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View Full Version : How was the RAF Waddington Airshow?


Phoney Tony
30th Jun 2007, 18:01
The weather looked poor.

100-500 ft cloud base in showers.

Did the Reds turn up?

Hope the weather is ok on Sunday.

Russell Sprout
30th Jun 2007, 18:15
Not too bad a day, weather was pants, Maggi turned up for the Falklands memorial parade, does anyone no if the Falklands display aircraft are an official collection? Enjoyed the IMC Chinook and reds display....

Fitbin
30th Jun 2007, 18:28
Best bit about the Reds was their initial entrance with the Sentinel, shame they were 1 down cos of a broken wrist.

Spam_UK
30th Jun 2007, 20:32
As has been mentioned weather was rubbish but still a real good turn out, displays were ace.

Hopefully it will clear up a bit for tomorrow.

MRA4 was quite impressive as well, didn't do much but just to see that it exists and can fly was a relief :}.

BluntM8
30th Jun 2007, 22:12
Was quite amusing to listen to Red 10 on Airshow FM as they broke off the display. All the old phrases about "Safety First" etc I remember so well from debriefs during BFJT, delivered in the same uber-serious tone of voice! The angry dwarf lives on! :)

Phoney Tony
1st Jul 2007, 07:31
Glad to hear day one went well despite the weather.

As I type the rain has gone and the sky is blue.

Looking at the Rainfall Radar the down burst from this morining was localised with little following.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/lib/template/spacer.gif

The MRA4 was good to see, but missed the smell and roar of the speys!

Chox Away
1st Jul 2007, 07:50
Just heard on the Radio - todays airshow at Waddington is cancelled. There is to be no flying display, nor will the public be allowed on site to view the static display either. Health & Safety of the public is being cited as the main reason for the cancellation.

Latest Info-
1) Too much water already on site.
2) Emergency services being freed up in order to assist possible floods in Lincoln City Centre (River Witham nearing bursting)
3) The cancellation is not related to recent security incidents.

Spotting Bad Guys
1st Jul 2007, 07:52
Just been announced - the official line is that due to a large amount of overnight rain, today's show is cancelled entirely.

Sad, as the weather is improving!

Airshow FM reporting that it is nothing to do with the raised national security state, the decision has purely been taken on H & S grounds.

SBG

Dammit Chox, you beat me to it!

Orville The Duck
1st Jul 2007, 08:37
Sorry to hear about the show being cancelled today. Luckily I was one of the thousands who were daft enough to brave the rain yesterday.

Despite a few of the displays being slightly stilted due to the low cloud base, it was still a fantastic show. Shame no Battle of Britain Memorial flight (luckily I see it all the time as I live just up the road from Coningsby), and unfortunately the tactical scenario didn't happen but seeing 2 Tornados approach in apparent silence (they were shifting) to carry out simulated bombing raids was amazing.

Other highlights were the Typhoon, AWESOME, the weather actually made it more impressive as it blasted through low the moisture in the air and that noise - incredible. The last display, Red Bull Matadors were absolutely fantastic too, shame so many people had given up and gone home after the tactical scenario got cancelled - they missed a real treat as the cloud base was high enough for their full looping display.

Overall a great, inspiring show, it's a shame I got into the whole aviation thing too late, after seeing what I saw yesterday if I was 16 I'd be queing up to sign on the dotted line.

NURSE
1st Jul 2007, 10:23
was also one of the drenched rats from yesterday.
was very good despite the weather. The curtailing of the tactical display was a shame but the Tonka stike was impressive.
I have to say the Nimrod grey scheme looks excellent and Typhoon is amazing I do think they should pinch a quote From "Hot Fuzz" to introduce it "Bring the Noise" it certainly what i pay my taxes for.
My wife was suprised by how small the chinook and hercules actually and the Wokka display was good.
Was nice to see the variety of F16's and Tonka but was pleased to see the A10 again pity it wasn't flying. I do hope the Idnians enjoyed themselves as it was different to see the Candid and Flanker

OHP 15M
1st Jul 2007, 10:52
I fully understand the decision to cancel the Airshow over Health & Safety concerns for the general public due to bad weather.

However, what I fail to understand is why the Airshow could continue given the fact that the national terror threat level was raised to critical (its highest level, indicating an attack is expected imminently). I for one am not so sure that we should afford such an 'easy' opportunity for a bunch suicidal nutters to potentially cause untold damage and mayhem on a MoD site with thousands of members of the public in attendance.

If a disastrous incident had occurred, perhaps one could argue a strong case of MoD negligence during a period of heightened security?

Safety_Helmut
1st Jul 2007, 11:22
Right, hang on, I was there yesterday, and it was ........................................a waste of a Saturday.

