Children in Need Auction Prize |
16/11/2009 |
.JPG) 2Excel and The Blades are pleased to announce their support of BBC’s Children in Need for the 2nd year. After the success of the prize given in 2008 we have donated a ‘Fly with The Blades and the Vulcan’ prize with all the trimmings, including a formation flight along side the Vulcan for 2 people, to Terry Wogan’s ‘Things Money Can’t Buy Auction’. The auction is set to take place on Terry’s BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show between 8am-9am on Tuesday 17th November. Remember to tune in and get bidding for this once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable experience!
In 2008, BBC Radio 2 raised over £500,000 for Children in Need and The Blades raised 5% of that. The money raised from the 2009's 'Things Money Can't Buy' Auction will go to the Charity to enable them to continue to make positive changes to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
You can see a preview of all the auction lots, including ‘Fly with The Blades and the Vulcan’, on the BBC Radio 2 website http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/wake-up-to-wogan/terrys-children-in-need-09-auction/tuesday/ |
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Charity Winner take to the Skies!! |
13/11/2009 |
_1.JPG) “Fantastic – words cannot describe what fun it is. Watching the horizon appear upside down is beautiful! Just wish I could go again…best experience of my life!”
Caroline James outbid everyone to win the auction prize to fly with The Blades at the RAF Odiham Ball held earlier this year.
Photo: Paul Bellamy |
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Tribute to the Normandy Veterans' Association |
28/09/2009 |
.JPG) On Sunday 13th September, The Blades paid tribute to hundreds of veterans at the last en-mass reunion of the Normandy Veterans' Association. The event took place at IWM Duxford with hundreds of veterans and guests attending to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.
The day included a flypast by a Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane with The Blades providing their own unique form of air cover to salute the veterans before a moving Sunset Ceremony and the parading of the Standards.
"As veterans ourselves, we're absolutely delighted to be a part of today's celebration", said Director of 2Excel, Chris Norton OBE DFC, "it's a real honour to be able to meet and pay tribute to these incredibly brave people who, 65 years ago, so valiantly protected the freedom we take for granted today".
Photo: Paul Bellamy |
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14 Loops with a cup of tea |
18/09/2009 |
 Corporal Stewart Hefti, a RAF Serviceman injured in Iraq 2 years ago, has set a world record by flying with The Blades to complete 14 loop-the-loops while drinking a cup of tea.
The stunt was part of a fundraising initiaative for RAF personnel and their families. With 2 years of help from the Regional Rehabilitation Unit at RAF Honington, Corporal Hefti has recovered sufficiently to be able to rach his goal of rejoining his colleagues on front line operations.
"When we first took off I was more worried about the tea staying in the cup, but after the first loop I realised it would stay and started to enjoy it more. It was only after we landed that I started to feel a bit queasy! I just wanted to give something back to the RAFA who did so much for me and my family after my injury"
Photo: Jamie Hunt |
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Children in Need |
09/09/2009 |
.jpg) Melanie Wrinch, the Children in Need charity auction winner, won a luxury day with The Blades which she and her family spent at Sywell Aerodrome on the 2nd September.
They were able to take part in an aerial oreinteering mssion which included planning for their team to find a target from the air. This was followed by a helicopter lesson before a totally unique formation aerobatic flight. The day finished with their very own private display by The Blades. The auction raised £24,000 for Children in Need.
