Bruntingthorpe 17th November – Late Review

Once again the Bruntingthorpe Airfield Team lead by example, providing the exceptional opportunity to get intimate with the resident VC10 fleet in the company of the esteemed CWJ Collection, for the meagre sum of £10.

A superb billing, but my personal expectation was muted as I was n’t sure quite what to expect knowing Aircraft always require effort, older Aircraft considerable effort and Brunty’s museum can sometimes be a little ‘Take us as you find us’ aesthetically as efforts concentrate on keeping their babies alive!

The forecast Weather materialised and my trip over the Peak District offered little colour to the moorland, which of course set the tone for the day ahead however solace was readily found as I chain-scoffed my Garage Forecourt Kit Kats naively procured to last the day!

Arriving shortly after 10AM via yet more country lanes not traversed on previous visits, different route every time, entry fee paid to the ever jovial Security Team on the Gate, I was directed to the temporary parking area with the very welcome accompanying Tea Cabin and Toilets.

The sight that played out before me did not initially register, partially because of my ‘Arrival’ mind-set but moreover due to the November gloom, however stretching from approx. 250 – 300m from the Runway 25 threshold, lay an amazing array of classic aviation’s finest which as I was shortly to discover, were considerately positioned for an approximate 500 m in a manner that took me right back to my 7 year old self reading my Fathers well-thumbed Air Force Reviews from the 1950’s, where amazing arrays of Air Force ‘Might’ were assembled for the annual Queens Review…….Help yourself was the invite!

Progressing towards the VC10’s, I had the inconvenience of by-passing this labyrinth of Jets, (please ref. the Photos), with highlights for me being the Jet Provost 5 ship ‘V’ formation, Lightning pair, Comet/ Nimrod Pair, Sea Vixen, Sea Harrier, Buccaneer trio and Victor.
In my view the Aircraft were perfectly positioned for the Purist, positioned on Brunty’s Cold War runway in poor light, perfect for the Berlin mid-winter Spy Exchanges of old but softening these old ladies sufficiently to hide the ravages of time, the Cold War literally felt in the here and now!

Bringing up the rear, finally the VC10 trio, headed by BOB, K4 ‘241’ to her left and K3 ‘147’ to the right, (proposed Aircraft flypast trio on Aug. 2012 IIRC), 3 Queens, majestic with the unique presence these Aircraft possess.
I’m personally torn between trying to appreciate the scene before me and the sadness the view portrays, as Weybridge’s Global Wanderers sit silent in the drizzle, the captive Ghost’s caught in their respective Cabins enacting the SOP’s, performing maintenance ‘Majors’, excitements never to be uttered on return from trips abroad whilst November’s rain water trickled along the paths of least resistance infiltrating the matt grey Airframes.

I appreciate these are lumps of finely crafted tin, however throughout significant global events over the past 50 years, there’s a fair chance these Ladies shared front row Seats!

After seemingly no time, I was kindly requested to venture back to the head of the line-up pending some ‘Clean’ shots to be taken from the Hi-Lift Scissor Platform, to my delight everyone had the opportunity to venture aloft some 10-12m, affording a commanding view of the entire line-up…unforgettable.

It was now early afternoon and the visibility was falling quite rapidly, but despite losing feeling in all ‘wiggly’ extremities, one more scurry up the line to re-enforce the memory was undertaken and homeward bound it was, and yes more unexpected views of the Leicestershire countryside were to be had.

I cannot over emphasise my appreciation, and no doubt of many others towards the Bruntingthorpe Team and GJD Services for their preparation, consideration and enthusiasm in organising this wonderful event, particularly as the Airfield was scheduled to be active the following day.
Without exception all Volunteers were professional, gracious and good humoured and a real credit to Bruntingthorpe, long may you thrive….unlike my kids, these Guys like sharing their toys, thank you.

Please support Brunty, VC10 rumours were rife on the day and are hot topics on most aviation forums, whatever the outcome hopefully at least one VC10 will remain live for those of us further north and may our children, and maybe their children appreciate why this old girl in particular attracted so much admiration.