Colin van Geffen

SME​

http://www.colinvangeffen.co.uk/

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An avid aviation historian with over thirty years specialising in Materials Management, Procurement, and Production Control within the aviation industry. Following a series of redundancies, Colin became self-employed in 1996 and enjoys researching, writing, and presenting his popular and detailed Illustrated Talks on a range of subjects, many of which cover his passion – local aviation history close to his home near Calshot in the New Forest.

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‘Landmarks’ in Colin’s working life include:

 

• Founder member of:

  • Wellworthy Apprentices’ Association (former apprentice & employee) 1967.

  • The first Young Enterprise group in New Forest (1969), and later Young Enterprise adviser at Houndsdown Secondary School 1988.

  •  Lymington Hospital Radio.

• Served on a number of committees, including Lymington Community Association, various Youth Clubs, employer’s staff, and social groups since 1965

• Was heavily involved in preparing a permanent display of historical photographs and documents recording the history of 17 Port & Maritime Regiment at Marchwood.

• (Former) Chairman of Fawley Historians

• (Former) Executive Committee member of Waterside Heritage

• Researched, collected & created a visual display of aviation history (seaplanes & flying boats) for permanent display at former RAF Station Calshot

• (Former) Custodian at Calshot Castle 2012-13

• (Former) Governor at Hounsdown School 1986 - 1990

• (Former) PTA member at Blackfield Junior School 1988 - 1992

• (Former) Chairman of Bournemouth Red Arrows Association (from 12 Apr 2017)

• Honorary Vice President: Poole Flying Boats Celebration

• Honorary Patron: Bournemouth Air Festival 2015 - 2018

• Life Member & Former Trustee: Friends of New Forest Airfields

• (First Illustrated Talk 1988; 120+ bookings annually in 2018, 2019

• First Cruise Ship booking 2011; 16 working cruises completed to end 2019

• Has contributed to a number of aviation & other publications including:

‘Racing Ace’ Julian Lewis

‘The Saunders-Roe Princess Flying Boat’ RW Wealthy

‘British Flying Boats’ Peter London

‘Schneider Trophy to Spitfire’ John Shelton

‘Flying Boats of the Solent’ Norman G Hull

‘View from the Wings’ Colin Cruddas

‘In Hampshire’s Skies’ Colin Cruddas

‘Flying Boats of the Solent and Poole’ Mike Phipp

‘A History of Calshot Spit’ Revised edition 2015.

‘Ancasta Guide Me safely Home’ a novel by Diana Jackson cover designs & aviation history adviser

‘Defenders of the Skies’ for H2 Tv Channel & DVD

‘The New Forest at War’ DVD

‘Transition GO!’ Army Air Corps DVD

• Numerous live broadcasts with BBC Radio Solent