So we draw closer to the end of August, past many of the large manic airshows, and with this comes the perfect time to sample some of the more relaxed shows that are on offer in late summer, of which Little Gransden has to be top of the list. With a laid back atmosphere and an incredibly friendly airfield, it’s time for this little Cambridgeshire airfield to really shine.
Dave Poile MBE and his dedicated team always provide an interesting line up, with over four hours of flying encapsulating an eclectic mix of vintage and aerobatic flying displays – and this year’s programme is set to be no exception.
Gransden always attracts items that seldom display anywhere else. Set to conjure up a vision of 1930s' America will be three classic types from the golden age of aviation - the Beech Staggerwing, Spartan Executive and Boeing Stearman. The Stearman will perform with a wing walker, harking back to the barnstorming of the era.
Continuing with the theme of American aircraft we move onto WWII as Peter Teichman is set to bring his Curtiss P-40M Kittyhawk, sporting new Clawin’ Kitty nose art, hopefully with better weather for his display than last year. After providing a stunning finale in 2010, Hardwick P-51D Mustang pair 'Marinell' and 'Janie' will be galloping back to Gransden, sadly without 'Big Beautiful Doll' this time round. After seeing Maurice Hammond and Dave Evans putting the ‘Stangs through their paces at Rougham I am hugely excited about seeing them again!
It will be interesting to see a comparison between two types that carried out similar roles in their respective conflicts, the Fiesler Storch and Cessna Bird Dog. Those that have seen Peter Holloway in his Storch will know what an amazing spectacle it is, almost hovering at times! As well as the Bird Dog, attendees can look forward to seeing other post-war types such as the North American T-28 Fennec and both Jet and Piston Provosts.
Some of the UK's best aerobatic talents are set to loop, roll, flick and spin about the sky with displays by Mark Jefferies, Diana Britten and Nigel Willson. The crowds will also be thrilled by the likes of The Pitts Pair, SWIP Team and gliderFX Team.
The show's two largest participants are sure to make a big impact, namely the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Avro Lancaster and, returning after an appearance in 2007, a Canadian Armed Forces CP-140 Aurora from 405 Sqn, based at CFB Greenwood. The marine patrol aircraft is set to be one of the stars of the day and is a great coup for this little event, enticed to return due to 405 having been based at nearby RAF Gransden Lodge during World War II. It's great to see the squadron remembering its heritage.
In the hangar there will also be the opportunity to see the progress on the static Hawker Hurricane restoration that is being carried out by the Cambridge Bomber & Fighter Society and to find out more about what they do.
There will of course be much more to see both in the air and on the ground. Perhaps the most worthwhile reason for going to Little Gransden is that, by enjoying such an outstanding air display, your money is supporting the BBC Children in Need Appeal 2011 as well as local charities.
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