The Cape Records Anniversary
1999 is the sixtieth anniversary of Alex Henshaw's Cape Records flight. This is being celebrated in Britain in July, with a flying day at Old Warden, home of the Shuttleworth Collection of historic aircraft which includes the Mew Gull G-AEXF. In South Africa a plaque is to be unveiled at the site of the old Wingfield Aerodrome just outside Cape Town, where Henshaw landed. Alex Henshaw has very kindly agreed to attend this as other events, which will take place between 25th and 28th November 1999 in Cape Town.
A provisional timetable of events has been drawn up, and is given below. Most of the arrangements are well in hand, and it is expected that the Anniversary will attract the public interest which this great achievement so richly deserves.
For further information, click on the index of Anniversary events
Also check the latest Anniversary news bulletins.
Provisional Timetable of Events - Summary
Date / Time |
Event |
| 1999-11-24 : | Alex Henshaw departs Heathrow Airport, London. |
| 1999-11-25 : | Mr Henshaw arrives Cape Town. Transport to
hotel/accommodation. Distinguished welcoming party, media coverage - Cape Town
International airport. Thursday afternoon and evening not yet committed – to be used for media interviews etc. |
| 1999-11-26 : 10:30 | Mr Henshaw unveils plaque on the site of the old Wingfield aerodrome. Ceremony attended by civic, political and Air Force dignitaries, sponsors and other VIPs. Fly-past to be arranged. Media converage. |
| 1999-11-26 : 13:00 | VIP Luncheon at
Ysterplaat Officers’ Mess. Guest of Honour Mr Henshaw. Dignitaries as for
unveiling ceremony. Presentation of awards. Short speeches. Friday afternoon uncommitted. |
| 1999-11-26 : 19:00 | Public Lecture under the auspices of the Mountain Club of South Africa. Cape Records Flight plus Spitfire development. |
| 1999-11-27 : 10:00 | Book signing. |
| 1999-11-27 : 12:00 | SAAF Association Benefit Race Meeting, Kenilworth – Mr Henshaw to be a guest
of honour. Media coverage. Saturday evening uncommitted. |
| 1999-11-28 : AM | Mr Henshaw flies to Durban. Details to be confirmed. |
| 1999-11-28 : 13:00 | Mr Henshaw guest of Durban SAAF and RAF associated bodies. |
| 1999-11-28 : | Mr Henshaw departs Durban for London |
| 1999-11-29 : | Mr Henshaw arrives Heathrow airport. |