November 4th, 2017 Tech Session and Dinner
1:00 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron facility, North Saanich
Hi Everyone,
THERE IS A CHANGE OF EVENT AND LOCATION OF THE TECH SESSION We do apologize for the late notice but our intrepid Tech Director, Mike, has just received, this morning, confirmation that CS West is welcome to attend a tour of the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron facility. This has been in the works for some time but we know that not all things move as quickly as we would like at times…. WHERE: On the airport grounds, off Willingdon Rd., near the intersection with Kitty Hawk Rd., North Saanich. If coming from Victoria on the Pat Bay Highway, follow the exit signs to the airport. Once on Willingdon Rd., go past the terminal exit and continue around another round about. Past the Spitfire Grill (9681 Willingdon Rd.)and where Willingdon Rd. curves to the left, there is a driveway on the right that goes past a gatehouse - you will not be stopped - and the roadway leads to a large (free) parking lot. The building is huge, enormous - did I say - very big? It is hard to miss. Make your way to the main door and office area where you will be greeted by staff from the 443 Squardron. If coming from the ferry or Sidney, proceed to the airport exit on the Pat Bay Highway and follow the above directions or from the Pat Bay Highway turn right at Beacon Ave. which turns into McDonald Park Rd., and proceed to follow that road until the intersection of McDonald Park Rd and Mills Rd - the first stop sign. Turn left onto Mills Rd and proceed to West Saanich Rd., the next stop sign. Turn left onto West Saanich Rd and proceed around the bottom of the main runway, past the float plane base, to Willingdon Rd., the first road on the left. Turn left onto Willingdon Rd and proceed to where the road curves to the right (but don’t curve with it). Turn left where the gate house is and proceed to the parking lot. The building, as noted, is very large and very visible from Willingdon Rd. WHEN: Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 1:00 PM. PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER TIME! The tour will take approximately two hours. WHAT: The 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron is the west coast base for maritime defence. The Sea King helicopters are based here and the facilities include maintenance shops etc. The new Cormorants, one day, will be based here. The building is new and very impressive, both from a size perspective as well as operational as it has all the latest up to datest stuff needed to support our maritime defence. Of note: Cell phones and iPads will be handed in at the main entrance. No electronic devices are allowed. The session at Race Rocks 3D will NOT be held although that may be an option for a future date. Many thanks to the CEO of Race Rocks 3D for agreeing to demonstrate the interesting virtual reality programs they have developed. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE NOT COMING AS WE MAY HAVE TO PROVIDE A LIST OF ATTENDEES FOR SECURITY REASONS. This is, after all, a military base. Thanks. See you at the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron Base on Sat. Having watched this impressive building take shape, over what seemed to take forever, I am looking forward to this tour. Cheers Kathie Thompson Commodore |
5:00 Dinner Meeting at Glen Meadows Golf & Country Club
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Dinner is the deluxe buffet with two main dishes, Prime Rib with Yorkshire Pudding (with chef on hand to slice) and Salmon with citrus sauce. No need to choose, both are available. The buffet also includes potatoes, sauteed vegetables, an assortment of salads, rolls and butter etc. and a dessert buffet. Tea and coffee also served.
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After Dinner Speakers
Alison and Craig will show us the video of Rosmond and Slip Stream II and their trip around the Island. Photography by Deb (formerly of Slip Stream II) so it will be wonderful.
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