Red Arrows at Silverstone

Silverstone was originally a World War 2 RAF bomber station and, appropriately, on the day of the British Grand Prix each year it became the busiest airport in the UK, and on at least one occasion, in 1999, the busiest airport in the world. Recent changes to the circuit have meant that there is now no runway for aircraft, though helicopters are able to land there. When there was still a runway there the major historic car meetings used to attract a few aircraft visitors and there were flying displays, such as this one at the 1999 Coys International Historic Festival meeting when they had a visit from the Red Arrows, though it was a rather overcast day.

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

Silverstone

Silverstone was originally a World War 2 RAF bomber station and, appropriately, on the day of the British Grand Prix each year it becomes the busiest airport in the UK, and on at least one occasion, in 1999, the busiest airport in the world. The major historic car meetings usually attract a few aircraft visitors, and below are some I've photographed at the Coys International Historic meetings.

A Spitfire at the 1996 meeting

This is the 1997 meeting and something's telling me it's a Harvard, but it may be telling me wrongly

This P51 Mustang was at the 1999 meeting

A 1929 De Havilland DH60M Gypsy Moth in 2001

On some occasions there have been tethered Hot Air Balloons in which one could have a low-level ascent on payment of a suitable fee. The ones below are pictured in 1993.

A search reveals that 'Aircraft' G-BUVT (the balloon on the left) was made by Thunder and Colt Ltd, and is a Colt 77A model made in 1993. Number of Seats: N/A and Number of Engines: 0. The 'Aircraft' on the right apparently has the registration number G-LOAN, was made by Cameron Balloons Ltd, and is a Cameron N-77 model. It also, unsurprisingly, has an unspecified number of seats and no engine. It's operated by the Newbury Building Society.

Flying displays usually feature during these meetings and below is a photograph of the Red Arrows taken in 1999.

The Red Arrows

The Red Arrows were regular participants at the RAFA Woodford Air Show and the photographs below were taken at the 1995 show, which took place on 24th June of that year.

The BAe Hawk, which replaced the earlier Folland Gnat in 1979