WHY WE NEED TO COMMEMORATE CODY

The first flight in an aeroplane in the UK was made by Samuel Franklin Cody at Farnborough on 16 Oct 1908.

Cody - then an American citizen - was already employed by the British Army as the Chief Kiting Instructor. He had established a UK record height for a kite in 1902 (a record not broken until 2011) and had already been involved in the construction,  and record breaking flight, of a military airship.  He had devised and developed a man-carrying kite system for use by the army in reconnaissance work.

Cody became a British citizen in 1909 and went on to develop - mainly at his own expense - a range of aircraft, including one of the type which won the Military trials of 1912 and which is on display in the Science Museum in South Kensington.  Cody was the first aviator in Great Britain to carry a passenger.

All his aeroplane work was done at Farnborough in, or adjacent to, what was then called the Balloon Factory.  Farnborough is a place known worldwide for its association with aviation.  Although Cody’s main connection is with Farnborough, he first introduced his kites to the Army whilst the Balloon School and Factory were still in Aldershot.  At the time of his first flight, he lived in Mytchett and later moved to Ash Vale.

To learn more about Cody visit www.sfcody.org.uk or the BBC pages on Samuel Franklin Cody>>



FAST is working to ensure the proper commemoration of Samuel Franklin Cody - one of the most significant aviation pioneers in our history - with a statue to be unveiled on the centenary anniversary of his death in 2013.

On this page you can read a little about Cody and why we need to keep his memory alive; what we are trying to achieve with this memorial Cody Statue Project; and how you can help us.

The Cody Statue Project

Fundraising Event





Saturday 11 May

Rushmoor Male Voice Choir
Concert

DETAILS HERE>>

You can donate online with a credit or debit card.  It's easy and secure.


You can come to a fundraising event


You can help us with your time and/or expertise.


You can buy a commemorative engraved brick



The Project depends on volunteers and sponsors


CAN YOU HELP?

SUPPORTING THE PROJECT

FAST, assisted by the Rushmoor Rotary Club, is seeking to raise funds to cover the cost of this project.  Rushmoor Borough Council and Hampshire County Council have already pledged a substantial contribution to this fund, which will be administered by FAST.


VOLUNTEERS

If you would like to help or support this project in any way then please email us FASTCodyProject@aol.com or phone 01252 375050 to discuss more.


DONATIONS

We need more financial help to enable this Project to succeed.  Donations will be very gratefully received.

THE PROPOSED MEMORIAL

Despite having played such a major role in the development of aviation in the UK, there is no public monument to Cody and he is in danger of being forgotten.


It is planned to commemorate Samuel Franklin Cody (no relation to “Buffalo Bill”) by the erection, in a public place, of a statue.  The statue will be flanked by a memorial wall to commemorate the world renowned role of Farnborough in the development of aviation (see artist’s impression below).

The intent is to unveil the statue on Wednesday 7 August 2013 - the centenary of  Cody’s death in an aircraft accident at Farnborough.

ABOVE : Impression of how the statue might look

The statue will be by acclaimed sculptor Vivien Mallock

INSET : The statue maquette - read more about the sculpture in progress in News & Events>>

BUY A BRICK!

Although the details are yet to be settled, it is planned to cover the area around the statue with paving bricks - as shown in the mock-up below - many of which will be engraved.


Tickets

Available on the door!

© 2013 Farnborough Air Sciences Trust - All Rights Reserved     |     Charity Commission Reg. No. 1040199     |   Website by Waving Moose Communications, Farnborough

ABOUT FAST

FAST (the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust) was founded in 1993 to safeguard Farnborough's priceless aeronautical heritage.  We work to preserve and promote Farnborough's great heritage in aviation science - an important educational resource and an internationally significant part of the nation's scientific progress.


Our museum is dedicated to Farnborough's proud aviation heritage and significant contribution to air science and research, and offers an important educational resource as well as an entertaining and stimulating day out for anyone interested in aviation history and scientific progress.  


HOW TO FIND US

Trenchard House

85 Farnborough Road

Farnborough

Hampshire GU14 6TF


Tel : 01252 375050

E: manager@farnboroughairsciences.org.uk

FULL DETAILS

FAST MUSEUM
Visitor Information

Farnborough Air Sciences Trust

Safeguarding Our Unique Aviation History