On Monday 12 December 2022, members of the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians Hong Kong Squadron , which was chartered by our Club PDG CP Eric Chin in 2017 , combined their Annual General Meeting with their Christmas party, held in Grand Ballroom 1 of the Alexandra Hotel, Hong Kong. IFFR World President George Ritchie attended on zoom to brief members his vision and strategic plan in leading IFFR. Vice President Australasia Section Mike McFarlane, via zoom, updated the post Melbourne Convention “A Tango Around the Outback” from June1-9,2023.
The Meeting was chaired by IFFR Squadron Leader/ Asia Section Chair PDG CP Eric Chin. Our Club President Peter Pang, as a committee member, also attended.
The business was brief, with the high spot being the induction of two new members: numbers 99 and 100! So, congratulations to the Hong Kong section on being 100 members strong now.
Hogan Loh, a member of the Hong Kong Section who is also Past President of the Hong Kong Aviation Club then gave us an amazing talk. Hogan’s first flight was in the UK in a Chipmunk military trainer. He was given the chance to loop the loop resulting in a “Love at First Flight”. Soon after he got his licence, and with limited touring opportunities in Hong Kong, Hogan took up flying warbirds. In a flying career of well over 40 years, he has now flown warbirds and fast jets, around the world, including flying RAF Tornadoes low-level through the valleys of the Lake District in the UK, and Russian jets that have taken him to the edge of space – high enough for the sky to be turning black around him! And now Hogan is on the waiting list of SpaceShipTwo and hoping to become a true astronaut!
After that, it was time to let the festivities begin with a sumptuous meal and a great evening of fellowship.