The Flying Circus assembled at Andrewsfield, 9am
Sunday 29th May, well most us!
5 Aircraft were joining the day’s expedition – Tango Lima,
Delta Hotel, Uniform Delta, Juliet Mike
& Alpha November. Sam (Steve R’s son) and Nick joined
us as passengers on this fine and warm day.
The day got off to a good start, Shane had come
dressed for the occasion and Nick (who was nursing a terrible headache –
hence passenger!), met an old friend of Andrewsfield – Russell – who
had arrived in a smart little sporty yellow kit car, which Nick went off
for ride in. Through the
smile Nick explained that Russell fly’s out of Panshanger, spooky
coincident, bearing in mind our planned agenda for the day.
After fuelling up plogging our routes – and Jane
arriving – we hit the ether for Bourn.
We had PPR’d and the rather laid back person answering the
telephone was unable to provide details of runway apart from ‘…well
there’s hardly any wind, so we’re probably go for Three Six or
something…!’ DH, TL, UD
& JM all arrive at the same time, to the news they had decided on Two
Four for a change, Steve R was later heard to muse these old wartime
airfields give you too many choices of runway!
The circus clicked into action – pleasing the crowds with
fly-pasts along runway 11, before settling on runway Two Four.
Mums & Dads had to explain to their young children ‘ No, they
meant to do that! Yes, they are funny aren’t they!’
DH made several low passes before the draw of the kettle proved too
strong, unlike the tea but thanks for making it Peter!
After being marshalled in by 2 Dalmatians, the team paid up, had a
lovely cup of tea, and headed off to Panshanger.
Following a less eventful arrival, we disembarked to
find Russell, was already back at his home base, and was just showing the
team from TL, one of his other toys – A Gazelle helicopter – would you
like a ride, asks Russell, a question that didn’t need asking twice! The smiles would have required chiselling off, as we all had
a whizz around the Hertford and Essex borders, in this fantastic machine.
Steve M reminisced of his Nam days; unfortunately he wasn’t
allowed to sit with his legs out of the doors and pretend to shoot up the
local area ‘just like the good old days’!
We fed, watered and chatted with Russell and others at this very
friendly and interesting airfield – well worth a return visit!
Oh yes I almost forgot the Gazelle – awesome!
On to Stapleford then, down to the M25 with good viz
across London, the circus all arrived at the same time, the ATC suggested
we park next to the ‘cornfield’, although this did confuse one or two
of the team, as firstly it was a Rape field, but they also thought he had
said ‘can you get the corn in for us…’ back to the barnstorming days
for the Jane & Rob!! After
parking up, we made our way for some light refreshments and quick chat
with Doc Horton – on duty for the day – we bade our farewells and
headed for home.
The end of a lovely day I hear you say – no not for
the Flying Circus, not to miss the opportunity to provide a willing crowd
with another pleasing performance – over to you Ms ‘Barnes Wallace’
Jane, who, to the Oooos and Aaahhs of the crowd, proceeded to bounce,
bobble, wobble and oscillate Alpha November down Two Seven, a couple or
three times before cheekily showing us a ‘look…. no flaps’ landing! Jane imparting her experience on us all said you can’t do
that without just the right tyre pressures you know. Thanks Jane!
The end of a fantastic days flying, thanks to all for
coming along.
[Text: Shane]
[Photos, Rob, Shane
and Steve/Sam R]
Click to see Rob,
Steve R and Steve M's Photos
Click
to see Shane Shutter Happy's Photos
Shane by Sam
Panshanger and neighbours
Stapleford, uphill
Steve M and Richard - gadgets galore
