Visitors impressed by Guernsey Air Display
THOUSANDS gathered in St Peter Port yesterday to watch the Guernsey Air Display in celebration of the centenary year of the Royal Air Force.
The line-up included aircraft such as Team Raven – a five ‘ship’ display team, the Boultbee City of Exeter Spitfire, a Duxford Mustang called Miss Helen and a Messerschmitt ME108.
‘Fortunately, the weather held up and the planes that couldn’t get in for the Meet The Pilots event got in just in time,’ said display organiser and director Barry Neal.
‘I’m really pleased it all came together.’
Mr Neal was in charge of the organisation of the display and ensuring it was run safely and smoothly.
‘The Duxford Mustang had never been part of the air show before and was a special addition to the programme to celebrate the 100th year of the RAF,’ he said.
Giving special thanks to the 20 sponsors of yesterday’s event, Mr Neal said the air display is heavily reliant on their contributions and without them there would be no such event.
Mike and Pat Roberts were visiting the island from Surrey and came specially for the display.
‘We really enjoy coming to the island, it is a beautiful place and we try to come every year either for the Battle of Britain week or Liberation Day,’ said Mr Roberts.
They also went to the Meet The Pilots event on Wednesday and were excited to be a part of the community event celebrating history.
Linda Ker and Michael Herning were visiting from London and it was by pure coincidence they came this week.
‘We have a friend that is a keen aircraft enthusiast so we will be sending lots of pictures to him. It’s like being on a film set,’ said Mrs Ker, watching from the top of Castle Cornet.
Bill Treadwell and Barbara Harding were particularly impressed by the Memorial Flight which opened the display.
‘I remember the sirens going off during the war and the loud sound of the engines. It’s my first time seeing the display and I think it is a really fantastic way to remember the sacrifices,’ said Mr Treadwell.
FCG chairman Mike Leonard recently gained his pilot’s licence and said: ‘It is very exciting for me because I’ve always loved height, speed and being able to look down on things. We are so lucky to have such a magnificent backdrop behind the display which reminds us of the history of the last 100 years.’
On behalf of FCG, Mr Leonard said it was a privilege to be one of the consortium members and to support the event.
