An evening with TFC & James - 16 March 2008

[Eclair]

An evening with TFC & James - 16 March 2008

www.fighter-collection.com/pages/tfc/events/index.php

Thanks to Beckstar on HH

Before you get all excited...looks like it is members only...but have a good read through the TFC website....

[lew]

My kids have been there a number of times, can I say that to go ;D

[PP]

Duxford is only 10 minutes down the M11. Unfortunately, I'm not a 'Friend'. Or an ex fighter pilot. C**k

[xjsarah]

Just had a look at the website.

As far as I can tell, you don't actually need to be a member to book a ticket, although priority is given to members. So, if anyone is able to go, it might be worth attempting to buy a ticket... ;D

[devonsdarling]

When I read the information quickly, I thought it read, James May and TLC. I thought oh Tender Loveing Care....... If only.

Lorraine xxx

[starfish]

Does anyone know how long it takes to get to Duxford from Dartford kent or london please. thanks.

[Mayfayre]

By car? Depends on the Dartford tunnel! It shouldn't be much more than an hour, 1:15 maybe, but then you have to add on the time spent queueing for the toll boths...

[devonsdarling]

Has anyone ever been to the Dunsfold site?

[starfish]

yeah went to it several years ago once. Vaguely remember it though. Thanks very much Mayfayre for that info.

[starfish]

I just thought that I would let you know that I have applied for this avent I phoned direct to the museum & they directed me to the TFC department. I spoke to a lady who was very helpful. She told me there were tickets left & that I could apply. A week ago I sent a cheque through the post but have been waiting for the tickets to arrive but don't have anything yet. I really have my fingers crossed for this. I did get a text from them answering my quiery about parking & using video equipment so I can only assume that I am going. I will chase it up this week & see where I stand. so I suggest if anyone wants to go I say go for it & try for tickets. Tx

[lew]

Excellent star....tell all plezzzzzz and to think only an hours drive, what's the date ;D

[devonsdarling]

Good Luck Star, it would be great if you got the tickets. You'll have to do a report and let us all know how it's gone.

[Eclair]

Wonderful Starfish! Best of luck!

Please do let us know how it all pans out! ;D

[starfish]

Thanks for all your well wishes. I wont get too excited yet until the tickets are in my hand. I could fail to get them still. My poor unsuspecting boyfriend will take me lol. Should I be lucky I will do my best to report & To see if I can get a photo of James. I already have butterflies at the thought. It will be my first chance to see or maybe meet James if am very lucky.Please keep everything crossed for me. will keep you updated. Tx

[harpercat]

Duxford is a superb site, I've been several times. Alas, I'm not a friend and I couldn't get there anyway now

I hope you will get your tickets OK Starfish - do keep us posted on how things go. Apart from that wonderful chance to interact with James himself I'm sure you'll find plenty to enjoy if you get the opportunity to explore Duxford. The hangars are full of fascinating aircraft from around the world. I've thoroughly loved every minute I've spent there.

Not sure if I'd even notice them under those circumstances though!! ;D

[starfish]

Yes I got them. Two tickets for am evening with TFC. I am not a member or Friend as such but have still been succesful. They came this morning. I thought they were lost in the post so been paranoid all week as they were posted monday & have taken a week to get to me, & so I cant believe I am saying this but I am going to see James in two weeks. Never seen or met him before. Thanks so much to Chocolateclair for posting this. because of you I get to see James. & thanks for the luck that people sent me. I will just keep my fingers crossed that I get to meet James close up.

[Eclair]

Superb Starfish! ;D

Awww, tis my pleasure Starfish!

(but as in my original post I snaffled the info from Beckstar, so really it's thanks to her! ;D)...

Please let us know all about it! We'll be waiting...

[Eclair]

All of our fingers and toes crossed for you that you meet Mr May!

[lew]

Excellent........I'm sure you'll have a lovely time

[inky]

Good news starfish ;D Don't forget your camera

[starfish]

Thanks folks. am very happy. am I the only one from here that is going? I will look forward to reporting back & really hope I can at least get a photo if I don't meet James. I might sweet talk someone into letting me take a photo. I will try not to shake too much. I will also have a video camera with me which I will use if am allowed.

