Indeed – a magical day at OW, without a Spitfire in sight (OK, OK, there was a Triumph one down by the Napier Railton). There’s nowhere else like it, and the 1930s air race was an absolute delight.

The Fauvel and Eon were lovely (that’s your gliders, Alan!), but there was highlight after highlight, until finally the Edwardians were brought out to play. If I can find one that’s in focus (of 400 or so) I might even post a photo.

The thing that summed OW up for me was the announcement that pilot of the Hawker Hunter, who had opened the show, was to fly the English Electric Wren, which then trundled up the runway at a stately two feet or so altitude!

I was rather alarmed when the Sea Hurricane called a birdstrike, but it seems to have caused nothing that a bucket of soapy water couldn’t cure (well, unless you were the bird) – presumably a second kill marking will be appearing soon?

Adrian

What more can you say but “The Right Stuff”? Imagine writing a risk assessment for an employee about to do that these days…

Adrian

One careful owner… followed by a shedload of careless ones!

Adrian

I certainly hope so! In all-white, the Belslow is just crying out to be named Moby Dick, isn’t it?

Adrian

So the great adventure reaches its final stage. It’s been wonderful watching it unfold, and even better getting to see them in the flesh. I’ll confess I’m getting tearful writing this.

Safe journey, happy landings, and thank you so much for coming!

Adrian

Indeed it does! You wouldn’t know whether Leslie Kershaw took part in the pre-Varsity training Operation Riff-Raff, would you? If he did, I’d love to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Adrian