 The seventh Seething Airfield Charity Air Day and Air show finally took place late September, under a clear
blue sky and warm temperatures – in sharp contrast to July when continuing heavy rainfall forced the events
cancellation.
Around 3000 visitors gathered to witness a very different kind of air show No fast jets or
heavy metal but a show that consisted mostly of classic and vintage stock displaying routines and formations
not usually seen anywhere else.
Visitors enjoyed a greater range of stalls and ground attractions this year,
including a larger than expected contingent of military vehicles and classic cars. Children were
entertained by Professor Pulson with a traditional Punch and Judy show, whilst others enjoyed a host of
games and competitions, or a visit to the control tower museum, keeping everyone busy until the start of
the air show
Diving in from
the west was that unmistakable sight and sound of a Spitfire, getting the air displays underway. Peter
Teichman skillfully and gracefully demonstrated his machine to it’s full aerodynamic potential – and of course,
that roar of his Merlin engine made this a most memorable display.
Ian Davies, a seething based display
pilot, entertained visitors with a unique blend of formation flying and barnstorming. His De Havilland
Chipmunk, in formation with Hornet Moth G-AELO, provided a unique opportunity for photographers and
delighted crowds with the gentile and sedate pace of this unusual routine.
A change of pace as Al Coutts
performed a spirited display in his Pitts S2a aircraft. Twisting, turning, rolling and looping, and with
a little smoke against the backdrop of a clear blue sky this was a display that got everyone’s attention!
The displays continued featuring a mix of modern and historic aircraft, some new to the Seething
circuit, and One such machine being a Fiat G46. This Italian built warbird graced the Seething sky in
all it’s splendour. The chipmunk featured in a further two displays – balloon popping then flying under
a banner and a crazy flying routine.
Sheik Yasser Ferifat took the controls for this, what can only be
described as, a demonstration in how not to fly! Low altitude stalls and with sharp twists and turns
at seemingly tree top height, provided several heart-stopping moments for the audience.
Concluding
this years show was local display pilot Maurice Hammond, at the controls of his P-51 Mustang ‘Janie’.
A display that never fails to please – adults, children and even a few dogs looked skyward in awe
as this classic warbird proceeded to demonstrate it’s sheer power and agility. Always a sight to
behold as Maurice sets up for a high speed pass, that unmistakable Merlin engine sound – you know
it, that characteristic whistle as he pushes ‘Janie’ to her limits.
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The East Anglian Air Ambulance are the main beneficiaries from this years Charity Air Day and Air show
“We are in a position to increase our donation considerably over last year”, said organiser Paul Holmes.
“ Donations from some stall holders are still to be received so the final amount won’t be known for a few
weeks yet”, he added. He went on to say that this was the most successful show held at Seething in recent
times, thanks in part to the dedication of the organising team and members of the flying club. Will there
be a show in 2008? Yes, subject to finding the manpower required to ensure the event can run smoothly
and safely. A decision will be made within the next few weeks, a date to be announced on the
Seething Airfield website.
  One visitor commented “Just wanted to let you know what a great day we had yesterday at the air show
Four generations of my family were in my group and there was something for everybody and there was a great
family atmosphere. You seem to have a great organisation at the airfield and the work done by the group at
the control tower is also impressive”. Another visitor said “The Charity Air Day on September 23rd 2007 was
excellent and exceeded our expectations. The entrance fee was extremely generous and the only fault we
had was the lack of catering facilities (ie food and drinks) otherwise, we take our hats off to you all”.
The pilots and associates of Seething Airfield are committed to supporting local charities and societies
from South Norfolk and across the Waveney Valley area. Flying Club members and the Seething Tower Museum
Association, together with the Bungay Lions and the Carlton Colville Air Scouts are working together to
provide a comprehensive, good value family day out. Neither organisation has a commercial interest in the
event. There are, of course, costs involved - Aircraft fuel, local authority event licence, insurance and
toilets all have to be accounted for. Plenty of goodwill and the latest technology have helped us achieve
an almost zero administration cost, enabling more to be given to charity.
Organisers for 2007:
Paul Holmes (Seething Flying Club) Organiser
Ian Davies (Seething Flying Club), Air Display Organiser
Ann-Margaret Barber (Seething Tower Assn.), Secretary
James Barber (Seething Tower Assn.), Treasurer
Peter Barber (Seething Tower Assn.), Sponsorship
Rodney Turner (Air Scouts), Catering
George Eagle (Bungay Lions), Stall Holders and Arena
Peter Duffield (Starlight Entertainment), Sound and PA
Photography by Martin Eames. |
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