I fear the age of the crew is a bit of a giveaway!
(not that I could pass for twenty-odd these days myself).

Lovely photos, though – must get there soon!

Adrian

Dare I mention that you still have more hair than him?

Adrian

On top of it all, he’s a thoroughly nice chap (though his shallots are giving him trouble this year – see http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,79161.0.html and isn’t that the greatest avatar?), and a magnificent specimen of English manhood. Despite the years between them, I think my partner was quite taken with him! You are still a ladykiller, Tim!

Adrian

Very nice!

Would I be right in thinking that, as a ducted fan, the Optica has it’s own distinctive noise? I caught a brief glimpse of something near Oxford that looked like an Optica, but too far away to be sure, but it sounded most unusual!

Adrian

It’s funny you should say that….

Adrian

Kirkwall Airport (The memorial is a Rapide/Dragon)

That’s the one, Robert. There’s also another one on the road a mile or so away (I cannot remember what’s on it, it’s not a bronze aeroplane, that I do recall!) towards Kirkwall, marking the site of the 1930s airstrip.

Just think, if blind landing gear hadn’t arrived when it did, Kirkwall airport could have been moved to Twatt… allegedly, anyway. But enough of that, I’m delighted that one of Fresson’s aeroplanes is still with us, still up where it belongs on a regular basis.

Adrian

Good to see that the original Moth of Captain Fresson GAAWO is still active,its the red one.He pioneered passenger flying in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Now that is interesting – do I recall right that the memorial at Kirkwall airport is to him and his endeavours?

Adrian

Ah, DeHaviland!*

Seriously lovely aeroplanes – though I’m sure one has lost a pair of wings somewhere!

Adrian

*blowed if I can remember the right way, but you get my drift.