Cosford Air show 2011

Cosford Air show 2011

Hi All,

On Sunday 12th June we took 11 of our Cubs & Scouts to the Cosford air show in Shropshire.

We met at HQ early on Sunday morning and boarded a minibus, which we'd hired from our colleagues at the 7th.
It started to rain.

We then headed onto the motorway network before joining the long queue into Cosford.

By around mid morning we reached our destination and were given a good parking spot close to the event.
It carried on raining.

First stop was at a refreshments van to buy some chips, burgers, hot-dogs and a tea or coffee!
The Black Cats helicopter display team were in the air doing some manoeuvres at the same time.

After we had filled up, we then split the group up and allowed them some free time to explore the airfield.
We took one of the groups to see the air cadets, who showed us round one of their light training aircraft.
It was still raining.

At approximately 1pm the Red Arrows started their air display and we gathered our Cubs & Scouts together for a surprise.
We had managed to get our Cubs & Scouts a meeting with one of the pilots from the Black Cats helicopter display team, Lieutenant Dave Fleming!

Dave walked us onto the airfield very close to the runway, towards a Lynx Mk8 helicopter which he had just flown in the air display.
The Red Arrows continued to fly overhead.
Dave gave us a very detailed explanation of how helicopters worked and took us on a personal tour of the Lynx aircraft.
Unfortunately due to the rain we were unable to climb aboard but nevertheless, we got closer than most to this fantastic machine.
The Cubs & Scouts thoroughly enjoyed their time with the Lieutenant and we are very grateful to Dave for giving up his time to share his knowledge and experiences with the group.
Three cheers for Lieutenant Dave Fleming & the Black Cats, hurrah!

After this exciting surprise we headed back to the minibus to get out of the rain and have some lunch.
Whilst we tucked into our sandwiches, a very loud, twin jet engined fighter plane roared about overhead, culminating in a mock bombing run with an explosion, fire & smoke!

After lunch, we made our way towards the museum and allowed the Cubs & Scouts some more free time to go exploring.
The first stop for Emily & I was the cafe where we bumped into some Leaders & Explorers from our District. It's a small world!
The rain persisted.

At around 5pm we gathered the group back together near the museum gift shop (which got some good trade) and made our way back to the minibus for the journey home.

It didn't stop raining all day and although many of the air displays were cancelled, the Cubs & Scouts had a great day out exploring the airfield and museum, plus they got the chance to get as close to a Lynx helicopter as the pilots do!

Please click on the above image to see some more pictures taken over the day.

We hope to organise similar events in the future.

All the best,

Adam & Emily