Red Arrows

[rebbonk]

Anyone see the red arrows skirt Coventry just before 1:00PM?

[dutchman]

It may have had something to do with this news item?

This is how Coventry will help celebrate 100 years of the RAF



A three-day celebration to mark 100 years of the Royal Air Force is to take place in Coventry.

Lord Mayor Councillor John Blundell and businessman Sir Peter Rigby DL are to co-host a special three-day showcase in the city centre and at Coventry Airport , on July 6 to 8.

The event, sponsored by Rigby Group, will celebrate the centenary of the RAF as one of a series of RAF 100 events taking place across the UK to commemorate and inspire the next generation, culminating in a service of celebration at Coventry Cathedral.

One of the highlights will be an interactive RAF showcase taking place throughout the weekend in Broadgate, featuring the iconic BAE Systems Hawk on static display.

The RAF Regiment Display and the University of Birmingham Air Squadron will be present, along with an RAF STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and RAF recruitment exhibits.

There will also be a special edition red, white and blue RAF 100 Aston Martin, as one of more than 20 RAF 100 vehicles, manned by military personnel.

Coventry Airport will host a nine-piece aircraft display, including a Meteor flanked by two venoms at the western end of the terminal, open to the public as an extension to the Broadgate showcase.

The Lord Mayor and Sir Peter Rigby will close the event with a VIP reception lunch for 120 dignitaries in St Mary’s Guildhall ahead of the cathedral service on the Sunday.

[dutchman]

This is why Red Arrows flew over Solihull



The famous Red Arrows wowed crowds as they passed over Solihull as part of Land Rover's 70th anniversary celebrations.

The first ever Land Rover Fest took place at its Lode Lane plant which was open to the public.

A Red Arrows flypast was the highlight of the event and their appearance caused a stir on social media.

As well as the Red Arrows other high points included a cavalcade of classic Land Rovers which made its way from the Lode Lane factory to Mell Square in the town centre.

A special Land Rover Experience off-road driving course was also created in Tudor Grange Park for visitors so they could experience the 4x4 capabilities of vehicles.

Land Rover Fest takes place across Solihull town centre over the weekend featuring rare vintage models, an enthusiasts’ area for 4x4 fans, street food stalls, driving experiences, outdoor cinema and family entertainment.

The festival is being held to celebrate Land Rover’s 70th anniversary and to mark the fact Solihull is synonymous with the Land Rover marque.

[rebbonk]

Looks like Solihull was 'on the way' to their intended destination

[dutchman]

Red Arrow jet arrives in city centre ahead of RAF 100 event



Passers-by on Broadgate were treated to an unusual scene on Wednesday morning as preparations for Coventry 's RAF 100 event began.

An iconic Red Arrows jet arrived in the city centre ready to be assembled and put on show for the weekend.

A huge crane was used to position the impressive plane next to the Lady Godiva statue where it will remain for the rest of the week.

The RAF 100 event , which celebrates the centenary of the RAF, is one of many taking place across the country and aims to commemorate the force and inspire the next generation.

Coventry's event will be the largest RAF 100 event outside of London.

The former Red Arrows BAE Systems Hawk, now in place on Broadgate , will be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Getting the jet in place was a complicated process and involved a team of skilled engineers.

It was previously on show outside Exeter Airport but is now on tour around the country.

The Red Arrows aircraft, Hawk T Mk1 XX237, was operational until 2011. Visitors will have the chance to sit in the aircraft cockpit and members of the Royal Air Force will be on hand to answer any questions.

[dutchman]

A Dakota sporting wartime invasion stripes just flew over Coventry.

[dutchman]

MoD turfs out Red Arrows as RAF bases put up for sale to save millions of pounds



RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire is being scheduled for sale in 2020 and Scampton in Lincolnshire in 2022.

The news comes as thr RAF celebrates 100 years serving Britain.

Downing Street defended the sale of RAF Scampton - which is the home of the Red Arrows - insisting it will save taxpayers £140 million.

According to Number 10, it is being axed as part of a wider move to provide more modern and efficient military bases.

Officials are now carrying out work to find a new home for the Red Arrows.

Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, tweeted he was "very sad" at the news and his thoughts were with the families of around 300 staff at the base.

Fast-jet training will now take place at RAF Valley, Anglesey, Wales, from 2019.

Sir Edward Leigh, Conservative MP for Gainsborough, said he was "saddened" that Scampton, which is in his constituency, was to be sold.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said of Scampton: "That closure is part of a plan to deliver modern and efficient military bases, which will save the taxpayer about £140 million by the end of the decade.

"Work is under way to find the Red Arrows a new home that is fit for purpose."

Typical MoD, pennywise and pound foolish.

[rebbonk]

I reckon the Reds will end up back at Wittering