Party in the park

[J.C.]

Nice article in this month's mag inviting everyone to go to the LAA party in the park.
"everyone is very welcome,including non LAA members-its a golden oppertunity to bring family and friends to show the what GA is all about.
Children under 16 are free".
Shame the two important bits of information are missing,its strictly PPR and its 20 quid a head to get in.
If this is a LAA event how come members get no different treatment to Joe Public?(other than having to PPR,whilst providing Joe with something to look at).
Is it a LAA party or a Shuttleworth display day?
Who is organising it ?
If I leave before the evening display in order to get home in daylight,do I still have to pay to watch the display?
If kids under 16 are free,can I have a half?-I couldn't eat a whole one!

[J.C.]

I can't believe that no-one on this b.b. knows if this is run by LAA or Shuttleworth????

[Brian Hope]

Hi John, it is a joint event. Shuttleworth had an event day planned. I think mainly an evening display of the Edwardians, and LAA tagged on its gathering of PFA/LAA types and air display.
It is planned as a family day out, access to the the museum, Swiss Gardens and the Birds of Prey Centre being included in the admission charge. A number of VIPs have also been invited to learn more of what LAA is all about.

[Brian Hope]

Just ben informed that LAA members get a £2 discount if they show their membership card, hence admission £18 rather than £20.

[Planemike]

Seem to remember two years ago at a similar event the discount was rather more substantial..............

Planemike

[Brian Hope]

Indeed it was Mike, but they were disinclined to be so generous this year. Penny did try very hard for more.

[ivanmanley]

If I fly up, can I camp overnight? What about a landing fee? Is that included in the ?18 admission charge?

Ivan
________
buy vapir one

[Peter Harvey]

Hi folks
Thought a few notes might be helpful (and I hope the details are technically correct):
This was originally a Shuttleworth event, but kindly opened up to LAA as a joint programme.
The main air display commences at 5.00pm and includes Edwardian and LAA types. There will be a good representation of the LAA aircraft range.
Entry fee has been reduced to LAA members. The entry goes to Shuttleworth, so we are grateful for this offer.
LAA are hosting a number of VIPs to a lunch. This is an excellent opportunity for LAA to informally meet and discuss issues directly with key stakeholders within the regulatory community. This stuff, whilst rather dry, is absolutely vital to our ongoing freedoms. And yes, I shall drink a glass of bubbly on behalf of our members and yes, I shall give up my Saturday (again) and yes, I will do my best to promote us as a responsible, safety conscious, technical, heritage minded, fun group of people - a group of folks worthy of supporting. Not just me, there will be a small team of volunteers there too.
For the public and members, the wider Suttleworth facilities are included in the ticket, but this is not like a Regional Rally. Do not confuse it. There is no camping and strictly PPR only for flying in. In fact, I believe all slots are already taken - sorry.
Also, for completeness, the LAA shop will not be in attendance.
The rallies are definitely operated by the members for the members. This event should be an interesting event, but should not be considered in the same light. A huge amount of work by a dedicated team has gone into its preparation and we hope to gain considerable good PR as an outcome. If you have any other questions, by all means call or email.
Peter Harvey LAA CEO.

[Planemike]

Peter,

Thank you for you note providing information on this event.

Just a small comment. I do not feel a £ 2:00 discount on a £ 20:00 admission charge is much of an incentive to attend.

Planemike

[J.C.]

Pharvey,thanks for the info but I have to say I am bloody furious!
You say all the slots have alredy gone!
Here we go again!!
When I tried to book a slot to go to Shuttleworth I was told that I couldn't book before the day before the event,as 'someone could be cutting the grass" and the time I wanted may not be available if that were the case.
Afew weeks ago,I was due to go to Shuttleworh on buisness with the estate and was due to fly in with a VIP.when I phoned for PPR I was told much the same as the above with the rider that I could phone later to see if the grass cutter was finished.When I pointed out that I would in fact have to leave before that time in order to make the appointment I was told they couldn't help me.
Given the unsettled weather,it is highly likely that come the event some people will not turn up and just as likely that some will just pitch up anyway!
This is the 4th time that I have been unable to attend a fly-in this year due to this slot system.It seems to me that people phone for slots immediately the ad appears for an event and half of them don't turn up.
What is the point of a half page ad in the mag encouraging us to bring family and friends to spread the gospel of LAA and light aviation when I now have to tell all my family and friends that a LAA event is something that you have to DRIVE to! ( and leave your own aeroplane that has kindled their interest in the hangar for the 4th time that we have tried to fly to just such an event).
Perhaps Brian knew something of this trend when he did the kitcar article,maybe I'd be better taking the family and friends to Brands Hatch.

[Brian Hope]

Hi John, Shuttleworth has always had a fairly low limit for the number of aircraft able to fly in when they have an airshow. As far as LAA's involvement at this Shuttleworth event, it never was regarded as an event that members would be flying into, particularly as a number of the available parking slots would be taken by invited LAA aircraft for the flight line and display.
Anyway, I thought you were coming to Tannkosh!

[J.C.]

Yeah I wish!
I was hoping to spread the cost with someone but it don't look like its going to happen.I can't afford it on my own just at the moment.
Might get as far as St. Omer with a bit of luck! (at least I won't need a damn silly slot!!!).

[J.C.]

P.S.to above, I'm not being bloody minded ,but if it was never going to be an event for LAA members to fly to Why oh why waste a half page ad in the mag urging people to come??? (Is it me??????????)
I have got my T O G shirt on.

[Brian Hope]

John, not all our members fly!

[ChampChump]

I was confused by the bit in the magazine. As one who enjoys flying into Old Warden, I was interested to see if there was any more detail than the brief mention in various Events listings. I didn't feel at all edified, unfortunately. I'm sure it wasn't intentional, but someone could have done a bit better explaining what this garden party is, as far as the LAA is concerned. Fly-in? Well, it didn't say 'strictly limited' although we know OW has some limitations. Drive in only? Not the impression given. If it's mainly a political presence, my sincere thanks go to those who will be doing the politicking on my behalf, but I can understand those who feel a bit miffed.

On a more positive note for those that aren't aware, if you join the supporters' club at OW, landings are free (on ordinary days) so it pays for itself in no time at all. (Thanks, Richard... )