Events (2010) pt 3

Blackpool Veteran's Week

We were asked at late notice whether we could supply some vehicles to the Blackpool Veteran's Week parade held on the Saturday at the end of the week's events. As others had already committed to other events in Darwen and elsewhere, only Ian Coates was able to turn up. He braved the questions from the inquisitive public of the kind that only Blackpool can produce. He was in good company though as the Lytham St Annes Spitfire Fund had a display next door to him.

 

 

Ingleton Operation Home Guard Weekend

 

John and Elaine Ward succeeded yet again to bring the village of Ingleton village together to host their Operation Home Guard weekend. The weather has in the past caused problems despite being at the beginning of July. This year was no exception. Fine weather on the Saturday saw the crowds out in large numbers but rain on Sunday dampened the spirits a little. Skirmishes were arranged in the village centre on both days by Keith Maddocks, seen more often as Herr Flick or a French Resistance fighter. Other events in the village included Elaine singing, and on street dancing  by the general public. A good selection of vehicles turned up with many motorcycles making an appearance. Paul Marshall was showing off his newly painted Jeep, still red but now exceptionally shiny. The Lytham Spitfire made it to Ingleton as part of its fund raising activities, and as Keith is also an active supporter of that charity, it was no surprise to see it there. The dance was a sell out and as I didn't pre-book a ticket I can't comment on it but I'm sure everyone had a good time. Some of those who didn't make it to the dance had an excellent meal and some very fine beers at the Marton Arms Hotel just across the road from the campsite. Well worth a visit.

 

 

Windermere Air Show

The Air Show at Windermere is organised by the Rotary Club and is very well supported. I visited for the day on the Sunday. Luckily the weather held off apart from one or two brief showers.  Simon Gregg had arranged camping facilities for the MVT group, or at least those who were not at the War & Peace event (words and photos from someone please?). In interesting take on the Turdis or Portaloo was provided by Simon. Fully natural and environmentally friendly, this was a small square tent with a toilet seat above a large hole with sawdust to cover ....whatever. I'm glad I didn't need to use it, but well done for thinking of it. The airshow on Sunday was attended by 7 vehicles from the group and did attract a lot of attention from the public. The air display was varied, but was probably best viewed from the lake side rather than the show field/Pitch&Putt course. A few photos follow to give a flavour of the event, including the Breitling Wing Walkers and an English Civil War re-enactment group.

 

 

War And Peace Show Beltring

Norman Calaghan has provided me with some photos from the War & Peace Show. The event was very dusty as I found out at the Saddleworth Event shortly afterwards when I had a lift in Sheila Chadwick's new but dusty Jeep. The following words are from Norman to describe what he saw there. "Every year after returning from Beltring, there is always something specific to remember that particular years show. 2006, the heatwave and a snow scene, 2007, the mud and the V2 rocket, 2009, the U-Boat and the Lancaster, Spitfire and Messerschmitt. This year was no exception, DUST!! and plenty of it. Late at night in the far section of the public camping area we could see the days dust settling in the arc lights over at the fairground. In the nine days I was down there the weather was good, with only two periods of rain, welcomed to keep the dust down. Many displays in the fields had been moved to different locations, which I thought was good to give the show a new look. A lot of new vehicles were on display this year and many returned which had been missing from previous years. With an excellent display by the Red Arrows, the Spitfire and Hurricane and not forgetting the Lancaster, Beltring 2010 certainly lived up to its name. On a personal note, it was good to meet up with other members of the South Cumbrian & North Lancs MVT who had made the trip down, also meeting my friends from Belgium, Holland and Scandinavia, (Tot Ziens!). Roll on next year!!"

To add to the report, the photos are also from Norman showing Richard's Mack, and an unusual combination of a Panzer III (PzKpfw III) rolling off what looks like a modern ex-British Army Foden 8x6 carrier.

 

 

 

Yanks Are Back in Saddleworth

I could only attend the event on the Sunday so I can't say anything specific about Saturday's events but I am told there was plenty to do in the village with themed events in the pubs during the day and plenty of entertainment at night. On Sunday the field was packed with visitors, stalls and vehicles. There seemed to be fewer vehicles than last year, understandably, but there were certainly plenty for people to look at. One of  the specialist groups taking part were the MT Riders Club who provided the motorcycle outriders for the convoy (see their website at http://whisp.co.uk/MTRC/index.html. These comprise Armstrong and Harley Davidson MT motorcycles. The road run went through Uppermill village past pavements thronging with people keen to watch the vehicles drive by, reported to be 60 vehicles long in the Oldham Chronicle. We ended up at the Carriage House Inn where there was an unfortunate accident that required the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to attend. This delayed our return to the display field, but we still saw the Dakota from the BBMF as it flew over us on its way to Uppermill. Those who stayed overnight reported that they had a good time, sharing barbeques, food and drinks into the early hours.

 

 

Crich Tram Museum

On the same weekend as the Yanks event, a large contingent of our members went to Crich Tram Museum for the second of their twice yearly 40s events. Liz Russell has sent me some pictures but no words other than to say it was great and plenty of us went. I think that sums it up nicely.