Oh dear! What a mess! I am a retired aviator and no longer a member of the LAA for which I still retain a strong sense of loyalty and gratitude for many years of fun flying. I also enjoyed Tracey Curtis Taylor’s original film on TV and my only reaction was envy at her opportunity to fly such a wonderful machine across Africa. I say this because I have no dog in this fight but I can’t see how this saga is going to end well for anyone. What is due to happen at the AGM on October 21 is, in effect, an appeal against previous process. Who said what to whom and where is not the issue. The question to be decided is about the original decision to award the Bill Woodhams trophy in 2014. If the trophy was awarded properly by the Awards Committee in the light of all known facts, then no matter what others think about it, the resolution to rescind it was wrong and it should be reinstated with an apology. If it was awarded improperly on the basis of wrong information which, if corrected, would have altered the outcome, then the resolution of October 2016 should stand. Logically, only one of those outcomes is possible. These are the matters of fact that should be addressed at the AGM. Factual arguments for and against the motions on this basis should have been invited and presented to the membership in writing in advance, so that members who take an interest but cannot attend in person can consider them and register their vote. On such an important issue, taking verbal and emotional arguments at a meeting and relying on a show of hands based on who can attend is not going to satisfy anyone.