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Southport Air Show 2007
THE weather
forecast was dire, the wet, sandy beach full of puddles, a medium
wind blowing and a very cloudy sky! Yet, the beach, and the
promenade, were crowded with people, military vehicles, military and
civilian side shows, climbing walls as well as many various catering
vehicles and, of course, St John Ambulance personal with their tents
and vehicles.
Trade was brisk, the
people were in very good spirits and there was an air of excited
expectancy. Occasionally there were a few very isolated drops of
rain on the first day, while on the second day the sun came out
intermittently.
This Air Show is
billed as the largest in the North West. Well, it certainly seemed
to be that. The spectators were thrilled and enthralled by the well
timed and well balanced different flying machines, even the model
ones.
Among the many fly-pasts, stunts, acrobatic display teams and
demonstrations were World War II aircraft and more modern aircraft.
Some of the flying machines had been magnificently restored and
maintained. We saw split second timing and skilful flying by
dedicated pilots.
On the first day, among the many flying displays, were three
acrobatic teams (2 with 4 planes). They were super and the Red
Arrows (9 planes), who closed the first day, were simply
breathtaking. Jets were interspersed with helicopters, prop driven
planes and even a flight (3) of biplanes with wing walkers. We saw,
amongst other planes, a Spitfire and a Hurricane do aerobatics.
Another Spitfire (Mk 9) did some stunt flying, and there were 2
Messerschmitt 108 who made several fly- pasts. The exciting model
planes, which I saw flying, were 2 Lancasters which dropped bouncing
bombs, a Flying Fortress and a Junkers JU-98. An RAF Trainer
Aircraft based at Woodvale demonstrated its manoeuvrability with
loops and dives. The highly informed commentaries kept every one
entertained and aware as to what was happening. Everybody, whom I
spoke to, declared that it had been a well worth while day.
On the second day the pattern was the same but with some different
aircraft. Also there were repeat performances by some of those from
the previous day. We were all astounded by the dancing routine of a
Chinook helicopter, which the commentator called a “dancing
house!” We saw the Spitfire (Mk 9), the P51 Mustang, the
very rare US 3 crew Invader fighter/bomber, the rare 2 Messerschmitt
108, and the famous Hawker Hunter Mark 7 as well as many other
aircraft. The display by the Red Arrows was in the late morning. The
RAF Falcons Parachute Team did a superb demonstration in the
afternoon under very difficult conditions, high wind, hitting the
mark with great precision.
On both days, when it was time to go home, the traffic moved
sluggishly away from the car parks. Good humoured people walked
along crowded pavements to the buses and train station and the
trains, which left the station with people standing, as all the
seats were occupied.
There are many to thank and too many to single out for
congratulations for two days of fabulous flying and ground
entertainment, the St John Ambulance personnel, the Police, Sefton
Council, I could go on, but well done everybody, and thank you one
and all. |
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