Another Old Warden vintage weekend has come and gone and someones pact with the devil appears to be due for renewal. Well, actually the weather wasn't really that bad, but we have been spoiled by previous years and expected better. Someone might just try to argue that we only remember the good times and that everything was wonderful this year. In which case, where did everybody go?
There were actually flying spots to spare in the R/C area. Indeed a plea was heard over the public address system for flyers - and on Sunday at that. Wherever you were, you missed a great event.
The control-line area was very crowded, but there did not seem to be any great willingness to fly. Perhaps they caught the bug from the organiser of the one Sunday event who was heard to remark that there were so many nice models that he did not know how to deal with them. He then kept everyone waiting until the rain started before selecting a handful to fly. Most of us would have preferred to be in the F/F area but it was now too late.
It has become the practice in recent years to hold most of the competitive events on the Saturday. This did not prevent one personality, who looks younger every year (you should see his portrait in the attic!), from turning up on Sunday looking for an event to judge.
A couple of well-known names from yesteryear were persuaded to regain their lost youth by flying a model produced by one of their contemporaries. The look on their faces was alone worth the trip. They have both declared the intention of returning next year with models of their own. Others of the same era were quick to make themselves scarce...
I have the distinct impression that if the whole country was under 6 feet of water, there would still be activity at vintage weekend. You have 12 months to take the hint.
Could it be that the missing crowds at Old Warden were storing up their energy for the following weekend? Is it possible that the modern enthusiast simply cannot face the prospect of 5 days flying out of 10? Whatever the reason, there seemed to be a great increase in the Nationals attendance this year.
Not that there appeared to be a vast number of the public present, although the different parking arrangements made it difficult to make an assessment. There were certainly a large number of campers and caravanners. Despite instructions being issued to the effect that there would be no parking allowed on the grass this year, everyone parked on the grass! Well, this is England after all.
At the risk of being accused of harping on a particular subject, it must be said that there were a spectacular number of vintage control-line models present too. And some sections of the press would have you believe that yo-yo's are dead!
The rain on Sunday morning actually gave Pylon an excuse to start late. It also provided the opportunity for one of their number to threaten another with violence. Quite unpardonable - whatever the circumstances.
Helicopter is beginning to gain in popularity again after a disastrous change of schedule. What a pity that the various interests concerned insist on airing their differences in public. After all, if you have a real grievance why not make an official protest?
One of the reasons why the Nationals are at Barkston Heath every year is that there is a well established organisational system which is geared to that particular venue. It seems that all, or part, of that organisation is retiring and making way for others next year. While this may give an opportunity to explore other venues, I am sure that the individuals concerned will be sorely missed. I for one would like to thank them for their efforts over the past few years.
That should ruin my reputation for ever.
Seen in a local Model Shop - it's not very local, but it is a Model Shop - a box bearing the legend "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons". Anyone know what an advanced dungeon is?
Now if someone did start a Campaign for Real English, I can suggest a wonderful acronym. How about CARE?
My old friend Mike Whittard has taken me to task for the constant use of the word 'program' in this column, with particular respect to a recent piece on the use of English in radio programmes.
So, I looked it up. It seems that the usual spelling in Britain is 'programme'. Thus: radio programme, a programme of development, etc. In the USA the usual spelling is 'program' - which is what our zenophobic friend was objecting to. Or, if you insist, which is that to which our zenophobic friend was objecting.
Ah, but hang on a minute. In computing, the usual spelling in England is 'program'. As one who is heavily into computers (go on, object to that Americanese!) - indeed, this is being written on one (in one?) - I have fallen into the, admittedly bad, habit of using this spelling. (Thinks - in the search for proper English, I have just written one of the most complicated sentences of all time).
And (never begin a sentence with 'and'), since most typesetting is now done on a computer - no-one noticed the mistake. Though, come to think of it, if I had spelled it correctly it might well have been changed by some well meaning individual, sitting at a keyboard, by the time it appeared in print.
OK (Ugh!) now Mike? Thank you for your interest, as they say when they return your curriculum vitae.
You may have noticed some recent adverts in all the ASP magazines for a genius. It might be assumed that anyone who answers an ad like that would need a large ego too.
Now, technically, a genius is an individual with an IQ (Intelligence Quotient, dummy) of at least 140. As one with a verified IQ of 152, I was sorely tempted to reply. However, a little inquiry revealed that my name was already on the list (naturally!) and there was no need.
Since when, I have heard nothing.
On the assumption - possibly mistaken - that there has not been an outbreak of forked tongues at Wolsey House, my condolences to those of you who wasted a stamp.
A large and infamous figure of fun who used to be on the Formula One scene once said: "Show me an unbiased critic, and you show me a fool."
Denis Jenkinson, 'Motor Sport'.