BMFA Affiliated Club No. 357 About TMFC Constitution Subscriptions Training Documents The Nats Three hours of rain later,I finally arrived at the entrance to Barkston Heath just as the rain abated,with the omens looking good for the rest of the weekend.While the forecast was not in the ‘flag-cracking’ department,it was at least set for mainly dry and,thankfully for campers,less windy than last year. I was soon pitched and ready to help the lads get the Tyldesley MFC tents up.After an hour of pathetic pole assignment we managed to be fully operational,only breaking off for beer breaks.The Barbecue was fired up and we were soon full of burgers and sausage buns,ready for the chaos that is the indoor flying area.For those people not aware of the battleground that is indoor flying it is a real eye-opener. As I’d spent most of the day in a semi-drunken stupor with a silly hat on,I didn’t feel the regular impact of the micro flying machines. The range of flying disciplines available to have a look at is staggering and so,after what for me was a good night’s kip,I spent Saturday grazing between C/L team combat racing and speed,while spending far too much money in the trade area. As the day progressed we were graced with an appearance of the Royle family and the Laurel and Hardy tribute act of Dan Fitton and Colin Fisher. Sadly they didn’t stay long enough to sample the magical Chilli that I had rustled up,departing for the fleshpots of Grantham to sample some liquid refreshment It was nice to hear their safe return,and to hear Mark’s fatherly encouragement to his son to “Go on Son,Get it up”......heart-warming stuff,indeed, although I did have to refuse Royle Snr. offers to get “Jiggy with it” and a wipe down.It was nearly 2am,after all !!!!! Just as I was drifting off once again I realised that the comedy duo of Laurel and Hardy were back.How could I be sure it was them..... well,quite easy really as they were inside my one-man tent !!! Three fully grown men in a tent made for one was interesting to say the least,and I had no other option but to accept their offer of a drink.So,at gone 2am I got dressed,found some ‘refreshments’ and started all over again. Colin must have been tired,Poor Lamb,as he only managed to eat all my crisps and drink half a beer before declaring himself worn out and toddled off to bed. Mr. Fitton,however,is made of sterner stuff and remained to entertain me before I too decided to try and get some sleep. At eight in the morning I awoke desperately needing the lav....I can’t think why.On my way I remembered to give Colin the early morning alarm call that I’m sure he’d requested,by banging on the side of his van while screaming “how do you like those puppies” [yeah,it makes no sense to me now,either] The wind had come up a bit on Sunday,and a trip to the show line demonstrated how difficult the conditions were.I also had a chat with the guys at the fun-fly competition with an eye to having a go myself next year,and a quick look at the IMAC line through very powerful binoculars. Sunday came to an end with Sausage casserole and more beers,although I did have an early night [can’t think why]. As Monday was my son’s birthday,I didn’t stay long after packing up,but went home with some great memories.For me the highlights were the great breakfast cooked by Neil,our very own chef,the Bishop Red Arrow display and the fly-by of the full size Spitfire. I also loved the free-flight evening,where you definitely need eyes in the back of your head and is very funny. This was my second visit to the Nats and I’ve only seen half of what is on offer,so I’ll be there again next year.I urge you to find a tent and some warm clothing and join us next year.Even if you only stay for one night I promise you’ll not regret it.......... Just stay away from that Fisher boy!!!!! Archive Contact Us