28/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

I picked my friend up from Heathrow this morning. He returned after spending a few months in Nepal. During his travels, he met a photographer. My friend Paul explained to the photographer that I was a pilot and to his surprise he had taken this photograph of Gautam Budha Airport (my own name is Gautam)….a nice message from the photographer too which reads “Dear Gautam, maybe one day you will fly to the birthplace of your namesake”

cheeky me has edited the image to make me the Budha….zoom in to the face for a close up. I have to one day visit this airport..

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26/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

click to enlarge both articles.

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25/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

Somalia passes polio-free landmark

Frequent population movements across Somalia meant that children of nomadic populations were at particular risk of polio. As part of innovative and tailored eradication strategies, nomadic routes were identified and mapped, and vaccination points set up at key gathering sites. Thanks to Dr Tajudin from The World Health Organization for this picture.

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25/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

A few weeks ago, I visited St. Marks Catholic School to speak to the students about the work of Rotary International campaign to eradicate polio. I found the experience to be very challenging and enjoyable. I have much admiration for those that teach.

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21/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

a little trailer of Goatie meeting Polly Vacher. The full interview with Polly explores her flights around the world, religion, top tip for pilots and an insight into this truly remarkable person…watch this space for the full interview.

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20/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

We do have some amazingly talented and gifted friends. Artists, film directors, musicians, doctors, poets, monks, scientists who inspire us. Read the rest of this entry »

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20/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

A painting by Rosa Branson, one of London’s foremost painters, entitled Service above Self, was unveiled yesterday evening by Baroness Hayman, The Lord Speaker, in the River Room at The House of Lords, in front of an audience of politicians, business people and diplomats. Read the rest of this entry »

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18/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

Rotary International and Freedom in the Air have teamed up to set up a Photographic exhibition

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18/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

Lord Shutt of Greetland has invited me to attend the House of Lords for a Rotary event. Should be fun…It will be in the River Room overlooking the Thames. The Speaker of the House of Lords will also be there. Baroness Hayman will unveil the painting by Rosa Branson titled service before self, on the global humanitarian work of Rotary International. In her 70th year and a non-stop painter for 53 of them, who paints large canvases free for charities as fundraising levers. “Of course I still paint for money, but this takes up a lot of time now - I’ve had so much fun painting all my life, it’s a way of giving something back.”

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17/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

Polly Vacher is one of those remarkable people that we can all be inspired by. Certainly, I have been inspired by her achievements, courage and passion for aviation and helping good causes.

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07/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

 Once again a big thanks goes out to Nahil for inviting Gautam back on his radio show. Sadly he was unwell and we hope you get well soon. Please visit the shows home page… 

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06/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

Recently, I have been visiting the Douglas Bader Rehabilitation hospital in Roehampton, SW London. I pass the Limbless Association offices on my way to see my consultant. It was a year ago when i first made friends at this association, and it dawned on me that perhaps i should tell my friends there about flying - so I did and Ray Edwards, who is the current Chief Executive and a quad amputee (has had both his arms and legs amputated due to cancer when he was younger) got in touch with me to see how we work together to get him and his members flying. Today was one of those days when getting in the air makes you feel so alive and kicking. I arranged to meet Ray and he would do some flying with our master of training Mr Mike W. The sun was shining, i was listening reggae VERY loudly driving up the M1 and felt great by the time i arrived at Freedom HQ.

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04/03/2008 by Mr Shoe Wingtips.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak to students of St. Mark’s Catholic School, Hounslow. Today, i went to meet them and talk about my flying achievements,  work with Rotary International and to talk about poverty. Little did i know, the School is right under the final approach for Heathrow runway 27L and 27R.

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