‘Ramped up’ Wings and Wheels returns

A replica of the plane flown by Sir Keith Park will be one of the aircrafts on display at Thames’ Wings and Wheels, returning after a two year hiatus.
With aerobatic displays, historic military vehicles, and a myriad of entertainment, the showcase on January 27 will be a “ramped up” version of past Wings and Wheels events, Thames Business Association chief executive Sue Lewis-O’Halloran said.
“We’re going all out to make it the best – it’s been a major team effort with lots of thought put into it.”
The New Zealand Warbirds will be making a return to the show, and president and experienced pilot Frank Parker said it was always good to showcase military aircrafts and acknowledge people from the past – such as Thames-born Royal Air Force officer Sir Keith Park.
Frank, who is a former Thames local himself, said a Bristol Fighter would be in attendance at Wings and Wheels – a replica of an aircraft Sir Keith flew during his World War II service and with which he obtained aerial victories.
“The aeroplane was donated to us by a gentleman who wanted to commemorate the end of the Great War [World War I],” Frank told The Profile.
“Around 30 years ago, they built five of the aeroplanes for a movie, and the movie was called The High Road to China. The movie was made but they used other aeroplanes, and the ones they built disappeared into a shed somewhere.
“They were found maybe 10 years ago, and three of them came to New Zealand.”
New Zealand Warbirds obtained one of them, he said.
“It was a bit of a wreck, so we had it rebuilt and it was obvious that we should [paint] it in the colours of an aeroplane associated with Keith Park.”
Frank, who attended Thames High School, went on to spend 16 years in the New Zealand Air Force, and another 34 years flying with Air New Zealand.
For roughly nine years he has been the president at NZ Warbirds, of which there were around 550 active members, he said.
“What we try to do is show our aeroplanes off and remind people of their history and the history of our military people, and we’re having fun anyway,” he said.
DETAILS: Wings and Wheels, Saturday, January 27 at Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield, Thames. Gates open 10am-3pm. Entry adults $15, children under 12 free. Airshow at 12pm. Food and drink available all day.