Opening the evening, Honorary Professor Edward Rochead transported us to the golden age of aviation with the story of pioneering pilot Amy Johnson. Her record‑breaking flights in the 1930s captured the imagination of the world — and her courage continues to resonate.
Edward’s talk explored:
• Amy’s groundbreaking solo flight to Australia in 1930
• The barriers she faced as a woman in early aviation
• Her later journey to South Africa
• Her personal ties to Hampshire and how they shaped her life
A gifted communicator who blends history, engineering, and human stories, Edward has been inspiring audiences across Hampshire and beyond since 1999. His deep knowledge and engaging style make Amy Johnson’s achievements feel as vivid and daring today as they were nearly a century ago.
Hampshire History Trust 