Go to Old Warden to see the Shuttleworth collection? Why not let the collection (or part of it), come to you?
Earlier today I was walking in the Kent countryside at a place called Barnfield (a house approximately 5 miles west north west of Ashford), when 7 biplanes, two triplanes and a monoplane flew directly overhead heading north. Some of the biplanes were from the Moth family, but one was, I think, a 1 1/2 Strutter. A second was without question a BE 2c - I could clearly see the undercarriage skids and the underwing roundels. The two triplanes were Fokker Dr 1's - on one I could see the underwing crosses. The monoplane has me foxed - I think that it could have been a Bristol Monoplane of 1912 but I am not sure - it was certainly an early monoplane with rounded wing tips. All were flying at a moderate speed and at a height of approx 150m - unfortunately I did not have binoculars with me but the sun was shining and the air was very clear so that I had a spectacular view.
Normally I see birds, butterflies, wild flowers and the odd modern light aircraft or helicopter on my walks: at this time of year I also frequently see Spitfires, Hurricanes and the BoB Lancaster flying from air show to air show, and have seen other WW2 types too, but never before have I seen such a collection as today. Not my birthday, or an unofficial one, but I have just had a real treat!
Stephen.