Yes the weather was bad, but the whole thing just smacks of commercialism ! No longer trying to show off the RAF at its best, but just trying to maximise income. A bloody great funfair smack in the middle of the best viewing areas, loads of other chavvy stalls selling tat. A parking area for those who paid a little bit more, again smack bang in the middle of the best viewing areas. As for the displays, well I know the weather was bad, but come on a circuit from each of the so called ISTAR triad, wow, oh and the bloke commentating: clueless !

I shouldn't moan too much though, I didn't pay, but if I was the paying public, I would think my money wasted.

Cancelling today because of the weather, pull the other one, you had the weather forecast, surely you could see that yesterday should have been cancelled and gone for it today ?

S_H

Safety_Helmut
1st Jul 2007, 11:44
but a sensible decision based on the fact that vehicles were rapidly sinking into the airfield.surely not ?

There was a news item on the airshow website, dated 26th June, now removed by the way, (to save face ?). That stated all of the heavy rain was not a problem as the airfield has excellent drainage.

S_H

ShyTorque
1st Jul 2007, 12:06
Personally, Having read the website info regarding drainage (before it was changed), I don't believe the airshow was cancelled for the main reason stated, either.

SPIT
1st Jul 2007, 13:27
Hi
I am not being A TIGHT AR** but will there be any refunds for those who got adv/tickets for Sunday and stand to loose £36.0p: :rolleyes::rolleyes:.
After all £36 quid is £36 quid .

Mightycrewseven
1st Jul 2007, 13:41
Safety Helmut:
Right, hang on, I was there yesterday, and it was ........................................a waste of a Saturday.

and
As for the displays, well I know the weather was bad, but come on a circuit from each of the so called ISTAR triad, wow, oh and the bloke commentating: clueless !

I'm one of the ISTAR triad crew and although I did not fly in yesterday's display, I had a long chat, after the display, with my colleagues who had. They were a little concerned that when the 3-ship formed up (in close formation) to conduct the 'scheduled' flypast, they entered low cloud and lost sight of each other, heaving to break off before something 'nasty' happened. Rightly, the aircraft captains' decided to 'fly through' individually, which meant, due to the display schedule, they could only conduct one pass each. 'Wow' you might well say, but your expectations of something more exciting hi-light your complete ignorance of flight safety. All aircrew in yesterdays display took a degree of risk in order to put on at least some sort of display in abhorent weather conditions, so people like you could get your money's worth.........but oh, I forgot.........
Safety Helmut:
I didn't pay, but if I was the paying public, I would think my money wasted.

You pathetic sponging t****er (concessionary ticket from a friend in the RAF was it?). :mad::mad::mad: You are right, you have no right to moan. All PAYING spectators that go to airshows know that bad weather means a limited flying display and, let's face it, the weather reports leading up to the show didn't exactly say we were going to have a glorious day, did they?
Safety Helmut (again):
the whole thing just smacks of commercialism ! No longer trying to show off the RAF at its best, but just trying to maximise income
All profits of Waddington airshow goes to charity - that's real commercialism isn't it?
I suspect this must be your first airshow - K**b Jockey.
RANT OVER

electric.sheep
1st Jul 2007, 13:51
All aircrew in yesterdays display took a degree of risk in order to put on at least some sort of display in abhorent weather conditions,

That statement worries me, there should have been no more risk taken yesterday than at any other display, regardless of the weather.

exrotarybooty
1st Jul 2007, 13:56
Russel
Some shots of the Falklands display, including 'Maggie'. Royal Marines Gazelle XX411 was shot down on day one of the landing, into San Carlos Water, when the Sgt pilot was killed. The surviving air-crewman was at the ceremony. 'X' belongs to the aeroventure museum near Doncaster www.aeroventure.org.uk/xx411.php but was renovated by a great team of AAC REME guys in NI.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/exrotarybooty/cxrecovery.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/exrotarybooty/Waddington6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/exrotarybooty/Waddington4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/exrotarybooty/Waddington3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/exrotarybooty/Waddington2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/exrotarybooty/Waddington1.jpg
ERB

Mightycrewseven
1st Jul 2007, 14:01
Electric sheep

A degree of risk taking into account safety limitations.

OHP 15M
1st Jul 2007, 14:04
SPIT,

Read the back of your ticket:

"Nor will the organisers be obliged to refund any entrance monies, should the event for which the ticket grants admission not take place or be curtailed."

However, the announcement on Airshow FM invited members of the public to send their tickets, along with a covering letter, to the Airshow Office at Waddington, where refunds will be considered. So, depending on how good your letter is, you may get refunded. Perhaps you could start you letter with:

Dear Airshow Organisers,

I'm not being a TIGHT A***, but £36 is £36

Good luck anyway.

