Percy Pilcher Monument
Eynsford
On June 17th 2006 at 12 Noon, a Monument
to celebrate the life of British aviation pioneer Percy Pilcher was unveiled
at his original flying site at Upper Austin Lodge (now a golf course)
South of Eynsford in Kent.
After a welcome and introduction by Eric Littledike. The Monument was
unveiled by David Forrester Pilcher's nearest living relative.
After the unveiling the Monument was blessed by Eynsford's Reverand Neil
Taylor.
The ceremony was interrupted at this point for a few seconds whilst RAF
100 Squadron provided a flypast of an aptly named Hawk T1.
Aviation Historian Philip Jarrett then gave a talk about Percy Pilcher
and Pilcher's association with the site at Eynsford in 1896 and 1897.
After the unveiling ceremony the company retired to the Golf Clubhouse
to enjoy a buffet and where Eynsford's District Councillor Audrey Gee
proposed a toast to Pilcher and said a few words of thanks to the main
contributors.
Main Contributors
Eric Littledike, financial contribution, project inspiration and management.
Pentland Golf, for permission to build on the site.
Designer, Gordon W. Newton of 'The Stone Shop', Maidstone 2006.
Audrey Gee, District Councillor and Chairman of Eynsford Village Society.
Philip Jarrett, financial contribution, Monument wording and photos.
The Royal Aeronautical Society,
financial contribution and support.
Tony Prentice & the local Air Scouts, for providing a guard of honour.
Donations were also gratefully accepted from.
Eynsford History Society.
Shoreham Parish Council.
Eynsford Parish Council.
Eynsford Model Helicopter Club.
P & M Aviation.
Many private donors, too numerous to mention.
Copyright© Eric Littledike
Last Amended 20th August 2010