RAF Marham Enthusiasts Day 21st June 2018

[rafphoto2]

I fully support the tone and views of "Rockstar" on Page 8 of this thread. I would only like to add 2 observations.
1. The initial messages on Page 1 of the thread gave a firm impression that there had been an overwhelming response to a very limited ticket offer, even leading to to a log jammed communications issue, and that all tickets had been allocated with a reserve list being compiled. On the strength of this information I (and possibly many others) did not pursue my application. (Yes - I know - Lucky Me!)
2. As a frequent attendee of the truly excellent Family/Friends events of yesteryear, it saddens me to see such a decline in local community relationships. Perhaps it is a symptom of a general lowering of morale brought about by the current lack of credibility of our Nation's Armed Forces.

[jamesv9820]

Rafphoto. If you are lucky enough to get a ticket for the fd this year, don’t expect more than what you saw in the photos then.

Maybe it was not the best idea to go ahead this week. But there are many changes and constraints that the majority of you guys have not or do not even think about in regards to airframe availability, location and construction constraints that are ongoing on the base. Some of the responses on here have been far from constructive, even mob like.

Perhaps the RAF thought that giving you a showcase of the F-35 and getting reasonably close to before many others including service personnel would be a good incentive. Maybe they got it wrong this time.

I hope that you guys do vote with your feet but I am proud to support and will continue to support the RAF and Marham in the future.

[slogen51]

With reference to the above post; the Families / Community day is naturally very different from an enthusiasts day. The Marham families day last year was a very nice day out and I don't think the recent events should reflect badly on the efforts put in by the families day organisation team.

However, the Enthusiasts day should come close to doing what it says on the tin - This was a commercial event run by the station for "enthusiasts" and I would think it is a reasonable expectation to be close to an active runway or taxi way to take some photos especially as you had been invited in for £50 ( although it wasn't advertised as a photo call)

I didn't attend the event so should probably keep my nose out of other people's business but I reckon a couple of taxying Tornados and some close up shots of an F-35 would have been all you could expect from a tornado base and a 4 ship formation flypast of tornados is not something you see everyday.

( Edit : in Marham defence they can't the held responsible for the background in the photos - it wouldn't occur to most 'non enthusiasts' that enthusiasts care what's behind a jet such as building works etc)

[TARGET]

well I wasn't there but can well understand the disappointment judging by everyones comments.it would be very interesting to hear comments from the organisers in response.

[B58Hustler]

Fact is,it's the 100 year celebration of the air arm that represents a ONCE GREAT nation..........................

[panta615]

Has anyone that’s emailed got a reply? I got one. Apparently they’re looking into it, what ever that means.

[Tronk 11]

I had the same email.

[TeeJay]

“( Edit : in Marham defence they can't the held responsible for the background in the photos - it wouldn't occur to most 'non enthusiasts' that enthusiasts care what's behind a jet such as building works etc)”

Not a criticism of you post at all, but
I disagree partially.
They can be held responsible for it as they arranged the event. And a simple repositioning of the aircraft or of the whole event would have eliminated the issue. Or not hold it when they did but at a later date.
But like you said they probably didn’t give it a thought, which is why we are pushing for them to get some enthusiasts involved in the organisation of these events.

There is no way these events can be linked to or compared with friends and families days, as they are a totally different thing.

Such a shame this event was so poor when the previous ones, have given us brilliant access and photo opportunities.
Here’s hoping they come back with some form of explanation at least or preferably another better event for those that paid good money to attend this one.

On a positive note, considering the limiting lack of photo-opportunities at this event, I am quite pleased with my photographs.

Trev

[zigzag]

Has anyone that’s emailed got a reply? I got one. Apparently they’re looking into it, what ever that means.

I havent even had an email

[Doughnut]

"There is no way these events can be linked to or compared with friends and families days, as they are a totally different thing. "

I did not attend the enthusiast event. But the comment about "friend and families days" is interesting because dispite previous requests to attend these they are always refused ?

[TeeJay]

Doughnut, as far as I’m aware you can’t ‘request’ to attend Friends and Families day. The day is put on by the station as a thank you to serving members of the force and their families/friends. And for anyone lucky enough to have links to the station that get invited.
It is not an airshow for the general public, but a private event. This year the station has said they wish to “limit the amount of civilians on station” for F & F day this year also.
I hope that clarifies it a bit.
All the best
Trev

[XWP29]

Full credit to Group Captain Townsend for his letter concerning this recent event to attendees.

[DavidT]

Totally agree. The response from the Group Captain has been well considered and his offer very generous.
I know which option I will take - Marham on the 26th.

[Green133]

I'm with you there DavidT. Its an excellent offer and will hopefully make up for the enthusiasts day. See you all there then, those that can make it.

[Green133]

Does anyone know what time the Families Days usually go on too roughly? I ask as I'm on nights that day and wondering if I can get to work after and not book annual leave.

[zigzag]

People occasionally get thing wrong, we all do, either at a corporate or personal level, it happens, its what is then done to mitigate that error that counts, and the offer from the Group Captain is spot on and well thought out, well done sir.

Just a pity that Im in Bucharest on the 26th.

[slogen51]

Does anyone know what time the Families Days usually go on too roughly? I ask as I'm on nights that day and wondering if I can get to work after and not book annual leave.

Last year the static was departing from memory at about 17:00 - 19:00

But you are not locked in - the carpark is accessible all day?

[Gary]

Does anyone know what time the Families Days usually go on too roughly? I ask as I'm on nights that day and wondering if I can get to work after and not book annual leave.

Any time after 16.00 usually the visitors start departing. From what's been said families day is a much smaller event this year, due to the ongoing work. It's meant to be held on Bravo, same as the photoshoot. Only a couple of base statics expected, rather than all the visitors and great support from the Americans it usually gets

[Johno]

A good offer, but it sounds like it could be a repeat disappointment of the enthusiasts day, I will cut my losses and forget another 5 and a half hour drive.

[Green133]

Thanks Slogen51 and Gary. That's a little disappointing regards the actual event. That's put me in two minds now.