2010 Abingdon Charity Air & Country Show

[Mr OAG]

The RAF Benson based Merlin and Puma helicopters arrived late afternoon today(though even these were only approved by MoD(DE) at lunchtime today)..and also on view is Dave Webbs immaculately restoreed ex-Culham labs Hunter GA11 cockpit section,WV381

Colin

[boff180]

This is terrible news!

Colin, can you tell us DE's reasoning for this at all?

Andy

[DanO1978]

Disgusting from DE, both the decision and the timing.

You could almost taste sour grapes, after the failure of the "official" Spirit of Avarice shambles there...

[Mr OAG]

This is terrible news!

Colin, can you tell us DE's reasoning for this at all?

Andy

Would rather not at this stage if you don't mind mate

see you Sunday

[DamienB]

You could almost taste sour grapes, after the failure of the "official" Spirit of Avarice shambles there...

I should think that's a clear case of nail - head - hit.

[DanO1978]

Well, I hope any UKARian in two minds about attending now makes the effort to be there, simply to put two fingers up to Defence Estates.

Shocking, given the organisers have gone to the trouble of securing major overseas participation too.

[boff180]

With a pre-paid ticket I will be there, just hoping the BBC/Met is wrong on the weather, otherwise its now going to be a long soggy morning!
To quote BBC weather..

Sunday will be very wet and rather windy, and turning much colder through the day.

May I suggest a UKAR protest gathering near the radio Caravan at 1000hrs?

Andy

[Oldtower]

Hi all - as you will have seen the DE had at 36hrs prior to showset up almost kyboshed the show. Myself & my father and the merry band of volunteers were choked at this decision & i won't say exactly how i feel right now, because that would be wrong - but to say myself & my father and one other memeber of the team have tried over a 72 hour period to negotiate.. as have many others in much higher places.

My decision was today after a final battle (which at least allowed the Military heli's in from Benson - two users of the airfield!!!) aswell as a few others to come from the base - the A109 & UH60 is still coming too!

My decision was to extend the Flying Display without a shadow of a doubt to help rememdy the situation, to now nearly being a 4 hour afternoon flying display sched which with alot of thinking and re-planning (again) 7 hopeful re-accomodating at nearby airfields i have produced the following:

Jet Provost T3
Harvard tbc
T28 Fennec
Swifts Glider Team
Hunter T7
DC3
Twister duo
RAF Hawk
RAF Tutor
RAF Tucano
R' Neth F16
Vampire
RAF VC10 (flythru's)
RAF BBMF
RAF C17 (Flythru)
And of course the Air Ambulance EC135 flythru's - to which we do the show for to which now i will ask if they can operate from us being as the non fixed wingers operating!


This has taken abit of juggling but there we go... the best i can do at short notice,

The full ground side will still carry on & Flying Display will start now around 1230ish... rather than 1.30...

Thanks for the many calls of support!

[Team Merlin]

We are not really in a position to comment on the reasons for what has happened but just to confirm that 'P for Popsie' was safely delivered to Abingdon airfield this afternon where she is sat beside her Puma stablemate from 230 Sqn.
It looks like a helicopter only static this year and we expect to be very busy talking to you all. There are plenty of freebies to take away once again, including posters designed by UKAR's very own Dan Butcher.

If you don't know which one is a Merlin, look out for nice shiny UKAR/Team Merlin banner.

Please come and support Abingdon Air and Country Show who will still put o a great event despite the last minute setback Neil and his team have received.

Kind regards from allof us.

[Ned Ludd]

"No Fixed winged aircraft to operate from...." Has anyone told that to the resident VGS?

[Iwishiwasapilot]

Static:
+ 1 tbc on the day!

Tease.........

Is it appropriate to say what the 'tbc' item was going to be, seeing as the bureaucrats have put paid to the static displays? I have travelled down from Cheshire today and whilst I will still be attending the show to show my support, these developments have left a bad taste in my mouth as I'm sure it has with others.

[Oldtower]

1 item tbc was to have been a C130J !!!

[NAM Updater]

I did a talk at Welford last night and there were a few whispers doing the round about ‘ongoing negotiations’ – sorry to hear that it didn’t work out!

Nevertheless I hope you have a great show in support of some good causes!

[Iwishiwasapilot]

Any chance of a fly-through for the Herc?

