Home > Aviation > New film     Leisure Flying at Southend Airport 2003 This video was filmed and produced by staff and students of Northwick Park Junior School, Canvey Island. Canvey Island is within easy reach of Southend Airport, which, in addition to busy commercial activities, is also the home of Southend Flying Club. Southend Flying Club was officially opened in 1935 by the Under Secretary for Air, Sir Phillip Sassoon, who flew a De Havilland 85 Leopard Moth. This club is therefore one of the oldest Flying Clubs in Essex and today maintains a thriving programme of courses and events. The Northwick Park students studied the 1932 film and then contacted Southend Flying Club to ask about leisure flying in 2003. They were delighted to receive an invitation to visit the club to meet a flying instructor, have a tour of the airfield and a close look at a modern aeroplane! The local press were also invited and photos appeared in the newspapers together with articles about the project. Accompanied by their headteacher, Mr. Overton – Smith and teaching assistant Mrs. Griffiths, the year 6 students had a great time filming their experiences and even managed to film Mrs. Griffiths looping the loop! During the day many comparisons were drawn with early flying in Essex and the technology familiar to Alan Cobham in 1932. Later, the video was edited using Moviemaker software and sound and titles were also added. Copies of the new film on CD were presented to the students on their leaving day in July 2003.