Through Struggle To The Stars

What a night

2010-06-08T22:15:00.006+01:00

The Skea Brae event now over, it was time for the planned display. The generous contributions meant we could put on something special.

Derek and I had talked at length and with the assistance of the pilots and a late change to the timings, it was time for the SE5A to show its agility. The SE5A was the Spitfire of its day. Neil Geddes put on a fantastic display and everyone around me was astounded.

John Moffat was in his element as I had given him my hand scanner tuned to the display frequency and he knew everything that was happening before it did.

Then came the Pitts Special piloted by Dai. He really put it through its paces and it was surprising just how fast it is. Again gasps from the crowd said it all.

At 1806 it was time for PT462. The sound of the merlin was unmistakeable and in a subsequent coversation between Derek and myself, we both admitted to having lumps in our throat when we realised that we had achieved everything we set out to do.

It was amazing when I looked from the pier towards Hatston and the Ayre Rd, out Cromwell Road towards Carness. I have never seen anything like it. The number of people who had come to watch the event was, I would guess, in the 1000's. Even a coach tour from The Kirkwall Hotel had gone out to Hatston to watch.

The Spitfire proceeded to put on an outstanding display which left me absolutely speechless. The howl of the merlin engine reminded me of war movies when I was peedie.

I spoke to an ex colleague today who said when the Spitfire flew over his head at high speed he had a tear in his eye. We are absolutely over the moon that so many people took the time to come and see the event and extremely happy it seemed to be enjoyed by all. Thank you for taking the time to come and look and hoefully you got a suntan at the same time.

Once the Spitfire radioed end of display, I had to rush to the airport so I could say goodbye to everyone. A final wave to all, a quick flypast and the event that has consumed my life for the last 9 weeks was over.

There are so many people to thank for everything but I will attempt to do it before posting up my final photographs.

Derek Mowat for working with me side by side all the way
Stewart Wood of Garson Farm for allowing us to use Skea Brae
John Moffat for his presence, enthusiasm and memories
Loganair Engineering for their help and for providing a fantastic venue, special mention to Vic Murphy
Jonathan Hinkles, Commercial Director, Loganair, for bringing John Moffat to Orkney
Sheena Taylor for her memories, knowledge and fantastic contribution over the 2 days
David Blackman, Airport Manager for allowing public access to the ramp
Caroline Williams, Marketing Manager, HIAL for her support and exposure on the website
Airport Security Staff for their assistance in looking after the public
Info Desk Staff for assisting the public and putting up with me
Air Traffic Control for their assistance, special mention to Darren Jackson
Anthony Hodgson, Neil Geddes, Dai Heather Hayes and Jim McTaggart for their outstanding displays, their time and comittment to all visitors to the airport and the Orkney public
Richard and William Shearer for all their help and transporting John Moffat to the private viewing in their vintage car
Walter Scott for bringing his vintage vehicle to the photo shoot
Andrew Brown for using G-WIFE for the air to air shots and his company
Jean Marie Urlacher for his photographs assisted by Torquil Clyde
The Loganair pilots for giving up their usual parking spot for the two days
John Bain for his support and assistance
Scott Harcus for unknowingly allowing an invasion in his barley field
Airfayre for an outstanding buffet
Chris Wild for providing a shuttle to the hangar from the terminal
Jim Marr for driving the shuttle
The Orcadian, Orkney Today and Ken Amer and David Hartley for covering the event
David Morgan, from the Fresson Trust for his support and guidance
Radio Orkney
Everyone who offered assistance
And everyone who took the time to come and see this unique event
My wife Shona, for putting up with me and supporting me for the last 2 months
And to all those who have taken the time to thank us for this historical event
And in particular, everyone who funded the event, without whom none of this would have happened:

Derek Mowat 1000
Lawrie and Maggie Mitchell 200

C Thomson 100

Andrew Brown 200

Ian Thain 50

Jim and Jean Thompson 200

Neil & Shona Thain 200

Eddie Ratter 200

Norman Brass 200

R Clouston 100

DS Nicolson 100

Donald Mowat 100

Olly Sinclair 100

Jim Nicolson 50

MT Austin 100

Kirkwall Hotel 200

Airfayre 50

G & A Barnie 100

RAFA/Colin Wylie 100

Gwenda Shearer 100

Craigies's Taxis 100

Wm Shearer 150

Scorralee B&B 100

Alan Peace/JD Peace 350

Andy Newlands 200

Michael Shearer 50

Leslie Alexander 100

Sandy Thomson 100

Bruce and Kirsty Mainland 200

Walter Scott 50

Colin Gregg 100

Munro's Garage 100

Tait Orkney 100

JG Shearer & Sons 100

Liz Melvin/Ivan Stevenson 50

Charlie Kemp 200

Sheena Taylor 100

Inglis Lyon,HIAL 500

Billy McEwen 200

Grand total £6300.