Sentry Agitator
1st Jul 2007, 14:05
Why should it worry you that there was a degree of risk? There is always a degree of risk which is measured at all times when trying to put flying machines in the air. IT IS NORMAL

MC7 purely states that because the weather was worse than perfect, the risk factor increased....is that really a surprise? All display crews have alternate plans to cater for such appalling weather conditions (even the Reds) and the captains of the TRIAD merely exercised sound judgemental reasoning to keep themselves and the public safe.

Now come on and give us some credit will you?

SA...slightly miffed

MC7--well done mate

Talking Radalt
1st Jul 2007, 15:05
However, what I fail to understand is why the Airshow could continue given the fact that the national terror threat level was raised to critical
Probably because the latest brand of extremist nutcase isn't really interested in targeting one-off airshows. All that'll do is put people off airshows and that's hardly gonna crumble the nation's economy/safety/confidence is it?
Put people off flying/tube trains/motorways etc and you have far, far more impact.
Gone are the days where the military and Govt alone are the targets.
you had the weather forecast, surely you could see that yesterday should have been cancelled and gone for it today ?

Ermmmm, how would not holding the show yesterday in any way have affected the sheer amount of water dumped on Lincolnshire in the last 24 hours and thus the suitably of the site for a public event today?
Speaking to those who were there it appears although Waddo was reasonably dry and certainly able to entertain some aviation, the surrounding areas were literally up to their necks in it and this is why Fireman Sam and PC Plod had to divert resources elsewhere and couldn't commit to Waddington.
Any mass-public event requires a minimum commitment from all three civvy services, and what with other unforeseen events it seems there just weren't enough to go round.
Ground safety is just as much a player at these things as flight safety.
Fair play to the Sheriff of Lincolnshire. Ballsy decision given the financial/PR implications but the right one no doubt.

PICKS135
1st Jul 2007, 15:26
Why stop the Airshow because of Terrorist outrages.
Leuchars Airshow went ahead on 15th September 2001. 4 days after a bigger outrage than what we have seen this week.
Cancelling all leisure pursuits because of things like this plays into the hands of these imbeciles.

electric.sheep
1st Jul 2007, 15:31
Sentry,

Sorry, but the post implied a degree of risk "in order to put on at least some sort of display". That should never be the driver.

I'm sure everything complied with the weather limits for air displays as laid down in JSP 550 and CAP 403, so I'm clearly well out of order.

groveaviation
1st Jul 2007, 17:02
Nor will the organisers be obliged to refund any entrance monies, should the event for which the ticket grants admission not take place or be curtailed."

Fortunately didn't get round to buying tickets in advance, and was turned away at the gate this morning. However, would have enjoyed seeing how that clause would stand up in a court of law. It's one thing covering yourself incase some items don't happen (say the Reds don't perform), quite another to sell tickets for a, subsequently, cancelled event.

Sentry Agitator
1st Jul 2007, 17:11
Folks - I understand your concerns over refunds but surely you have to agree that with the weather forecast to get worse before lunchtime, it was a good idea to try and clear the airfield before vehicles started to sink even deeper with the impending downpours? Can you imagine the carnage if thousands of people had queued for refunds and then tried to leave?

Please be patient? Yes the weather was awful yesterday but more so overnight. Yes there were notes posted to say that the airfield didn't expect any probs with drainage and ordinarily we wouldn't have.....but the weather seems to have caught alot of organisations out hasn't it?

The weather last night when we were all tucked up in bed was worse than anticipated and the ground having been given a pounding this last week was saturated. It didn't make for a good recipe.

However, the biggest issue as previously mentioned, was that because of the increased risk to the local population areas, the emergency services were required elsewhere. Quite rightly, the priorities were taken out of the Show managers hands. We can't put on a show if we don't have the emergency cover FULL STOP!

It takes a year for the staff to try and put on a decent show for the enthusiasts and the posts I've read on this thread are really disappointing. What is more upsetting is that nobody has given any thought to the lads and lasses who were stuck outside in the appalling weather trying to do their best for 'Joe' whether that be getting them in or out. The majority end up working for 2 weeks without much of a break at all doing their normal duty, followed by extra tasks, to try and make the event as pleasurable for the public as possible.

I for one think they deserve better!

SA:*

Beeayeate
1st Jul 2007, 18:37
Top post that man.


:ok:

mutleyfour
1st Jul 2007, 19:15
Been to a few waddo Air Shows but (thankfully) couldnt make it this year. A difficult and sad decision but it sounds to me that it was the right one.

stillin
1st Jul 2007, 20:20
I think you will find that only a small percentage of the profits go to charity!
:=

motherbird
1st Jul 2007, 20:38
If as we are told global warming is happening, does it mean that our summers will become warmer and wetter? If so, will we get a dry season later in year when air shows could be put on with less risk of cancellation?

