See the last flying Vulcan

GUILD MEMBERS are being given the opportunity to see XH558, the last flying Avro Vulcan bomber, and meet a Falklands War Vulcan captain.

The visit on Thursday 1 November is the latest in the series of regional events being organised by Guild chairman Richard Aucock to allow him to meet as many members as possible during his two years in the chairmanship.

Vulcan XH558 is based in Hanger 4 at Doncaster Sheffield Robin Hood Airport. and members will be able to arrive there from 10am on the day of the visit. You will be hosted by associates of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, including Richard Gotch of Market Engineering, who has organised the event.

During the day, members will be given a history of the Vulcan, which is celebrating its diamond jubilee, plus a tour of the famous delta wing bomber undergoing its winter service. Also in attendance will be chief Vulcan display pilot Martin Withers DFC, who flew the aircraft which first bombed Port Stanley airfield in 1982 putting the runway out of action for large aircraft. At the time the 8,000-mile, 16-hour return journey from Ascension Islands held the record for the longest bombing mission ever flown.

Vulcan XH558 was the last Vulcan to leave RAF service in 1993 and was sold to a family firm who maintained her until the Vulcan to the Sky Trust was formed in 1998. After £7 million was raised to restore the aircaft she returned to flying in October 2007, 14 years after her last flight. It costs £2 million a year to keep the Vulcan in service and she performs at events and air shows up and down the country – her final flight of the 2012 season is a national tour this Saturday (29 September 29). Visit website www.vulcantothesky.org for full details.

The Trust will be providing refreshments during the day including lunch so there is no cost to Guild members. As the hanger is airside those attending will need to bring their passports with them on the day to gain access.

If you wish to take part in the visit on Thursday November 1, contact Honorary Secretary Chris Adamson to book your place – details below. Chris Adamson, Honorary Secretary, The Guild of Motoring Writers Ltd, Secretariat, 40 Baring Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH6 4DT, England. Tel: 01202 422424. Email:honsec@gomw.co.uk.