A fantastic amount of money raised over the period.

So how much did it cost to put on this display? Good job I got an A in my arithmetic O level:

Total out £6298.52

We didn't make a loss, nor did we make a profit, so sadly there is not enough left to make a donation. I hope that the event more than makes up for it.

I am extremely proud that the tribute flypast at Skea Brae happened as planned, that many people met the pilots, got to see the aircraft and got the chance to meet John Moffat. The pilots were a great bunch and kept their fees to a minimum as they were as happy as we were for them to come to Orkney.

I learned a lot met a lot of new friends and would certainly do it all again. Before I post my final photographs I just want to remind everyone what this was all about.

On the 16th of June 1940 Winston Churchill said:

"The Battle of France is over, I expect the Battle of Britain is about to begin"

At the end of the battle he said:

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

He was right on both counts, I hope between us that we have done something to honour their memory.

Hope you enjoyed it!

The big day arrives

2010-06-07T22:25:00.003+01:00

After the success of the night before but the disappointment in the weather, thursday came with lots of sunshine. A final tidy up at the Loganair hangar and move the display to the terminal and we were ready to go. The boys from Loganair Engineering did us proud and for that we are very grateful, nor forgetting Jonathan Hinkles, Loganairs Commercial Director who organised and funded John Moffats visit to Kirkwall. Many thanks again.

At 11am Glaitness P7 arrived en masse for their visit to the Spitfire which coincided with their project on WW2. They had a fantastic talk from Sheena who had volunteered her services yet again and by this time, John was back in the terminal after being picked up by Andrew Brown, who kindly offered to do the pick up as I was tied up.

By this time the terminal was filling up with people asking where the Spitfire was. At 1130, the star of the show arrived. The Airport Manager, David Blackman agreed that we could let the public out to see the visititor and with the help from Security, Info Desk, Air Traffic Control and others, we took people to see the aircraft throughout the day. Many thanks to all, the feedback from the public was extremely positive.

At 12pm William and Richard Shearer and Walter Scott arrived with their vintage vehicles for a period photograph and Dai Heather Hayes arrived at 12.20.

Anthony Hodgson confirmed that all was Ok with the Spitfire and he intended to do the Skea Brae approach at 1400 and invited me to join him for the flight which was a dream come true. Andrew Brown had taken his Cessna 182 with him and with the help of Dai Heather Hayes, a plan came together to photograph the Spitfire from the air.

A quick word with Andrew and david Blackman found himself a willing passenger on this historic flight. After emergency evacuation drills and parachute training it was all go. Believe it or not I do not have one photograph of the Skea Brae low approach but I have been promised pictures by Tom O'Brien from Orkney Media Group and from Ken Amer. Believe it or not, I also did not see any of the news clips on STV as I was never in to see them. As soon as I get them I will share what I can.

I would like to point out that none of this could have happened without the full support of Stewart Wood of Garson Farm in Sandwick who owns Skea Brae. He has been very supportive all the way through and nothing has been a problem. For all who went to Skea Brae on the day, many thanks Stewart, very much appreciated.

Anyway photos from here, enjoy.

Air to air shots will be posted shortly and Skea Brae shots if I am allowed to post. Air display photos will be posted tomorrow. Thanks for continuing to read.

All the best.

PS John Schollay has his blog about this event at http://jonskol.co.uk/blog/?page_id=245

If you want to see the Spitfire flying over Orkney from the air, here is the youtube link courtesy of Andrew Brown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAVbFSsRfOY

Jim McTaggart display

2010-06-06T23:30:00.000+01:00

A night to remember

2010-06-06T21:20:00.006+01:00

My guardian angel Sheena Taylor and I got the hangar ready for the evenings festivities before lunch time and I thought I would have a reasonably peaceful afternoon but it was not to be.

Derek got a phone call saying that due to severe crosswinds, the SE5A flown by Neil Geddes could not land at Lamb Holm and he was hunting for a flat field to land.

