Avro Lancaster

Here are a couple of photographs of an Avro Lancaster at the Woodford Airshow in June 1994:

The brochure of the event had this note about the aircraft:

 

'The Battle of Britain Memorial flight are once again present this year with the Avro Lancaster, PA474. Carrying new markings after her winter overhaul at RAF St Athan, she wears the codes of IX Squadron “WS J” Johnnie Walker, (look for the famous scotch whisky emblem on the left side of the nose). The aircraft depicted was serial no. W4964 and completed over 100 sorties. She was one of the aircraft converted to carry the 12,000 lb “Tallboy” bomb and as such was selected to be part of the attack on the German battleship Tirpitz. W4964 was the only aircraft to score a direct hit on the ship during the raid. Later in the war the aircraft became an instructional airframe and was eventually struck off charge in November 1949. Part of the original aircraft can be seen today at Newark Air Museum.'

Guernsey and new Granddaughter

Back to Guernsey last week to see our new granddaughter Eliza Gillian Mary for the first time, born 3 weeks early and now 7 weeks old.

On the Thursday we watched the 2014 Guernsey Air Display from the Candie Gardens which allow a good view across St Peter Port Harbour.

There were quite a few people there, here watching the Red Arrows perform one of their manoeuvres

The star attraction was the appearance of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which was joined on this occasion by the only other airworthy Lancaster bomber which had come over to Britain from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum for a two month tour.

Here's the two Lancasters leading the Hurricane and Spitfire past St Peter Port Harbour

And the two Lancasters performing another pass

The event was closed by the Red Arrows who gave their usual polished display

On the Friday Edward had his weekly swimming lesson at the Beau Sejour Leisure Centre, before which he had to try out the attractions on the outdoor play park.

Friday was a bit breezy but we went to Port Soif which has a sheltered U-shaped beach where Eliza settled down for a nap................

..............whilst Edward had a paddle with grandma.........

........then a swim with mummy and daddy........

........ then a walk along the beach scuffing up the sand with his feet.

On the Saturday we went to the Proms on the Pier in St Peter Port with entertainment from the Guernsey Welsh Male Voice Choir, Bel Canto, and the Guernsey Jazz Orchestra followed by the BBC Last Night of the Proms from the Royal Albert Hall on a big screen, then a firework display and music from The Barlows for anyone who wanted to stay a bit later.

This is Bel Canto, very impressive even though their best singer was unable to take part