----- Original Message -----
From: "paul atkinson" <paul@theatkinsons.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Europa-List: Re: without predudice
.........................................
Does anyone have the wherewithall to copy the letter and Brian's comment
to the Photoshare archive for the benefit of those who have not been able
to read it?
Regards
Paul Atkinson
Please send your letters to: The Editor, Popular Flying Magazine, 60
Queenborough Road, Sheerness, Kent ME12 3BZ Email: magazine@pfanet.co.uk
Europa Management (International) Ltd. From Keith Wilson (Without prejudice)
I am writing in connection with the demise of Europa Management
(International) Limited back in July 2004.
As is often the case in these situations, it is not one issue that brings
things to a head but a series of events controlled by a number of people.
That said, I was Managing Director of the company at that time and it is the
M.D. who is ultimately responsible for all of them. Right up until the last
minute I had been working on a refinancing package, as some will know.
However, in the event actions by third parties precipitated the collapse of
EM(I)L.
Some people lost money as a consequence of the demise, for which I am deeply
sorry. I would also like to state that contrary to some people's belief, I
have not gained in any way as a result of the collapse of the company. In
fact, my personal financial losses, along with those of my family, have been
significantly greater than anybody else has suffered - although I am sure
that this fact will not help those who have suffered any kind of loss
themselves.
Since the demise, my ability to work and earn a living in order to provide
for my family has been severely hampered. Many doors have been firmly closed
to me. However, some readers will be aware of my previous aviation
photographic activities and I have been trying to resurrect that occupation
in order to support my family - something I am sure you will all agree is
completely reasonable.
In addition, I would like to find a way, however small, to make some kind of
recompense to those who have suffered financial loss. Sadly, I do not see a
way where everybody can be repaid completely but thanks to the kind offer of
help and cooperation from Peter Kember (President of the Europa Club) I
would like to go someway to demonstrating my willingness to try.
I am proposing to create a trust fund, to be administered by the Europa
Club, the details of which have to be agreed. A proportion of my future
freelance aviation photography-related earnings will be paid over to this
fund on a regular basis and distributed in accordance with the wishes of the
trustees.
I am delighted to see that Europa has continued in new hands and I wish that
team every success in the future. I would be willing to provide photographic
support to that company in order to demonstrate my commitment to their
future success. The use of my Europa photographic library, or any future
commissions for Europa could be undertaken on an expenses-only basis.
I would like to conclude by reiterating my heartfelt apologies for the
inconvenience and suffering that has been caused by the sad demise of Europa
Management (International) Limited. I am deeply sorry. Keith Wilson
Addendum by Brian Hope - editor
For more than fifteen years, Keith Wilson has submitted pictures of the
highest quality to Popular Flying, and without doubt the magazine would be
the worse without his valuable contribution. What many people will not know
is that he has always carried out his PFA commissions on an expenses only
basis, saving the PFA a great deal of money over what we would normally have
to pay a professional air to air photographer.
As editor of Popular Flying 1 can say without hesitation that Keith it is a
genuine pleasure to deal with, if he promises a picture, it will be
delivered the next day, and if he says he will be at a certain location for
a shoot, he will be there. Popular Flying is a low budget, part time
operation, and just as with any other publication, it has to work to tight
deadlines. Such a high level of service and commitment to the task is an
absolute godsend.
As you will see from the cover feature this month, 1 had the opportunity to
fly for Keith's camera very recently. Over a two hour session we shot ten
different aeroplanes in thirteen different sequences; it was a lesson in the
consummate professionalism with which Keith approaches his work, the safety
of all concerned always being paramount.
It is unfortunate that there has been some disquiet amongst a small number
of members over the continued use of Keith's work in Popular Flying
following the unfortunate demise of Europa Management (International)
Limited. 1 hope that matter can now be laid to rest, and Keith will be
permitted to work freely in his chosen field without undue hindrance. For my
part, I hope the excellent relationship between Keith Wilson and Popular
Flying will continue for many years to come.
Brian Hope. Editor.
50
POPULAR FLYING November 2005
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