Helped by Torquil Clyde it transpired that he had land at Quanterness. We rushed out to greet him but when we got there it was blowing a hooly so between us we wheeled it to the far side of the field but that still did not give enough protection.

Thanks to John Bain, Loganair pilot and Norman Brass who was coming through to Kirkwall, the plane was sheltered by Johns van and Neil made it to the hangar in time.

Derek and I rushed off at 1735 to ensure we could make the function. Thanks to my wife, my suit jacket was waiting on me and we had time to start pouing the drinks for the guests.

Many thanks to Chris Wild from Craigies taxis who provided a shuttle service from the terminal to the hangar as parking was limited. Also a big thanks to Richard and William Shearer who picked up John Moffat at his hotel in their beautiful vintage car.

After my introduction, Sheena gave a very interesting talk on what life was like as a trainee pilot in the war and she had also prepared displays which everyone could read during the event.

This was followed by a fascinating talk by John Moffat who recounted his experiences to all.

Then it was drinks, nibblies and meet the guests, including the main visitor PT462. I will hand over to the pictures for the next part.

There was a surprise in store at the end of the night. We had managed to obtain the services of an outstanding stunt pilot for the night as a special treat. At 1900 the guests were introduced to Jim McTaggart and his plane G-JIII, a Starduster. He suited up strapped in and proceeded to put on an outstanding display. The gasps from the crowd were plentiful as he displayed over the airport for the next 10 minutes.

Photos will follow tomorrow, sorry but I have run out of typing time again. Worth waiting for, promise.

The gods smiled upon us

2010-06-05T11:23:00.002+01:00

Please bear with me, I will post updates as and when I have a minute. I am resizing over 200 pictures as I type this.

Day 1 , 2nd June - Suspected coronary

Wednesday started off like any other day, with the event to look forward to. I got a phone call from Derek that they would be leaving shortly with an ETA at Kirkwall of around 1300. The media were duly informed and we awaited arrival.

A short time later, I got another phone call saying the Spitfire had gone tech near Liverpool with an alternator fault and there was a real chance that they would not be coming. My heart sank in the knowledge that the private viewing at 1800 was going to be a problem without the main event.

The night before, Jim McTaggart had arrived in G-JIII, a starduster biplane which was a planned surprise for the contributors on the night so all would not be lost.

I got a phonecall from Derek shortly after saying the fault had been fixed and they would be leaving shortly with an ETA of 1530.

I was also told that Neil Geddes in his SE5A was on his way and would be arriving at Lamb Holm around the same time.

Dai Heather Hayes was in touch and he confirmed due to the weather he would be arriving at lunchtime thursday.

Sure enough, around 1530 Air Traffic announced the imminent arrival so I will let the photos take over from here!

Anthony Hodgson, Spitfire owner and pilot on the left and Derek Mowat on the right

No adrenaline left

2010-06-03T23:13:00.000+01:00

Well thats it all over, hope you enjoyed it as much as I did

Will get blog updated shortly, got to sort through 100's of photos

Till later

Neil

Skea Brae

2010-06-03T08:18:00.001+01:00

Great night last night, photos to follow. Just a quick note to say Skea Brae 1400 today.

Regards

Neil

Timings update - important change

2010-06-02T10:10:00.001+01:00

Just to let you know Spitfire due to arrive 1300 local time today and will be parking at the terminal

Timing change for tomorrow

Due to operational requirements, the display will now be brought forward to 1745 local time tomorrow

Cheers for now

Neil

Couple of updates

2010-06-02T08:13:00.000+01:00

If you are interested in aircraft, it may be worth your while to be near the airport at 7pm tonight. Can't tell you why!

It looks like Skea Brae is on tomorrow (thursday), provisional times between 0900-1030

All the best

Neil

That's it folks

2010-06-01T23:40:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post to let you know that all the money that has been pledged has now been paid so we can finalise things tomorrow. Thank you everyone, it's been hectic but hopefully will be worth every minute.

I will try and update the blog with the ETA of the Spitfire. the Pitts Special will be landing at 1300 local time on Thursday and all intend to depart by 1945 at the latest on thursday so here's hoping all goes to plan.

Can I again remind people not to park at the Loganair hangar as there is not enough parking and we need to keep it clear as possible for our special guest to arrive.

If you want any further information contact me at anytime.

Best wishes and thanks again

Neil

Timings

2010-05-31T22:36:00.000+01:00

We still have not received all the pledges yet, so if you can iplease drop past tomorrow so we can pay everyone!

