East Kirby Event
19 July 2009
1600 hours and a huge black cloud over the airfield suddenly sprang a leak,
causing a mass evacuation of exhibitors, the local roads being converted to
rivers. The Lancaster bomber, of which more later, had just been safely housed
in its hanger and so kept dry.
The day started bright and sunny but with a strong wind blowing the airfield
windsock horizontal. Eight Magnettes were in attendance with 2 more register
members in non-Magnettes, including our ex-chairman David Johnson in his newly
restored Rover on its first long run. He could be forgiven his temporary change
of allegiance as the event was organised by the Mid Lincs. Rover Club, who made
us most welcome. Unfortunately, 2 other Magnettes could not attend due to
sickness, get well soon. A large contingent of MGs from the Lincolnshire Centre
were parked adjacent to us and again were very friendly and welcoming.
Occuring just a week after Silverstone Live finished it was a very pleasant
surprise to see faces we had not seen at Silverstone, mainly from the northern
sector of the country, even as far afield as Teesside. However, surely the
furthest travelled was again Peter Martin from Kent. So far this year his car
has travelled over 10,000 miles, which proves that Magnettes can be used every
day.
The northern contingent demonstrated their sense of humour: Greg and Jill
Thornton having an aquarium in the windscreen washer bottle. Are they expecting
the two goldfish to breed or readying them for a fish and chip supper? Not to be
outdone, Phil Dean had a lobster in his washer bottle, fattening it up for a
lobster thermidor - how the other half live - (pics 6 and 8).
The highlight of the weekend for magnetteers was the news that Bob Hough had won
one of the raffle prizes - to sit in the co-pilot's seat during the running of
the Lancaster's four Merlin engines. During WWII East Kirby had 2 squadrons of
Lancasters stationed there. The noise when all these aircraft were running up
their engines must have been horrendous, one was bad enough for unprotected
ears.
When the roar of the Merlins ceased, Bob disembarked from 'his Lanc.', the smile
on his face beat the MG smile by a factor of four. Could it be something to do
with the number of engines to play with? (pics 10 - 16)
Part of the airfield museum is a marker showing the the international 0 line of
longitude. This line also passes through Swavesey so it does attract MGs. (pic
9)
To all members it is well worth a trip to Lincolnshire, those who did not attend
missed out on 'A Grand Day Out' as they say in the north.
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Text & photos |
