THE Radnorshire Museum in Llandrindod Wells was packed with 120 people for the launch of ‘Early Birds and Boys in Blue – A Century of Radnoshire Aviation’. Many of those at the museum were or are family members of airmen featured in the book.

Among them were Peter Davies, who had travelled from Worcestershire, and Ralph Speake, of Llandrindod Wells. Both these men are RAF veterans from the Second World War who feature in the book. They were joined by Maisie Powell a 101-year-old Llandrindod Wells resident, whose husband is also written about in the book.

Phillip Jones, the author, was introduced by the museum’s curator Will Adams.

Phill has been researching aviation for over 25 years and has been involved in many other RAF-related projects not just in Mid Wales but in many other parts of the Britain.

Phill gave a short speech before Jane Johnston, the town clerk of Llandrindod Wells, read an address from the town mayor who had been unavoidably detained.

Jane also spoke on her own account about the poignant nature of the book and how important it is for these men to be remembered.

Phill had set up a display of photographs in the museum and had also taken along some RAF uniforms and paraphernalia used by airmen during the Second World War.

After the speeches, a film show was projected onto the gallery wall showing stills from the book as well as photographs that hadn’t made it into the final version.

This film looped all afternoon and provoked a great deal of interest.

A buffet was set up and Phill said he would especially like to thank Jayne Griffiths, the Tesco Community champion, for her generous gift of cakes and biscuits and tea and coffee.

Andy and Karen Johnston of Logaston Press, who are the publishers of the book, were also at the launch.

Phill was in high demand all afternoon as people wanted their copies of the book signed.

The book is available from many outlets throughout Radnorshire, including Verzon Books in LLandrindod Wells and the Radnorshire Museum as well as sites in Builth Wells, Rhayader, Presteigne and Knighton. The book can also be purchased from Logaston Press by visiting their website. The 262-page highly illustrated volume is on sale for the price of £12.95.