Missing man formation as they passed over Eastleigh was a nice touch.

I thought Gordon Mitchell’s comment “a Spitfire without a pilot was just a lump of metal” was apt.

An offer was made from Coventry to keep the Heron airworthy and flying in the U.K, but unfortunately the owners have a slightly unrealistic view of how much it is worth, so it is not Coventry bound. IF anyone hears of it coming to Coventry it will be for maintenance. Jon.

I find that quite strange, because in the report I read locally the owners were quite willing to let it go to Duxford to join the rest of the civil collection held there, gratis.

Concorde is an example of Anglo French co-operation, not quite a wholly British design icon.

She was still parked at the airport when I passed this morning, as far as I am aware she is still available

A slight digression, Polish S/Ldr Wlodzimierz Miksa, 303 Sqn Battle of Britain pilot, who also flew BM597 with 315 Sqn and served at Chailey with 317 Sqn, married into the Pilkington family and became involved with the glass making business after the war.

Miksa died in 1999, however at Chailey two years ago his two sons and Grandson got the chance to look over and sit in BM597 prior to the show.

Some forum members of a certain age may remember his eldest son Florian who played with a 1970’s progressive rock bad called Curved Air. A band also famous for spawning Stewart Copeland of the Police.

More recently Florian has turned his hand to sculpture the attached is one of his designs, obviously influenced by his Fathers wartime career.

Traudl Junge also featured in the 1970’s World at War TV series.

Ian, it’s now £30

That’s inflation for you !!!!