The timings for Wednesday are as follows:

pm Arrival of Spitfire and Pitts

Private viewing 1800-1900 at the Loganair hangar. Please do not park at the hangar as there is limited space. If you park at the terminal, Craigie's have offered their services to shuttle everyone to the venue so please aim to be at the terminal between 1730 and 1745 so we can kick off on time as there may be a surprise at the ened!

Thursday is more informal.

The Spitfire will be parked up at the terminal all day. Glaitness School will be visiting at 11am, and at 12pm the vintage vehicles will arrive for the photo shoot.

am arrival of SE5A at Lamb Holm

Evening, is as published already:

1840 SE5A display
1850 Pitts display
1900 Spitfire display

Regards for now

Neil

PS May have found a Spitfire pilot in Orkney, will let you know tomorrow

Update 26 May

2010-05-26T23:34:00.002+01:00

This is a very late post as my router died tonight and i had to find another one and rebuild all the settings. Plans are almost finalised and I am delighted to confirm the attendance of John Moffat on Wednesday night. This has been made possible by a very generous donation from Jonathan Hinkles, Commercial Director of Loganair who provided the air ticket from Edinburgh to Kirkwall and return.

Time is starting to run short and we need to finalise the finance by friday, if possible. Can I please ask that all pledges are paid by friday at the latest so we can go firm with all the displays.

For those of you who have already paid, many thanks, I will receipt each and every one as soon as I can.

I am at the airport 0830-1630 tomorrow and 0630-1430 on friday. Outside these times, envelopes can be left with the information desk staff.

If you want your pledges collected, please let me know and I will drop by after work.

Can I also ask everyone who wants to attend on wednesday night to drop a quick line, again allowing me to confirm numbers for the private viewing. Please indicate wheteher you are taking a partner.

Next wednesday and thursday will certainly be 2 days to remember for a very long time and we thank all of you for making it possible.

Regards for now

Neil

From little acorns mighty Oaks grow

2010-05-25T21:29:00.001+01:00

It never ceases to amaze me how things evolve from inception to reality. A very generous donation from Highlands and Islands Airports limited changed next weeks format. This was followed quickly by another generous offer of funding by Billy McEwen of J&M McEwens.

At first, we were not sure if it was appropriate to accept the funds, however a few phone calls later, ideas started to come together.

I also received a phone call today from Alan Gorn in Stromness and it transpires his father, Billy Gorn from Towerhill in Holm, was an engineer in the Fleet Air Arm working on Spitfires at Twatt.

Our other guest, Sheena Taylor of Stenness and Aberdeenshire is the daughter of a pilot who served in Orkney with Fleet Air Arm Sqn 894 at HMS Sparrowhawk and HMS Illustrious and other Orkney airfields.
Her father, Douglas Robertson, came from Longhope. Much more information to come from Sheena.

With the extra funding we are working hard to bring up one last surprise. Many will have heard of John Moffat, who was credited with taking out the rudder of the Bismarck allowing her to be sunk. Many of his exploits are available online. Here is the reference for Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Moffat_(pilot)

And here is a link to the Mail online

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1191813/Pilot-sank-Bismarck-tells-tale-70-years.html

For those of you who have just found the blog, apologies, if you have not been updated, as it appears not all the e-mail addresses are accurate.

Thank you all again for you interest and generous contributions. I hope to make another announcement tomorrow.

All the best

Neil

Spitfire FAQ

2010-05-24T21:22:00.003+01:00

I have been asked loads of questions about the Spitfire and its history so I have listed below the answers (based on my research) to the most common ones.

The first and main question I am asked is regarding the number of flying Spitfires in the UK.

As far as I can see there are around 25 of which 6 are 2 seaters.

Here is a potted history of TP462

Built Castle Bromwich in July 1944, delivered to 39 Maintenance Unit.

Shipped to Mediterranean Allied Air Force with 215 Maintenance Unit

Served with 253 Sqn during 1945 with markings 'SW-A'.

Transferred to Italian Air Force as 'MM4100'

Then to Israeli Air Force as '0607'

Then '2067' in 1952.

It was found partially buried on a Kibbutz by Rob Lamplough and sent back to England in May 1983.

Charles Church took ownership in 1985 and then restored and converted it to a Supermarine Type 509 Mk IX Spitfire Trainer configuration.

It was registered as G-CTIX it flew on July 25th 1987.