Safety_Helmut
1st Jul 2007, 20:57
Well put Sentry Agitator, yes, people have worked very hard to put the show on. I should know better, I've been there doing it myself. Just left after 23 years, and have done an airshow or two, in bad weather too, but probably not as bad as Saturdays.
As for you mightycrewseven, you ignorant c~cksucker, the thread asked for opinions, I gave mine, didn't abuse anyone, obviously upset you though you sanctimoniuos pr!ck. Just offered an opinion, yes, tickets were free, first one I have ever seen for free without working though.
I can only imagine what it's like being on your crew, must be some stunning discussions with a w@nker like you !
S_H

TorqueOfTheDevil
1st Jul 2007, 21:21
What were the planners thinking? An ISTAR triad without a Sea King? Disgraceful. Sea Kings come under AO ISTAR => ISTAR asset.

The Sea King is the RAF's only true swing-role asset: ISTAR and SAR. This was ably demonstrated last year in the Falklands when a Sea King crew, taking part in a night-time exercise, successfully used the IR camera to direct the QRF (which it had dropped off moments earlier) into a blue-on-blue with another patrol...and was then called in for casevac! Priceless, many red faces all round...

OHP 15M
1st Jul 2007, 21:28
T Radalt,

BBC news reports:

There is heightened security and a heavy police presence at Wembley Stadium, where up to 63,000 people are attending the memorial concert for Diana, Princess of Wales. Security is also to be stepped up at the Wimbledon Championships, in south-west London, when the tennis tournament resumes on Monday.


So are you saying this reaction to a critical threat is also not warranted? All this would do is put people off Wembley concerts and Wimbledon - that's hardly gonna crumble the the nation's economy/safety/confidence is it?

Talking Radalt
1st Jul 2007, 21:41
So are you saying this reaction to a critical threat is also not warranted?
No and that's not what I suggested.
My point is, to suggest Waddo was cancelled entirely on "Security" grounds is ludicrous.
Other (higher) profile events carry on (not quite regardless but they carry on) as you have so correctly pointed out. An appropriate reaction is to visibly increase security, not just drop everything and cancel. That, surely, equates to running away bravely? :rolleyes:

OHP 15M
1st Jul 2007, 21:53
I totally agree with you, i.e. that an appropriate reaction would have been to visibly increase security, but would question whether this was done at the Airshow. My real point is that there should have been some 'visible' reaction rather than none.

Talking Radalt
1st Jul 2007, 22:09
I think you're missing it.
As far as I can make out the Feds and Firemen were needed more urgently elsewhere to deal with flooding so Waddo, which was already looking iffy due to a waterlogged pitch, fell by the way side.
Glasgow, Jeeps and flaming ar$eholes had nothing to do with it. Had the show gone ahead I'm pretty certain s'curity would've been stepped up and any Cherokees would've been directed to the outer reaches of the field.

Flying_Anorak
1st Jul 2007, 22:43
As one of those who listened to the forecast on Friday and chose to make my annual pilgrimage at 'Oh dark thirty' this morning from London to Waddington and learned of the cancellation when only a few miles away, I have to say I was bitterly disappointed and slightly suspicious of the reason given on BBC Radio Lincolnshire.
There was a lot of speculation on BBC Radio Lincolnshire and amongst other 'displaced' airshow goers found scattered around Lincolnshire and the East Coast resorts of Skeggie & Mabelthorpe later today that the weather was a convenient 'cover story'. I really hope this was not the case as I'd hate to think that we have now started hiding away and giving way to these nutters!

I sent a text to the aforementioned radio station's morning chat programme which was speculating as to the "real" reason why the show was cancelled suggesting that they shut up and stop giving these terrorists the oxygen of publicity they crave. Funnily enough, it wasn't read out that I heard!

I can understand the harsh decision that was taken if the requisite emergency services cover had been withdrawn but why not say that, suggesting it was due in the main to toilets not being serviced does sound frankly daft!
Its a shame that I didn't get to see the IAF Flankers and Candid and my commiserations to those who worked so hard (personal friends included) to almost make today happen! Still, at least I got to see what the East Coast Tourist board has to offer visitors.....

Roll on RIAT and I hope the toilet contractors have tracked vehicles and plenty of loo roll, just in case....

JNo
1st Jul 2007, 23:48
As someone who took an aircraft into Waddo this weekend, it may interest those conspiracy theorists amongst this thread to know that the whole weekend has been in doubt for most of the week due to the weather forecast and current flooding levels.

syncro_single
2nd Jul 2007, 08:17
As somebody who was at Waddo on the Saturday with an aircraft I would like to say thanks to the guys in the hosting tent, boiling hot food and great service with a smile.
Thanks:ok::ok::ok::ok::D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Wader2
2nd Jul 2007, 08:30
probs with drainage and ordinarily we wouldn't have.....but the weather seems to have caught alot of organisations out hasn't it?

