Shuttleworth Solidarity Thread

I fondly remember the spirited displays in the Spitfire V he used to give. RIP and my condoleances to his family and friends.

Agreed 🙂 Tragic indeed . RIP Trevor thoughts are with your loved ones and friends.

….I believe (and I await the diatribes) that they have done more for aircraft preservation than flying the Vulcan has done or ever will do.

Point taken and respected – as are opposing viewpoints. Thanks, future contributors for keeping the thread on track.

I have visited over many years, with and without my children (eldest now 40). IMHO the Shuttleworth Trust has been a major plank in the aircraft preservation movement and long may they continue. I believe (and I await the diatribes) that they have done more for aircraft presservation than flying the Vulcan has done or ever will do. Pity some of that lottery money and public donations have not ended up in Bedfordshire.

Myself and Mrs S go up at least twice a year, more if we can fit it in. You know exactly what you are going to get and Shuttleworth never disappoints, even when it’s wet. It genuinely is a little bit of magic, a throwback to an idealised earlier time in aviation and the world in general and as such it is easy to forget the sacrifices that made the aviation world what it is. Some people give their lives to aviation, Trevor Roche gave his life in pursuit of something that we all love dearly. It may be a little early yet, but if and when there is something to commemorate his life I would like to contribute if possible.

Tim

Amidst the gloom that this accident has caused it should not be forgotten that the Shuttleworth Collection was set up as a memorial to someone who was killed in an aircraft accident.
For that very reason things should continue at Old Warden as they have always done, continued air displays are a fitting tribute to Richard Shuttleworth, Trevor and all the others involved, past or present, at Old Warden.

I have been captivated by Old Warden and the Collection since my first visit in 1971, and have been a regular visitor ever since….whatever happens elsewhere in the display world, you always know that wonderful curving flightline and utterly unique atmosphere will never, ever let you down. There are many, many happy memories of that place, and unfortunately some sad ones too. In the hearts of those who know the place, those names will live on. I wish the Shuttleworth family well, and offer sincere condolences to Trevor’s family and friends.

Can’t improve on that.

Thanks Moggy. You might have been describing my thoughts too. Even down to Shuttleworth being the first airshow I took my wife to.

Good luck and commiserations to all involved.

Old Warden always has a very special place in my heart. If I were limited to one show each year it would always be a Shuttleworth Sunset.

So relaxed, often with its own microclimate. No need to move from around your car, the aircraft come to you. The curving display line.

It was the first airshow I ever took Mrs Moggy to. She still talks of her first ever sight and sound of a Spitfire there.

I deeply regret the cost of all this loveliness that has been paid this weekend.

Moggy

Good luck Old Warden

Richard

I want to contribute to this thread as I have been a life long supporter of the collection, but I hardly know what to say. I think the best tribute we can pay to Trevor is to continue to support the collection he clearly loved as much as we can.
To the family, friends and colleagues of this fine man, our thoughts are with you.

1500+ hits in 2 days – I’m confident our messages of support are being read by those connected to the collection. Thanks for the post with the link to join SVAS for those who can afford it.

Some personal highlights for me;

Andy Sephton deftly displaying the Sea Hurricane one day. The aircraft appeared to almost hover like a bird at one point as it repositioned and I caught the light under it’s wings and the fabric on the fuselage. I always feel safe in the knowledge of how safely and sympathetically the aircraft are displayed.

The ground support team in their whites, providing low level but essential support.

Being able to lay out a picnic rug, relax, and watch and listen to so many beautiful aircraft being displayed on that iconic curving flight-line.

If Trevor’s family read this one day, I just want to say ‘thank you’, to you, for being part of the story of his contribution to Shuttleworth.

Old Warden is the epitome of vintage flying. The perfect setting run with the perfect mix of heart and professionalism by truly fine people. I saw my first flying Spitfire there back in ’99 and while I haven’t been back to the UK for longer than three days since, the memories are as strong as ever.

Thanks for the thread, seafuryfan, and thanks for the link, Mike J.

Accidents happen and it’s very sad when they do.
I’ve always considered Old Warden the safest and nicest air show in the UK.
Peaceful surroundings, Gardens, Birds of Prey and a nice selection of vintage aircraft.
Will definitely be going this year (and taking my mum). The only reason I haven’t been yet the awful weather.

Just wish to add my commiserations.
Old Warden is such a unique place.

Great thread SFF !
I have visited Old Warden since the 60’s whenever poss!And I absolutely agree that it is THE best UK venue.
My best wishes to all at OW !!

I took my late father to Old Warden for his first visit in the early 80’s and from that day onwards, assuming the weather was OK, it was impossible to keep him away from a Shuttleworth display. Both my parents loved the place and, for me there isn’t another place that holds a candle to Old Warden.
Unfortunately my circumstances mean I can no longer make several visits each year so I can’t give the support that I used to but I do try and manage at least one Shuttleworth display every year. It is a truly magical place with a superb collection of aircraft.
They have had a very difficult start to the year and no one could have envisaged the tragedy that happened this weekend. My sympathies are with Trevor’s family and all at Old Warden and I sincerely hope that the rest of the year is accident free and that the weather is much kinder on display days.

“Old Warden a magical place”
Yes that sums it up perfectly!

I fondly remember the spirited displays in the Spitfire V he used to give. RIP and my condoleances to his family and friends.

My first thoughts are to Trevor’s family & those who know him- to whoever you are please accept my sincerest condolences.

For those who are part of the Shuttleworth collection family, my thoughs are to you also- the grief of a loss of someone close is a difficult burden to bear or even comprehend under the cicumstances.

Please take comfort from what Trevor did, like all those airshow pilots gone before him was to give pleasure to us in the crowd through their flying.

Long my it continue from Biggleswade- it is what he would want.

Blue skies sir.

Someone used the word magic in reference to Shuttleworth and it is absolutely true, it is a magical place with a magical atmosphere.

I’ve not been able to attend for the last 5 years but since my circumstances changed early this year it has always been my intention to get back for at least one show this summer. I well remember the sights, sounds and smells of Old Warden, from misty mornings during the winter to the early evening sunshine and blue skies of an evening show, the anticipation at shows end of waiting to see if the Edwardians would fly. Many of those sights and sounds are unique. I never once left an Old Warden show disappointed. I often left with a full memory card but the photographs never match the memories in my head: The smell from the rotary engines, the sound of the Hurricane and Hind flown together, the excitement of the barnstorming, the spontaneous round of applause as the Lancaster came round from behind the trees. It is those things that make Old Warden magical, and Trevor Roche provided his fair share of that magic.

For those that knew Trevor, the grief is raw and palpable. That’s how it should be, but in time the magic will return and now Trevor will always remain a part of the magic that is Old Warden.

Regards,

kev35