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THE FOUR PLANES by TOM TAYLOR |
05/12/2008 |
 "An exciting, roaring, crescending drone drew us out into the garden to search the sky. Our eyes scrolled up and down across the screen of patches of blue amid white, fluffy, sun-edged clouds which were rolling along and over, ominous banks of grey. 'There they are!' we both yelled as four planes in close formation came into view, their wings glinting in the sun.
They climbed high and, spreading out, rolled over backwards into a loop the loop. Their engines revved as they completed their loop and ironed themselves level again. While they were on their backs a tingle went down my spine. Two of them started to climb vertically, twisting, showing flashes of their smart bodywork. Suddenly they swooped sharply into a nose-dive. As they recovered they flew swiftly like sparrows out of sight."
The above piece was written by a young boy by the name of Tom after watching The Blades. Our thanks go to Tom and his teacher Mrs Mister for sending in such a wonderful piece of prose.
Photo by Paul Bellamy
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BLADES VISIT TO ST FRANCIS SCHOOL |
18/11/2008 |
 Last week The Blades pilots were treated to extraordinary day at St Francis School in Lincoln. St. Francis is a day school with residential facilities for young people with physical and/or medical disabilities. It is a centre of educational excellence and opportunity, whose aim is to promote life learning and to give their students the tools and confidence to take their place in a rapidly changing society.
The Blades were treated to lunch cooked by the students before being challenged and beaten at a game of pool! The Blades gave a presentation on who they are and what they do to the Post 16 students, who after the presentation had some incredible questions for The Blades. The Blades were then given a tour of all the other classrooms to meet some of the other children, including a chance to for Blade 3, Andy, to steal a kiss from his beautiful daughter Milly.
“It has been a fantastic day and I am definitely coming back to have some cooking lessons!” said Team PRO, Kat.
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THE BLADES AND CHILDREN IN NEED |
07/11/2008 |
 2Excel and The Blades are pleased to announce their support of BBC’s Children in Need. We have donated ‘A Day with The Blades’ with all the trimmings including a formation aerobatic flight for 2 people to Terry Wogan’s ‘Things Money Cant Buy Auction’. The auction is set to take place on Terry’s BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show between 8-9 on Tuesday 11th November- so get listening and get bidding!
All of the money raised will go straight to the Charity itself enabling them to positively change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK, continuing to promote a society where each and every child and young person is supported to realise their potential
You can see a preview of all the auction lots including ‘A Day with The Blades’ on the BBC Radio 2 website- http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/events/cin08/wogan_auction_tue.shtml
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BLADES, BARCLAYS and WHIZZ-KIDZ |
06/11/2008 |
.jpg) On Tuesday 4 November Barclays Commercial, Dorset donated £10,678.00 to the Charity Whizz-Kidz, and where better to present the cheque, but in-front of Barclays' Aerobatic Team; The Blades.
Whizz-Kidz is a charity that gives disabled children the chance to lead a more independent life. Their service meets individuals mobility needs and ensures they get the right mobility equipment, advice and training at the right time.
“We were delighted to be able to host the representative from Whizz-Kidz whilst she collected the donation from Barclays Commercial. It is charity close to our hearts and we hope to be able to support them in the future” said 2Excel Director Chris Norton.
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UNBELIEVABLE |
18/09/2008 |
 2 words: "Unbelievable, Unforgettable"
Photo taken by Jamie Hunter |
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UNFORGETTABLE |
18/09/2008 |
Photo taken by Jamie Hunter |
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TOP TRUMPS |
15/09/2008 |
 The Blades Vs Cessna Citation
Who do you think won??
Watch Top Trumps tonight on Ch5 7.30 to find out...
Photo taken by Paul Bellamy |
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THE FINAL PUSH |
12/09/2008 |
As the season draws in, The Blades have been a little busy to say the least!
In the last 3 weeks the Team have displayed to the 4 corners of the UK in an attempt to share their display with as many people as humanly possible.
This final drive started almost immediately after Airbourne and saw The Blades displaying a total of 18 times. The Blades flew at Weymouth Carnival, Clacton on Sea, Sywell, Dunsfold, Eye, Bournemouth, Shoreham, Portrush, Southport and even deployed to the Channel Islands for 4 days.
They managed to display in front of over a million people, which even included their own families as part of their home-base Airshow, Sywell.
In between all this though, The Blades also held, hosted and organised 5 big corporate days and even managed to take some time out to go an talk to some budding pilots when on the Island of Guernsey earlier this month.
"It has been an incredibly busy period for the Team" said team PRO, Kat, "but an amazingly rewarding one. We are already looking forward to seeing what next year holds..."
