On Sunday 9th January 2011 we had a visit from a Gazelle helicopter following an invitation from Russel. Giles Ford-Crush, an AMFC member, has been asked to do some video and photography work for Stow Maries Aerodrome and, filming from the open window, he managed to capture quite a bit of footage which will appear soon on the Stow Maries website.

The idea is to simulate what it was like to fly in and out of the aerodrome during World War One in one of the original bi-planes. One or two of us were lucky enough to be offered a flight and obviously we JUMPED at the chance. Myself and Terry Geveaux had a most pleasant flight over the Crouch estuary as well as some nice approaches over the field. I'd like to thank Russel and Andy (the pilot) for making our day.

On Thursday of the following week we also had a visit from the police helicopter. They dropped in for a cuppa and to check out the site as it can be used in an emergency situation for any aircraft that needs it. Unfortunately I turned up after they left so wasn't able to ask for a 'go'!

Denis Stretton, AMFC helicopter rep