My take
1) Im with Blue Max re the Cap403 bit. It is a very detailed document and is there for a very good reason, bare in mind there hasnt been a British spectator fatality since the 1950’s. Restricting yes, but can you imagine the field day that the H&S people and the press would have should be have an aircraft go into the crowd. The ramifications with Insurance etc etc would kill UK airshows.
2) There is a view with organisers that ‘if it aint broke then dont try fixing it’. Those shows which dispite what you might think of the content if huge crowds turn out each year then why change a winning format? However there are the exceptions and show organisers need to understand that having the same aircraft year in year out will eventually make people stop and think about going. I believe that most people are happy to see an aerobatic Spitfire display but to see the same Spitfire each time?
3) Costs to attend shows is always a hot potato. I would hazard at a guess that not many know the sort of costs private warbirds and jets are to a show organiser. The fuel bill alone would make you weep!! Other costs that come a show organisers way – Insurance (unbelievable amounts), CAA Fees, Military Assets, Commentator, PA system, Police, Ambulance, Security, Publicity, extra staff, etc then theres the time taken with Emergency Services Meetings, H&S meetings, CAA requirements, Organising the aircraft (both in the air and on the ground) Accomodation for aircrew, fueling requirements – it goes on and on!! As I say to anybody who doesnt feel he has got value for money wither it be £20 or £30 for the best part of a days entertainment – have you seen how much a Premier football match day ticket is these days? They seem to range from £40 – £80 for what 90mins plus a break for them to get their breath back!

An air show could then all go horribly wrong on the day after all that effort and expense!! Im sure we can all remember an airshow or two that are no longer around – Woodford and Valley are 2 I can think of at the moment

In general (not RIAT, Waddington etc) a show organiser is probably looking at trying to get a 2.5 to 3.5hr show, most acts displays range from 8 – 15 mins therefore even as singletons thats a lot of displays to fund then if you want multiple aircraft in those display slots then no problem, easily sorted BUT dont expect that for you £10-£20 entrace fee!!

Just seen some pics – could of been a whole lot worse! Stbd outer with prop feathered – fire crews done a good job getting it sorted from ground level

19 and flying a Meteor – no age to die though 🙁

I know someone who may have a whole rear fuse for sale if your interested.

I thought the ex Anthony Hodgson Harvard G-JUDI had its registration changed to G-TEXN by its then new owner? Its now been sold on again, last I heard it was ‘down south’ but had also heard it was in Denmark?

Hopefully Spitfire V will pick up on this one – he will be able to sort you out

I took off from the strip (which is just off the A55 near Prestatyn) in a Chippy at 10.20 routing towards Chester then Abingdon. Anthony took off a short while later in the Spitfire routing to Caernarfon for fuel and some aero’s practise. Whilst at Caernarfon the Liverpool based Chippy SL turned up!

Whilst my Chippy is in RAF matt silver with yellow bands SL is black so it sounds like it could of been this one you saw mistaking the black for dark blue?