Learning To Fly

Another “catch up” blip. Yesterday we visited somewhere I’ve been wanting to go to for years - The Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden, near Biggleswade. A collection of vintage aircraft and vehicles, which are all fully operational and appear regularly at the various flying events they hold each year. Yesterday was not such an event, but the fine weather meant we saw several planes taking off, flying around and landing.
We started by viewing the collection (concession prices for over 60s, huzzah) which was spread over six hangars. Very interesting, with many exhibits and photographs. Then we wandered around the Swiss Garden, which was equally enjoyable. After a very good lunch in the cafe, we went over to the side of the runway to see what was taking advantage of the warm, sunny weather. The theme of my collage is RAF training planes through the years - Tiger Moth, Harvard and Chipmunk. Whilst the Tiger Moth and Chipmunk were content to just take off, fly around for a bit and then land, the Harvard treated us to a full aerobatic and low flying display. I wondered if he was getting in a bit of practice before this weekend’s D Day event because he went through the routine twice during the afternoon. With very few other people around, we had an uninterrupted view and could wander up and down the flight line at will.
An excellent, and most enjoyable, day out. Highly recommended if you are in the area. The collection and gardens are worth the entry fee on their own, but we were told that if the weather is anything like reasonable, there will usually be something interesting flying in or out. More information can be found on their website - www.shuttleworth.org