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 at Elvington.

Born in the Lincolnshire fens in 1951, Mike was an RAF Loadmaster 1968-75. 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 technical manager/engineer for an international lighting company.

Born 6th October, Isleworth, Middlesex. Educated locally, on leaving school worked in enginem 1954 to 1957 as a Naval Airman. In 1957 returned to BOAC as a ground engineer on Stratocruisers , DC10'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 Chnrgi, 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 YHPG on a passing visit.

Current supporters of the YHPG in alphabetical order.

  • Adrian Goddard - Barmby Moor - Transport
    • Barry Goodwin - Lincoln - Newsletter Design and Publication
  • Bristows Helicopters - Redhill - Equipment Donation
  • British Aerospace - Woodford - Batteries
  • David Burke - Stamford - Spares Location
  • David Gibbings (Aviation Artist) - Yeovil - Donation of Aviation Prints
  • D+F Lighting - Doncaster - Miscellaneous Donations
  • GKN Westland - Ye 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 - Leeds - 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.

Unit and Squadron Assist Arial Assistance

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