After Charles Church died it was sold to Jetcap Aviation in Florida as N462JC 'SW-A'

The current owner, Anthony Hodgson bought it and brought it back to the Aircraft Restoration Company (ARC) of Duxford, UK.

Anthony keeps it at a private strip in Wales.

Find more information here and here

We have just over half the pledges received to date, could you please try and have all pledges paid by friday of this week. If, for any reason you are unable to fulfil your pledge, please let me know as asap.

Final bit of news. I can now confim that Richard and William Shearer and Walter Scott have been given permission to take their historical cars on the airfield to have a period photograph taken with the Spitfire.

Glaitness School will be taking Class 7 at 11am to visit the aircraft as part of their project on WW2. KGS have asked to do the same.

That's all for now and thanks for reading

Neil

Update to 20th May update

2010-05-20T22:58:00.007+01:00

Hi again

Just when I thought I had finished typing for the night, I got a phone call from Eddie Ratter of Scapa Garage who had been raising further funds for the cause.

Further pledges are:

Colin Gregg Cars     £100
Munro's Garage     £100
JG Shearer & Sons £100
J&W Tait      £100
Walter Scott       £50

Many thanks to you all and of course Eddie for his hard work

Providing all pledges are met, I am delighted to say we can now complete all our plans. I will get the invitations out to the private viewing beginning of next week as I have to give numbers.

It was suggested to me tonight that we should have collection tins around the viewing areas on the night. The question is, if we did, do we have any volunteers to assist and where would be donate any money raised. RAF charities would be the natural choice but willing to listen. let us know what you think.

Finally a photo of what this is all about, many thanks Derek!

If you want to e-mail me, please use this address.

thain@thenookorkney.com

Thanks

20th May update - finalised :)

2010-05-20T20:25:00.002+01:00

Hello again

Just to let you know that the SE5 is now confirmed. We had to find an alternative solution to ensure getting it here so due to the assistance of Tommy Sinclair, who has the private grass airstrip on Lamb Holm we can now confirm its attendance.

The pilot has organised a visit to Kirkwall airport to check the posibility of landing but it looks like it will only be arriving on the 3rd, prior to the display.

Just to let you see what we have in store here are some links

SE5A is owned and flown by Neil Geddes, further information can be found here

G-BKER

You can view photographs at the bottom of the page

The Pitts Special is owned and flown by Dai Heather Hayes

G-BYIP

who can also be found here

And the Spitfire owned and flown by Anthony Hodgson

G-CTIX

who can also be found here

After the event I will publish my own photographs here but will also welcome pictures from anyone.

The timetable will most likely be:

3rd June

1840     SE5A display over Kirkwall Bay

1850     Pitts Special display over Kirkwall Bay

1900     Spitfire display over Kirkwall Bay

I will try and give you as much warning as I can regarding the low approach to Skea Brae.

There are a few more thank you's to add to the list:

Norman Brass Car Hire has donated a car to the pilots while they are in Orkney

Liz Melvin and Ivan Stevenson have donated the wine for the private viewing on the 3rd.

David Blackman, Kirkwall Airport Manager, has confirmed that the aircraft can be parked in front of the terminal on the day, meaning all can see it clearly. Many thanks to the Loganair Pilots for their assistance on this one.

Can I please ask all who have pledged to have all payments to me asap and in any event by next friday, 28th May.

In the words of Hannibal Hayes " I love it when a plan comes together"

