The last airshow of the season at Old Warden has come and gone.
As I have said before, I made my return to Old Warden earlier this year after an absence of 31 years. It might be more appropriate to say I “rediscovered” OW. (In fact, I rediscovered it 11 times!) And in that process, I learned or relearned something about myself. I love old aeroplanes.
But it’s not just that. It’s the timelessness of the place. I can’t imagine a more beautiful setting in which these aeroplanes could be displayed. Forget the re-enactors and the people who dress in Edwardian clothes, the visitors themselves seem to hark back to an earlier time. The politeness and friendliness that you seldom find at ‘bigger’ shows shines through. It’s all just so much more civilised. No wind breaks and tented encampments, no pushing or shoving to get a ‘better’ spot.
And all that’s before anything takes to the air. The pilots fly such a diverse number of aircraft during the day and display them all with consumate grace and skill. I was struck last Saturday when some fellow forumites were sampling the wares of the beer hut, just in the nature of research, when one of the pilot’s walked up and said ‘who cleaned my aeroplanes? They look lovely.’ Here’s a place where you can get involved, whatever your skill, or lack of, encompasses, there’s something you can do.
Some of you know I have brought my Father and Uncle with me every time I’ve been to OW this season. My Uncle had never been to an airshow before, he is now a devotee. We all joined the SVAS yesterday. I think it’s probably the best twenty quid I’ve ever spent.
Here’s a few photos of what I think was an absolutely memorable show.
Regards,
kev35
By: Guzzineil - 3rd October 2005 at 22:28
’twas a fine end of season display.. didnt take any pictures during the main display, was firmly glued to my chair, chatting with the other ‘grumpy old men’, sipping beer and watchign the aeroplanes.. made the effort to stand up though as the sun went down.. the brisfit looked really nice in the glow of the setting sun.. and i was impressed that i manged to get ‘motion blur’ on the Bleriot.. :rolleyes:
Neil.
By: Manonthefence - 3rd October 2005 at 21:59
Not bad for a guy with a dog in one hand and a pint in the other. You have a rare talent mate 😉
By: kev35 - 3rd October 2005 at 21:56
And just a few more….
Regards,
kev35
By: kev35 - 3rd October 2005 at 21:46
I enjoyed yesterday so much here’s a few more, well possibly more than a few, but you get my meaning.
I also think the Spitfire display was on of the finest I’ve seen. He seemed to really rocket around on that first pass.
By: GASML - 3rd October 2005 at 17:40
what is Spt looking at on the Tower?
I reckon he’s lining up a ‘pot shot’ at all the people on the wrong side of the hedge!
A great show, in particular one of the best Spitfire displays I can remember seeing anywhere in recent years. It was the perfect finale to OW’s 2005 season.
By: JDK - 3rd October 2005 at 14:57
what is Spt looking at on the Tower?
The smart money is on an aeroplane. Probably an old one.
By: danohagan - 3rd October 2005 at 14:11
It’s a wonderful place, and speaking as someone from the “younger” generation, I hope it continues to flourish for many years and I’m able to take my children and children’s children to shows there. Tis what aviation is all about!
By: Manonthefence - 3rd October 2005 at 13:59
what is Spt looking at on the Tower?
By: JDK - 3rd October 2005 at 13:53
Great thread Kev.
May I?
Mrs JDK regards OW as No.1 aviation Venue, and we’ve introduced a number of people to it over the years.
Can’t beat it.
By: EN830 - 3rd October 2005 at 13:29
Ian, I fear you are too late….Regards,kev35
Please don’t tell me you are going to start wearing the OW standard issue baggy shorts ?????
By: kev35 - 3rd October 2005 at 13:16
Nice observations Kev, and great photographs.
However I do hope you’re not going to become another OW bore, like a mutual friend of ours !!!;)
Ian, I fear you are too late….
Regards,
kev35
By: kev35 - 3rd October 2005 at 13:14
A few more…
By: EN830 - 3rd October 2005 at 13:07
Nice observations Kev, and great photographs.
However I do hope you’re not going to become another OW bore, like a mutual friend of ours !!!;)
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October 3, 2005 at 12:35 pm