This weekend I took the demo kit for XL609 to SYAM near Doncaster for their 'Cockpit Gathering' weekend, an event that has filled a gap in the calendar left by 'CockpitFest' which ran for 25 years at Newark Air Museum.
This was my first event and I was very happy with how it went - SYAM's volunteer staff are all incredibly friendly and worked hard to make the event a success for both visitors and exhibitors. As expected my demo setup needs quite a bit more work, both technically and to make things look a little 'prettier' but things worked well enough and kids of all ages (including my Dad!) enjoyed flying the Hunter with some real controls.
I enjoyed sitting in some of the visiting and resident cockpits (Yes, I'm also still a big kid!) the highlight of which for me was the recently arrived Pucará which came to Doncaster from the RAF Museum collection.
It was also a fab opportunity to meet other members of the 'Cockpit Community' including Neil and Heather of 'Lakes Lightnings' who owned XL609 for many years. I picked up an Avon engine starter cartridge from Neil which I think I'll convert into a 'collecting' tin as I was lucky enough to receive several small cash donations over the weekend and felt very self conscious simply pocketing the money!
All in all a very enjoyable weekend.
