Merry Christmas & a Happy & safe New Year to you all.
Regards, Rich.

I heard the preview to Jeremy Vine’s show. it’s started already, ‘Maybe these aircraft should be put in a museum if they can’t remain safe to fly’. This a man who rides a bicycle & hates anything with an engine, so that will be an un-biased opinion, won’t it?
Regards, Rich.

Hampden98, I read on the BBMF Website that the landings at White Waltham were scheduled, I think it was something to do with Weston, but I can’t find that particular piece of information again!
MichaelH, I was beginning to doubt the reliability of the mk1 eyeball, but the commentary says a lot for the skill & versatility of the BBMF Pilots as it seems that the flypast was carried out by Mark Discombe & Stu Smiley, both of whom were flying Spitfires. No mention of ‘the boss’ who I assume was flying two Hurricanes!
It was much better when Sean Maffett used to commentate from the Lancaster.
Edit: Found it, Spitfire P7350 & Hurricane LF363 were indeed scheduled to land at White Watham, but no departure times were given.
Regards, Rich.

Likewise. I will see if I can find anything for you, having been a member of Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association for 29 years, I have collected a lot of information, magazine articles etc. relating to the BBMF. If it was 1991, I’m sure the Warrant Officer was Barry Sears, a very interesting man to talk to.
Regards, Rich.

That is a beautifully finished model, excellent work! I have the film on DVD & although I realise there are historical inaccuracies, I enjoy watching it for the flying sequences & the way (in my opinion) it captures the atmosphere of the time from the Schneider Trophy days through to the Battle of Britain. David Niven & Leslie Howard did a fantastic job, & although seen fairly briefly, I think the actress who played the part of Lady Houston was very well chosen.
Regards, Rich.

Yesterday afternoon (9th June) about 15:00 hrs, probably the most unusual sight I’ve seen over Worcestershire for many years, a Wallis Autogyro, heading south, possibly from Wolverhampton / Halfpenny Green, too small an image to capture on camera, I estimate it was at about 2,000 – 3,000 ft altitude.
Regards, Rich.

Sad news indeed, I often had the pleasure of talking to Colin at the LLA Members’ days at RAF Coningsby, a particular occasion comes to mind in 1990, the 50th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain when the Members Day was combined with some filming with Radio 1 DJ, Simon Bates. I was talking to Simon after his flight in the Lancaster, which he obviously enjoyed, but he said listening to Colin’s description of what the guys went through during the war made him feel very humble. Colin was dedicated to The Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association & the BBMF in their purpose as a flying memorial to all who served. A brave man & a true gent, RIP Colin.
Regards, Rich.

Some years ago now the publishers of Flypast magazine published a lovely little book on aviation themed pubs cant find mine at the moment but it really is worth getting

ng if you can find one BRIAN C D

I remember that book, but I think it was more about aviation themed pubs rather than those used by WW2 Aircrew, for instance, ‘The Flying Fortress’ at Rougham was a farmhouse during the war, but opened as a pub / restaurant in 1988. Nevertheless, it was an excellent little book & I also have a copy somewhere, time to search the loft, I think! Brian, I’ll let you know if I find it.

Back to WW2 & The Bell at Halton Holgate was a popular haunt for aircrews from nearby RAF Spilsby & I believe the Bell Inn at Tong in Staffordshire was used by personnel from RAF Cosford.

Regards, Rich.