Photo taken by Peter Frankland |
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BLADES GO AIRBOURNE |
19/08/2008 |
 The Blades enjoyed a fantastic four days at the Eastbourne Airshow, the proclaimed ‘world’s biggest seafront airshow’. For once the Great British Summer prevailed and the public were able to enjoy four sun-drenched days at Airbourne, with an impressive assortment of displays both on the ground and in the air. The Blades certainly provided the ‘wow’ factor, enthralling the watching crowds with an exhilarating show, although they had to be on top form to grab the attention away from the incredible Go Fast Jet Pack Rocketman!
The Team’s weekend by the seaside also served as an emotional homecoming event for Blade 3 Andy Evans, a native to the Sussex area.
Photo taken by Paul Bellamy |
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BUSY LITTLE BLADES |
25/07/2008 |
 The Blades are currently on a weeks leave to recover from a very busy but very enjoyable couple of weeks prior. Not only did The Blades effectively deploy down to Farnborough for the whole week for the Farnborough International Airshow displaying in front of internationally acclaimed delegates and a ‘whoop-ing-ly’ excited crowds, but they also took part in displays at Lowestoft, RAF Cottesmore, East Fortune, Edinburgh, Sunderland and Bray.
Photo taken by Paul Bellamy |
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TRUE HEROES |
20/07/2008 |
 During Farnborough Airshow, The Blades were lucky enough to meet some real life heroes!
As we are all aware, our Armed Forces are being worked pretty hard at the moment on operations far and wide. With The Blades extremely strong connection to the Armed forces, 2Excel, The Blades parent company, wanted to give something back.
“We try to display at as many military events as we can” said 2Excel Director and retired Squadron Commander Chris Norton “The military is our history, it's is where we have all come from and we will support the Armed Forces in anyway we can”
In this case, it was to fly some wounded service personnel. The chaps that flew had all been wounded in recent conflicts and are now dedicating their time, before returning to their units, to draw attention to what is happening abroad, trying to rally support for the troops currently deployed and to raise the awareness for the Help for Heroes Charity.
“The charity Help for Heroes was launched in October 2007 in response to the desire of ordinary people to do something practical to help our wounded servicemen and women. As individuals we are powerless to prevent war and we feel helpless that we are unable to stop our men and women from being killed and wounded. By joining together as Help for Heroes, we are doing something practical to help; we are doing our bit.”
All of The Blades were honoured to meet such a courageous bunch and a military sense of humour was enjoyed by all. The Blades hope to continue to work with these guys so hopefully you’ll see them looping and rolling with The Blades on a TV screen near you soon.
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NEWEST MEMBER OF THE BLADES |
15/07/2008 |
 Presenting the newest member of the Team… |
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THE BLADES AND THE VULCAN |
07/07/2008 |
 The Blades are delighted to announce their strategic partnership with the worlds only remaining Vulcan Bomber, XH558. The Blades were approached by The Vulcan to the Sky Trust last year and the two are now working closely together to provide The Vulcan with some tangible assets to add to their sponsorship package.
Flying publically at RAF Waddington this weekend, The Vulcan stole the show as she demonstrated her strength and size demanding attention from all who saw her.
For further information on the unique packages and sponsorship opportunities available with The Vulcan please contact Michael Trotter on 07803 141483.
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THE SUN SHINES ON BIGGIN HILL |
09/06/2008 |
 Biggin Hill International Air Fair is one of the country's most prestigious Air Shows, attracting people from far and wide with their diverse selection of Air displays and ground activities. In 2007 The Blades were lucky enough to be presented with the Shell Aviation Formation Flying Trophy, an accolade to their flying ability and increasing aptitude at flying gyroscopic manoeuvres whilst in formation.
This year the sun shone on both days which lead to record numbers attending the event. In fact at 14:00 on Sunday the organisers had to make the decision to shut the gates as the crowd size continued to grow out of control. The weekend was filled with an incredible array of aircraft from the Breitling Jet Team to Team Guinot Wingwalkers to the Bleriot. The Blades were one of the closing acts on both days and even received a standing ovation on their final taxi in.
“What a great way to spend the weekend” commented Team Leader, Blade 1, Andy Offer.
Photo taken by Mike Rivett
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HERE THERE AND EVERYWHERE |
02/06/2008 |
 The start of the UK Display season got off to a bit of a bumpy start, but The Blades, never ones to let something as simple as the weather stop them, battled through, displaying their professionalism, heritage and expertise.
