We are sorry to report the death of Roger Smith, founder of the Midland Aircraft Preservation Society (MAPS) and long-term leading light in the Midland Aircraft Museum. Roger was a 19-year-old Dunlop apprentice when, in May 1967, he founded MAPS, one of the very early voluntary groups, and was involved shortly afterwards in the launch of the British Aircraft Preservation Council (BAPC), the forerunner of AHUK.
After serving as MAPS Secretary for many years, he continued to work tirelessly for the benefit of the Museum, his talents as a draughtsman and his understanding of building and planning regulations and procedures proving invaluable as more ambitious projects occupied his time. Whilst remaining a permanent Member, he finally stood down as a Trustee after nearly 30 years during which his contribution was incalculable and he was well respected throughout the movement.
In 2007, in recognition of his years of service to aircraft preservation, he was granted Life Membership of BAPC at the 40th Anniversary event at Derby. In September 2013 he was presented with the Coventry City Council's 'Good Citizen Award' "…for founding the Midland Aircraft Preservation Society and working tirelessly to develop the Midland Air Museum so that everyone could see the contribution that the city of Coventry has made to aviation history."
Until just a few months ago, he was actively contributing to the preparation of a detailed, illustrated history of the Society and its museum, being compiled by founder members and others determined to record the formative years of one of the early regional preservation groups.
The photo above shows Roger accepting Life Membership from President Tony Edwards in 2007