The Vintage Aircraft Club’s annual awards ceremony took place at Shuttleworth House in the Old Warden parkland on November 20 for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic

Among the 14 prize winners was Biggin Hill-based Shipping and Airlines, which received the Desmond Penrose Silver Salver for vintage aeroplane of the year in respect of its 1931 Civilian Coupe, G-ABNT, and the VAC Group Trophy for best group or syndicate. Chris Rees won the John Blake Rosebowl for a particular vintage aircraft project, namely his Piper L-4, G-BAET.

Two individuals featured recently in Aeroplane also took home awards: outgoing Light Aircraft Association chief engineer Francis Donaldson was the recipient of the George Davidson Cup for an outstanding achievement or contribution to vintage light aviation, and Miles Airwork’s Stu Blanchard won the Mo Thompson Trophy for meritorious aviation achievement. Pictured, meanwhile is de Havilland Support boss Mark Miller (right) receiving the Pietenpol Prop for continuous engineering support from awards presenter George Bacon.