SA, please see PM.

Wader2
2nd Jul 2007, 08:42
I remember well a 'real' airshow at Cottesmore, either '65 or '66 when Finningley was closed. It was a 'real' airshow becasue we did not have a modern carnival. We had picket posts and rope along the crowd line, no barriers, and several standard brown marquee tents just behind that.

It rained. It blew, It was dog s:mad:t.

At 0700 on show day OC Admin decided on a master stroke. The station sirens sounded and we all turned to for an operational generation with no thoughts of an air show.

After 45 minutes or so of absolute confusion we discovered it had been his bright idea to get the station up and doing. We were then milling about on the crowd line, in number 2s and flying boots and raincoats, wondering what to do.

The main job seemed to be re-erecting the tents. At one point we group of flt lt, led by a captain naturally, were hammering in the stakes. Along can an engineer sqn ldr who took over the sledge hammer (we only had one hammer between 10), and the flt lt took shelter in the marquee.

Then along came wg cdr A. He took over the sledge hammer, as he was senior, and the engineer held the stakes. The other flt lt took shelter in the marquee.

Later I guess hot tea and butties were brought around and the air show got under way sometime but most likely not at 1000.

The highlight was the BAF F104 doing high-speed rolls and 20 feet or touch and go rolls at 50 feet with 2 or more touches per pass.:}

Argonautical
2nd Jul 2007, 10:49
Could some please tell me the purpose of the very large red arrow that was positioned almost directly in front of the public grandstand? It points from the crowd line towards the runway and is there every year.

Conditions were dire so a big thanks to the organizers and aircrew for giving us at least something to watch. Thought the Chinook and Typhoon displays were excellent.

panda-k-bear
2nd Jul 2007, 11:21
For those of you whingeing about a refund, this is on the Waddington Airshow website ( http://www.waddingtonairshow.co.uk/news.asp ):

Following the cancellation of the Airshow on Sunday 1st July, the information below summarises our refund policy.

For holders of Sunday tickets bought in advance, refunds will be considered if the tickets are returned, complete with counterfoil, your address and telephone number, to "The Air Show Office, RAF Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9NB".

To enable us to process your refund correctly, please indicate if your original purchase was at a Morrisons supermarket, or if not, whether you paid by cheque, credit card or by online SECPAY on the Waddington Airshow Website.

For those who purchased a Sunday ticket at the gate, simply return the ticket to the above address with your address and telephone number.

Please be patient as it will take some time to process all requests.

Rev I. Tin
2nd Jul 2007, 11:28
Quote from Argonautical:

Could some please tell me the purpose of the very large red arrow that was positioned almost directly in front of the public grandstand? It points from the crowd line towards the runway and is there every year.


The large red arrow is the datum for displays, and indicates the centre of the display (I think).

As someone who has put it up (ok, supervised the lads putting it up) you have to be careful to point the arrow in the right direction i.e. away from the crowd! It has been done.

Mick Strigg
2nd Jul 2007, 11:50
Waddington may have been a washout, but the weather for Yeovilton is looking good for this coming weekend.

The line up looks better as well. See you there!

PICKS135
2nd Jul 2007, 17:41
Doubters of the conditions at Waddington might like to take a look at the photos on this thread
http://forums.airshows.co.uk/cgi-bin/ukarboard/ikonboard.cgi?;act=ST;f=1;t=34439;st=100

Scroll down about half way

Short Ferret
2nd Jul 2007, 22:07
Together with a friend I had a 300 mile round trip to get Waddington on Sunday.

As already mentioned, the show website had a news item posted since 26th June stating that recent and forecast wet weather would not be a problem due to excellent drainage on site. That item was joined by another at 0645hrs on the Sunday morning stating that while some areas of the car parks were muddy, the show would be going ahead and visitors were encouraged to attend. So off we went up the A1. There is nothing between London and Waddington by the way (except Alconbury and Wittering). On arrival at the show car park at 1045hrs a thoroughly unpleasant police officer took great pleasure in explaining the show was cancelled. I'd assumed due to the current security state. To find out later that it was due poor conditions underfoot that would only get worse with the predicted weather has made me extremely angry. I do not doubt a that there was much mud and genuine H & S concerns, but to continue to encorage attendance up to and including the Sunday morning was ridiculous and irresponsible. Incidentally, the Met Office early warning of heavy rain in force since the Saturday afternoon was cancelled at 1116hrs on Sunday.

