Thanks for the update DCW. The Comet looks exactly in the same state as it did last year! And nice to see some progress on the spitfire rebuild!

I would like to thank DCW for creating the Duxford threads after all that’s what attracted me to this forum. Though the contributions by many others made the thread possible. Like most people I live a fair distance from Duxford and I can only visit a few times a year and the thread was a great place to catch up on news and see some fantastic photographs. It was a great thread where anybody could ask questions, share knowledge and comment on what is happening at one of the greatest air museums in the country and possibly the world. I hope that the thread is resurrected in due course and we will see the “Duxford Diary” once again on the forum.

From Miss Demeanour’s facebook page:

Yes, it’s true, Miss Demeanour is for sale, although I’ve not started the adverising yet.
A multitude of reasons but primarily because of her success, she has become too demanding a mistress for a married man. Having got away with it for fifteen years, it’s time she found a new toy boy!
I have no idea where she will end up, but from a selfish standpoint, in the hands of someone who wants me to help out with some of the air shows.
Despite rising fuel prices, for the past few years we have been breaking even or making a small surplus on the total cost of ownership. Probably unique in the world of Warbird ownership.
All that in no small way due to the enthusiasm of those who follow her shows and make known how much you enjoy her displays. I’m sorry for not being particularly interactive with Facebook or Twitter, just not enough time what with everything else happening in my life.
Duxford was my last intentional UK air show in Miss Demeanour and an embarrassing fuss was made alongside it being Duxford’s 40th Air Show anniversary. (Coincidentally a few weeks after my 40th anniversary of leaving the Fleet Air Arm) In response to all the well wishes, I did say that perhaps like a bad penny or the Rolling Stones, we might be back for another last act!
The upcoming Al Ain airshow is planned as my final actual air show in Miss Demeanour, at least as her owner.
What the future really holds is anyone’s guess. I am not giving up display flying but it’s time to ease back on the throttle. Annie has been wonderfully understanding for 43 years but living with an addict with a mistress has not been easy, especially one who keeps saying he’s cutting down but actually does the reverse year on year.
One of special pleasures technology has brought to me is the superb photos and videos sent to me along side the very kind words of appreciation.
So, to paraphrase Winston Churchill, this is not the end of my relationship with Miss Demeanour but it is the beginning of the end.

Those Wildcat’s are very interesting additions. I’m guessing they are all restoration projects. The only one I’ve found a picture of is BU 55404 as it was listed on Courtesy Aircraft sales
http://www.courtesyaircraft.com/Current%20Inventory/BU%2055404%20General%20Motors%20FM-2%20Wildcat.htm

I think it’s the tailwheel.

Yep! a good show today and only a few cancellations. Thankfully the weather improved throughout the day with only the occasional shower.

Isn’t there a 3rd under restoration at Kemble?