my photosa post from the Shoreham Airshow 2010, and a giveaway for my 300th post ...Celebrating 100 years of Shoreham Airport, the 20th anniversary of the airshow and the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, this year's show was down to be extra special.With sharp showers, drizzle and low cloud marring the proceedings, the majority of planes and display teams had to be cancelled, with many stranded down in Bournemouth, and at other bases across the country.The Swift Aerobatic team did attempt a display to open the show, which unfortunately saw the glider pilot crash on landing, who fortunately managed to crawl from the wreckage, and who reportedly and remarkably sustained non-life threatening injuries.With this happening, and the absence of any significant plane engine or propeller noise around the airfield, it really was most unsettling, although a good job was done by the commentator over the tannoy system to keep everyone happy.
These pilots can hear something? I'll have some of what you're having!
Even Haurel from Haurel and Lardy fame was scratching his head as to what (or wasn't in this case) going on!
There was action on the ground though with interesting static displays, stalls to look at, tents to look in, and food and drink to buy.Thank goodness, we needed something to keep our pecker up.We had a cappuchino mid morning, and a very tasty burger from the NAFFI tent for lunch, and J bought a near new army surplus Gortex jacket for £20, which is to come in very handy for colder fishing trips ahead.o
Dad's Army were there again this year, with the usual parapheranalia.
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First time I've seen this contraption called Olive ...
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... and this bright red fire truck.
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The Catalina, which this year returned to the show, was able to put on a short display.
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To be honest after the unfortunate incident earlier in the day, I was relieved to see it back on terra firma, taxi-ing in along the runway.
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Less than half a dozen aircraft managed to take to the skies.
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Mid morning saw the G-SUSX Police Helicopter doing a bit of a hover!
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Later in the day a Hurricane pilot entertained the crowds with a routine of the highest quality, and for me the saviour of the day was the return of the Harrier which gave a great demo just above the runway.
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The German airfield attack and scramble was rumoured to be taking place at the end of the show, but feeling a bit worn we didn't hang around for that one.
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With little action to speak of going on in the sky for much of the day, I could have quite easily fallen asleep standing up!
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No Hawker Hunter, no BAC Strikemaster or De Havilland Vampire, no Yakovlevs or Gnats Display Team, no RAF Hawk, Tucano or Tutor, no Breitling Wing Walkers, no Sally B Flying Fortress or Lancaster to name but a few, and most disappointing for me was the missed opportunity of being mesmerised once again by the spectacle of the Avro Vulcan flying overhead . oo
Even Haurel and Lardy's cat was having trouble in keeping its eyes open ... or was this down to having had a too bigger lunch?
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He's having trouble in keeping a lid on that supplies hamper too!
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Leave a comment (UK and overseas welcome) on this post on what you think may be inside.
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If your suggestion makes me smile the widest, a little something will be winging its way to you in the post, in celebration of my 300th blog post!
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