The final insult is to see that the show website has removed the news items posted on 26 June and at 0645hrs on 01 July, to replace them with a notice stating that applications for refunds will be 'considered'. There is no apology for the blind and obviously misplaced faith in onsite drainage. Oh, and there's no address or contact to direct these complaints other than the refunds office at the station.

Release-Authorised
3rd Jul 2007, 12:21
Short Ferret,

It was a lovely day at 0615 at Waddington - I changed into my good weather uniform, walked downstairs to the office foyer to be greeted by the rain coming down in stair-rods (not forecasted). This rain continued for a further hour turning the Western taxiway into a torrent (over the top of a pair of flying boots) and swamping the stalls opposite the static line. The first cars onto site turned off the taxiway onto the grass roadway and turned it into a mud bath.

After 10 minutes cars became stuck, so a parallel road was made to the first - this one lasted 5 minutes before cars also became stuck. The parking attendants were then forced to direct all traffic into the national disabled carpark (first available space) while they tried in vain to make the roadway passable with straw. Soon the disabled park was filled with able bodied persons' cars. The show was called off soon afterwards with the met office promising another trough with the potential of similar heavy rain for an hour. I understand that ground conditions at the lower end of the airfield were even worse.

As one stood in the rain watching a disaster about to unfold, the decision to call off the display was made - the correct and proper option. The outcome is disappointing for all concerned - however to manage the ground conditions with emergency services being diverted into Lincoln away from the airshow was impossible.

I notice lots of complaints from those who were not actually there to experience the conditions. Those of us who were there do not have a guilty conscience.

Short Ferret
3rd Jul 2007, 16:56
Thanks, I have no doubt that conditions justified the cancellation but that is not the issue that has enraged (well almost) me. My frustration is due to the continual positive message put out by Waddington right up to and including Sunday morning, that the day would be proceeding no matter what, that the ground could cope with the weather, and that visitors were encouraged to attend from far and wide. That was bad public information and media management designed to maximise revenue.

Sorry for hijacking your board with my grumpiness but there is a real issue here that the organisers seem to have got away with. I and several hundred others made journeys that we didn't need to on Sunday - if the organisers had exericised more caution and common sense we would have been forewarned. As it was we simply believed the information that the organisers provided- as can be seen by the photos on this board that information was clearly and obviously wrong to anyone there on the Saturday.

The guy in front of me in the queue left the site crying by the way!

Thanks for letting me get this out of my system. Roll on Fairford.

Sentry Agitator
3rd Jul 2007, 17:23
Why are you not reading the previous posts given by quite a few people who had some insight on the whole situation as it unfolded????

Lets make something clear......

The RAF Waddington Airshow takes a lot of hard graft by the Station personnel to give an insight into the Air Force way of life to the Taxpaying public and the aviation enthusiast alike.

At the same time; having paid out the costs for the facilities provided (such as the toilets), all moneys raised go to charity.....not into the Station coffers!! The Station gets nothing do you understand?

Those charities are being hard done by far far more than you matey!

The organisers did not know it was going to P**s down so much overnight on Saturday. We had been told that Saturday was going to be worse and the show organisers advertised that fact! Everything was going to be better after the Saturday downpours. Yes, Waddington has good drainage compared to a lot of the country; but I think most reasonable people will agree that the weather for much of June was beyond the NORM!

Now grow up, smell the coffee and realise that the emergency services...yes that policeman who took 'great pleasure' (I doubt it) in turning you away WERE WORKING HARDER THAN MOST PEOPLE IN THE COUNTRY FOR PRETTY MUCH ALL OF LAST WEEK (including me!). It was the emergency services being called away that cancelled the airshow....not the airshow organisers. The business about the toilets was that the service trucks couldn't get onto the grassed areas without sinking into the ground...that was the H&S business! Thousands of people wanting to shed bladders and nowhere to go....now that would have been good wouldn't it.

You make my blood boil you ungrateful g**

SA :mad:

samuraimatt
3rd Jul 2007, 17:26
The guy in front of me in the queue left the site crying by the way!Poof:p...........................................

akula
3rd Jul 2007, 17:44
You make my blood boil you ungrateful g**

SA

What has Short Ferret got to be grateful for? Just because you put a bit of effort into a washed out airshow does not mean that anyone needs to thank you for it, surely you were being paid whilst doing your job?

Poor show Agitator:=

ALWAYS assume NEVER check

Sentry Agitator
3rd Jul 2007, 17:54
I was implying he should be more grateful to the hard working emergency services...

We all know that an airshow weekend is part of the job.

SA

Talking Radalt
3rd Jul 2007, 20:39
Do we know if there will be 9 reds at the Royal International Air Tattoo on the 13th - 14th July?
Probably. They didn't travel to Waddo by car so chances are they didn't get stuck there.
No news on Red Wrist.

