We had a plan. Off to Rochester for some lunch; north round London to Oxford; and back towards Andrewsfield, perhaps stopping at Little Gransden on the way.

It started well, Steve R piloting a 152 with me looking at the chart. We got to Rochester without problem and the rest of the Circus turned up and we settled into the cafe.

We ate, drank tea and then back to the aircraft for the Oxford leg. Slight delay on departure as a 172 made a pan call with an engine problem. They must have been pretty much on final and landed without problem, and off we went.

Back over the Thames and intercepting the M25, we were planning to route over Staplesford. As Steve and I arrived at Staplesford the visibility departed. We were quickly down to below 1000ft and decided to head back to Andrewsfield.

Steve concentrated on the flying and I concentrated on the navigation, a good plan. We headed east for Brentwood. Steve announced 'Ah there it is!'. What? 'The mast at Kelvedon Hatch'. It had been bugging him as we were now being forced down to 500ft at times.

The A12 and the Great Eastern railway identified, we tracked these towards Chelmsford, keeping them on our left, which also kept us away from the towns. Round the west side of Chelmsford and up the east side of the A131. Steve detours round his home village and we set up to join the Andrewsfield circuit.

Only now the remainder of the Circus are all arriving back at Andrewsfield at a similar height. A number of radio calls ensue while we establish where everybody is.

Circuit and landing are uneventful. We are pleased to be down safe, and discuss the events in full. With hindsight, land at Stapleford and wait it out would have been the best option for me and Steve. Still we know now...

Robert.