The Royal Visit

Do you know our little Club has had a Royal Visit. No I kid you not! On Thursday 27th March 2007 HRH Prince Charles set foot on our hallowed turf.

He arrived in a rather nice helicopter, chartered by the Queen’s Flight, he was then whisked away in an equally nice new Audi by the Police Security team to a nearby Nature Reserve where he spent 2 hours before returning to his helicopter and was then whisked away to Norfolk.

It all began a few weeks ago when we had a visit from the Police enquiring what days we flew, when they learnt we are not here seven days a week, they did mention the 27th and the nature of the visit (not who), after listening to the details of the requirements for this visit, I volunteered to open up the site(with Roger’s approval).

A few days before the visit two members of the Queen’s Flight  came on site and were shown the proposed landing site and whilst here John Bennett met them and lo and behold one of them was known to John from the past(who doesn’t John know in the aviation world?) and the other visitor was stationed at RAF Upwood during his service time. Isn’t it a small world.

On the day I opened up and let on site two chaps from Blackbush Airfield complete with a small tanker trailer on tow for refuelling. They seemed pleased with the landing area then interestingly they VERY carefully checked the fuel, although they said the small tanker spends it’s off duty time securely locked away they ALWAYS  double check.

Later the Police Security arrived so we retired to the Clubhouse for a “cuppa”. As the time drew near, phone calls put our visitors on “ALERT” and the chopper arrived and as previously said HRH was whisked away.

Whilst the helicopter was poured over by yours truly and the remaining police officer (a very nice young lady) it was very smart inside, pale cream leather upholstery, carpet, lovely wooden door pulls and built in refreshment lockers, in the front a lot of instruments more than an old boy like me could cope with!

After HRH departed the Police contingent thanked me (on behalf of you lot) for giving them the use of our site, all in all a very nice day.

There was however one small incident which caused some concern at first------------the bird scarer in the adjacent field fired up!!!!

Brian C (Dad)