BC Aviation Museum Open House Pipe Band Gig

The combined players of the Saanich Peninsula Pipe Band and the RCAF 443 Squadron MH (Maritime Helicopters) Pipes and Drums joined at the Open House of the BC Aviation Museum Open House, Aug 18 2024. This impressive collection of aircraft and family friendly exhibits beside the Victoria International Airport had a special celebration this year to welcome the retiring Martin Hawaii Mars Water Bomber. This massive aircraft was carefully renovated for its final flight from the airbase at Sproat Lake BC to Pat Bay by the airport, escorted by 9 RCAF acrobatic Snowbirds, an impressive sight! Moving the massive craft to the Aviation Museum in time for the Open House was impossible so we just had a look at it, on land, ready to move in a few days. Skye Boat Song was a fitting tune!. The BC Aviation Museum Society let us use their huge hangar during covid to properly distance and practice as a band, keeping us connected, strong and safe. For this we are deeply grateful and delighted to perform annually at their Open House. This is a special year for our colleagues in the 443 Squadron band as it's the 100th anniversary of the RCAF and the 80th anniversary of 443 Squadron. Also fitting for them to perform at the Open House! In addition we had a couple of band members moving into the Life member status, celebrating their contribution, and the forecast rain held off. It was a great day in all!