This year’s Fly-in/Show was held at over the weekend of 13-14 March. This was the first year that public had been admitted to this event. It was a public show, but with an informal nature compared to the larger shows held over the summer months. It was also one of the rare opportunities for members of the public to look around this museum.

This report of the weekend was written by Tony Hooper with pictures by Malcolm Messiter.

Held earlier than last year, we knew the timing would be a bit of a risk and when the southern counties experienced some 6” of snow on the Friday morning and the forecast for the weekend was going to be gales and heavy rain showers we realised that we had sort of gambled and lost.

However, the Swindon Club came up trumps with their usual warm hospitality and about a half a dozen members braved the Friday conditions to arrive with their caravans – now that is dedication!
The rest of us, about 14 in all, turned up on the Saturday morning without too much expectation except to have good chat interspersed with a walk round the museum and lots of tea. As it turned out the weather was not too bad – it was certainly very windy, but the showers held off until later in the day although throughout the day we could see them traversing across the rolling countryside.

This allowed Dave Johnson to fly his Vulcan, myself to enjoy my first public outing with the Islander, and Steve Holland and John Greenfield to put on some spirited displays with their aerobatic models.

Please click image to enlarge.

We were also treated to some excellent flying by our host Eddie Barker and his Hercules team which was also having its first public outing. Paul Mott and Mike Standing also braved the elements putting up some good displays.

It was encouraging to see some of the Swindon Club jet modellers supporting this event – in fact there were four F15’s including my own. Unfortunately, John Greenfield’s ME262 had to sit in the trailer as he has not completed his test flying yet. He had hoped to do this after the public left at 4pm, but as the afternoon wore on the showers started to come thick and fast so that put an end to his plans. A great pity as we were all looking forward to seeing it fly.

On Sunday the weather was dreadful – even stronger winds and heavy showers right from the off so an early decision was made to call it a day. Those who had not looked round the Museum took the opportunity to do so and then made their way home. Whilst not the best of weather we are told that the museum had one of its highest attendances at this time of the year yet. We were asked if we will go back again later in the year – now that is a success.

Thanks to everyone who made the effort to support this event – especially the Swindon Club for hosting it. We will be back!