Our second IFFR section meeting in September 2024 was hosted by IFFR Italia, in the southern city of Reggio Calabria, on the weekend of 13th to 16th September. With participants including IFFR World President Mike and Sali from Australia, and Craig and Ruth-Ann Bledsoe from Alaska, all 3 IFFR Regions were represented.
Located on the very toe of Italy, looking out over the Straits of Messina to Sicily, it was too far for most to fly themselves, so congratulations to Michael Bock and Beate Thomsen from the French section for making the long journey from the West Coast of France in their Pipistrel Panthera. For the UK contingent, Caroline and I, Mike and Margaret Cromati, Bob Field and Brian Harvey, it was an easy journey from London City airport via Milan to Reggio Calabria. Most folks arrived on the Thursday evening, and after a couple of cold beers on the seafront, we adjourned for dinner in an excellent fish restaurant.
After a leisurely Friday morning exploring the city centre, we were ready for the IFFR Italia meeting which started with a casual lunch of Arancini stuffed Italian rice balls. We then enjoyed a personal open top bus guided tour of the old part of the city which is steeped in both Greek and Roman history – RC having been an important trading post for many centuries.
After a quick visit to the castle, from the ramparts of which one can clearly see Mount Etna volcano, we were ready for our evening out. We were bussed to the picturesque seaside village of Chianalea between Scilla and Charybdis, with the intention of a waterfront outdoor dinner – but the weather did not play ball, and with waves crashing over the terrace, so dined inside instead – a fine 5 course feast.
On the Saturday, most of the pilots went out to the aeroclub, but sadly the weather that had arrived the previous evening continued and so it did not permit for any sightseeing flights. But pilots can always fly barstools over a coffee and cake.
We returned to the city in time for a 3 course lunch, after which we had a tour of the MArRC National Archaeological Museum. One of the most prestigious archaeological museums in Italy, it houses the Riace Bronzes and material from Prehistory to the late Roman Age.
We then had time to prepare for the Gala dinner – another 5 course feast – at the “L’A Gourmet L’Accademia, held jointly with the Rotary Clubs of Reggio Calabria Est and Reggio Calabria Sud, and in the presence of Rotary District 2102 Governor Maria Pia Porcino – all of which made for much exchanging of banners!
Up in good time on Sunday, we enjoyed a scenic bus journey through the Aspromonte National Park to Gerace, nestled high in the hills on sandstone cliffs. After another multi-course lunch in a nearby farmhouse, we returned back to the city.
Our final evening was another super enjoyable casual evening at pizzeria Piro Piro on the waterfront, our pizzas washed down with a celebratory IFFR cake and Prosecco.
For most of us, Monday morning was time to head home. But Mike and Margaret Cromati, staying on for a few more days, were able to enjoy a scenic flight in the flying club PA28 with IFFR member Enrico Paratore. I understand it was well-equipped with “inop” stickers, but Mike says it was still fun to fly.
Thanks to Guido Guidi and all the IFFR Italia team for this great weekend which brought the 2024 series of European weekend meetings to an end.