Contributed by Verlie Rockley and Sandra Murphy
GLASSHOUSE Country Seniors Members enjoyed an interesting and informative visit to the Queensland Air Museum in Caloundra on Tuesday, June 25.
The outing encouraged members to learn more about local aviation history and proved to be a highly engaging day for all.
Val Bukmanis, one of the regular volunteer tour guides, escorted the group around the site, which houses over 100 aircraft being restored and maintained by many volunteers.
Highlights of the day included learning about the Huey helicopter that used to be on display at the Caloundra RSL and is currently being refurbished.
It is one of the few remaining from the Battle of Long Tan in Vietnam.
Once the refurbishment is complete, it will return to the RSL.
The group also chatted with an ex-RAAF member with many years of firsthand experience with two aircraft on display, having spent thousands of flying hours aboard as a crew member. They found it fascinating that on the Lockheed P2 Neptune, the crew had to crawl through a space under the wing to reach the pilots.
There was much more to see, and we encourage people to visit and witness the great work the volunteers are doing.
Glasshouse Seniors’ next monthly meeting will be held on 9 July, where further arrangements for our next excursion in August to the Esk Bush Bash will be organised.
All are welcome to join the Glasshouse Country Seniors Citizens club. For more information, contact club president Verlie Rockley at 0447 902 107.