We were delighted to host a talk recently on Captain Frank Barnwell, a pioneer in Bristol and UK aviation history.

Captain Barnwell moved into Alveston House in the early part of the 20th Century.  He lived here with his wife and 3 sons until his untimely death in 1938.

Frank Barnwell and his brother Harold were famous for building and flying the first aeroplane in Scotland in 1909.  Frank then went on to become chief engineer for Sir George White, founder of the BCAC – Bristol and Colonial Aeroplane Company.  The company leased two sheds at a site in Filton which has since become the base for the internationally renowned BAE Systems.

Some 60 members of Bristol Aero Collection who share a passion for aviation heritage in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire area gathered in the Garden Suite to hear about his early life from speaker Quentin Wilson, who was flown down for the occasion from Scotland.

It was a wonderful occasion made even more special as it took place in the former home of Captain Barnwell himself.

Pictured with Quentin Wilson are Bill Morgan, Peter Coombs both from the Aero Collection and myself Carole Topping from Alveston House.