More Than Just An Airshow

Planning is under way for the 2010 Abingdon Air & Country Charity Show on Sunday 2 May at Abingdon airfield, Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, Oxon. This year's show will be the 11th event organised by the all-volunteer committee and will once again support the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust. The show opens at 10am and runs until 5pm, although it is hoped that some performers will provide musical entertainment beyond this time to allow people to stay a little longer and avoid the exit queues. In this the 70th Anniversary year of the Battle of Britain, they are hoping for a full display from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight including Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster. Two of last year's highlights will be making a return - the Swift glider display and the classic de Havilland Vampire jet. Dominating the static aircraft park will be another of last year's highlights, the RAF's gigantic C-17 Globemaster III transport from Brize Norton. Overseas aircraft participation will add international flavour and pleasure flights will be available in a 1940s vintage de Havilland Dove airliner. Among the non-aviation attractions will be more than 400 MG cars (a marque synonymous with the Abingdon area) taking part in an all-points run in to the airfield, together with other historic vehicles, tractors, and at the opposite end of the spectrum a Williams F1 Grand Prix show car. Live music will be provided by Fiona Harrison performing her popular medley of 1940s numbers, and further nostalgia will be served-up by several re-enactment groups. Younger members of the family will find plenty to keep them amused with a mobile farmyard, Dr Who's Daleks, a bouncy castle and paint-balling. Arena events will include a parade of Harley Davidson motor-cycles and a sheep-dog demonstration with a difference - as well as sheep, the dogs will be working with geese. Advance tickets available to order from the web-site www.abingdonfayre.com and from selected local outlets soon. Prices in advance are adult £10, concession £6, child from five – fifteen years £5 family £27. Car parking is free and there will be plenty of catering outlets and toilet facilities. Call 01235 529142. The 2010 Abingdon Air & Country Charity Show, Abingdon Airfield/ Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, Oxon offers great day out on Sunday 2 May from 10am-5pm or later. A volunteer run event in aid of Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance, visit www.abingdonfayre.com.