Testimonials

The Story of the Schneider Trophy Air Races

"A1, probably the most professional we have had. The screen display off you computer was excellent as was your narrative with the humour. Well done! Will ask you back next year when I start planning the calendar.

Tony Fuller Devizes U3A Aviation Group 8th March 2011

Various Talks

"I have been proud and honoured to have welcomed Colin van Geffen as our guest speaker on many occasions over the past 15 years or so. Whether it be Spitfires or the Schneider Trophy, Seaplanes or Strange planes, Signs of the times or the Census or even The Red Arrows or what-have-you, Colin's talks will appeal to a wide range of interests and are well researched, well illustrated; sometimes refreshingly humorous, but always enthusiastically presented. Not to be missed." Terry Trevett (Chairman Bournemouth Red Arrows Association & Past Chairman Bournemouth Flying Club 2nd March 2011

“I am so grateful for Colin van Geffen for allowing me to tap into his knowledge of flight in the Southampton area, his good humour and his useful feedback and advice regarding my current writing project, which I’m hoping to have published later this year. Colin took my research seriously and since then has kindly read several chapters and been on hand to answer my many questions.”

Diana Diggins (author of ‘Riduna’) 21st Feb 2011

The Story of the Schneider Trophy Air Races

“We did enjoy having you in Farnborough again. Many thanks for another very interesting and professional lecture. Will you come again next year?”

Pat Sedgwick Farnborough & District U3A 18th Feb 2011

Sign of the Times

“On behalf of New Forest / Waterside U3A thank you so much for coming and giving your talk on ‘Sign of the Times’. It was good to hear so much laughter in the hall. I am sure we will be asking you if you will speak again”

Hilary & Tony Harris (Speaker Secretaries) 18th Jan 2011

The Story of the Schneider Trophy Air Races

“Just a very brief note to thank you so much for coming to speak to our Probus club. It’s a testimony to the level of interest that you were able to create and hold that (uninterested as I am in aircraft) you held my attention and interest throughout. I confess I hadn’t even heard of the Schneider air races, let alone know anything about them, but now I’m both better informed and more enthusiastic!. So thank you again for coming.”

Jeff Watson (Speaker Secretary) New Forest Probus 18th Sept 2010

The Story of the Schneider Trophy Air Races

“Many thanks for the interesting and informative talk you gave the club last Thursday. Our members really enjoyed it and were still talking about it on Sunday when we went to the VCC London to Brighton Rally (as spectators)”

Trish Godfrey Events Secretary Solent A7 Club 10th Nov 2010

SPITFIRE!

“I would just like to thank you for your interesting talk on the Spitfire that you gave us on Friday the 8th. I think it was evident that despite general knowledge of members regarding the Spitfire, you provided much new information...and your research provided a fascinating account. Once again many thanks for delivering a fascinating insight to what on the surface appears to be a well known subject.”

Steve Robson Chairman & Speaker Secretary New Forest Aviation Group 18th Oct 2010

Southampton’s Flying Boats + Schneider Trophy + Spitfire!

“Firstly I wanted to thank you again for the three super lectures you gave at the Civic Centre Lecture theatre this month ( from Flying boats to the Spitfire ). Most informative and incredibly well presented. It was obvious just how much time and dedication you have put into these presentations. Your archive of pictures is truly amazing. I know my friends who attended your lectures have also expressed similar praise.”

Geoff Grandy (distant relative I believe of the late Air Marshall Sir John Grandy)17th Sept 2010

CALSHOT : Red Wheel unveiling

“Local aviation historian and artist Colin van Geffen gave a short history of the aviation achievements with which Calshot has been involved. ‘’Calshot Naval Air Station was established in 1913 by the Royal Flying Corps; during World War I, the station was responsible for the protection of shipping in the English Channel, utilising a variety of flyingboats and seaplanes. It was then home to the High Speed Flight preparing for three Schneider Trophy competitions, hosting the event in 1929 and 1931 – each competition was a triumph for RJ Mitchell’s Supermarine designs, paving the way for the Spitfire. During World War II, Calshot was responsible for the repair, maintenance and modification of RAF flying boats, particularly the Short Sunderland. During the Berlin crisis of 1948, Sunderland aircraft from Calshot flew over 1000 sorties to the Berlin lakes from Hamburg. The last flying Sunderland came ashore at Calshot in 1984’’

The Herald (edition No 223) 5th ~ 26th Aug 2010

Flying Boats of Southampton – Ships of the Sky

Your visit to the society’s meeting last night was much appreciated, and I thank you very much indeed for travelling all the way from (the New forest) through the dense traffic on the M25. I am sure everyone found your presentation most interesting and it gave an insight into a part of British Aviation History that. Perhaps, has been neglected in the past.

Michael Dyer (Speaker secretary) St Albans & District Model Eng. Society 15th July 2010

Red Arrows – Selection & Training

“Despite the cold and remaining ice a good attendance to hear the speaker give a good account of his involvement with the Red Arrows and their annual flypast in Bournemouth. The Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world as ambassadors for both the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom. Since the Team was officially formed in 1965, the Red Arrows have completed over 4,000 displays in 53 countries.”

Totton U3A blog Jan 2010