Back in 2012 I wrote a quick article about Air Scouting in New Zealand, or more specifically about the Aeronautical Camp badges and pennants known for each event.
The first Aeronautical Camp was held at the Woodbourne Air Base in Omaka, Marlborough in January 1961. The Club does not record any badge or pennant from this event in the Histories Book, although an event ‘logo’ is known, and the general consensus is that the logo was used on correspondence.
Recently I came across the pennant shown below, quite a surprise really as I have neither seen one nor heard of a pennant from this 1st Aero Camp. It is a traditional style pennant, screen printed on felt, 375mm long and with a spine of 155mm. No badge is known to have been made.
Something new to add to the collection, and another little piece of history to add to the Club’s Histories Book. To some degree though, it is not surprising there was some type of collectible memorabilia for the event. When looking through my collection, the similarities of the central design in the pennant to a printed green swatch for the 3rd Dominion Camp, held in Nelson (rather close to Marlborough) is clear to see. There is also a red pennant, and I have had to borrow this scan from someone else’s collection. Overall, some nice pieces of NZ Scouting history.
Darryl Bretherton #7786
