Old Warden or Woodchurch??

The only aspect of old Warden that needs some improvement, is possibly the number of trade stalls which have been rather depleted in recent years and the stock currently in the new shop which will hopefully offer a better selection for enthusiasts as time goes on.

Frankly, the fewer “rubber mallet” stalls, atmosphere ruining bouncy castles, lorry backed “flight simulators” and other inappropriate trade stalls (Jaguar, Ford (Honda’s are okay 😉 ) & the like) at Old Warden the better, imv.

However, a good photography stall, selling (in particular) memory cards & batteries would be welcome. The lady in the van is very nice and helpful, but her choice of stock is a little out of date.

When’s that rear gunner in the Junkers going to stop protecting all the parked aircraft and come in for a cuppa… 😀

TNZ

I did both last year, I spent the morning at Woodchurch and then drove up to Old Warden in the afternoon. Arrived just in time for the first display.

As to which one to attend,

Woodchurch, superb location, vilage fete atmosphere rather like the old Badminton or Orsett displays. A great mix of vintage and Warbird aircraft normally in attendance. Also home cooked Burgers!

The only down side to Woodchurch is the increased popularity, now starting to get very busy.

Old Warden, very difficult to beat on a good weather day, excellent location atmosphere and aircraft. The only aspect of old Warden that needs some improvement, is possibly the number of trade stalls which have been rather depleted in recent years and the stock currently in the new shop which will hopefully offer a better selection for enthusiasts as time goes on.

Septic.

Woodchurch 2003

Just to point out that so far the Harrier GR7 will not be landing at OW, not sure on the other ‘biggies’ though.

Never been to Woodchurch. Can someone provide directions to get to it from the West?

Photo opportunities are excellent at Woodchurch. Static wise – all interesting display/historic aircraft are normally parked crowd side with cessna’s and general aviation planes on the other side of the runway. As you face east, the sun is behind you in the afternoon when the display takes place.

Woodchurch is but once a year whereas Old Warden offers multiple opportunities to enjoy the magic atmosphere. My advice – go to Woodchurch. Wish I could.
Cheers,
Trapper 69

never been to woodchurch, would like to go to chaily. would be nice to get close up pics of a corsair seems when shes at DX she flys high but youve got 10X as many people at DX

I’ve been to a few Woodchurch shows and they are very good – display line is close enough for good photography with a nice tree/field backdrop – basically a great informal friendly show with no vast traffic jams or billions of people to worry about!! – if you have not been it is well recommended!!

Woodchurch is the private grass strip in the grounds of Rob Davies house, the crowdline and runway are pretty close with the display line being beyond that. As for direction I believe you will be facing East. There will be people about better equiped to tell you what it was like from a spectators point of view, I was working so missed most of it, although watching the practices on the Saturday it looked very good from a spectators point of view it does however lack the 2nd runway / display axis which OW enjoys.
As well as aircraft there is also a gathering of classic vehicles etc for you to enjoy.

What is Woodchurch like from a spectating point of view? Any good, compared to OW?

Is it just a grass strip? How far is the crowdline from the runway? What direction do you face when watching the display? (thinking of photography… 😉 )

I’m trying to decide the same thing. I’m leaning towards Woodchurch — as y11f says, there’s only one display there but there’s many at Old Warden.

Not tricky for me, Woodchurch every time, you could always catch another Shuttlewoth display this year, there is only one Woodchurch. That’s just my view however.