25th Anniversary of the first post-rebuild flight today

[Carolyn Grace]

The weather is perfect for flying today.  The plan - to celebrate the first post rebuild flight by Nick Grace with Carolyn in the back 25 years ago this morning by having Richard Grace (who was then 9 months old) fly his father's Spitfire once again with Carolyn in the back. Olivia Grace to be there along with spam Melton the signing engineer and mentor for Nick during the five year rebuild. With this plan all in place who could have pre-guessed Volcanic activities would get in the way. Richard is stuck in Singapore and the UK Airspace is closed with the Authority stating extreme caution to be exercised for General Aviation.

So sadly ML407 will not be flying today, but we still celebrate this day and remember the truly momentous task Nick Grace took on with much pleasure and that he enjoyed the fruits of his labour for such a short time is tragic but his legacy is living on and will continue to do so with the help of the Grace Spitfire Supporters and our new sponsor JLT Aerospace.

Carolyn

[James Wheeler]

What a great shame that you will be unable to fly today and that Richard is stuck away from home.

It is an incredible task the Grace family have undertaken and a wonderful tribute to all the hard work that has gone and goes into keeping ML407 flying in the UK that 25 years later, ML407 is still flying for all to see. Well done CG, Richard, Olivia & Stevie K!

CG, perhaps as you can't fly you should take the day off to celebrate? It doesn't happen very often!

[Graham Haynes]

Carolyn,
As James said, such a shame about mother nature scuppering today's plans....particularly with all the coverage on BBC Radio Suffolk today (every news bulletin so far!).

Could today's anniversary flight be deferred until the Gathering? Volcanic ash permitting! Just a thought.....I have them occasionally 
Kind regards.

Graham

[SoundmanJohn]

I don't know - first they precipitate a banking collapse, then they refuse to pay back all the money they lost, now they dump all their volcanic ash in our atmosphere. Not sure I'm that fond of the Icelandics any more

A real shame about today - let's hope conditions improve soon.

Best wishes,

John

[Spitfire crank]

Might I suggest July 17th 2010 as a substitute date to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first CG solo flight
Tony Ratcliffe (GSS 106)

[Gate Master]

Carolyn,

It's just s*ds law that this should have ruined your plans for the day, you must be so disappointed as I know how much this means to you.

After 25 years ML407 is still where she belongs (well not today) and it is a tribute to Nick who so ably put her back together from all the bits she had been taken down to....tea chests come to mind !!!

Also to your outstanding efforts you have done to keep ML407 flying since that tragic event in 1988.

It is very strange looking out from the 7th floor here in Bracknell as there is nothing heading for, or leaving Heathrow.

I am proud to to have been allowed to be a supporter and helper for just over half of the last 25 years and look forward to the next 25 if I can still manage it !.

Here's to 2010.....

Regards
Andy D

PS I'm sure Richard will enjoy an extra couple of nights in Singapore !!!!

[Gate Master]

Might I suggest July 17th 2010 as a substitute date to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first CG solo flight
Tony Ratcliffe (GSS 106)

Tony,
Sounds like a good suggestion.
Andy

[Spitfire crank]

Same day as Blenheim Palace Proms so may not work

[Darren Harbar]

That's a shame, would have been a nice tribute. As for you taking a day off - I agree with James on that one! 

[paul b]

 

  Well, I don't think there is anything I can add to what has already been said, a fantastic achievement and it's a real honour to be involved with the Grace Spitfire and family.
     Yes, put your feet up Carolyn and enjoy the sunshine.   

          Best wishes
                              Paul   

[MikeKippes]

I could only repeat praising words of accomplishment in this milestone...
but about the volcano, are you seeing signs of ash around where you are?
Here in Washington State USA we live amidst a row of dormant volcanos hoping none does another Mt. St. Helens from 1980
I was 1100 miles away in Colorado at the time where our car windscreens were thoroughly dusted,
but shortly afterwards moved to this part of the states
more reason for my wife to think me daft:)
Hope you're well,
Mike

[Carolyn Grace]

I am deeply touched by all your replies.  Sometimes I look over the possible achievement of keeping Nick's outstanding legacy operational but I may take this moment to take a small and very short lived 'bow' however as you know (yes the 'bow' is over now) it is not a lone achievement nor will it ever be so.  You should all take a bow as your devotion to keeping ML407 flying is remarkable andn I will never be able to express my gratitude sufficinetly.

I was not aware of the continued support of Radio Suffolk news - to replay the interview how very kind of them.  I am on again on Monday at 09.00 to promote the Bentwaters Airshow.

spam and Carol Melton, Steve, Olivia and I did spend the afternoon with ML407 in the hangar on Friday. So yes, I did take 5 hours off work! The first flight was delayed for four days due bad weather but volcanic ash played no role then.

When Richard is able to return from Singapore where he is stranded I will stop wishing for this lovely weather we have to go away and be replaced with a howling westerly.

Carolyn

[Dan]

I may be in the wrong making this post please delete if you think so

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDbc5cCM0XA

april last year saw this on youtube . 3 airshow trips to duxford followed

all the best for the next 25 years caroline and the rest of the team that keep mll407 in the air

[Gate Master]

Dan,
I don't think it is out of place at all, it is a reminder of that day at St Merryn 25 years ago.....I have watched this  many times.
Regards
Andy D

[Dan]

i was just a little un sure thats all
that video on youtube was the first time i saw ml407 and the story behind her. After a little more serching found the website and here i still am nearly a year later .

I am unfortunatly not a supporter at the moment  this will be rectified in the near future giving a little to help in the upkeep of ml407 is nothing compared to the sacrifices and investment the Grace familly have given over the years .

Thanks


Dan