Wrexham Mackem wrote:Tommy wrote:st24 wrote:Tommy wrote:Think it's been stated a couple of times that a nightshoot at Cosford wouldn't really work because it doesn't get dark until very late in the evening - and is a lot to ask of an already exhausted volunteer team, amongst other issues.
So a "spotters type day" on the Saturday is needed. Sign me up to volunteer to help..
Thirded by me. I've oft thought that Cosford, if not a two day event, should at least do something public on the Saturday.
How about 200, maybe 250 enthusiasts, based in crowd line pen but also maybe split into groups of 10 for a walkaround, guided by a volunteer marshal? I'd volunteer, Geoff has, I'm sure Tommy would, and I can think of a few other pillars of the community who'd do their bit. Sounds like a topper idea to me
Having compiled the checklist for this year's show, I've a fairly good understanding of how the show site works on the Saturday, although it will be nothing like the insight that Peter can offer.
We (Threshold) would be happy to get involved with this and the Cosford Club enclosure would lend itself nicely - on the crowdline at crowd centre-ish and not far to walk from the majority of the static. There's a marquee already in place should it rain, it has it's own toilets and it's enclosed (like enclosures often are).
However, a wander around the static would, I fear, be very difficult, even one that was escorted. The showground is incredibly busy with traders, ground exhibits etc all arriving and departing before 10am when the airfield becomes active. The Saturday sees a considerable number of civilian aircraft, both for static and flying displays, arriving and being manoeuvred into their intended parking places whilst the airfield is open. The airfield closes again at 6pm, I recall, and whilst it is quieter, there are still vehicles arriving, unloading and departing, as per the morning.
You also need to factor in around 200-220 cars (about right for the number of people suggested above) which would have to enter the airfield through the same gates as the traders et al mentioned above and be on the airfield before 10am. At 10am, the enthusiasts in attendance would have to be contained within the Cosford Club enclosure as they are surrounded by active runways and taxiways.
I'm not saying it's impossible, but it would certainly be challenging to organise and coordinate around everything else that's going on, on the airfield.
Martin