All the best

Neil

18th May update

2010-05-20T19:56:00.000+01:00

Derek Mowat, Dunstane House Hotel……….£1000

Lawrie &Maggie Mitchell, Setter, Firth…..….£200

Anonymous………………………………………………..£100

Andrew Brown……………………………………………£200

Ian Thain……………………………………………………..£ 50

Jim and Jean Thompson…………………………….£200

Myself………………………………………………………..£200

Eddie Ratter, Scapa Garage………………………. £200

Norman Brass, Blue Star garage, Stromness £200

R Clouston, Kirkwall…………………………………… £100

DS Nicloson Rendall ……………………………………£100

Donald Mowat, St Margerets Hope …………..£100

Olly Sinclair, Royal Hotel, Stromness ………….£100

Jim Nicolson Rendall …………………………………..£50

MT Austin…………………………………………………….£100

Kirkwall Hotel……………………………………………….£200

Airfayre………………………………………………………..£50

G&A Barnie…………………………………………………..£100

RAFA matched by Colin Wylie………………………£100

Gwenda Shearer…………………………………………..£100

William Shearer, Victoria St…………………………..£150

Chris Wild, Craigie’s Taxis………………………………£100

Clouston Lodges, Orphir……………………………….£100

Alan Peace, JD Peace……………………………………£350

Original total…………………………………………………£4150

New contributors

Andy Newlands…………………………………………… £200

Charlie Kemp……………………………………………….£200

Michael Shearer……………………………………………£50

Leslie Alexander…………………………………………..£100

Sandy Thomson…………………………………………….£100

Bruce and Kirsty Mainland…………………………….£200

Ken Amer………………………………………………………£100

Hopefully final 2 pledges will be confirmed tomorrow allowing us to finalise things and work out any shortfall for small function on evening of 2nd. We have had kind offers of assistance for a mini buffet or wine, we may have to take you up on that offer yet, watch this space.

We are having to be very flexible on the last aircraft as the SE5 needs grass to land, so working hard on a solution. Final prices will be confirmed tomorrow but I can confirm some times now.

Wednesday 2nd June

If Spitfire arrives in good time, low tribute approach to Skea Brae

Pm Spitfire arrives and hangared by 1730.

1800 Private viewing in Loganair hangar courtesy of Loganair Engineering for contributors, meet the pilot and the aircraft.

Thursday

Pitts Special arrives

SE5 or alternative arrives

Spitfire at Kirkwall Airport, all things going well and subject to approval, parked up at terminal. All who have been unable to contribute but who have offered assistance will be able to enjoy private viewing with times to be confirmed.

11am Time available for KGS pupils, separate contact and arrangements to be made.

2pm Glaitness School TBC

Alternate time for Skea Brae approach

Exact times TBC

1830 Pitts display Kirkwall Bay

1900 Spitfire display

That’s as much as I can tell you just now. If you intend to visit the private viewing on the 2nd, can you please e-mail me asap so I can finalise numbers. There are some who cannot attend who I already know about, if you are taking a partner, please let me know.

Next news shortly. I can’t say thank you enough to you all. Lets just hope we get a bonny summers evening

All the best

Neil

17th May update

2010-05-20T19:53:00.002+01:00

Hello all

What a difference a few days make. While driving south last Thursday, I got a phone call from Eddie Ratter telling me he had raised a further £700. I had a quick chat with Derek in Edinburgh and he informed me that Leslie Alexander had raised a further £500. This together with an offer of £200 from Charlie Kemp changed the ball game considerably.

We now have arranged another surprise. A Pitts Special Aerobatic aircraft has been added to the display and all things going well we will have an SE5 in RAF colours from WW1.

We will also potentially have a special guest. The daughter of a pilot who was based at Twatt, Skea Brae, HMS Robin and Sparrowhawk. I won’t say too much but the history is fascinating.

Just to remind you, please drop your pledge for the Spitfire to me at Kirkwall Airport. Cheques should be made payable to A Hodgson. I will receipt by e-mail if required.

Will confirm venue and time shortly

Best wishes

Neil

12th May update

2010-05-20T19:51:00.000+01:00

Hi All

Just to let you know that we have passed the final hurdle due to a generous offer from Alan Peace at JD Peace who made up the final shortfall and paid for the display licence required for the event.

Not forgetting the generous contributions from all of you which has made this event possible. Also needing mentioned is the generous offer of the accommodation from Olly Sinclair at the Royal Hotel in Stromness for the pilot and Derek Mowat who has been an immense help in putting this together.

We are aiming for the display to take place at 7pm on 3rd June. The display itself will take place over Kirkwall Bay in a line North to South so it will be viewable from Hatston all the way round to Carness. The authorities have all been informed so we are just waiting for the green light.

The final contibutors list is as follows.

