When the Red Arrows inexplicably re-named themselves "The Reds", I noted a downturn in standards; their displays became mundane and their supporters didn't seem to mind. Back in the days of the Red Arrows (Gnats), one would look forward to their displays - even the early years with Hawks were reason...

Seacat192 wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 29, 2023 9:09 am

Thread tidied.

Please keep this for posts related to movements, not whining about what is/isn’t expected at Fairford in the near future.

Thanks.

Tis a sad thing when stuffiness rules over a bit of levity. Hey ho.

Though not actual displays, we have at least been treated to departures and arrivals of U-2s on various days when the park and views were open.

Were they freighted last time?

2 x B-52s just overhead Wootton Bassett circa 11.30pm. I assume there is a deployment thread somewhere?

Dammit: title should read "Hawkens".

Knife 04 wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 27, 2021 1:15 pm

sabrejet wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 27, 2021 9:49 am

Really good to see Capt David Hawkens commemorated on the tail of '085 today.

Did you get any shots of it please Sabrejet? Would be nice to see the tribute

Thanks

Darren

Posted here:

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=209410

Apologies for the abysmal photos: hopefully someone will post better. This is today's mission U-2 at Fairford, with tribute tail art, commemorating the life of Capt Hawkens, killed 29 August 1995 in a U-2 crash at Fairford. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51406229739_53f329458b_z.jpg https://liv...

I did get some shots but not very good. I'll post if none better turn up in the next few days. His name was Hawkens with an 'e' as per the Dunfield memorial and today's tail.

Really good to see Capt David Hawkens commemorated on the tail of '085 today.

Closer to fifty for me, and apart from "Dead Sparrows" I don't recall any other term being used til this "recent" deal with "Reds". Indeed. In the Fairford and Kemble days, the team were the Red Arrows or just the Arrows, but never the Reds. In fact, calling them the Reds, rather than the Arrows, i...

Are the Red Arrows now called The Reds? I see it written a lot but their website (https://www.raf.mod.uk/display-teams/red-arrows/) still says "Red Arrows". "The Reds" sounds like the name of a not-very-good football team, so I hope not. I've been in the hobby for 40 years and they were always refe...

Are the Red Arrows now called The Reds? I see it written a lot but their website (https://www.raf.mod.uk/display-teams/red-arrows/) still says "Red Arrows".

"The Reds" sounds like the name of a not-very-good football team, so I hope not.

Believe it when you see it. In the meantime let's make the most of what we have

Several good reasons to stay away this weekend then.

luxto wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 14, 2021 11:26 am

The latest departure has been 2307L and the earliest 0248L, so between those times there have been no U-2 movements as all arrivals have landed before 2300L.

Nicely put. Or take a day off, turn up and enjoy the thrill of the chase.

Excellent sabrejet, I have also submitted a complaint, things might get done and as you say, poor souls who have to go and clear it up.. Nice one. I'm hoping that it's some kind of one-off (unlikely, given the amount) and won't happen again. I'll be over there this week I expect - I doubt anything ...

Complaint submitted: I'll await a reply and hopefully some action to clear it up. Good luck to the poor soul/s who have to do it.

I guess most of you know, but "the hounds" are the local hunt, so we aren't talking about just the odd doggie - it's a whole coach-load all together, at least once a day. I think a word to the council might be in order...

In the hope that it might help folks here - or prevent a nasty accident - Rhymes crash gate layby is currently covered in dog muck! I spoke to a local chap there today and he said that the hounds gets walked that way now, and the pull-in is where they take a comfort break. I managed to get a ladder ...