Northam Aero Club celebrated 49 years as an incorporated club, at the annual dinner on Saturday night with over 60 people in attendance.
Northam Shire councillor Steve Pollard and wife Kathy Pollard, were the honoured guests on the night.
President of Royals Aero Club together Andrew Eldridge together with Ian Hurst, president of Pearce Flying Club also attended the event.
Life memberships were bestowed on Errol Croft, club president for the past four years; and Matt Bignell, vice president for the past four years.
Aero Club member Heather Deegan said both men have made huge contributions of their personal time, keeping the Aero Club safe and fully maintained since they both joined back in the 1990’s.
“Volunteers are a big part of the any club and we are lucky at Northam to have some of the hardest working volunteers,” she said.
“Many thanks must go to the Committee of the Northam Aero Club in setting up and cleaning up our humble club room for the grand occasion.”
Heather Deegan was presented the Clubman Award and Ashley Smith received his Certificate achieved for his first night solo flight.
The Federals Football Club catered for the event.
Mostly all life members were in attendance on the night including Adrian Clements, Gren Putland, Claude Meunier, Robyn Stewart and Jim Jenkins.
Volunteers are a big part of the club and we are lucky at Northam to have some of the hardest working volunteers
- Northam Aero Club member Heather Deegan
Jim Jenkins was an instructor at Northam Aero Club many years ago and tried to leave several times, always coming back to help out when begged.
Robyn Stewart has successfully achieved many world records in flying.
Gren Putland is one of the main driving forces behind Ballooning in Western Australia and continues his great work in leading the National Ballooning Championships team which will be held in Northam from September 2-9, 2017.
Claude Meunier is a French adventurer who has made Northam his home and has successfully flown around the world twice.
Adrian Clements is a local farmer who was part of the foundation of the Northam Aero Club. Adrian also sponsored the Clubman Award for Northam Aero Club and presented the award to Heather Deegan.