[Deleted]

I hope you have a fantastic time no doubt James will be very interesting! I can't wait for your report and maybe pictures He's really lovely!

[lew]

Well wonder how our star has got on.....half way, I suppose, blimey I bet old Duxford is rather chilly

[starfish]

I had a very nice Maydream last night. Hold on a minuite it really happened.
Here is my review of the event.

We started our journey from Greenwich about 2.30pm as my partner had to run an errand first. I had planned on leaving early & making a day of it but it was rainy with quite strong wind, our poor little car was being battered by the wind on the motorway. We arrived in the centre of Cambridge by 3.50pm once we had parked. The rain had mostly stoppped by then. We had an hour & a half so we went around a couple of shops and took a walk around the sights of Cambridge. We took some photos. Afterwards my partner wanted some warm food so we found a chip shop & he got himself a burger & Chips by which time we started rushing back to the car, he ate his burger while driving as time was ticking by, and it was gone 4.30pm the event started at 5pm. We arrrived on time but we had to follow another car as we weren't sure which entrance took us to hanger number two where the event was being held. We arrived and were shown where to park and our tickets were checked then we entered hanger 2.

There were a lot of war planes scattered around, I filmed around while my partner took photos and we also had a close look at the planes which he enjoyed. People were casually looking around the planes, there were only around 150 odd people. it didn't seem like a lot most seemed to be men. Quite a few people were pilots. At 5.30 we were asked to go to our seats which were set around nicely laid tables ready for our meal later. I had butterflies as I thought is it James already? as we walked to the tables my partner said there he is, I couldn't look I was really quite scared lol. I aventually looked around & sure enough there was Mr May just standing by where he was to do his talk. Most of the people were already sitting by the time we found a table with two chairs available at the back. James looked as lovely as ever. He wore blue jeans. a nice colourful shirt & jacket. He was introduced and he started his talk, he mostly talked about his plane and flying lessons. He said that he was thinking of buying a different plane and hoped that there was someone at the event that could give him advice. He also hinted that in the next wine adventure with Oz Clark was going to be around the Brittish Isles. He also hinted that he was thinking of taking Oz up in a plane & giving him a glass of wine to see if he can try not to spill it. lol. I video filmed most of his talk but need to get my partner to load it onto the computer which will be in a couple of weeks time, when I will make it available for everyone here to be able to view it. I never filmed the questions and answeres section which James continued with after his talk. a man went in turn to anyone with a question for James, with a micriphone. They asked him their question and James Proceded to answer, I couldn't bring myself to ask James anything as my mind was blank and I didn't feel I would think of anything sensible to ask him. James talked for 45 minuites and then our meal was ready to be served. We all formed an orderly queue for our meal. It was surreal as we were queueing for our food because James was still standing there, I kept looking over at him, eventually he went. I was pleased as I didn't want to eat in front of James. lol. I was feeling hungrey by then as I hadn't eaten much. I had beef caserole, new potatoes and salad. my partner had chicken. They offered a glass of wine but neither of us had any, the food was very nice and they served coffee after with a couple of chocolates. After dinner James came back, I guess he had eaten also as he commented about the good food.

Sorry this review is slow to go up. I have been busy today. I have a second part which I will post tomorrow as this has been long and is getting late. I did meet James & will reveal all tomorrow. My pics are lousey.

[Deleted]

WOWOWOWOWOWOW thank you Star, it sounds amazing!! I can't wait to see the video. I'm soo pleased you got to meet him!

Can't wait for the second part tomorrow and pics which I sure are lovely!!!

[xjsarah]

Oooooh, it sounds great! I really wish I could have been there! ;D

[Wyvern]

Sounds fantastic so far. Looking forward to part 2. This is like an eagerly awaited fanfic, but it's even better because it's real!!! ;D

[cheeselova]

Thanks for your report Star Sounds like you had a lovely time. Looking forward to the next part (ha ha like a fic indeed ;D) & to the video when it's ready

[lindenchase]

Great report, Star. Looked like you had a wonderful evening. Can't wait for the sequel and the video.
I don't know what it is, but the idea of James flying his plane (preferably with me next to him ;D) always gives me butterflies. I have probably seen too many wrong movies.

[lew]

Really great star, look forward to the next