Walney Island Air Display.

You are correct. John Corley flew the Air Atlantique Historic Flight Anson to good effect in a nice display that showed the aircraft off well. Walney was home to crew training Ansons in WW2 so it was a highly appropriate item on the star studded programme. A point not missed by that jewel encrusted Scouser, Ken Ellis, whose informed commentary was much appreciated by the spectators.
Cheers,
Trapper 69

I think there was an Avro Anson in the display as well, not on your original list. Was it in the programme to come in?

Jon.

I have rarely enjoyed an airshow more having been flying in them since 1955 – 50 years ago. A golden day indeed.
The organisers, Paul Rose and Ray Thilthorpe, did a grand job and the hospitality on the Friday night for the airshow participants was exceptional. A shame the Sunday closing could not have been lifted just the once as it would have been great to relax over a pint or two after the show instead of beating a swift retreat home to Leicester.
Ah well, the pint went down nicely back at base.
Here’s to 2006 though I believe it is more likely to be 2007 before the next Walney aerial extravaganza.
Cheers,
Trapper 69

From my view in the Dak I think that 35,000 is a bit excessive, however I could be wrong. The location was good but we didn’t land to sample the burgers. Instead I had a £10 burglar in a hotel in Blackpool.

From what I saw on Saturday, you’ve had enough burgers anyway.

You missed a good evening at Walney, but without you guys we had enough ale to go round.

See ya soon.

A.F.

From my view in the Dak I think that 35,000 is a bit excessive, however I could be wrong. The location was good but we didn’t land to sample the burgers. Instead I had a £10 burglar in a hotel in Blackpool.

For a first effort it was a great show, local papers figures put attendance at 35,000 which as they were expecting 25,000 is a great boost. Lots of positive comments from everyone i’ve spoken too so hopefully 2007 is on, like Phil (proplover) mentioned to me i’m sure they will learn a few things they were a bit naive on this time and how nice it was to be able to buy a decent burger for under 2 quid.

The ‘Welsh’ 2 seater apears not to get out much but thats only because its not seen down south very much. When applying for airshows the organisers take into account transit costs. When they have several well known Spitfires based at Duxford and now North Weald to choose from why bother with something based in the hills? Indeed one show organiser simply said “dont bother applying old boy, we get all our Spitfires from Duxford you know” – as it was he still had PT462, via Duxford and therefore at a greater cost. Was expecting a request for a flypast or two with Carolyn similar to the P51’s but there was no follow up from the display team – you’d have had a least 2 then!
I must comment that for a first time (major) show it was a super effort, indeed many established shows could have learned a lesson or 2 from Walney. Everyone involved on the organising side was helpful and enthuseastic – I didnt encounter a single jobsworth all day. There were a few hiccups but nothing serious, fab display venue and I believe that proveded all parties involved, sponsers, council, airfield management, etc a plan for a bi annual event will be set up.

AF,
I’m glad you had a great day out.
These little local airshows hold much greater appeal than the annual shove-fest at Duxford.
I bet the numpty level in the crowd was low too.
Cheers
Andy

Food good and afordable, people willing to help, no pratts on ladders at the fence. An all round nice place. When we left in the Spitfire at the end of the show people were still full of enthusiasm, good to see.

Level of Numpties – Low.

Number of interesting people – V High.

Avro – please don’t be sorry about not posting pictures! Infact it’s a relief! I know what they look like – its nice to fill in the blanks in my mind!

Fair coment.

Avro – please don’t be sorry about not posting pictures! Infact it’s a relief! I know what they look like – its nice to fill in the blanks in my mind!

Or even a Quartet with ‘161 that would of been nice.
AF,
Glad you enjoyed yourself.

looks like an interesting event.. especially with the ‘Welsh 2-seater’ there as dont see that one out n about much – pity they didnt get The Major along for a 3-some.. 😀 😮
Neil.

Walney

I must say I enjoyed what i saw as I could not take the dog in so went under the approach and had Janie and BBD making finals right over me – also I saw Sally B escorted by the former – awesome ! – I saw what I wanted to see and then ran back to the car for the sunscreen , now have a sunburnt neck

Carolyn Graces Spitfire gave a fantastic display

unusual shot of Sally B – Must get a decent camera !!

I Was fortunate enough to be part of one of the most pleasent Air Displays I’ve been to in many years yesterday. Walney Island in Barrow in Furness. Sorry I haven’t got any pictures.
It was only after we arrived in the Spitfire we discovered we were the first Spitfire to land at Walney since 1945.
It was the kind of air display where all the egoes and heros had been left at home.
The participants list was quite impresive to say it was the first display they’ve put on.

Grace Spitfire – ML407.
Welsh Two seat Spitfire.
PL965.
Hurricane Mk XII
Magister.
Maurice Hamond & Rob Davis – In Janie and the Doll.
John Taylor in his Extra.
Beech 18
Barry Tempest in the Skybolt
Catalina
BBMF
Hunter
Hawk
Falcons

Richard Grace in his Cassut Racer and Dave Puleston in his Pitts were in the static park

It was the kind of Airshow that has almost become extinct, ie, close and friendly with a stunning back drop of the bay and hills in the distance.

I know this may not be your cup of tea, but I’m sick of reading how world beating Flying Fagends is, well, If they have a display at Walney next year and I get the oppertunity to go, I will go without a doubt.

I have a strange feeling there was a chap from “Flypast” there as well.

AF

AF,
I’m glad you had a great day out.
These little local airshows hold much greater appeal than the annual shove-fest at Duxford.
I bet the numpty level in the crowd was low too.
Cheers
Andy