I and several hundred others made journeys that we didn't need to on Sunday - if the organisers had exericised more caution and common sense we would have been forewarned.....Roll on Fairford
SF, it might rain at Fariford. Best stay at home eh?.

Short Ferret
3rd Jul 2007, 21:24
Deary me. Only just arrived and so many unhappy faces.

First off - yes it was muddy, the bogs didn't work, and firemen were better employed pumping out people's living rooms. Fine, cancel the airshow.

Second off - For two weeks leading up to the event the show's official website stated that the wet weather would not be a problem and on the day of the event, Sunday morning, the same website stated that the show would be going ahead and actually told people to attend! That is my gripe.

I put up with happy coppers & other wonderful emergency services folk everyday of my working week, which occassionally includes Sunday's so please don't get distracted by my whinge at Lincolnshire's finest.

Talking Radalt
3rd Jul 2007, 21:44
I put up with happy coppers & other wonderful emergency services folk everyday of my working week, which occassionally includes Sunday's so please don't get distracted by my whinge at Lincolnshire's finest.
They put up with tossers every day of their working week, which almost always includes Sundays so please don't get distracted by their whinge at you!
Maybe for Fairford if you forward your mobile number the show director can call you personally on the morning and let you know whether to attend or not.

Gainesy
4th Jul 2007, 05:41
There is nothing between London and Waddington by the way (except Alconbury and Wittering).

So sad, Burleigh House, Stamford, the Ram Jam Inn, all of Grantham's pubs....all gone.:{

BEagle
4th Jul 2007, 05:55
None of which probably appeal to folk wearing spotters' camouflage waiscoats covered in aircraft badges who tow their little aluminium stepladders around at air displays.....

Nonetheless, the cancellation could perhaps have been better promulgated? But how - Internet? Local radio??

Maybe a short pre-recorded message on a dedicated 'airshow news' phone number might be an idea next time? Make it 10p to call and get some additional income?

Pontius Navigator
4th Jul 2007, 06:39
Nonetheless, the cancellation could perhaps have been better promulgated? But how - Internet? Local radio??

Maybe a short pre-recorded message on a dedicated 'airshow news' phone number might be an idea next time? Make it 10p to call and get some additional income?

I was going to comment directly but BEagle covers part of my point. Indeed the local radio did cover the cancellation and in these days of instant media we expect instant news.

In reality all news is stale. In the airshow case, as it was such a fine run thing, it is inevitable that the crowds (?) were still being admitted as the decision to cancel was being made. Yes, the gates could have been left closed until that decision had been made but usually the local police insist the gates are open well before the start time. Yes, the local radio could broadcast the news but, even though they were on the airfield, they are not part of the air show executive. It all takes time.

A little like a supertanker, you can issue an order to turn it away but that takes time.

Beeayeate
4th Jul 2007, 09:09
However, the 'Ill wind' thing brought the Newark Aviation Museum probably the best Sunday they have ever had. Considered dropping in on the way back from Waddo but then thought that that's exactly what everbody else will do. Seems they had enormous queues for entry there, and their overspill carpark (a field) was waterlogged so the lock on the gliding school gate was broken and the overspill allowed too park on that bit of peri track. Their little cafe was overwhelmed. But NAM must have made a whole summer's money last Sunday.


.

tonkatechie
4th Jul 2007, 13:36
BEagle wrote:Nonetheless, the cancellation could perhaps have been better promulgated? But how - Internet? Local radio??
I was working on the liveside, getting ready for the first aircraft to arrive on Sunday, when I got a heads up that the show might cancel. About 2 minutes after that I was told that it was, so I jumped in the wagon to get out the rain, very shortly after which I heard on 'Airshow FM' that it had been binned. A little channel hopping showed that this same news was also being broadcast on Lincs FM as well as BBC Lincolnshire. I know we're in the 21st century and we can get mobile internet on our phones, but I would suggest that only a very small percentage of visitors that day would have checked online to see if the show was still going, whilst they travelled up the road. I was as surprised as everyone when I heard the news, but having seen the quagmire along the western taxiway, I think a tough decision was well made.
I wouldn't want anyone to think that we packed up for an early trip to the pub either (and I appreciate that no-one has suggested this) - for the record I was still working at 1900 on Sunday just moving aircraft and equipment about the airfield, and I consider myself better off than the poor buggers up to their knees in mud sorting out the static side problems. A 12 hour day was better than the 13 hour Saturday and 15 hour Friday!
Apologies to those who missed out, I hope it hasn't put anyone off coming next year.

