(24th April 2009)
On Friday 24th April 2009, at precisely 11am - Our Charity took a very significant step forward in reaching a Milestone that is a gigantic leap for PFBC in terms of public awareness. The 'Poole Flying Boats & Seaplanes Storyboard" had its unveiling ceremony - held on the Promenade at whitecliff, one of three sites specially chosen for the stunning artwork. The Mayor of Poole, Cllr. Joyce Lavender called upon four special invitees to join her in drawing back a Union Flag to reveal the design which has taken over a year to finalise! Vic Pitcher, the Navigator on BOAC's three Boeing 314A's - all of which flew from Poole Harbour in the period 1941-46; Dave Rose of BOAC Marinecraft Unit - a Poole Coxswain, who later set up thetation at Cape McClear on Lake NYasa; Bernie Wills - BOAC launch hand in immediate postwar era - representative of more than 1000 Poole Families who have a long and proud association with their Flying Boats at Poole; and John Whitcomb (RAF) who was on RAAF 461 Squadron when based at RAF Hamworthy 1st August 1942 - May 1943. Many cameras clicked away to record this unique celebration as the 50+ guests gathered around to admire the Storyboard, and then be grouped by the photographers for various shots. So this very special occasion was then marked for posterity! It has taken over a year starting with the concept prepared by Aimee, with input of a dozen members of the first PFBC Task Force, and 14 proof stages with graphic illustrator Maria Burns to achieve this significant Milestone for PFBC and for Poole,where such support from Borough of Poole Leisure Services and sponsership from Barclays Commercial made it happen!
