM could host the event at Downsview, the birthplace of the Canadian Mosquito, they would bring a truckload of their Mosquito artifacts up for the show.
A symposium is a social gathering in which there is a free interchange of ideas, and in which specialists or experts are often invited to deliver short addresses on related topics. Richard said that he attended a similar event at a Legion Hall in Windsor about five years ago, and found it quite enjoyable. It was hosted by the Mosquito Group, and had Russ Bannock as speaker, but was more of a sit-down dinner affair with tables of photos and artifacts. Russ delivered a most entertaining and informative speech in the event. Mr. Bannock was Canada's leading Mosquito ace of WW II and eventually became a President of de Havilland Canada.
The symposium we are organizing will have more meat of the intellectual variety, although we are thinking of serving sandwiches and finger foods at least. A panel discussion in addition to the speaker has been suggested, and tables with photos, artifacts, etc. Richard spoke informally with authors Larry Milberry and Fred Hotson about serving on a panel at the symposium and they both agreed in principle. George Stewart, another local Mosquito ace, was also suggested as a possible panel member.
An ad hoc organizing committee of Ken Swartz, Paul Cabot, and Richard Banigan has been struck to launch the symposium. The Board had some concern about the short time frame, but thought that if we start immediately and keep the goals modest and manageable, that we should be able to deliver a successful special event that might well lead to a series. A flyer will be developed this week to publicize the event. Some of the other details discussed as follows...
Ticket price $25.00, limited to 100, RSVP for planning purposes.
Four to six hours on a Saturday, 1 pm to ?
Mail flyer ASAP to TAM membership, DHC Retirees, CAHS members, etc.
Media release to local outlets, national magazines.
Follow-up stories, photos for later publication.
For Further Information, Suggestions, or to get Involved, Please Contact:
Ken Swartz, Director: kswartz@sympatico.ca
Paul Cabot, Curator: paulcabot.tam@bellnet.ca
Richard Banigan, Director: banigan@thunderstar.net
Kenneth Swartz
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
kswartz@sympatico.ca