Derek Mowat, Dunstane House Hotel……….£1000

Lawrie &Maggie Mitchell, Setter, Firth…..….£200

Anonymous………………………………………………..£100

Andrew Brown……………………………………………£200

Ian Thain……………………………………………………..£ 50

Jim and Jean Thompson…………………………….£200

Myself………………………………………………………..£200

Eddie Ratter, Scapa Garage………………………. £200

Norman Brass, Blue Star garage, Stromness £200

R Clouston, Kirkwall…………………………………… £100

DS Nicloson Rendall ……………………………………£100

Donald Mowat, St Margerets Hope …………..£100

Olly Sinclair, Royal Hotel, Stromness ………….£100

Jim Nicolson Rendall …………………………………..£50

MT Austin…………………………………………………….£100

Kirkwall Hotel……………………………………………….£200

Airfayre………………………………………………………..£50

G&A Barnie…………………………………………………..£100

RAFA matched by Colin Wylie………………………£100

Gwenda Shearer…………………………………………..£100

William Shearer, Victoria St…………………………..£150

Chris Wild, Craigie’s Taxis………………………………£100

Clouston Lodges, Orphir……………………………….£100

Alan Peace, JD Peace……………………………………£350

Total £4150

As I said last night we are going to organise a private viewing of the aircraft on the evening of the 2nd June for all contributors and details will follow shortly. As we have now reached the amount of pledges required I can confirm the method of payment. Can you please either make a cheque payable to A Hodgson for your pledge amount or the cash equivalent. Please place in a sealed envelope clearly marked with your name and amount written on the front.

Cheques can be posted to me at Kirkwall Airport Terminal or if you are passing the airport, you can drop the envelope in to the information desk. Once again, many thanks for all your support and contributions. Those who have offered physical assistance may be needed shortly as the weekend before the visit will necessitate a trip to Skea Brae for a bag the bruck.

Will be in touch again shortly

Many thanks

Neil

11th May update

2010-05-20T19:49:00.002+01:00

Hello All

Just another quick update to keep you informed. Another couple of generous donations today bringing us to just £400 short of target. We have ordered the Spitfire in the knowledge we will reach the required funding. I will let you know shortly how to redeem your pledges.

Derek Mowat, Dunstane House Hotel……….£1000

Lawrie &Maggie Mitchell, Setter, Firth…..….£200

Anonymous………………………………………………..£100

Andrew Brown……………………………………………£200

Ian Thain……………………………………………………..£ 50

Jim and Jean Thompson…………………………….£200

Myself………………………………………………………..£200

Eddie Ratter, Scapa Garage………………………. £200

Norman Brass, Blue Star garage, Stromness £200

R Clouston, Kirkwall…………………………………… £100

DS Nicloson Rendall ……………………………………£100

Donald Mowat, St Margerets Hope …………..£100

Olly Sinclair, Royal Hotel, Stromness ………….£100

Jim Nicolson Rendall …………………………………..£50

MT Austin…………………………………………………….£100

Kirkwall Hotel……………………………………………….£200

Airfayre………………………………………………………..£50

G&A Barnie…………………………………………………..£100

RAFA matched by Colin Wylie………………………£100

Gwenda Shearer…………………………………………..£100

William Shearer, Victoria St…………………………..£150

Total to date…………………………………………………£3600

Many thanks to all

Neil

10th May update

2010-05-20T19:48:00.002+01:00

9th May update

2010-05-20T19:47:00.000+01:00

Hello all

Thought it was time to bring you up to date, Derek and I have been working hard raising funds and I have listed the current financial position below and although optimistic are running out of time. I have copied Dave Gray of Radio Orkney into this e-mail hoping he would be kind enough in one of his broadcasts to give an update to the public letting them know the situation and requesting further pledges to the cause (imposing on his good nature!).

I have also copied in Cheryl Campbell from the Orcadian who has given us the exposure so far and Craig Taylor from Orkney Today who keeps in touch regularly with me at Kirkwall Airport. I am also ever hopeful that the Orkney Media Group may be interested in making a contribution to this unique event.

Current picture:

Derek Mowat, Dunstane House Hotel……….£1000

Lawrie &Maggie Mitchell, Setter, Firth…..….£200

Anonymous………………………………………………..£100

Andrew Brown……………………………………………£200

Ian Thain……………………………………………………..£ 50

Jim and Jean Thompson…………………………….£200

Myself………………………………………………………..£200

Eddie Ratter, Scapa Garage………………………. £200

Norman Brass, Blue Star garage, Stromness £200

R Clouston, Kirkwall…………………………………… £100

DS Nicloson Rendall ……………………………………£100

Donald Mowat, St Margerets Hope …………..£100

Olly Sinclair, Royal Hotel, Stromness ………….£100

Jim Nicolson Rendall …………………………………..£50

Totalling ……………………………………………………..£2800

We have still to hear from OIC, RAFA, RBL and one or two others. To keep things above board, I will have details shortly of where the money should be paid if it all comes together.

Provisional dates are as follows:

1. Arriving Wednesday 2nd June for display 3rd June

2. Arriving Monday 7th June for display 8th June

Weather and ash cloud dependant! Many thanks go to all who have offered their support and all contributors. I will try and update quickly as and when things change.