BluntM8
4th Jul 2007, 16:39
I was gutted to miss the Sunday, but accept that the necessary decision had to be made. Having seen the rain on Saturday from just down the road, I can imagine why the site would have been unsuitable. Tough call, and maybe lessons to be identified (nb not learned - we don't do that anymore...:rolleyes:), but I have no criticism of any aspect of the handling.

Being close, I was able to listen to Airshow FM for most of Sunday - have to say the choice of songs being requested reflected a slightly twisted sense of humour! I Can See Clearly Now being just one of them!

Blunty

Thud_and_Blunder
4th Jul 2007, 22:30
I had the great good fortune to be operating the Lincs/Notts Air Ambulance over the airshow weekend, allowing me a close view of proceedings. While in the met office to pick up the day's forecast I saw a senior officer receive his brief on the weather, including mention of the effects of the particularly heavy downpour that we'd all waded through (it ran from around 0600 to 0800). Having made my way over to the other side of the airfield past the hard-working, relentlessly-cheerful service personnel who were there trying to make everything work for the good of Joe P, I briefed the crew about the likely probs. We were actually in the standby aircraft, turning-and-burning prior to deploying to Gamston for the day's shift, when ATC told us that the show was cancelled. We shut down and headed back into the office, mulling over the possible reasons for the stop.

All became clear when we went over t'other side around midday to move the normal aircraft back (so's we could transfer the medical kit onto the Explorer and provide better coverage for the 2 counties) - the ground where the cars and members of the public would've been thronging was in no state to take such a pounding. The exceptionally heavy shower mentioned earlier had saturated the ground so that the water table was - in places - temporarily on the surface. The ability of Waddo's ground to cope with normal amounts of rain would justify the website's promise of a wet-weather programme. However, there was nothing normal about the amount of rain that fell in those 2 hours; I've not seen anything like it since I left Borneo. So, tough call by the Grown-Ups, but the right decision.

For those who're unhappy with the way the decision was made or propagated, perhaps a few moments could be spent pondering the likely outcome if the public had been allowed in then exposed to bogged-in transport, overflowing honey-bins and all the other delights of Glastonbury minus the music. The volume of protesting voices would've been a damn sight louder than now, with much better reason.

Oh, and let me join the others here who've mentioned how much they appreciate the work put in by the grafters at Waddington - both at the airshow and at other times. I've not done many shifts on the air ambulance there, but each time I visit I'm treated with courtesy and professionalism that you can be proud of. Very many thanks!

falcon12
5th Jul 2007, 13:25
I heard on Monday morning from someone involved with the organising side that they were told early Sunday morning to cancel the show due to the country's security state going 'Critical' after the events of Friday and Saturday. Since the weather had obviously turned the site into a quagmire in places, it seemed resonable no doubt to then blame the weather. Thats what I was told.

Beeayeate
5th Jul 2007, 14:39
falcon

Does it matter now?

clicker
5th Jul 2007, 15:38
I decided to attend on the Sunday, due to the forecast being better. As normal I travelled overnight.

As I waited for the entrance to open the rain started and came down so hard the road drainage system was overloaded very quickly and while the rain stopped some 30 mins later and roads didn't recover for some time.

However I was let in and for the entrance I came though was about the 6th vehicle in. I then walked to the AEW compound when the rain came down again and was worst than the earlier downpour that morning.

The weather cleared up and as I was going round the NATO AWACS I heard the crew talking about closing the aircraft due to the show being cancelled. They only spoke about the show being closed due to Health and Safety reasons and when I spoke to an RAF Sqd Ldr he confirmed that this was because the emergency services were being withdrawn to cover an expected river bank burst in Lincoln and if that happened he also expected the local military to be called out to assist the local services with rescue and repairs.

Yes I could ask for a refund but I did manage to get a few photo's into my collection so as far I'm concerned that money needs to go to the charities as they won't get what anyone might have expected.

Given the two downpours between 0600 and 0800 I don't think anyone was going to get any more notice and they had planned for the show to go on.

I don't think the Linc's Chief Constable and Fire Chief had any option to divert their forces to Lincoln. Any life lost due to lack of emergency cover would have had the moaners on this thread no doubt making complaints that the emergency services were not ready.

By the same scale you can't expect any public function with a large amount of people attending to go ahead without any emergency services cover because if the unexpected happens then people could die due to that lack of cover and that’s to big a price to pay, full stop.

MikeeB
5th Jul 2007, 16:08
I attended on Saturday with my 8yo son. Despite the weather, we had a great day and were made to feel very welcome by the station staff.

Big thanks to the lady (sorry can't remember rank) who hunted down my lad in the Grandstand after we had been shown to our seats to give him a RAFcareers baseball cap etc. Made his day !!!

In some respects, I think the weather made the Typhoon display even more impressive, along with some of the other aircraft.

Ignore the negative people, keep your chins up, and I hope to see you all next year !!!!