On 15 September the Museum held a fundraising event at the hangar in Langley. Volunteers moved the display aircraft outside and tied them down securely with the promise of the usual fall wind and rain. Floors were scrubbed, tables and chairs set up and a giant mural of an Arctic Air DC-3 in a hangar was secured to the hangar door. Tables for reception, auction items and food service were arranged. By 5pm guests were arriving and checking out the items on auction. At 6pm the food was served – delicious salmon and beef from Chef Simon of 5 Star Catering. By 7pm the auction was underway with spirited bidding on many items with DJ and auctioneer, Scott Barratt, keeping the momentum going.
Guests were met in true northern bushpilot style by Bruce, who spent many years in the north.
He is wearing the traditional northern garb of fur-lined parka and genuine mukluks.
The Bakker family, dressed in True North style, take their seats
on packing cases and oil drums…
…and await the mouth-watering treats from Simon of 5 Star Catering.
Special guest Peggy Hobbs regaled the audience with stories of working in the hospital at Alert Bay
with Dr. Jack Pickup. Dr. Pickup’s Waco biplane is owned and flown by the Museum.
Veteran pilot, Captain Ed Bray, told of his adventures flying the de Havilland Beaver and
the Avro Anson on the Arctic coast through to the Boeing 737.
The evening was concluded with a hangar dance. Long-time Museum members
Linda and Dave Beales take a trip down memory lane.
(Photo credit: Tania Ryan)
