Alternative Tourism members and associates were welcomed by Teodora and Elaine and tea and coffee was served after having had a good look around the Air Force Museum. Followed by a short introduction of all present i.e. Registered local tourist guides, Ex-RAF members, representatives from various transport companies, guest house operators & owners, bankers, historians and tour operators from Germany, Bulgaria, Poland, Russia and a Wine representative. This was indeed a very multi-cultural group.

Chris Teale, Museologist of the South African Air Force Museum, commented on the History of the SAAF in a refreshing and descriptive way.

Starting with questions like – Why do we need an Air Force? Stating that South African Air Force is the 2nd oldest Air Force in the world. In fact the oldest Air Force was founded by a South African namely, Field Marshall Jannie Smuts in 1916 which gave rise to the Royal Air Force in Britain after the Germans sent Zeppelins over Britain, which led to Jannie Smuts being approached to investigate all aspects pertaining to air war fare.

This caused some excitement amongst the guests as many of them were not aware of this. The South African Air Force commenced in 1920 and the Navy in 1923. Tom and Jerry from the Walt Disney characters got their names from the “Tommie’s” and the “Gerries” from the last world war, which was found very amusing by all.

Because Museologists cannot get away from History, Mr Chris Teale continued with the Museum and collections development. The biggest difference to any other Museum is that the SAAF Museum allows its visitors to take an active part in the Museum arrangements and not only just displays its objects, but also presents it as an educational medium.

All visitors introduced themselves before the individual "table discussion" continued

The last working Avro Shackleton in the world, which was operational during World War 2 by the Royal Air Force is based at the Air Force Base, Ysterplaat and is still in operation and will be active during the Air Show in December. Besides the Shackleton, the Museum has one of the three last remaining Spitz A1 Planetariums in the world and is the only working one of its kind and is in daily use. The Ysterplaat planetarium is one of three in South Africa – the others are at the University of Cape Town and Witwatersrand. The South African Air Force Base at Ysterplaat still uses this to teach astro-navigation to the Navy and Air force on a daily basis. One of the reasons for this is that pilots and navigators cannot personally rely solely on the GPS.

Before being shown the Planetarium, Chris Teale explained a little about the Night Sky above Cape Town by doing illustrations on a board of various stars visible at night and identifying them by name in a very memorable way. After that the Planetarium was put to use and was absolutely wonderful to all present.

Before closing our meeting, Chris Teale recalled the event of the Air Force Base Air Show: The security area of the Air Force Base at Ysterplaat will be made accessible for visitors for two days in December during the Air Show. The first Day, Friday the 2nd of December the so-called Validation Day, serves for the Pilots to do their rehearsal for the following day, which enables all photographic fanatics to have the opportunity of photographing these wonderful aircraft without being handicapped by visiting crowds. These photographers will have VIP treatment at a fee of R300pp, which will include entrance fee, food and drinks for the day.

Saturday the 3rd December is the actual Show Day. Entrance for the general public will be R30pp for those who just wish to visit the Show. Visitors wanting to have a very special VIP day may have this at a cost of R500pp, which covers entrance fee, seating in the Corporate tent, plus all eats and drinks for the day.

Chris Teale then mentioned that Alternative Tourism is commissioned to help promote and market this event to all there Clients here and abroad by assisting in the sale of entrance tickets in advance to obviate the need to be in a long queue on the day of the Show and also assist in getting accommodation for these visitors where needed. Approximately between 55'000 – 70'000 spectators are expected over this week end. Apart from the Air Force aircraft there will be vintage aircraft of different types and sizes. Helicopters, various displays by the Air Force, vast selection of culinary food stands, bars, entertainment and local companies will be displaying their products. See: www.saafmuseum.org.za for more information.

After a very enjoyable finger luncheon, Alternative Tourism had their lucky draw for the day. The winners were: Louise van Aarde from Boland Kelder, Paarl, who won R500 discount on becoming a member of Promoting Africa and Allan Isaacs from the RMB Private Bank won a years membership to Alternative Tourism.

All in all, the Alternative Tourism network meeting at the SAAF Museum was an interesting, educational and very entertaining occasion at which, many new ideas and friends surfaced. Visit their web site at www.saafmuseum.org.za

Our next meeting will be held at the WORLD OF BIRDS in Hout Bay on Tuesday 15 November 2005. Time: 08:30h - See you there for breakfast!

Atlantis West Coast Environmental Co-operative



OPEN DAY We did not have the article at the time of publishing ..... but the pictures say it all, don't they?