Bomber Command/East Kirkby weekend 12/13 May 2018

[Smithy]

Had an excellent day at East Kirkby, well worth a visit. In fact one visit isn't enough to really take in everything on display, if you get a chance to go I thoroughly recommend it. It is impossible to understand the bravery of the people who flew and maintained these aircraft. Also the ordinary Belgian and French people who helped downed airmen escape back to England. Humbled is sometimes an over used word but how else can you feel when you learn that some of these people had a 1 in 2 chance of dying and still went up on missions!

All that and then I got to read My First Book of Mini Beasts to my 4 year old granddaughter, thanks Ruby you saved me a wet night of camping, hope those who camped were ok.

Tim, sadly the memorial flight over Lady Bower dam is Wednesday 16th and I will be away.

Ian

[tj63]

If anyone other than me is riding over to Bomber Command today, we are meeting with the overnight campers at the RAF Waddington viewing area on the A15. Postcode is LN5 9FG.

Not sure what time, but I'm going to aim to be there for about 10am. Hopefully catch up with some of you there.


Trevor

[CrazyFrog]

Fantastic weekend, many thanks to all who attended and the great company enjoyed.

The weekend had lots af high points including the visit myself, Timbo and Oldtimer made to the Petworth Hotel (which was used as 617 squadrons officers mess)  just as they were preparing for the 75th anniversary dinner for the Damb Buster raid, with all the surviving members and Barnes Wallis's daughter wandering round the hotel in dinner jackets and bow ties as we three in all our mucky bike gear were inspecting all the fantastic memorabilia.

East Kirby was also fantastic and the Mosquito which is there and has been under restoration by one man for the last forty years was a rare privilege to see.

The ride in to the Bomber Command Centre and the fly past by the Lanc yesterday afternoon finished it all off to perfection. I also managed to find a completely Motorway free route home in the increasingly warm afternoon sunshine which was great too.

Hope everybody else had a safe and enjoyable ride home. 

[timbo]

Yes, very well put Smithy and Crazy Frog. A fantastic TC weekend, with a lot of highlights. I didn't leave the IBCC until after 3pm on the Sunday, and so was able to see Johnnie Johnston, the last Dambusters survivor, take the last post at the memorial spire. Very moving, I think I must have got something in my eye 
None of us could remember who had suggested attending this great event, until Steve C arrived at the IBCC, so thanks Steve.
Over the weekend, people dipped in and out depending on their circumstances, but overall we had, Timbo, Crazy Frog, Old and Wornout, Smithy, Old Timer, Mart, TJ63, and Steve C.
The Coach and Horses turned out to be a great wee pub, with plenty of camping space, and in a good location. many pints of Batemans XB were consumed at £3 a pint, and the food was excellent value at £5.95 for steak and kidney pie, chips and peas for example. So that's one marked on the map for our next trip to Bomber County 

[Oldandwornout]

As the others have said , I had a great time and East Kirkby is well worth a visit if only to remind yourself of what are ancesters had to go through for are future .
Great little pub at Hemingby (well done Tim) and I can't remember the last time I paid £3 for a pint and very welcoming will definitely be using it when at Cadwell Park as it's just up the road .
Here's to the next TC jolly if I can get enough brownie points .
All the best Mark

[SteveC#222]

I too had a great day out and it was good to be able to put a few faces to the names I know so well on the forum. Sounds like everything fell into place to you guys ( except the weather on Saturday!), as it all started before we knew about the big organised ride out to the IBCC or the 75Th anniversary.

Glad you all enjoyed yourselves.

[Oldtimer]

Most enjoyable weekend enjoyed by all who attended. Nice to put faces to names as well. Good beer, good grub what else could you wish for?

[timbo]

I sent the Coach and Horses a thank you card, just as a small token of our appreciation. I have a feeling we may end up there again in the future, as there are quite a few other places of interest in that area.

[CrazyFrog]

Excellent, great idea Timbo. I'd definitely go back there again, it was a cracking little pub.