THE USUAL
I think all the vehicles turn up for free too and a breakdown of turnover and outgoings would be good to see. A major concern is that based on some of the events I’ve been to (and many others I’m sure) we often don’t do big events very well in terms of amenities and certainly not without high prices for some basics usually. I just don’t want to go and see silly prices for food yet again, as at Marham Families Day last year after the RAF were compelled to use a privatized concern who were just too expensive – £7.50 for fish n chips. it makes me very cynical I’m afraid.

Some dealers are staying for a fortnight and paying £150 for private toilets (imagine just 1 week of using public portaloos in hot weather!) and with the high temps we have at present it will be pegs on noses time again if the toilets at Folkestone fail to be emptied when needed as at Beltring in the past. This was especially offensive when downwind of the portaloos in the early 2000’s whilst trying to eat an evening meal, in the days when we did 4-5 days selling there.

Fish and chips were £9 at Buckingham Palace last week but they were very nice fish and chips. Also had posh portaloos but if you looked hard there was a brick built “Gentleman’s Lavatories” and that was very nice too.

My garage door, an old aluminium up and over door, was made by Westlands.

Don’t want to detract from the Hangar 2 prize winner’s efforts but far more effort and thought went into the display in the hopefully attached photos. The couple who set this up put as much thought and work into their display every year and while they don’t seek recognition they deserve it.

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Do you think it’s e-bay that is affecting the ‘live’ events?

Moggy

I know from a number of conversations over the last few years that the prices on ebay are deterring people from starting new projects and even from coming into the hobby.

I couldn’t attend this year but I’m told that the age distribution of people attending is notably skewed towards older people. This seems to be an increasing trend and we can’t just blame the internet and games consoles for it. The cost of joining and maintaining the hobby is too high with the asking price for some essential items running into four or even five figures.

The Wellington lump seller is a forum member but I’ll let him identify himself if he wants to.

From a buyer’s point of view it would be better if aerojumbles were spread through the summer, April is almost too early and September is almost too late given the way the weather is going. A spread of dates enables finances to be refreshed and other halves memories of previous purchases to dim a little. Also try to avoid clashes with other types of event. Not all can be avoided but it’s frutrating to have two or three events on the same day then nothing for another month.

What?

To answer a question, dinghies, and lifejackets were, and possibly still are, mandatory when flying in a slow aircraft, Chipmunk, Bulldog etc, within five miles of any large expanse of open water but were often carried anyway because most of the location and survival aids were useful on dry land as well as water. Bit difficult to use flourescine and solar stills in forest but flares, SARAH, SARBE, heliograph etc worked well anywhere.

ROcketeer should have said that when the PSP is released it doesn’t free fall but remains attached and dangles by another cord/tape, the length determines how soon it splashes before the person it’s attached to and gives them time to assume the position.