LETS RECAP 2011 - COUNTDOWN TO AIRSHOW WITH CAROL VORDERMAN
Top UK celebrity and supporter of the RAF Wings Appeal Carol Vorderman was the star attraction in a new RAF ON AIR multi-media area at the RAF Waddington Air Show on Sunday 3 July 2011.
Attending the show to show her support for the valuable welfare work carried out by the RAF Wings Appeal, Carol Vorderman also launched a national charity cycle challenge fronted by the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Red Arrows.
New for 2011, “RAF ON AIR” took place in Hangar 4. Carol interviewed Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Moore, the first female RAF Red Arrow, Squadron Leader Dunc Mason from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Myles Garland, ex RAF Red Arrows pilot and now team leader of the Blades aerobatic team. She also talked to Jon-Allan Butterworth, a former RAF armourer who lost his left arm in a mortar attack in Iraq in 2007 and is now hoping to compete in the 2012 Paralympics, thanks to support from the RAF Wings Appeal. Visitors were also be able to view in-cockpit videos, live interviews with aircrew, past RAF Waddington Air Show flying displays, future military capability exhibits and behind-the-scenes RAF activity on the 20ftx9ft screen.
Waddington Air Show Director, Paul Sall also showed his support in saying “I am a great fan of Carol Vorderman, particularly because of her hard work promoting the very important role of the RAF Wings Appeal. This is the first year that we are showcasing RAF ON AIR so to have Carol involved will be a fantastic element of what should be a memorable day for the public.”
Carol also officially launched the RAF Display Teams’ Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge. On 11 October, a combined team of 20 cyclists from the BBMF and Red Arrows attempted to cycle the UK at its widest point in just four days, raising over £75,000
Fly2help has been set up by a team of passionate aviators who are committed to helping others enjoy the inspiration and life enhancing privileges that being in the air can provide. The RAF Wings Appeal supports serving and ex-RAF personnel and their families, whenever they are in need. Whether it’s an injured airman fighting to get back onto his feet, a young child missing their parent away on overseas operations or a WWII veteran needing a shoulder to lean on, they are there to help.
Trade and Craft Fairs
The trade fair provided an enormous range of exciting goods for the public to view and buy. In addition to aviation and military memorabilia for the enthusiast, the trade fair offered an unrivalled range of goods to cater for all interests, from furniture to face-painting, cameras to costume jewellery, models to mobile phones, books to binoculars; in fact you name it and it was there somewhere!
Two independent craft marquees, each occupying 4,000 square feet, offer original high quality hand made goods for sale. Entrance to both Craft Marquees, located in prime sites of the show, was free of charge.
Hangar 4 Exhibition
A new exhibition inside the Main Exhibition Hanger included interactive displays from RAF Waddington units and a stage where display pilots talked to show visitors after performing their display routine. RAF careers officers were also be on hand to offer advice & and guidance.
Hangar 5 Exhibition
Hangar No 5 Youth Exhibition
Our show included an RAF exhibition, situated at the entrance to No 5 Hangar. The exhibition showed a wide variety of the career options for young men and women in the Royal Air Force. This exciting project, generously sponsored by BAM Nuttall, brings together local schools and youth organisations in a dynamic display of young people's activities within the local, national and international communities.
Supported by local youth bands and the Waddington Pipe Band this exhibition brought an extra vibrancy to the Show and was not to be missed. In 2011the bandstand also welcomed The Manhattan Dolls, a swing-style female trio all the way from New York City's Broadway. Their professional performance and heartwarming melodies that have swept away many souls across US Air Force bases. A cafeteria run by the Women's Institute serving high quality food and drink was there as usual to enable you to relax and enjoy yourself. Entrance to No 5 Hangar is FREE.
In addition the RAF Waddington Pipe and Drums was playing throughout both days culminating in a joint performance on the Sunday with the RAF Waddington Voluntary Band.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Exhibition
Following a great success in its inaugural year 2009 and again at 2010’s Air Show, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Exhibition was back in the Youth Hangar! The UAV engineering world has seen some fast developments in the recent years, there are a wide variety of UAV shapes, sizes, configurations, and characteristics and this exhibition offered a unique opportunity for you to see models of these aircraft and ask any burning questions you may have had! More information and a full image gallery can be found on www.waddingtonairshow-awc-rpas.co.uk.
Classic Car & Vintage Military Vehicle Exhibition
The Classic Car & Vintage Military Vehicle Exhibition will be located at the southern end of the show, behind the main static aircraft line. Those of you on a nostalgia trip will have a chance to see again dozens of classic and vintage vehicles that were so often the wonder of their day.
Entrance to all areas of the Vintage/Classic Car Exhibition is free.
Vintage/Classic
Car Owners
To apply to exhibit your Classic Car please click here for the application form. Please note, there is a strict limit on the number of exhibitors and all successful applicants will receive their complementary ticket and entry pass closer to the show.
Funfair
A traditional funfair featuring a wide range of amusements and rides for all the family will once again be a feature of the show. The funfair provided by Roger Tuby & Son will be operating throughout the day, so make sure you find time to go to the fairground during your visit.
In addition, a number of themed flight simulators will be working as usual around the showground operated by S & D Leisure Organisation Ltd.
Watch & Listen ...
