I understand at RAF Benson we enjoyed the sight of the last remaining Vulcan bomber do an impromptu show. I was lucky enough, some years ago, to see one of these at a Battle of Britain air show at RAF Abingdon. I remember it flying over then a steep climbing turn with its bomb bays open – quite something. However, the highlight of the show was the Electric Lightning interceptor. Even to this day, this aircraft gives the biggest thrill. We had blue skies, the Lightning went into a near vertical climb and with full thrust, and I assumed just disappeared into space – breathe taking. I’m glad RAF Benson was such a good show. On behalf of the Centre, I would like to thank Dave Cleveland for organising the trip. I hope we can return next year. My ambition is to see the two Lancaster’s show, if they are on the air show circuit.
Please don’t forget that on 13th September we have a vineyard tour and wine tasting at the Bothy Vineyard. Two years ago we had a very enjoyable afternoon on a guided tour of the Bothy Vineyard, followed by wine tasting, led by the very knowledgeable owner, Richard Liwicki. So we hope you would like to join us for a return visit. The price for the tour, wine tasting and canapés is £13.50 per person. If you are interested, please contact Steve Bridge as soon as you can. This event is open to all centres.
The weekend before we have, on Saturday 5th, the Brighton Speed Trials to attend or even take part in if organised in advanced. This is always a special weekend. There is a lot to do for all the family with the attractions of Brighton just on the doorstep.
Also this month, we have a Classic Car Meeting, on Sunday 27th at the White Lion Antiques Centre, Hartford Bridge, Hartley Wintney. This is a special Morgan edition of this Classic Breakfast meeting organised by our new club Archivist Mike Hughes. We normally meet here on the second Sunday of the month but on this occasion Morgan Sports cars will take centre stage. I hope many of you will be able to make this meeting – all Centres welcome.
As a last reminder, with our new system, you can register your membership or if you wish to be a member of the Centre, on our Web Site (www.thamesmog.co.uk ), and our Membership Secretary Jim Bellew will process your details. If during this transition period from the old more complex system, you should have a problem registering on our website, please don’t hesitate to contact Jim Bellew our Membership Secretary for assistance (
I’ve heard it said this year, that we haven’t had a very good summer. Changeable would be one of putting it, I guess. Well, sadly we had to cancel our walk on White Horse Hill, near Uffington due to the forecasted bad weather, and if we had gone ahead with this expedition we would probably have been blown away. I apologise for this change but I thought it the better part of valour. However, we have rescheduled this walk in late October – I hope the weather will be calmer around this time of year. I look forward to seeing you there and not blowing by.
At the time of writing, late July, it looked like the summer was starting up. I hope what was left was good for you – blue skies.
Take care, see you all soon – Roger.