Anthems and Red Arrows

R A F Cranwell was the setting for Anthems in the Park, so loaded down with a picnic, chairs a table and wet weather gear my friend and I threw ourselves into it.

We had a great view not so much of the stage but the big screens; it was a case of find a gap and squeezing yourself in, surrounded by all the bits you have dragged across the grass.

The event was in aid of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the entertainment fitted in with the theme of what has happened over the years it has been going.

There were two things that really stood out for me; the first was the introduction of seven gentlemen who had all been part of various aircrews during the last war. The youngest was in his late 80’s and the eldest over 100. It brought a lump to my throat, what those men had thought all those years ago when they took off knowing the chances of coming back was loaded against them. They had a standing ovation and well they deserved it.

The other thing that I love to see is the Red Arrows display team, and boy they did not disappoint, just a bit of a blip when a small aircraft strayed into their airspace, the display had to stop till it was out of the way so we ended up missing some of it as the plains would not have had enough fuel.

When the weather started to change (good old England) it stopped the Memorial flight from taking to the air. So no Lancaster, no Spitfire, no Hurricane, truly a shame.

The Concert was excellent starting with local children who had won a contest to sing for us and the Military Wives who were doing their first concert since forming, then ending the night with Jonathon and Charlotte.

Of course it rained but out came umbrellas waterproofs and for us a plastic tablecloth to stop our skirts getting wet.

Then to end the night I drove home, longest I have done for a long time YIPPI.