YORKSHIRE HELICOPTER PRESERVATION GROUP (Y.H.P.G)
 
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G r o u p  E x e c u t i v e  P e r s o n n e l  a n d  S p o n s o r s  o f  Y H P G

Jim Smith
Owner of XP345

Mike Fitch

Technical Coordinator

Ray `Mac' McElwain

President

Alan Beatie

Since it's sale by the MOD '345 has been a resident in the confines of Jim's car parts recycling business premises (Melbourne Autos) at Storwood near York. Well Looked after but in need of restoration, it was moved and placed on loan to YHPG.

Born in the Lincolnshire fens in 1951, Mike was an RAF Loadmaster 1969-78. Serving  in UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Cyprus and Middle East in Argosy, Hercules and Shackleton aircraft. Since leaving the RAF has worked in the Lighting Industry. Currently sales manager/engineer for an international lighting company.

email
mike@yhpg.co.uk

 Born 6th October 1936, Isleworth, Middlesex. Educated locally, on leaving school worked for BOAC before joining the fleet air arm from 1954-1957 as a naval air mechanic. In 1957 returned to BOAC as a ground engineer on Stratocruisers , DC7's, Constellations and Brittanias, before moving to Findus frozen foods. Before retiring Mac owned his own Silk Screen printing business.

Born in 1955 in RAF hospital Changi, spent his early years being educated in two forces schools (Bourne & St Johns) in Singapore, , On return to UK his father was posted to Scarborough where Alan became an instructor in the Green Howards ACF. Since then has worked in banking and joined the Dragonfly projecton a passing visit before becoming a founder member of YHPG.


email
alan@yhpg.co.uk

Current supporters of the YHPG in alphabetical order.

  • A E Motor Colours (Subsidiary of Parry's Motor Group) - Paint Sponsorship
  • Bristows Helicopters - Redhill - Equipment Donation
  • British Aerospace - Woodford - Batteries
  • David Burke - Stamford - Spares Location
  • Dave Knowlson - Shot blast and painting
  • Chemetal - Milton Keynes - Aero Surface Treatment Substances
  • David Gibbings (Aviation Artist) - Yeovil - Donation of Aviation Prints
  • Disano Lighting - Doncaster - Miscellaneous Donations
  • Flambards Theme Park - Donation of XA870 and XS887
  • GKN Westland - Helicopter and equipment donations
  • J Atkinson and Son, York - Transport Sponsorship
  • Jewson - Doncaster - Loan of Hyab and volunteer driver Dave.
  • Jim Smith - Melbourne Auto's - Owner of XP345 and Miscellaneous Donations
  • Joe Wilkinson - Bradford - R.N Aircraft Handlers Association Liason
  • J.R. Miller Transport - Leeds - Low Loader Hire
  • Oxford Aviation College- Kidlington - Donation of Whirlwind XJ398
  • Paul Dresser - Pudsey PC Doctor- Donation and Design of Website
  • Phil Cunningham Electrical - Doncaster - Equipment Donations
  • Ray Butchart - Beverley - 84 Sqdn Association Liaison
  • Steve Hague - Leeds - Spares and Artifacts Acquisition.
  • Task Force paintball games - Cardiff - spares and parts donations.
  • HMS Protector Association - Support with XA870 Project
  • Yorkshire Bank - Grant Aid

Unit and Squadron Historical Assistance

  • 84 Squadron - Archive and Historical Assistance
  • 203(R) Squadron - Archive and Historical Assistance
  • RAF Shawbury - Archive and Historical
  • 202 Squadron - Archive and Historical
  • 22 Squadron - Archive and Historical

    Thanks also go to the many individuals who have given their time freely to assist us or provide research and archive information for the restoration and maintenance