I would like to start my first Master’s Message by saying what a privilege and great honour it is to be the new Master and that I intend to devote myself wholly to the interests of the Guild in the coming year, and to take the Guild forward into an even brighter future from what has been an illustrious past. To this end, I look forward to working closely with the excellent team at Warwick Court, Paul, Ruth, Pat and Ulka, and with all those involved in the multi-activity life of the Guild.

We have an exciting year ahead of us as we commemorate 100 years of powered flight in the UK, the RAF’s 90th anniversary, and we watch closely the impact of operations at the new Heathrow Terminal 5.

A strategic review of the Guild is now in progress and we will keep you closely informed of developments. We are also moving forward with a number of other new initiatives. We are proud of our regional branches in New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong and we have now sown the seeds to extend the number of these branches to include Canada and South Africa. We are planning a major event next February to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the record single-engine flight between London and Capetown, a record that is held by the great aviator, Alex Henshaw, and a record that is unlikely to be beaten in the near future. This initiative will, in all probability, involve an event in London followed by an event in Capetown. We are also discussing with the Coachmakers’ Company the possibility of a joint reception at Farnborough in the late summer or early autumn, more details will follow in due course. On the visits front, Assistant Mike Glover and Past Master Arthur Thorning are working on an interesting programme of visits for 2008.

During the coming year I intend to continue to focus on ways in which we can better involve youth in aviation and build closer links with organisations such as the Air Cadets Organisation. I will also be seeking ways in which we can be more pro-active in making those in aviation more aware of the work of the Guild and the opportunities provided through membership. I am delighted to welcome Celia Turner as our new PR Officer and I look forward to working with her to develop ideas. I would also like to thank Ken Cook for the many years of valuable service that he has given as the previous PR Officer.

My installation was a memorable occasion and my first month has been as busy as I expected. While the many social functions I attend are always pleasant and very enjoyable occasions, my main focus is on the fact that we are a working Guild that has played a key role in the development of aviation in the UK and elsewhere in the world for almost 80 years. I am very keen that this should remain the case. Our various committees will continue to play a pivotal part in this work. We will also continue to liaise closely with other organisations such as the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Air League, the Society of British Aerospace Companies, and others.

Finally, to all of you who are reading these words, I look forward to meeting you during 2008. I invite any of you to speak with me, send me a letter or e-mail peacockedwards@hotmail.com if there are issues that you would like to see addressed or suggestions that you would like to make. I believe strongly in two-way communication that will help those of us involved in the running of the Guild give you the fruits from your membership that you would like to see.

Rick Peacock-Edwards