It's that time of the year again when the old dust sheets come off the wonderful collection of vintage aircraft of the Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire, England. This little 1930's grass aerodrome is tucked away down leafy country lanes away from the modern bustle and hustle of 21st Century living! That's 'why' I like it so much!!
Run mostly by volunteers (the planes are piloted by former or currently serving military aircrew and the mechanics have training in aero mechanice..etc), this is a gem of a place if you LOVE vintage aircraft of the early 20th C.
Named after Richard Shuttleworth, a young man who lived to get his hands greasy racing motorcars, motorbikes and planes in the inter war period. When Great Britain went to war in 39, he immediately joined up with the RAF. Sadly, though an experienced pilot already, he died during a night-time training exercise when his aircraft ploughed into a mountain side. His grieving mother, felt it would be a fine memorial to her much loved son, if she set up a Trust and a Collection in his name. Today, this is the SHUTTLEWORTH COLLECTION where you can see 'his' cars, planes, Trophys that he won..etc, plus all the other aircraft that have been collected since his death from Tiger Moths to Hurricanes!
Now that Spring/Summer is here, they have periodic events, such as the EVENING FLY IN, which I attended the other weekend. You can bring a bottle of shampoo and nibbles with you, lay out your picnic blanket, get all dolled up and enjoy the show!! Highly Recommended, so take a look at their Events on their website.
CHOCKS-AWAY!!!!
Just a few photos of the people at the event - can you spot anyone famous??
Love it! I would be in heaven there...
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