The VRT Stand has survived in one form or another since 1991 and whilst we had intended to replace it this year, this morning's inclement weather at Southend Airport made our decision for us!

Rich Clarkson and Dave Griffiths survey the damage!

The Southend Airport Open Weekend on 25th/26th May was dogged with appalling weather (for the second year running) and although on Sunday, the Southend Airshow managed to put up a reasonable flying display, and therefore quite a few aircraft movements at the Airport, the overnight and morning weather on the Monday defied belief.

 We set up the VRT Stand near the Vulcan on Saturday and managed to persuade the Catalina crew to park their beast next to the Vulcan.  Trade on Sunday was great despite the slightly borderline weather so we expected more of the same on Monday despite the forecast being marginally worse.

The final hours of the VRT Stand

 On arriving this morning it was clear that the chances of an Airshow and therefore an event at the Airport taking place were slim.  The wind was up and the rain horizontal.  Having received official confirmation that site conditions were not suitable for the public to be admitted we drove up to the Vulcan to dismantle the marquee, the VRT Stand and the caravan.

Just as our vehicles drew underneath the Vulcan, our venerable VRT Stand gently toppled forward and crashed onto it's roof.  After we had written off the wreckage and consigned it to various bins on the airfield, VRT Trustee, Andy Vass was heard to remark "it's a lot quicker packing it away like that!"

This of course brings 'getting a new stand' further up the list of priorities! 

Rich Clarkson sells the remaining item of stock to Dave Griffiths (£2 discount for storm damage!)