It nearly did not happen. Entries were so meagre that only some cage-rattling by Jen Buckenham shortly before closing date elicited a few more entries. Then there was a problem selecting a Chief Judge, solved when Head of Contest Organisation Brian McCartney negotiated with glider ace Rod Herve to abandon Saltby (which finished early) in favour of Fenland.

And then it rained. We were warned of a classic cold front passing north to south such that it would clear noonish. It did, 100 miles north of Fenland. It then hovered over our airspace for the rest of the afternoon, whilst stretching southwards to ground pilots endeavouring to transit north. Then several contestants who had made it decided they could not stay and left, so at 1600 we gave up, agreeing to meet 0900 Sunday Which dawned – and stayed – beautiful all day, facilitating a standard briefing at 0900, first flight an hour later, and last flight by 1315. Alas the field was only three contestants at Advanced and one at Unlimited, but each flew two unknowns, so it was a challenging event and deemed worth the wait.

Coincidentally there were three DR107’s there, two competing and one recently finished and brought by Nick Riddin, an RAF instructor who plans to compete next season; the three lined up for a photo-call, meaning perhaps that Dan Rihn’s dream to have a one design competition is moving closer.

Awards were presented by CD Eric Marsh, as sponsor of The Cavendish Hotel Trophy, to those listed elsewhere, the Alony Trophy being carried forward to another year. As ever appreciation is recognized for all who contribute to British Aerobatic events, not only BA and airfield personnel on the day, but those who organise and support before and after the event, and of course the pilots who provide the spectacle and fund the event. Thank you all.

Eric Marsh, Contest Director, 8.7.19