Wings of Life- Proudly Supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service

14th – 15th of May 2011

Flying high at Archer Falls

The weekend at Archer Falls Airfield on Neurum Road was the place to be on Saturday 14 and 15 May.  It was jam packed with memorable moments for all the family.

After my daughter’s birthday party on Saturday, I thought I’d be too tired to make it for a Saturday night of live music, dancing, camping overnight, followed by a day of watching the aircrafts and model aeroplanes.  However, by 4pm we had made the decision to go, and packed the car full of tents and blankets and set off towards the mountains.  The venue was tucked away at the edge of Mt Archer, which was once Archer Falls Winery, and has now become Archer Falls Airfield.  It turned out to be an excellent decision.

We had little time to absorb the beautiful scenery that surrounded us.  The sun was going down and we only had a short time left to set up the tents before nightfall.

Once we reached the club house, we let the kids loose and they found the warmth of the fire and friendly faces.  The aroma of the burgers drifted past our noses, and as the children were starving, it wasn’t long before  they were all eating the delicious burgers.

We settled in to enjoy the band called Locus Wimple.  They were young and very talented band.  On talking to the band later in the evening, they told me they had volunteered to do the gig for free to help Doug raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctors.  Doug Fields, the son of the owner Ron Fields, has set up a website called the “wingsoflife.com.au” where he states, “Wings of Life is an organisation developed to raise funds and awareness for the Royal Flying Doctors Service”.

We thought the band was fantastic.  They played a great range of music which catered for all age groups.

Once the children were put to bed, we came back to enjoy the rest of the evening.  The local Woodford Wineries had supplied the wine which set the mood for a fun night, where we were surrounded by warm and friendly folk and lots of laughter.

At the end of the evening, there were loud encores for the band to keep going as no-one wanted them to leave.  The band consisted of Matt Powell, Andy Barra and Jenni Rickward.  After their gig they sat down and had a drink with us all.

Eventually I made my way back to my tent, leaving the young ones to continue to party on.  Unfortunately, I hadn’t packed enough blankets for a night in the cold mountain air, and I spent the night trying to get warm.

The next morning we made our way to the delicious smell of bacon, eggs, sausage and toast being cooked by three very cheerful male cooks.  It went down well with the much needed strong coffee.

The children were awestruck by all the planes around the airfield.  A lovely man called Peter Raffles, a pilot who was there to support Doug Fields and his fundraiser, offered us a ride in his Cessna.  After the squeals of delight from the children, I too was given the opportunity to “slip the surly bonds of earth and dance the skies on laughter-silvered wings”. Woodford is beautiful on the ground but quite spectacular from the air.  I had never seen it from this perspective and I thank you Peter for such a lovely experience.

I chatted with Doug Fields about his mission.  He is passionate about flying.  He explained that he and seven others were planning a circumnavigation a flight around Australia.  As his website explains “the aim of the flight was in line with their mission to raise funds and awareness for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, while honoring Barry Uscincki, a passionate aviator who recently passed away in an aviation accident.  They would be visiting places of significance to the Royal Flying Doctors and to Australian aviation history, whilst also promoting youth in aviation”.

The Aeroplanes used on the flight will be a Piper Cheroke 6, two Spit Fires MK26, Jabiru, RB4, RB8,RB10 and R44 Chopper.  Those going the trip are Doug Field’s, Peter Raffle (the man who patiently took us for a fantastic scenic flight), Kate Baldwin, the flight Operation Manager for the Wings of Life, Dominic Bulters, who is studying Aviation at Griffith University, Joshua Groth, an extreme sports enthusiast, Rod Tizzard, who will take his sons and Dr Jim Stacey as a passenger for parts of the journey, Dr Jim Stacey, who once was a Doctor for the Royal Flying Doctors at Ayers Rock  is offering his support and helping promote the trip.

Rod Tizzard, Ron Field, Joshua Groth, Doug Field, Peter Raffles, Dominic Bulters, Kate Baldwin and Dr Jim Stacey

The rest of the day was very enjoyable.  The model aeroplanes were presented by their talented owners and flights kept coming and going all day.  Watching the planes was history coming to life.  It was a great experience for adults and children alike.  Raffles were drawn throughout the day.  Flights were won and bought so all could experience the delights of flying.  My friends daughter was randomly picked for a joy ride in the helicopter.  She came back beaming from ear to ear.  If the promotion of Aviation to the young was part of their mission, from the look on the children’s faces, it was “mission accomplished”.

After the huge breakfast was digested, it was time for tea and cake.  You could not fault the hospitality and the organisation of the day.  Doug and his helpers were blessed with a perfect day.  Not a cloud in sight and the wind from the previous day had all but disappeared.  The view of the four planes doing a formation in the sky against the magnificent mountains was spectacular.

The Hot Rod and vintage cars and their owners came out to play and show off their magnificent cars.  Again another reason for living in the best place in the world, Woodford and its surrounding areas.  Great country people with community minded missions.

If you would like to help Doug Fields with a donation, or find out more about his flight around Australia, then visit his website, “wingsoflife.com.au”.

For more pictures click here.

Thank you to the following:

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Debbie Diplock – for this great article and photo’s

Griffith University – for the students that provided a great help

Trevor Stretton – for cooking amazing food

Coffee Shop – for making great coffee and scones

R & R Hires – for helping out with tiolets and PA system

K2 – for providing great items to be raffled

Boeing – for providing great articles to be raffled

Aden Jacobi – for providing awesome art work and organising hot rods

Model Aircraft Pilots – for keeping everyone entertained

An2 Pilots and Crew – for providing great entertainment