RAFA Shoreham Airshow

[James Wheeler]

30th - 31st August 2008

RAFA Shoreham Airshow

www.shorehamairshow.com

[SoundmanJohn]

I've been working in Chichester for the past few weeks and yesterday I had the afternoon off, so I popped along to Shoreham By Sea/Brighton City Airport to scout out some good recording locations prior to the airshow there (which I really hope I'll be able to attend.)

What a gem of a place: I recognised the exterior of the main terminal building from assorted TV series where I believe it stands in for Croydon Aiport in the 1920s and 30s, but the inside is also pretty much as it must have been when it was built. It has a real period feel to it, which is rather splendid. Intriguingly, inside on one of the walls is a framed photograph of ML407 with various signatures around the outside, most of which are a little faded now, but all seem to be of Mk IX pilots from WW2. I wonder what the history is of that picture?

The setting is pretty amazing as well, with Lancing College almost at the end of the main runway and the West Sussex downs as a backdrop. I spent a happy hour or two just wandering around, watching any number of small charter flights and private planes take off and land, plus a bit of helicopter tuition at the river end of the airport. As it was a spur of the moment visit, I wasn't wearing my Grace Spitfire baseball cap, so I now have a nicely sunburned forehead...

Looking forward to bunking off work and sneaking over there next month.

Regards,

John

[SoundmanJohn]

Anyone else going? I shan't get there until early afternoon, so will probably miss all the good stuff.

As always, look for the furry dog.

Regards,

John

[Dean F]

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. To Carolyn and the team, What an awesome display. Took a few photos, but just enjoyed standing there and watching. Once again a truly stunning display.
Dean

[SoundmanJohn]

As predicted, I missed Carolyn and the Cassutts and really only caught the end of the show, from the the Typhoon onwards. Some great formation flying following the Luftwaffe attack on the airfield and the amazing glider display again, but my recordings were not great as I seemed to be in "screaming child attraction" mode. Only the Typhoon drowned out the noise! Also the funfair sound was pretty intrusive. But I did get in for half-price as I arrived so late, and I did get to see ML407 static, looking very serene in the late afternoon sunshine (and being thoroughly checked over by a couple of guys from a neighbouring Spitfire support team!

Sorry to have missed the flying, but Duxford October 5th will be a late birthday treat for me and I'm planning to get there very early.

I hope today wasn't too much of a washout - judging by the water on the ground as we drove back down to Chichester, it rained pretty heavily.

Best wishes to all,

John