PAXboy
30th Jun 2003, 02:01
I would not be surprised to learn that many of you are fans of the books of this (very) English author.
You may not know that there is a small 'foundation' started by enthusiasts a few years ago. They promote the works of the man, in the 24 novels and one autobiography between 1924 (at the age of 25) and 1960. A number of films were made of his books.
Shute died in his adopted country of Australia in 1963. His two daughters both live in the USA although they have no birth children of their own and the family line will close.
Older Ppruners will recall No Highway (as discussed in film thread) but also the significance of On the Beach. At the time - one of the most powerful representations of the risks of 'MAD'. Younger folks will know him because of A Town Like Alice made into a film and a mini-series. His works are currently in print and some also available on audio book.
The Foundation recently initiated the Nevil Shute Norway Excellence in Aviation Scholarship program through which one or more selected recipients are awarded a $1,500 USD scholarship to further their education toward a career in aviation. The Royal Victorian Aero Club (RVAC), where Nevil Shute's wife Frances Norway received her pilot training, was selected as the agency to administer the first scholarship. The RVAC is located at Moorabbin Airfield, just outside of Melbourne. It was there that Nevil Shute kept his beloved Percival Proctor, Item Willie.
The next scholarship is to be $3,000 and may be split between a student pilot and student aero engineer. This would represent the strong involvement Shute had as engineer himself.
The Foundation has a retired pilot as it's chair (US based) and many pilots and engineers amongst it's members. If you visit the website, you will see that aviation receives prime attention. I am not directly involved with the Foundation, only one that appreciates the books and is supporting them where I can.
Nevil Shute Foundation (http://www.nevilshute.org/index.html)
You may not know that there is a small 'foundation' started by enthusiasts a few years ago. They promote the works of the man, in the 24 novels and one autobiography between 1924 (at the age of 25) and 1960. A number of films were made of his books.
Shute died in his adopted country of Australia in 1963. His two daughters both live in the USA although they have no birth children of their own and the family line will close.
Older Ppruners will recall No Highway (as discussed in film thread) but also the significance of On the Beach. At the time - one of the most powerful representations of the risks of 'MAD'. Younger folks will know him because of A Town Like Alice made into a film and a mini-series. His works are currently in print and some also available on audio book.
The Foundation recently initiated the Nevil Shute Norway Excellence in Aviation Scholarship program through which one or more selected recipients are awarded a $1,500 USD scholarship to further their education toward a career in aviation. The Royal Victorian Aero Club (RVAC), where Nevil Shute's wife Frances Norway received her pilot training, was selected as the agency to administer the first scholarship. The RVAC is located at Moorabbin Airfield, just outside of Melbourne. It was there that Nevil Shute kept his beloved Percival Proctor, Item Willie.
The next scholarship is to be $3,000 and may be split between a student pilot and student aero engineer. This would represent the strong involvement Shute had as engineer himself.
The Foundation has a retired pilot as it's chair (US based) and many pilots and engineers amongst it's members. If you visit the website, you will see that aviation receives prime attention. I am not directly involved with the Foundation, only one that appreciates the books and is supporting them where I can.
Nevil Shute Foundation (http://www.nevilshute.org/index.html)