Kemble - 12/05/2008

Kemble Airfield yesterday hosted a press preview to launch their 2008 Kemble Air Day. Kemble Air Day will take place, as usual, on Fathers' Day, Sunday the 15th of June.

For the first time in its 12 year history, KAD has decided to adopt a charity, and the lucky beneficiary will be the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

Welcoming the move, the Fund's Controller, Sir Rob Wright, said "We're delighted to have been chosen as Kemble Air Day's charity of the year - one of the major events in the air show calendar. Families and enthusiasts alike are guaranteed to have a great day out, whilst also supporting the important welfare work of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund."

"The Benevolent Fund is a national charity and we are very proud to be supporting it," said organiser Glen Moreman. "For us, it was a natural choice. Equally, our association confirms Kemble Air Day as one of the UK's premier air shows.

"Anyone who has ever served in the Royal Air Force, or is an immediate dependant of someone who served, may be eligible for assistance from the Benevolent Fund. Grants, loans and advice are available for a broad range of help, including mobility aids and specialist equipment for the sick and disabled; help with housing and accommodation; assistance in accessing and funding care; as well as individual grants to relieve specific financial need.

Kemble Air Day is this year celebrating the RAF's 90th anniversary with some special flypasts and will also raise a glass to Kemble Airport's 70th birthday. The hunt is on for aircraft that were once a familiar sight over the Cotswolds. It has already been confirmed that it will be one of just seven air shows to host the RAF's spectacular air power demonstration.

Organisers are promising that the event will include best-loved Second World War and post-war aircraft, including a Spitfire and Hurricane.

Tickets for the Air Day are now on sale from www.kembleairday.com and are currently being sold at a considerably reduced rate to what it will cost to gain entry on the day.

On with some pictures!

Peter Teichmann put on a lovely display in the Spitfire PR.XI

...before the AAC Blue Eagles Lynx (complete with Blue Eagle on the nose) was put through its paces

...and finally, Andy Gent put the blue Delta Jets Hunter T7 through a lovely display of high-speed passes, showing off the top and undersides of the aircraft beautifully, before substituting for the absent RAF Role Demo Team and causing one or two explosions around the airfield!

The Buccaneer Society's S2B example is looking good. It would be a great disappointment if she were not to be on display on the day.

Delta Jets had laid out a large chunk of their collection, plus a few extras belonging to other operators, present for maintenance.

Another nice addition to the static park would be this authentic Hong Kong Government Bulldog.

With the Delta Jets fleet gradually being towed away for the night, Pete T decided it was time for him to depart too.

All in all an excellent day and a nice taster for what the Air Day may bring. Please go along and support this excellent charity event.

Thanks go to Glen Moreman, Sqn Ldr Andy Pawsey (good to meet you properly this time, Andy!), and to all of the guys from Delta Jets for their hospitality.