I think this year was my 18th.  First went on a coach trip in '86 to see the Jags and while I've missed a few (one year I booked a holiday in the Costas without checking when the race was and another year my ex-brother-in-law had his wedding that weekend) I can't imagine not going now.

One year I got fed up with the steady erosion of the old atmoshpere (the year they standardised the food stands - I liked merguez or brochettes barbecued on an oil drum) and didn't go.  I then realised that it's who you go with and what you do that makes the trip.  The cars may be dull (actually the diesels are very dull) but the ambience in the town centre on Friday isn't affected by that, nor is the quality of the champagne.

This year I went with a friend who was a complete novice and we had a whale of a time.  Roll on next year - I've got two more newbies to bring!

Plenty of space on HA as well.  Looked odd to see tents and cars absolutely crammed in to the measured spaces from the early arrivals and lots of empty pitches elsewhere.

Team: none

Members: Just two - other regulars are in Costa Rica and New Mexico or financially embarrassed

Out: Thurs a.m Eurotunnel
Back: Sunday night - ditto

Camping: Houx Annexe

Grandstands: Stella Bar

Vehicle: Mitsubishi Colt Cabrio Turbo (no laughing at the back)

From http://www.tvoc.co.uk/default.asp
"to be realistic, it looks as if the door may now be closing on the future of the Vulcan in flight. I think that anyone wishing to see a Vulcan in flight should do so as soon as possible. "

Not very encouraging

I would go and see it soon if you can.

I'm gutted to be missing the F22 but after getting to Waddington last week and Bon Jovi at Twickers the week before I thought it would be pushing it get to Fairford as well.  She did after all put up with me going to Le Mans for a week!

Just back from Waddington.  No pictures as I only had my phone with me and they aren't very good.

Simply WOW!  Lancaster and Vulcan flying together - at Waddington!

A huge thank you to the Vulcan team; I am now off to send them some money to keep her flying.

Added a youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YMzN9T3VWQ&feature=related

Don't think it was any worse than previous years - saw one fight in the Stella Bar on Friday night and one after the Starsailor gig.  There should have been another fight in the Stella Bar on Saturday when the atmosphere was really tense but nothing happened.

On the campsite (HAS) all seemed pretty laid back.

HA (Sud) was as good as ever, just a bit smaller. Though could have done without the F1-Express techno/schmooze hybrid music! 

My 1.8 Merc fully loaded couldn't get over 130K so we were safe too.  Much to be said for that after all!

that is glorious, simply glorious

I had a cut-and-shut 1972 Beetle in "Lemon" yellow (actually closer to orange than yellow) with a 1500 engine, bucket seats, a 30w (yes 30W!) power amplifier and loads of other stuff.  Sounded fast but wasn't. 

No change on HA either.  Caroline and Thierry did a great job as usual.

The changes used to bother me.  I had a big flounce when they changed the catering and said I was never going again.  I missed one year and hated not being there so now that I am older and wiser I find my fun where I can and give the trash a miss.  I went to the Houx roundabout last year and I won't be going again.

Every year I find something new to do.  This year after previous dull attempts to drive in to town for the drivers' parade only to end up in the main square listening to the drunk hordes all evening I went in at lunchtime by bus, had something to eat in a small back street bar and several beers from roadside vendors, bus back to the circuit after the parade and then to the Stella Bar for dinner, more beers and a live band.  Great fun.

The Village felt better this year, though probably just more familiar and the poo-bar is still there.  I really will flounce if they take that away!

Biggest disappointment is the continuing decline of the funfair.  I walked all the way there from HA and really couldn't believe I'd bothered.  I won't be going again, though I suppose it is a lot closer to MB/Bleu where I imagine I will be next year.

Spectating at Tretre Rouge, resting after too much 'poo at lunch time.

Probably this (same as last year):

but haven't ruled out this for the extra storage instead: