2013 Annual General Meeting

A general meeting of the Museum will be held on Wednesday, March 27th at the Beaver Bank – KINSAC COMMUNITY
CENTRE – at 1583 Beaver Bank Road, Beaver Bank, N.S. Doors open 7:00 – Meeting 7:30PM

The guest speaker will be Mr Ken Beanlands – retired from Newfoundland Lands and Forests after a 42 year career. He began his career in Nova Scotia with the Lands and Forest Department but,  after being exposed to Newfoundland’s loan of Canso Water Bombers to N.S., he went to Newfoundland for the summer and made his career there.

Ken has had a fascinating career, is a pilot, has been an aircraft owner, and has also been involved with the recovery of Hurricane and other aircraft wrecks. He has a slideshow presentation, is an excellent speaker, and we are indeed pleased he has agreed to be with us.

This is chance to also hear about the progress of your Museum and to meet again with others who share your interest in ACAM. Our thanks go to Brian Chappell for making the arrangements for the location and the guest speaker. We hope for a large attendance. Refreshments will be served. Brian’s directions to the meeting location follow:

• Turn onto Bedford Hwy or Hwy 101
• West from Bedford interchange at TCH 102.
• Continue onto Hwy 101 – 4.7 Km to
• Beaver Bank Road exit off 101 – then turn onto
• Beaver Bank Rd (signs for NS-354 N)
• Destination will be on the right – 8.7 Km

– 1583 Beaver Bank Road – Beaver Bank, N.S..

REG CLARKE

February 2013 News Update

For a complete newsletter please download this file 

In 1978 a group was brought together by Robert G Grantham, a current Life Member of ACAM, to form the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum Society. The Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum, as we now know it, was formed immediately after. Now, some 35 years later, this volunteer Museum has grown to be a significant preserver of the rich aviation history of this region. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of so many who volunteer their time and efforts, the Museum continues to develop and to provide Nova Scotia with a volunteer institution of which it can be truly proud.

The year 2012 saw continued improvements in the Museum displays and restorations. Unfortunately December also saw
the passing of long time Curator, and Museum founding member, Reg Clarke. His dedication will long be remembered.

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS

“With spring in the near future, once again it is time to get our hands dirty at the Museum. One big project is the  fabrication of 70 plus pylons to hold the new barrier chain that will enclose our display aircraft, aero engines, and other large items.

Argus simulator, and various engines is also taking place. Other projects will include new displays, completing ones already started, organizing the amazing Reg Clarke collection of models, photos, books, and other historical items. Reg, you will be missed, and yes, we will take good care of your collection and display it in the manner that it deserves.
Dave McMahon

REG CLARKE

It was with the greatest of regret that members and supporters of ACAM learned of the passing of long time Curator Reg Clarke at the QEII Hospital on December 25th following a severe stroke.

When the Museum was founded Reg immediately became Curator. Since then Reg has been fully involved in all aspects of the Museum operations serving many years as Curator as well as in many administrative roles including primary contact
with other Museums, Museum Associations, and Municipal and Provincial Governments.

Since then he has continued fully involved in ACAM affairs – his home was a virtual extension of the Museum. If one called his home the first greeting would be from Joyce – he would be summoned from his basement work space – and then, while waiting, one would hear of the latest exploits of “my Reggie”. The love and respect this wonderful couple, married for some 60 years, had for each other was always so obvious. Reg served for many years with the RCAF Auxiliary in radar operations also as an instructor with the Air Cadet movement.

He loved everything aviation related – in the words of Chairman Dave McMahon – “I don’t think I have ever met anyone with as much passion for aviation as Reg”.

And in the words of long time Museum member Dr John Christie – “Certainly the most knowledgeable aviation historian in N S and beyond” – and – “it is certainly true to say that without him there would not have been a viable Society or Museum”.

Reg was employed with M T & T for 46 years beginning in administrative support roles and  retiring as a Certified  Engineering Draftsman with supervisory responsibilities. Unknown to many, Reg was an accomplished drummer having once had his own band.  He also, on one occasion, played with Don Messer’s band at an event where the regular drummer became unavailable! Reg was dedicated to his church having served as an elder for many years.

Throughout all these years he has been virtually the heart and sole of ACAM’s operations.

We have been so fortunate

HE WILL BE MISSED