Shuttleworth Military Pageant, Old Warden; 01 June 08

The Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden is a world renowned collection of unique and priceless aviation treasures from the earliest years of powered flight. The airfield itself is synonomous with the operation of such aircraft, and also famous for the quality and unique flavour of the aviation events held there.

I am, therefore, somewhat ashamed to admit that it wasn't until June 2008 that I made my first visit to Old Warden, on the occasion of the Military Pageant! As with many airshows this season, the event at Old Warden was blighted by some poor weather both during and in the build up to the event itself. Rain in the run-up to the show left the grass strip somewhat boggy and meant that it was unsuitable for some of the heavier types such as the collection's Sea Hurricane. The weather on the day was cloudy and overcast, but very still. Although not ideal for photography, there were some benefits to the calm conditions - more of that later.

Despite the boggy conditions, there were superb opportunities to view some of the collections aircraft from WWI and the 1930s, legendary aircraft such as the Sopwith Pup, Bristol Fighter, Gloster Gladiator and Hawker Hind.

There was a very entertaining 'barnstorming' display featuring two Miles Magisters, a Tiger Moth, and Chipmunk. The aircraft took part in a 1930s style display of stunt flying, including flour bombing, balloon bursting and a ribbon pickup.

There are an increasing number of classic German aircraft based at Old Warden, and several of these gave a choreographed display.

More "modern" types flying included the wonderful Westland Lysander and a deHavilland Vampire. The Vampire had flown from a display at Cosford, and did very well to find the airfield in the murk. With the theme of military training, the participation of the Vampire was most welcome.

At the end of the show, the wind was judged calm enough to allow the collection of Edwardian flyers to take to the air. These aircraft fly rarely, and only when conditions are calm enough to allow them to take to the air safely. It was a tremendous sight to see these unique aircraft in the air.

My first visit to Old Warden, and I was very impressed by the unique, relaxed atmosphere, and the variety of types on display. The highlight for my had to be the Edwardian flyers. The aircraft are light years away from the aircraft we see today, but this is truly how aviation began, with the first tentative steps taken towards powered flight by some truly heroic characters. Even today, the aircraft are flown by very experienced military test pilots, who are required to re-learn long lost techniques in order to take to the air.

My first Shuttleworth show, but certainly not my last!

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