Temora district resident, Geoff King, was recently thanked in a special function held at Narraburra Lodge for his contribution to aviation in Temora. Geoff has had a lifelong interest in aviation, owning a Tiger Moth aircraft for many years. He joined the Temora Aero Club and he soon became heavily involved with the organisation becoming president of the Club - a position he held for more than twenty years. During this time, he was awarded Life Membership of the club. Mr King was involved with the setting up of the Temora Gliding Club, where he acquired a wood and fabric glider called a Kookaburra, followed by a more modern Blanic, a two-seat trainer. Geoff also became president of the Gliding Club and was eventually awarded a Life Membership. When gliding championships were held Temora, Geoff was a regular with the Tug Plane. After World War II ended, all the buildings at the aerodrome were sold and removed, except for the Bellman Hangar, and adjoining workshop building. Mr King played a large part in refurbishing the buildings to become the Aero Club rooms becoming 'the hub' for training pilots, meetings and general socialising. In time, a bar was built, with Geoff holding the position as licensee for many years. Mr King was always very handy in the kitchen adopting the position as ‘cook’. He could prepare great meals for club dinners and one of his specialities was apricot chicken with a salad of his own recipes, which everybody loved. He adopted the role of barbequing the monthly breakfasts for members. Mr King was a regular delegate to the Temora Shire Council's Aerodrome Users Committee, particularly in its early stages when many important decisions were made. Temora Shire Councillor, Nigel Judd, long-time Chairman of the Aerodrome Users Committee, was on hand to present Geoff with a Certificate of Appreciation, for his lifetime contribution to aviation in Temora, on behalf of the Council. Graham Engels, on behalf of both the Temora Aero Club and the Temora Gliding Club, also presented Geoff with a Certificate of Appreciation, for his service to both Clubs. In later years, Geoff became heavily involved with Pinnacle Services, regularly transporting people with medical appointments to both Wagga and other locations until his retirement. Eighteen members of the Aero and Gliding Clubs joined Geoff at Narraburra Lodge for an afternoon tea.