Best wishes

Neil

19th April update

2010-05-20T19:45:00.002+01:00

Hi all

Have now spoken to the CAA, they confirm we do not need a licence to bring the Spitfire here. I also received another pledge today from Lawrie and Maggie Mitchell from Setter in Firth for £200 so getting there. I wish there was more I could ask you to do but at the moment its all about raising the necessary funds.

I was visited yesterday by David Morgan, a pilot and member of the Fresson Trust. He also happens to be a journalist and he is preparing a press release for some of the nationals and the P&J so things are about to become higher profile.

Thanks for reading and keep in touch

Regards

Neil

12th April Update

2010-05-20T19:44:00.000+01:00

Dear All

I apologise for not being in touch sooner, however, I have been away for nearly ten days and have had limited web access. First of all thank you for your offer of support in this venture.

Tough UK economic trading conditions has meant difficulty in obtaining funds so far but that does not mean work does not go on. At the moment I am waiting for the CAA to come back to me to discuss the least painless and expensive way to classify this potential visit.

It may be the only way to achieve this is for the initial landing to be at Kirkwall Airport. The airport manager has intimated a public viewing may be possible outside opening hours which would solve a huge problem. From Kirkwall Airport a tribute flypast or landing could be achieved at Skea Brae. The biggest problem is the relatively short timescale involved.

A Civil Engineer from Airport Infrastructure Services has offered to advise on the necessary steps to achieve the landing at Skea Brae and this will ultimately decide the final methodology.

In the meantime, I intend to visit the Chairman of the Royal British Legion and RAFA to ask for their support. I have spoken to the Royal Engineers to see if they can assist, however, they confirmed today that the cost of taking plant to Orkney is prohibitive, again due to budget cuts, and cannot help on this occasion. I also hope to speak to the heritage department of the OIC after work tomorrow to see if they are willing to get involved.

If you have any suggestions of potential funders, they would be gratefully received. Once we get closer to the target, I would hope we could all meet to discuss things in detail.

Thank you for your interest and if you want to chat, my home number is (01856)878626 or personal mobile 07799533805.

Best wishes

Neil

2010-03-23T20:10:00.000Z

Shortly after the cessation of hostilities in Western Europe in May 1945, RAF Skeabrae was placed on a Care and Maintenance basis, and after the closure of Scapa Flow Royal Naval Base, was finally sold off in 1957.

After a chance meeting with Orcadian, Derek Mowat, now a successful hotelier in Edinburgh, I became aware that Anthony Hodgson, the owner and operator of one of the few remaining Spitfires, namely PT462, was keen to bring this historic aircraft to Orkney.

With the historic link to RAF Skeabrae and RAF Grimsetter, now Kirkwall Airport, I have looked into the possibility of this being achievable in June of this year. Feeling that this was an idea which could be expanded and become a reality, I sent a few e-mails and made a few phone calls. Peter Vacher is owner and operator of Hurricane R4118, the last surviving Hurricane from The Battle of Britain with flight capability, and he has informed me that he would also be interested in bringing this unique aircraft to Orkney. A further phone call to Derek Mowat indicated that many other pilots of historic aircraft would be willing to participate in an event in Orkney in June.

The current owner of Skeabrae, Stewart Wood of Garson Farm, is very enthusiastic and supportive of the idea to bring historical aircraft to Orkney and has offered to allow them to land at the airstrip for the first time in six decades. Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd are also very supportive of this event.

As time is short and the cost of bringing these aircraft to Orkney to participate in a historic event is considerable, I am asking for volunteers and sponsors who would be willing to support or help sponsor this proposed event, as without such participation, this event will not be possible.

Derek Mowat has very generously pledged 25% of the cost of bringing the Spitfire to Skeabrae. This is potentially a unique and historically significant event for Orkney and I would hope to organise public access to these wonderful aircraft.

If you would be interested in offering either your time or your sponsorship to this unique event, or should you wish any further information, please contact me on 01856 878626 evenings or weekends or e-mail me on thain@thenookorkney.com.

Per Ardua Ad Astra

2010-03-23T19:42:00.000Z

Why "Through Struggle To The Stars". This is the official RAF translation of Per Ardua Ad Astra, their motto inherited from the Royal Flying Corps.

Legend has it that the motto was suggested by a junior officer, JS Yule, after suggestions were requested by the Commanding Officer of the RFC, Colonel Sykes.