I haven’t been to Southend Air Show for years. Mostly because very small area with people barging and pushing by me regardless as to where I was standing. It was very stressful day out and I didn’t find it enjoyable at all. It is a shame the airshow has been scrapped though and my brother goes every year.

I haven’t been for many years for pretty much the same reason, and the fact parking is a nightmare.

Is Southend becomming just a `town` rather than a `Seaside town` ?
What with the fire they had which destroyed the bowling hall (one of many fires) on the pier and the modernisation of the shopping area it would seem so. Sign of the times.

Having said all this Southend has some of my most memorable airshow moments. You could get a very unique perspective from the far end of the pier. Saw the Reds, BBMF and Vulcan close up and personal from this position one sunny day many years ago. In those far off days when we actually got some sun.

Would have been the IWM Lambeth Spitfire in 1976-77.
First in the air MH434 at Biggin Hill 70’s.

A story told to me by an ex manager.
Comming back from the States after a management type conference.
Going through security and baggage check. Hand luggage opened to find a wooden plaque attached to which was a hand grenade.

Security Man “What’s this then?”
Manager “It’s an award for outstanding services in Management”
Security Man “How do you know it’s safe?”
Manager “Err, don’t know but I’m sure it is”

Security Man takes award, thinks and pulls pin from Grenade.
Some moments later.

Security Man “Guess it’s safe then”

“What exactly did you expect to see from a Torquey bedroom window?
FW190’s? Me109’s perhaps” :diablo:

In the film “The Sea shall not have them” when the RAF Launch is started a rating holds two wooden bats (like table tennis bats) over what I take to be exhaust outlets. I assumed it was to stop flame incinerating the person starting the engine!

Isn’t that a Red one?.
Jim.
Lincoln .7

Red or Dead. Same difference.

Isn’t this just something that happens to Spitfires and Hurricanes from time to time. I’ve seen a few over the years on their bellies, noses and in the weeds for various reasons. ML407, BBMF Hurri and MH434 to name but a few.