The Blades started with the Maxims Casino Southend Airshow on Sunday 25th May, but the British weather being what it is, decided to curtail their plans! The Blades did however make it to the Seafront show early on Bank Holiday Monday flying in both the morning and the afternoon. The display was ‘oooh-ed and ahhh-ed!!’ at by all who saw them, leaving no doubt in the crowds mind that The Blades were not going to let a bit of wind and rain get the better of them.
From Southend, The Blades shot back to base, to refuel and repack before departing for Germany’s Capital, Berlin for their Airshow, ILA. ILA is an enormous show with displays from the A380, Eurofighter Typhoon and the Indian Air Force Helicopter Display Team, Sarang. The Blades arrived in Berlin on Wednesday afternoon to start preparing for their Validation display that evening. The weather was glorious, allowing the Team to demonstrate their brand new display without hindrance. The Blades remained in Berlin displaying at ILA until Saturday afternoon when they hopped back across the water to turn the aircraft around, again in lightening speed, and prepare for yet another show.
Royal Air Force Cosford was the next port of call for The Blades, for the annual Cosford Airshow. As one of the Team's favourite displays, The Blades were in high spirits as they departed for the show. The Team put on an incredible performance which led to comments such as “Red Arrows Plus”, “How do they do it?” and a standing ovation as they shut down their engines and opened the canopies. This is however, only the beginning as the Team prepare to display in the UK and Europe for as long as the weather will allow! The Blades will be back in action almost immediately with the next display at the Isle of Man TT Races on Tuesday 3rd June, before heading down to Kent, for the Biggin Hill International Airshow on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June.
Photo taken by Phil Whalley
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FLY SKY HIGH AT FARNBOROUGH |
08/05/2008 |
 For the first time ever, The Blades have teamed up with the ‘Colonial Club’ corporate hospitality at Farnborough International Airshow, to offer a package to take you sky high…
Not only will you hosted in one of the most exclusive chalets, you will also be able to take to the skies with The Blades for a ‘once in a lifetime’ formation aerobatic flight.
This unique package is only available through the 'Colonial Club' and consists of the following:-
• Daily entrance ticket for Farnborough International Air Show 2008
• Free Parking
• A warm welcome by the reception team of the 'Colonial Club' on arrival
• Full access and use of the 'Colonial Club' facilities throughout the day
• Meet and chat with The Blades Aerobatic Team and Hostesses over morning tea / coffee / pastries
• Full passenger safety brief from Blade 3
• Don a Blades Flying Suit and flying clothing
• Private Transfer to The Blades Extra 300 aircraft Air Side escorted by hostess
• Experience a 'once in a lifetime' close formation aerobatic flight over Farnborough International and the Hampshire countryside
• Return to the 'Colonial Club' for post-flight debrief
• Enjoy a gourmet silver service 3 Course Lunch with The Blades
• Access the private balcony to view the afternoon's flying display and The Blades display
• Be looked after by our fully staffed team
• Enjoy afternoon Tea
• Experience the 'Colonial Club's' uniquely themed chalet including original aviation artefacts and a fully stocked bar
• 1700 Air display finishes - feel free to unwind in the relaxing 'Colonial Club' surroundings
• 1900 'Colonial Club' closes
You will be seated in the front seat of the Extra 300 special aerobatic aircraft and prepare for take off!!!
Flying in a 'sports' aeroplane is a special experience but when you look out to the side and see your fellow Blades passengers only feet away you will be experiencing what The Blades enjoy every day.
Your Blades pilot will talk you through the manoeuvres as you loop and roll over the Farnborough and Hampshire countryside. Climbing and diving in formation, only you will know how it really feels.
As a member of the 'Colonial Club' you will have the unique opportunity to fly with The Blades and watch yourself on your personal DVD for ever after.
It's an opportunity only available from the 'Colonial Club' at Farnborough International 2008 and with only 8 seats available a day, please don't leave it too late!
For further details please see www.colonialclub.co.uk or call The Blades on 01604 671309.
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HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE WILLIAM'S WINGS GRADUATION |
22/04/2008 |
 On Friday 11th April, The Blades displayed at RAF Cranwell as part of a Wings Graduation. The ceremony is as old as the Royal Air Force itself and is a celebration of its Pilots and Navigators being awarded their ‘wings’ and their official certification of their aircrew speciality.
All Wings Graduations are incredibly important as they represent the dedication and hard work through the training and the completion of their basic flying phase. However, this Wings Grad was a little special as it helped to mark the 90th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, a date that was marked the previous week by a Flypast with the World Famous Red Arrows and four Typhoons over London.
