December timeline
8th December – Lancaster Bomber Simulator talk by Andy Sturgess.
Members met at the cafe at Henstridge Airfield for this talk, organised by David WM as Speaker’s Friend. The subject had seemed likely to be of interest to a wider audience than can be accommodated at the Grosvenor, so it was gratifying that over fifty members, partners and guests attended, including a large contingent from Sturminster Newton Rotary. It was also particularly pleasing that Honorary Member Tony Davies was able to attend with his family. Tony used to fly Vulcan Bombers the successor to the Lancaster.
We heard about a former member of Shaftesbury Rotary, the late Ron Homes who flew Lancaster Bombers in the war. He had a particularly dangerous role flying the bomber that broadcast the jamming signal, used to help hide the other aircraft. On one occasion he was lucky to get home after fires in all four engines.
Andy Sturgess told us about his project to build a working Lancaster simulator. This has taken some twenty thousand hours, and the result is an authentic reconstructed Lancaster cockpit, instrument panel, windscreen and the navigator’s station behind. Many original parts have been used, but where necessary replicas have been painstakingly reconstructed from original blueprints. The pilot sees a computer reconstructed view through the windscreen, just as on a real take off and mission. All the instruments work by means of a computer simulated display behind the 1940’s glass. We learnt about the Dambuster Raid and the men who flew on it. Some of the descendants of these have been able to fly this simulator, and learn something of what it was like for their grandfathers
Full details of this rebuild which is located near Shaftesbury can be found at https://lancasterflightuk.co.uk or on YouTube.
Everyone agreed the evening was well presented and of great interest. The Henstridge Airfield cafe also served us very well, with a two-course meal of generous proportions. Many thanks to all concerned.
16th December – Members, partners and friends enjoyed a Christmas meal at La Fleur de Lys hosted by Mary, David & Mark. It was a pleasure to dine with them again and thanks to Mike and Gill for making those arrangements.
18th December – Circus Bezerkus – With no matched funding from District or RIBI this year, we agreed to fund this again this year. An invaluable day for the school and pupils. 30 Children participated in the workshops and the whole of Abbey school was in uproar with appreciation of a great performance. Well done to Paul for organising! And by the way Martin can now Hula hoop!
CIRCUSBERZERCUS – Circus for All Since 1998
22nd December – our final meeting before Christmas. It was with sad news that the President reported the Passing of Rotarian Geoffrey Hughes. A long-standing member of the Club who had contributed so much over the years.
The 120 club was drawn as usual.
Youth Speaks and Young Chef are well on the way for the new year youth competitions with entries from Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton and Gillingham.
Young Musician and Young Artist are also possibly in the pipeline with other Rotary groups taking the lead. More to follow at next meeting.
President Andrew came up with an impossible quiz round with Steve Uden on top form 5 out of 15. The average score was just 2.
As for the Christmas attire, Andy won Chief Elf and Bernard Bah Humbug awards …there were several contenders for Bah Humbug! £27.60 was raised in fines 😊.
Burns Night tickets are diminishing quickly, and we look forward to a busy evening on the 24th January 2026.
