09/05/2015 Sporting Bears Motor Club Visit

The Sporting Bears Motor Club are a group of car enthusiasts who raise money for charity, and have a toy bear as their mascot.

As soon as the formalities of the greeting and briefing were over, the group assembled in front of XM655 for their photograph. Needless to say the bear crept into the shot too! (Can you spot him?)

The photo line-up.
Copyright© Av Magill

Next came the Systems Demonstration, with Roger as Crew Chief, Len as P1 and Charles as AEO. Control surfaces having been exercised, the group were moved forward so that they could see the anti-collision, landing and taxy lighting. Air brakes were deployed and left at the full drag position, as there was engineering work to be carried out on them.

The bomb-bay doors were then opened and in amazingly short time, the Bear had mysteriously re-appeared sitting upon one of the seven 1,000 lb. bombs!

The Bear certainly isn't camera shy!
Copyright© Av Magill

The group then split up into parties of four for the cockpit tours all hosted this time by Charles. The individual groups move between the various volunteers who took them through various topics, Jon talking about the Black Buck Falklands missions, Len the Vulcan in service and the Cold War, Alex the ongoing engineering work, Damaris the Vulcan's history and Isi and Av manning the Visitors Centre

Not wishing to be totally eclipsed in the "Muscle Stakes" by our four Olympus 301 engines, the group then brought their muscle onto the airfield for a photo shoot. It must be one of the most expensive collection of cars we've had visiting us as it included a Maclaren 12C Spider, a 1989 Corvette, a Mercedes 2005 SLK, and a 1966 Austin Healey 3000 Mk111.

The Muscle Cars!
Copyright© Av Magill

As for that bear, it seeks out the photo opportunities like a seasoned politician!
Copyright© Av Magill