BMPA History

2003 Summer Meeting, August 2-3, Thruxton/Middle Wallop

Unfortunately it was not possible to arrange either gliding or Go Karting at Shenington this year until too close to the Brighton meeting. However, Thruxton and Middle Wallop more than made up for it with the fantastic 'Music in the Air' display.

Thruxton was the fly or drive in venue for lunch on Saturday 2nd August. Those who wished then went on to watch the annual'Music in the Air' extravaganza at Middle Wallop. We had places in a BMPA area of the Garden Enclosure and Madam President organized al fresco dining a la Glyndebourne - she had the bit between her teeth following her Shenington experience last year. Hotel accommodation was near Andover.

Middle Wallop, Saturday 2nd August 2003

I really didn't know what to expect. An abbreviated weekend BMPA meeting with an open-air concert. I thought 'lets go' to support the BMPA and surely it'll be a 'bit of fun'.

With our aircraft being u/s (again), we drove to the assembly point - Thruxton. After a hurried lunch (we arrived late), some brief conversations, off to the motel. The BMPA group, organised as they were, on the coach for Middle Wallop, and only when stuck in the traffic did I realise we were in for 'a big event'. In fact some 10,000 folks on the largest area of mowed grass in the UK, the Army's Middle Wallop.

Settled at tables in the 'garden enclosure', we promptly set about indulging the wine and nibbles on an absolutely superb English summer evening. Only then did I glance at the programme. The text, although beautifully presented, just couldn't describe the programme to follow.

As The London Pro Arte Orchestra struck up the National Anthem, so arrived the formation of the Hawks of the Red Arrows. Their display, impressive as ever and seemingly synchronised with the ongoing music really set the scene and mood for what became a spectacular evening. With seamless, continuing music the lone Lancaster arrived. Its low passes with bomb doors open, accompanied by Elgars 'Pomp & Circumstance' was such and emotional sight and sound that many of us had a serious 'lump in the throat'. Whilst still being impressed by the aerobatic capability of the K21 Glider, the Spitfire arrived to the music of Walton and Mozart. All present were then amused and captivated by Christian Moullec in his micro light as 'Mother Goose' faithfully followed in every direction by his geese, so serene to the accompanying Mozarts Piano Concerto No 21.

A barbeque and brief interlude, then the very impressive aerobatic display by The Aerostars and their six Yak 50's, followed by the Hunter T7 to the marching music of Eric Coates. By the time the Matadors arrived (Sukhoi 26 and Extra 300) it was becoming seriously dark for such an impressive aero display (to the accompaniment of the 'Star Wars' theme).

The Silver Eagles freefall parachute team to the Fantasia on 'Greensleeves', then the intermittent nightglow of the hot air balloons. The Last Post and Evening Hymn just before the finale fireworks synchronised to Wagners 'Pilgrims' Chorus' produced a setting that was truly memorable. Back to the motel bar (for most of us) to create Sunday morning's feeling of 'that really was a good night'. At breakfast I heard many comments relating to 'Music In The Air', some saying 'we must do it again', with another view 'No don't let's try and repeat it, it could never be so perfect'. Another was the view that whilst the British have lost much of their manufacturing skills, there is still no other nation that can put on a pageant or ceremonious occasion such as a coronation, a state funeral or an event to equal Music in the Air. For the BMPA, the inspiration to attend and the detailed organisation, largely I understand by Frankie and David (and anyone else involved) was also superb. For me, I'll sign up tomorrow for the next one, it was a truly wonderful experience.

Gordon J Williams