Is the WONZ Show really worth my efforts?

[Kereru]

Keep up the good work Dave they are a real treasure. I have only listened to a few but very handy to pass the time while sitting on the train trip Papakura to Britomart(Auckland). If its a bit longer than the 45-50 minutes then no problem to listen to the remaining bit while watching the ferry movements downtown or ferry trip to Devonport. I must download some more too. Cheers Colin

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Ken and Colin!

[fwx]

Dave, I agree, you are putting together a real treasure trove of information in these shows, not to mention the historical value of recording the key industry individuals concerned. Time is my issue also, but I promise I'm saving myself for that long-awaited rainy day, home alone, to listen to them all ...
Keep up the great work.
Chris

[Dave Homewood]

I perscribe you need a long dose of the flu, Chris.

[Mustang51]

Dave, this too is the preservation of NZ aviation history in its broadest sense. The collection of oral history whether it is aircraft preservation or the recollections of those 'who were there' is something being done around the world. Its fine to read the squadron histories but from my experience - and that at least of the ADF - hearing from those who experienced it very often puts a whole new slant on that history and fills in gaps. The ADF Defence Force College each year holds an "Eagles" series of lectures over two days mixed with a "Dining-In" night and these lectures are given by former serving members to the students of the College. These students are just not current serving RAAF personnel but include many officers of high rank from foreign defence forces. It is Chatham House rules and I have been fortunate enough to be asked along on a number of occasions sponsored by senior RAAF personnel. What is said there stays there but my eyes were certainly opened by the honest and candid recollections of things ranging from Bomber Command, Fighter Command, ops in the western desert, Korea and Vietnam and how the reality differs from the script.. The whole idea is so that the students can learn from those various inputs.

Temora has a dedicated cinematographer who interviews and films the veterans and there is now a great collection of these interviews available. Keep up the great work. In years to come when those men and women in NZ are no longer with us it is the work you are doing now that shall be their memorial.

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks for that Pete. I agree that talking with those who were there often adds a lot more to what is recorded at the time. Personal experiences and feelings about the situation can be so much more powerful than the few lines in an ORB or a logbook.

So on this topic you'll be pleased to know I am heading off in less than an hour to go and do another recording session with Noel Kruse for the series, and I have a lot of other recordings getting lined up for the near future. I really enjoy making and sharing the WONZ Show and I am grateful to everyone who has taken their time to participate in it.