Oxon & Berks MMOC Branch Events 2011 Reports
Abingdon Air and Country Show. 8th May 2011
Following our attendances at the Abingdon Air and Country Show for the last three years, our Branch was again invited to participate in this year's Show. We were able to provide a representative selection of nine Morris Minor types, from 1950 thro' to 1966. We were pleased to welcome and include our newest members - Iain and Corinne in their '65 Convertible and Louisa with her '66 Traveller - otherwise we would have had just a line of saloons, only.
We met as usual at the Foxcombe Lodge Hotel for the issue of Admittance Passes, a quick chat and coffee prior to the short drive, in convoy, to the airfield, to arrive by the requested time of 9-30am. After queueing, briefly, with some other Entrants we were soon 'in position' on site. Thankfully, the weather this year was dry and mainly sunny but, because of a fairly strong wind and our observation of the efforts of "gazebo erection" by other entrants, our plans to erect a gazebo on arrival were promptly cancelled.
Much interest in our cars was shown by visitors to our area throughout the day. Some just arrived, took some photos and melted away, but others were pleased to remain in conversation for quite a while. As usual, we were pleased to answer all the regular questions, as well as some more technical and historical queries.
Our position on site was quite favourable, perhaps our best ever location there, with an excellent view across the Airfield of the Classic vehicles parking areas where there were some interesting types present, including a large variety of MG's who, again, were present for their annual Rally - but especially for our viewing of the afternoon flying display.
A variety of aircraft types were included in the flying programme. These included the Harvard, Fennec, Jungmeister duo, Pembroke and Jet Provost, as well as some unique aerobatic displays. The RAF contributed modern types such as the Tucano, Hawk and C-130 although, unfortunately, their display by a WW11 Spitfire had to be cancelled. But the highlight of the show, for many of us, was a superb display by the last airworthy Avro Vulcan.
Although it certainly seemed to be a long day, it is well worthwhile for us to attend - both to promote 'our car' and to add to the content of the show. We sincerely hope that the proceeds from this year's event will, again, provide a suitable financial contribution to the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Service¹, so necessary for maintaining this vital service.
Graham Holt
We met as usual at the Foxcombe Lodge Hotel for the issue of Admittance Passes, a quick chat and coffee prior to the short drive, in convoy, to the airfield, to arrive by the requested time of 9-30am. After queueing, briefly, with some other Entrants we were soon 'in position' on site. Thankfully, the weather this year was dry and mainly sunny but, because of a fairly strong wind and our observation of the efforts of "gazebo erection" by other entrants, our plans to erect a gazebo on arrival were promptly cancelled.
Much interest in our cars was shown by visitors to our area throughout the day. Some just arrived, took some photos and melted away, but others were pleased to remain in conversation for quite a while. As usual, we were pleased to answer all the regular questions, as well as some more technical and historical queries.
Our position on site was quite favourable, perhaps our best ever location there, with an excellent view across the Airfield of the Classic vehicles parking areas where there were some interesting types present, including a large variety of MG's who, again, were present for their annual Rally - but especially for our viewing of the afternoon flying display.
A variety of aircraft types were included in the flying programme. These included the Harvard, Fennec, Jungmeister duo, Pembroke and Jet Provost, as well as some unique aerobatic displays. The RAF contributed modern types such as the Tucano, Hawk and C-130 although, unfortunately, their display by a WW11 Spitfire had to be cancelled. But the highlight of the show, for many of us, was a superb display by the last airworthy Avro Vulcan.
Although it certainly seemed to be a long day, it is well worthwhile for us to attend - both to promote 'our car' and to add to the content of the show. We sincerely hope that the proceeds from this year's event will, again, provide a suitable financial contribution to the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Service¹, so necessary for maintaining this vital service.
Graham Holt