It’s not over

I feel as the last Chairman of the Gosport Aviation Society (GAS) I need to reply to Joyce Upperton’s letter, Untimely End (March 16).

The Gosport Aviation Society is going strong albeit under a different guise.

As of February 1 this year the GAS has not ended but entered a new phase with a local like minded group having the same aims as previously with increased support and a strong resolve to keep our aviation heritage alive and strong.

I am disappointed that Mrs Upperton has made these remarks, making the GAS committee look like they were irresponsible in their actions.

At the 2020 AGM it was not only discussed at length but then voted on by the membership with 43/3 in favour of discussing joining together.

Mrs Upperton did have her say at the meeting where the idea was put in full to the membership, the majority of the members saw it as the way forward with a vote of support to continue discussions.

Following a proposal by the committee and a postal vote, the membership returned a majority of 42/3 in favour of the new group and this group (Daedalus Aviation and Heritage Group) is now active (as much as we can be under lockdown) with membership open to anyone wishing to join us.

The GAS has been a part of the heritage scene for the area for nearly 30 years with the aim of preserving and promoting the aviation heritage of the area.

News came to the attention of the GAS committee that the LFA were enquiring about setting up a heritage site at the Lee-onthe-Solent airfield with the intention of preserving the history of the airfield. The GAS committee decided that this should be discussed with the LFA.

I sent out a full briefing of the whole merger proposal and the groups new title to all the GAS members with notification of a full postal vote to be held in November. Voting forms and prepaid return envelopes were sent to all GAS members. Mrs Upperton did contact committee members to discuss issues which were answered by them and myself – Mrs Upperton eventually wrote to me demanding that we don’t go forward with the proposal. I explained to her that we had carried out the wishes of the membership in accordance with the constitution and the members wishes as voted on at the AGM and advised her again what would be happening to the funds and assets if the proposal was carried.

Her comments about not being informed are completely unfounded.

Alan Key Former GAS Chairman 2017-2021