I am happy to report that LGW2008, Europe's biggest Aircraft Enthusiasts Fair was a huge success. The event was not only excellent for enthusiasts to browse and buy new items for their library or collections, it was also great to meet new faces and pass the day with old friends.

With only a few weeks to go to the event, we were told by our regular table supplier that he had to drop out as his transport was off the road. Luckily, I managed to find a supplier in Brighton and the tables were delivered to K2 on the Friday. A strong team of GAS supporters set up the hall on the Saturday evening at 9pm.

Once again, the classic single-decker RF bus ran the free shuttle between Gatwick South Terminal and the K2 venue in Crawley. Thanks to owner/driver Richard Mercer for all his help. We will not be able to use Richard's bus for the free shuttle next year so anyone who wants to drive a hired minibus next April or who knows where I can find a bus and driver, please let me know!

Thanks probably to some extra advertising this year, we managed to slightly improve on the ticket sales this year. We had over 700 visitors including many GAS members who got in for free before the team on the door packed up around 2pm. A good sign that the hobby continues to thrive and evolve was that exhibitor numbers were similar to last year. We had 5 unsold spaces out of the 140 available, which I think is still excellent. A few of our regular booksellers had gone to the book fair at Yeovilton that day so that didn't help. Many first-time exhibitors came to LGW2008 including a stall demonstrating PC-based flight simulators and one showing the amazing SBS “Home radar” set-up. Every exhibitor seemed to have a good day but with less money to spend, not every visitor was spending all their savings!

A stall run by Ian Terry and Ken Ede from GAS raised £176 for the continued preservation of the 50-year old Vickers Viscount G-APIM “Viscount Stephen Piercey” at Brooklands. Thanks to them for their efforts and to everyone who donated items for the stall.

Expenses for the event continue to rise. The cost of insurance, hall and table hire, advertising etc. were all up. We did manage to keep the admission costs the same as last year and the exhibitor's fees were only up by £1 per space. There may have to be additional fees next year but rest assured they will be kept to a minimum.

I would like to thank all the helpers who ensured that the event ran smoothly on the day and I look forward to organising LGW2009 which is already booked at K2 for April 5th 2009.

Tom Singfield

May2008