[DanO1978]

I trust the local papers are on the case? This threat to an event which boosts the local economy is a strong news story - especially at Election time...

[boff180]

Considering all public bodies are subject to a Purdah right now, that is a very good point Dan! It may even have been a crime under the Purdah!

[Mr OAG]

I trust the local papers are on the case? This threat to an event which boosts the local economy is a strong news story - especially at Election time...

Local papers,radio and TV have been informed............

On behalf of Neil and the rest of his gang of Merry Men(& Ladies) a huge Thanks for all the messages of support at this difficult time...these have been a big help!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully between us all,the AACS organising committee have managed to still provide a good,value-for-money day out and that all things considered people will go home Happy and Satisfied after their day with us

see you all Sunday,and Thanks again
Colin &
Neil,Andy,Sue,Jason,Malcolm,Adrian,Brian and Jenny

[patrouille2001]

Hi Everybody
Even with this news, my brother and I will still be travelling down from Newcastle and hope everybody still supports this brilliant event.

Paul

[DrBenR]

Let's hope Dave Cameron (being a Witney boy!) can shame Brown into submission (again!!) God forbid a Nick Clegg governed airshow First the tiffie, then the rest!

Ben R

[Benson Boy]

I'll be there on Sunday rain or shine!

Just wondering, but are all practises still on, and at the same times?

Cheers, BB

[stuart n]

Hi all - as you will have seen the DE had at 36hrs prior to showset up almost kyboshed the show. Myself & my father and the merry band of volunteers were choked at this decision & i won't say exactly how i feel right now, because that would be wrong - but to say myself & my father and one other memeber of the team have tried over a 72 hour period to negotiate.. as have many others in much higher places.

My decision was today after a final battle (which at least allowed the Military heli's in from Benson - two users of the airfield!!!) aswell as a few others to come from the base - the A109 & UH60 is still coming too!

My decision was to extend the Flying Display without a shadow of a doubt to help rememdy the situation, to now nearly being a 4 hour afternoon flying display sched which with alot of thinking and re-planning (again) 7 hopeful re-accomodating at nearby airfields i have produced the following:

Jet Provost T3
Harvard tbc
T28 Fennec
Swifts Glider Team
Hunter T7
DC3
Twister duo
RAF Hawk
RAF Tutor
RAF Tucano
R' Neth F16
Vampire
RAF VC10 (flythru's)
RAF BBMF
RAF C17 (Flythru)
And of course the Air Ambulance EC135 flythru's - to which we do the show for to which now i will ask if they can operate from us being as the non fixed wingers operating!


This has taken abit of juggling but there we go... the best i can do at short notice,

The full ground side will still carry on & Flying Display will start now around 1230ish... rather than 1.30...

Thanks for the many calls of support!

I'm sure all of those who go on Sunday will appreciate the hard work you've put into making sure the show goes on

[Iwishiwasapilot]

What's the plan for the flying display considering the forecast doesn't look too good? Will the Brize-based aircraft be ok to make the short hop to Abingdon and do a 'flat' display?

[Vulcanhopefull]

What a low blow to be dealt so close to a great event. Why would someone be so petty to restrict the use of an airfeild - beats me and at its 10th Aniversery is beyond contempt. I am so gutted for all the hard work that everyone has put in - it kind of make us all the more determined rain or shine to support such a worthy cause. I have phoned around all my freinds who were comiing and will spread the word to bring along even more to make it a succsess. I guess at this late hour the decision is cut and dried but even so really looking forward to a great day out and wish you all the best to make it a record day.
I for one will be making an extra donation to the Charity to show the beurocrats that people are more and mean more than some silly decision made by a spitefull beancounter can ever hope to achive.

Lets hope your event will grow even stronger as a result of all of this.

Nick.

[PeterR]

It's a terrible blow to the show by DE for no apparent reason but a big well done for soldiering on and securing extra flying items!

I'll be there supporting one of my favourite shows! Bad weather - Closed runway - Nothing can stop us attending Abingdon!

See you all Sunday, remember your waterproofs!

[EMarsh]

What a terrible thing to happen so late in the day. I'm sure people will be understanding, given the circumstances. Here's hoping for a bumper turn out on Sunday.

Best of luck to you all - you certainly deserve it!