Waddington viewing area dissapointing

[airfixpilot]

After a few years away, I visited the viewing area at Waddington. Last time I visited it had a Cafe/shop, which sold books, and other related aviation articals . including models and maps ect ect.
Today I went and found nothing but a Burger van. Just to say on the facebook page, it still has the old cafe/shop and saying it has aviation items.

I do hope it refreshes the advert, to let people know what is going on. I think it had to do with North Kesteven council and thier rates for the site, that the cafe was taken away.

Very disappointment, about the day out, so I left within half ahour.

Airfixpilot

[f-4]

Be glad it is still there.

[Nighthawke]

I must say that if I visit an airfield it is for the aircraft not the facilities on offer. Most don't have any anyway.

[James Cutting]

It's quite common knowledge on here, and on the Waddington Facebook group that was shut a long time ago. Be grateful it has a burger van...and a specific area to park.

[reaper493]

The cafe was condemned at the end of 2022 and the owner at the time closed it at the end of January 2023, it was discussed at great lengths on their page.

New owners took it on in time for CW23-1 with a burger van they bought from the chap at Coningsby.

Have you voiced your thoughts on their Facebook page? None of the current staff are members of FC so your comments are falling on deaf ears, but as others have said the facilities are still a great deal better than most bases.

The takeover and closing period was widely discussed on here at the time as well, more from an informative point of view.

Mike

[Rhubarb]

All info above is correct and the water supply was un usable due to damage somewhere under the road and its source. I for one am very pleased we still have the burger van supported daily by volunteers. Personally getting on in life, I am very appreciative of the portaloo facility they provide and increase to four units on Cobra Warrior weeks. All the Cobra spotters, many from the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain and even the USA are are very pleased with the facilities provided at the viewing area. So well done the Van group and may it continue.
Cheers

[airfixpilot]

All points taken on board. It is a shame though. It is a safe place to watch the aircraft & park your car. It has a burgar van, plus portaloo. Picnic tables so you can eat your food. Has Coningsby still got a burger van at the viewing area, near the mound still?.
The trouble is that if We we lose the viewing areas, it back to parking on the side of the roads near the fences, of airfields. People walking across main roads, with heavy traffic.
Maybe even if the councils near RAF stations, could put in deep long Laybyes as a stopping area, near runways may help.

[Nighthawke]

You are joking aren't you? Who is going to fund that councils don't have enough money for basics such as roads never mind laybys for niche hobbies!

[Knife 04]

I was disappointed too Airfix! To add to that there was an airfield next to it which got very noisy at times when the jets took off and landed

[plmc135]

All points taken on board. It is a shame though. It is a safe place to watch the aircraft & park your car. It has a burgar van, plus portaloo. Picnic tables so you can eat your food. Has Coningsby still got a burger van at the viewing area, near the mound still?.
The trouble is that if We we lose the viewing areas, it back to parking on the side of the roads near the fences, of airfields. People walking across main roads, with heavy traffic.
Maybe even if the councils near RAF stations, could put in deep long Laybyes as a stopping area, near runways may help.

Off topic but answering query above. Yes Coningsby does still have a burger van and the car park has been completely resurfaced. Mound removed some time ago.

[slogen51]

The viewing area has a lot of positives - spacious, right side for photos in the morning, close to the action and free!

I bring my own spotters breakfast - Mars bar and crisps

I heard there were asbestos issues concerning the old cafe- is that correct?

[f-4]

I heard there were asbestos issues concerning the old cafe- is that correct?

Not sure the food was that bad!

[Vulture 01]

A sign of the times I'm afraid. As others have said, having a safe parking area alongside a major airfield is a big bonus to the hobby.
Having a food source and loo's is very welcome too. Don't be too hard on them. They're probably too busy with paperwork to keep up with Faceache
and all the other supposed 'essentials' of modern life.

...and before anyone else dives in, I'm so old I can remember when the only mobiles in the world were used by Kirk etc on Star Trek!

[Mike]

They have a Facebook group that is regularly updated with most things you need to know about visiting the WAVE, you'll have to join if you're not a member :- https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.wad ... wave.co.uk

I have no idea what airfixpilot has been looking at on Facebook and can't believe that he is so disappointed that the tiny indoor eating area and gift shop has gone.

The best Facebook group for Waddington movements and photos is this one though. :- https://www.facebook.com/groups/660782812483339

[Vulture 01]

When I first started spotting, in the early 1970's it was very different; nothing! I aways took a couple of sandwiches and a drink with me, as did everyone else.
Most garages will sell similar stuff, so why not just stock up when you fill up?

[britaylor]

Most garages tend to over charge the food is always good at the wave

[Mike]

I agree with Vulture regarding taking your own food but the people that run the WAVE will not let you use the 'thunderbox' unless you have purchased something from their catering trailer. I've also heard that they will not allow you to use the rubbish bins provided unless it is some sort of waste from something bought from the trailer (empty can, plastic drinks bottle, food container/wrapper etc.).

I've just read this ridiculous post by the management of the WAVE on their Facebook page regarding next weekend's Friends & Families day........................

Saturday 13th July Wave car park only. Gates will open at 9am and have limited car parking spaces do not turn up in a large vehicle has to fit in a normal car parking space as you will be turned away. As expect a large amount people. So please park in the bays correctly. When the flying starts from 11.30am the Gates will be locked untill flying has stopped. No pedestrians are allowed outside of the gate while there is a display. So please make sure you stay for the full day. Have fun and enjoy the flying. See you all soon The Wave Team.

[britaylor]

I think this as come from the base and not the wave we do not want a repeat like Coningsby had last year and also people crossing the main road

[reaper493]

Daft as it sounds that instruction has come from the base, they did the same last year.

As the wave is under the display area and it attracts the same rules as a full on flying display for Families day, they had to do something - they couldn't have large numbers of people congregating on the road side post Shoreham. The best they came up with was make the wave a safe/no fly zone and lock the gates once people are in.

[Mike]

So what happens to people that get dropped-off at the side of the A15 to view the display, are they arrested by WAVE security or just humanely put to sleep?