That was the weekend that was...

Many thanks to all who helped to make the reunion a very memorable event. To select just a few, can we particularly mention those people who provided videos and films to add to the interest, although most of us were too busy chatting to see them all. A very special thank you also to the Newark Air Museum team who provided such superb facilities and excellent organisation. They were rewarded with a record attendance of nearly 1150 visitors over the weekend. Thanks too to our able team of Ops Officers who manned the tables throughout the weekend

Saturday was particularly frenetic, with over 350 V-Force "vets" signing in. The Valiant desk was particularly busy, and we even had an ex-WRAF ops officer capably assisting on this desk - thanks Flo, Al would have been lost without you (not for the first time!).

Vulcan "star" Paddy Roach arrived from Ireland with so many photos and cuttings we had to set up a table just for him.

As an ex Vulcan/Victor nav it was particularly good to meet old tanker friends (hear, hear, Al!).

We had ordered a coach for the Lincoln trip with 30 passengers expected, but with 13 "no shows" we were over £50 short on the hire fee! However we recovered this thanks to John Gulliver who donated a large number of Victor posters for sale which went like hotcakes - perhaps the trip should be remembered as Gulliver's Travels - thanks Gully.

On Saturday afternoon the BBMF provided a nostalgic display by the Dakota, followed a little later with a flyby from the Red Arrows, who, as they turned away, moved from delta to swept wing formation - a nice touch that. Thanks to them.

Several overseas visitors turned up, it was nice to see Bett Finlay, widow of Valiant/Victor AEO Ken Finlay, all the way from Western Australia. Also two fully constituted Vulcan crews from the 1960's were present, and were photographed together. Don't compare the photos with the originals, guys, it might be too painful.

At 5pm many people drifted off to Newark Golf Club to enjoy early drinks on the terrace, and by 7.30 pm the main event was under way. The atmosphere was buzzing, with over 225 guests enjoying drinks, the buffet and above all, good conversation. All too soon 11pm arrived, although by then some had already left (perhaps it's our ages), but some stalwarts were still propping the bar up. Thanks are due here to the Golf Club who helped us arrange an excellent evening party in a splendid location.

Next morning saw the ops teams on duty again, but there were few new signings. Many called in to say goodbye, and the public came in and we had the Newark brass band to play in the sunshine. The BBMF Lancaster put on a noisy display, performing four low passes with its Merlins at full-bore - very memorable.

Overall we took enough cash to cover our expenses over the last 18 months, hire of the golf club and the Lincoln bus trip and we still had over £100 left over which we donated to the museum.

The event was clearly a success, but where do we go from here? In a couple of years or so Cosford will be opening their V-Force display with all three aircraft on display. Whether they will arrange a reunion around this event is yet to be announced. We also understand that Newark will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the entry into service of the Vulcan and Victor in the not too distant future. In addition some of you joined existing squadron associations, others discussed forming new V Force related ones. So .... watch this space!

We don't think that there will be anything quite like this again ....unless!

We are keeping all the planning/attendance details and we would help out planning a sequel, but at the moment we are not planning anything. You've got our contact details - keep in touch.

The site will close down in about 4 weeks.

Once again - a big thank you to all, and bye for now,

Don, Al and Mike

Some Fun!

Below are a handful of photographs that were taken at the weekend.  For a bit of fun we have added some captions.  We hope no-one takes offence - it is just a little bit of fun.

Click on the small image to see a larger version.