This Graduation was also slightly unusual as the RAF had gathered together all its Fast-Jet and Rotary Students at RAF Cranwell as opposed to hosting individual graduations at their home bases. Attending the Grad was HRH The Prince of Wales who was there in both an official and personal capacity. He was there to award the aircrew their wings, and to support his eldest son HRH Prince William who was there to receive his own wings after his 3 month flying detachment to the Air Force from the Army, where he learnt to fly 3 types of the RAF’s aircraft.
The Students and their guests were treated to an exceptional ceremony in College Hall before moving down to the flight line to watch a huge selection of Flypasts and Displays. The flying including a 9-ship demonstration of Tucanos from RAF Linton-on-Ouse and a selection of aircraft flypasts from Tornado F3’s to VC10’s. The Blades were the only full time, civilian team to display and the 12 minute show went down a treat. It was the Teams 2nd public display of 2008 and it and whilst the weather did its best to curtail the display, The Team battled on and put on a great show.
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BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIPS |
21/04/2008 |
 To celebrate the British Touring Car Championship last weekend, the team at Rockingham invited The Blades to add a touch of aerial entertainment during the lunch break. It was The Blades debut display at the International Race Circuit and was one that was thoroughly enjoyed by both pilots and spectators alike.
“It is really exciting to be able to display at a new display site” said Team Leader Andy Offer “and it is an added bonus for it to be at such a great event”.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY THE BLADES |
01/04/2008 |
 HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLADES
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAF |
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A NEW PILOT HAS LANDED |
25/03/2008 |
 2Excel and The Blades would like to present the newest member of the pack, Mark ‘Cutty’ Cutmore.
Cutty arrived at the Teams HQ in Northampton last week and is currently knee deep in training with The Team.
Cutty continues the line up of ex Red Arrows pilots and was in fact the Executive Officer in his last year on The Reds, second in command to Blade 1!
Cutty has only recently moved back to UK having been on secondment to the Royal Saudi Air Force as a specialist advisor to their National Aerobatic Team, The Saudi Hawks.
Photo: A mug shot! |
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2 EXCEL WINS CORPORATE SERVICE AWARD AT CONFEX |
13/02/2008 |
 International Confex, currently being held at Earls Court 'til the 14th February, is the largest Events exhibition in the country and attracts the industry's top professionals. 2Excel decided in November to arrange to exhibit at Confex and all efforts were made to make sure that the true corporate image was portrayed.
The efforts that the team have made though, have not gone un-noticed! An external auditor from the industry's trade press was given the task of choosing who they thought offered the best Corporate Service... and she choose 2Excel!!
2Excel's Directors and The Blades Pilots are still at Confex and will be exhibiting for another day. So if you're in London and looking for something extra-specially amazing, please visit the team in the Luxury Pavillion, Stand No. R513. |
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THE BLADES SEND EMMERDALE SOARING |
31/01/2008 |
 Just before Christmas on a bitterly cold day in Yorkshire, The Blades were preparing for their UK Soap debut. ITV’s hit TV Show Emmerdale had written the Aerobatic Display Team into their storyline earlier on in the year and the day had finally come to take to the skies.
The story begins with Viv and Val who are supposed to be taking part in a charity flight with The Blades but there is a twist to the tale, and without giving too much away, the most unlikely characters end up in the front seats of the aircraft.
The episode will be broadcast on Tuesday 5th February on ITV1 at 7pm and then again on ITV2 on the following day.
This is definitely one not to be missed!
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A VISIT FROM UPTON PRIMARY SCHOOL |
22/01/2008 |
 On Tuesday morning, Sywell Aerodrome became host to approximately 40 pupils from the recently opened Upton Meadows Primary School in Northampton. The children were treated to an in-depth tour of the airfield including trips to the Museum, Brooklands Flying School, Flylight and of course 2Excel- home of The Blades.
After being given the chance to explore one of the Teams’ bright orange and black Extra 300 LP aircraft, the children were asked to draw their impression of The Blades. The pictures astounded both teachers and pilots alike, with new paint schemes and designs being produced by the minute. The drawings were so fantastic that The Blades decided to put all of the childrens’ pictures up on their website, please go to Fans photos in ‘The Blades Zone’.
“It was brilliant to see such artistic flare, imagination and enthusiasm” said Blade 4 Myles Garland.
Winning picture drawn by Billy age 6
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HAPPY NEW YEAR |
04/01/2008 |
 A very happy New Year from everyone at 2Excel.
After a well earned break, The Blades will be returning to work at Sywell on Monday 7th Jan. With next year already shaping up to be incredible one there is plenty of work to be done. The Blades calendar is filling up not only with bespoke events and public Airshows, but also with unique and unforgettable Corporate Hospitality days.
Watch this space to find out more.
Photo by S Huntley
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