50th Anniversary

50 years ago, on December 17th 1971, Concorde 101, G-AXDN, flew for the first time.  A lunch to celebrate this anniversary was scheduled for last December 17th, but of course Covid got in the way.  We finally got around to it today.  Simon Peachey, DAS secretary, did the nose droop with many of the aircraft's former engineers present.  Brian and Lesley Kidd, both DAS stewards, posed for the camera, and had a laugh with Alan Longworth and David Hands.  After a good lunch, the guest speaker was Capt. John Hutchinson. 

 

De Havilland Aircraft Museum

 

Having stayed overnight at Missenden Abbey, I dropped in at the d.H. Museum at London Colney.  Having mentioned to one of their volunteers who was visiting Duxford the week before that I intended to visit, I was agreeably surprised to find that I was expected.  I was given a personal two-hour tour by Bob Tattam, an ex-Hatfield engineer.  Doors were opened, aircraft too.  On their 146, Jackie Manthorpe gave me a Maintenance Brochure and lapel badges for our 146 custodians.  Museum cat Jerry gave me some of his hair!  From the top: Dove Mk.8 flight deck; Trident interior; Air France Comet Mk. 1 flight deck; video in Trident 2 baggage hold; Trident 2 and 3 beyond; Heron engine on display.  The last four pictures are the museum's 146, an ex-demonstrator.  A small museum with conservation problems because their exhibits are largely out in the open, but well worth a visit.

Esme's Wedding

At Missenden Abbey.  Frances (in Pic 3) came over from Alaska, so the four of us were together for the first time in thirteen years.  Isaak brought his guitar.  There was pic 'n' mix bar, cos it seems the groom has a sweet tooth equal to his father-in-law's.  

 

Madingley Hall

A visit to the Hall for coffee and a walk in the meadows, which are full of flowers.  

 

Man Orchid

 Went with Ann to see these delicate flowers on chalk grassland in South Cambridgeshire.

Excitement in Toft

 A house fire in the village today was extinguished by the gallant gentlemen of the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.  No one was hurt.

Random People With Phones

Near King's Cross Station many people were on their phones.  All with Olympus 75mm f/1.8