Cessna 152

Sunday 18th June was the day I took my introductory flight in a Cessna 152 from Blackbushe Airfield, Surrey.

I was due to take off at around 12 noon but things got put back a little. I was incredibly anxious so didn't each much in the morning and I forgot to eat before I went up. It was a lovely warm day and the smell of aeroplane fuel seemed a little stronger than usual.
12.40pm came and I was given a briefing by my pilot, Steve Larkins, who said that he would let me do most of the flying (!) and our flight path would be to fly to my home town of Chesham, find my house and then fly back again. This was going to be great.
We arrived at our plane, where Steve gave me an overview of the controls. We started the engine and taxied to the runway, testing the engine as we went. Permission was given to take off and Steve took us down the runway. Once airbourne and on our flight path, he handed over the controls.
Steve talked me through what to do to keep the plane level, how to increase speed, increase altitude, bank left and right, how to trim the plane, and how to decrease speed and decrease altitude. We did all this and I saw my house!!
We turned from Chesham and headed back to Blackbushe. I saw the airfield laid out below us. It was at this point, I suddenly came over ill. I couldn't believe it. Steve took controls to bring us around the airfield and to line up while I proceeded to shove my head into a container. Fortunately, because I hadn't eaten, there was nothing there. I recovered enough to see us line up with the runway and land.
I was devastated. Why had I been ill? The only reason I can come up with is that the fuel fumes got onto my empty stomach. It took me a good hour to recover but I didn't feel good for the rest of the day.

So, what do I do now? At my husband's suggestion, I am going to book up another hour at Blackbushe but I am going to eat a light meal before I take off. I want to be certain that this is just a one off occurance. If it isn't, then I am going to be devastated, because I won't be able to complete my dream.

I'm going to phone the airfield again now.

St Albans Vineyard

It's good to find a home of your own, especially when it comes to a matter of faith. There are so many people seeking a spiritual home but feel out of place. I've found mine at St Albans Vineyard.
Everybody is looking for something. I bet you have asked yourself the question "There must be more to life than this?" Well, I definately know there is. If you are wanting to find out for yourself, I can strongly recommend a course/book called
The Purpose Driven Life. Send me your comments.

RIAT

OK. I've done it. I'm off to RAF Fairford for the Royal International Air Tattoo on 15th July. Spent a little extra money on top of the entrance fee so that I could sit in a bit of luxury and watch the displays in the Jubilee Garden. Let's hope that the weather stays fine. Ear plugs will be required because we will be very close to the flight line. I can't wait.

Merlin

Monday night - watering the allotment and I could hear the familiar sound of rotary blades thrashing through the air, but the depth of the sound told me that this was a heavyweight.
Suddenly, there it was, lifting up from the horizon. Big, dark, military and beautiful. The UK Royal Navy Merlin medium lift helicopter is a variant of the EH101 helicopter developed by AgustaWestland. I just stopped to watch her fly over at around 1500 feet.

I get to see so much from my allotment. I have watched Spitfires, the one and only hurrican, SeaKings, hot air balloons and, as Bovingdon Beacon is right next door, every type of civilian passenger aeroplane that flies into Heathrow (LHR).

I am so lucky.

anyone for cricket?

England are playing Sri Lanka today in the 3rd test, and were having trouble getting the tailenders out but we managed it in the end.
Going to a fun cricket match on Thursday this week. Our company, Romeike, are fielding a team for the first round of a number of matches. I won't be playing but I will be going along to support, or be a cheerleader. The matches are trying to raise money for the new St Francis Hospice in Berkhamsted. The website for the tournament can be found here.

If you are reading this outside the UK, I know that our game of cricket can get so confusing. I must confess that it confuses me sometimes but I still enjoy watching England play.

Of course there is the World Cup to look forward to. Also the British Grand Prix (Formula 1), Wimbledon. Oooh, what a summer!!