Terry Wogan quotes from Melanie's letter "We had an absolutely amazing day and thoroughly recommend it. The Blades very kindly let all 4 of us fly in their aerobatic planes as well as in a helicopter. In terms of organistaion of the day, friendliness and commitment to serve, the management, pilots and staff all excel- in fact they are one of the most impressive and inspiring group of people we have been fortunate enough to meet. Our 17 and 15 year old boys described the experince as 'insane' and 'exhilirating', referring to the aerobatics in the air! I will always treasure the memory of being up in the air and looking out to see 3 other small planes with my husband and 2 sons and each of us grinnig from ear to ear, as we flew in formation. Even better to know that we helped Children in Need at the same time! If The Blades offer Children in Need the chance to auction another day, snap it up and I hope you raise at least as much again"
Photo: Paul Bellamy |
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The Blades at The 2009 World Aerobatic Championships |
01/09/2009 |
 On the windy Saturday evening The Blades closed the show at the ‘unlimited’ World Aerobatics Championships. The competition was marred by tragedy for the American Team and dominated by the French and Russian Teams who took the majority of the prizes. As the curtain fell on the podium The Blades treated the expert audience and competitors alike to a stunning display to ensure that the event ended with a suitable finale. Blade 1 Myles Garland comments: “With all those world-class pilots watching, there was always going to be a little extra pressure, but the evening had a beautiful English autumnal feel that was a moody backdrop for our ‘order out of chaos’ and I think The Blades created a fitting end to this year’s World Championships.” This exceptional photograph by Derek Duffill (who has himself flown with The Blades) catches the event perfectly.
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Wellingborough and Kettering Come to a Stand-still for The Blades and the Vulcan |
31/08/2009 |
.JPG) Four lucky competition winners had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly just a few feet away from the iconic Vulcan on Saturday 29 August. Flying in the front seats of The Blades’ four orange and black ‘airliners’, the Daily Mail and Vulcan to the Sky Trust winners were treated to a completely unique view of the huge cold-war bomber as it flew 10mile racetracks over Northamptonshire at 150 knots. Terry Feegrade, Director of MK Lamps writes “I cannot stop talking about the occasion and the thrill of flying with the Blades was wonderful.” Bob Dunn, writes “It was not only an experience of a lifetime, it was also a privilege to be able to fly with the Blades and to see 558 at close quarters within the environment in which she is obviously meant to be... it put a whole new meaning to 'putting air beneath her wings'. The whole day was a complete thrill, especially the loops (I'm still smiling).” Sue Allison agrees: “I will never forget the view of being under The Vulcan and the enjoyable `loop the loops, I could have flown all day and not come down”.
Photo: Paul Bellamy
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BBC Reporter Defies Her Fear of Flying with The Blades |
24/08/2009 |
 BBC South Reporter Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes overcame her fear of flying by looping and rolling with The Blades Aerobatic Team. She conquered her vertigo by riding in Andy Evans’ front seat, laughing her way through a series of loops and rolls from Shoreham Airport in Sussex. Once back on terra firma she couldn’t stop herself smiling saying of her unforgettable experience “That was, just, the most incredible experience I’ve ever had... awesome... awesome!”
Watch her it from the inside of her cockpit on BBC South Today and youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjFPz79h5-w&feature=channel_page |
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SPITFIRE DAY |
17/07/2009 |
.JPG) It is always worth keeping an eye on the sky if you are ever out walking around Northampton as you never know what The Blades might be up to.
The ultimate in Corporate flying experiences:
Flying with The Blades alongside a MK9L Spitfire before actually flying in the iconic WWII fighter.
The day was finished off with a joint flypast with The Blades and the Spitfire, before stunning displays from both Teams.
Everyone involved was left speechless.
Photo: Paul Bellamy |
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SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW... |
15/07/2009 |
 It is the biggest, most important day of your life. You booked the venue, the caterers, the DJ and have even found THE DRESS, but what is missing…?
THE BLADES!!
The Blades displayed at their first wedding earlier this month and even changed their display to include a heart.
If you would like to add something truly original to your big day, give us a shout.
Photo: Paul Bellamy
Wedding: Brocket Hall 4 July 2009
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Apprentice Winner 2009 |
10/06/2009 |
.jpg web.jpg) "The most exciting thing I've ever done in my life"
Do you think we're HIRED!
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The Blades treat The Apprentice |
28/05/2009 |
Just in case any of you missed The Blades on BBC 1’s The Apprentice last night, catch it tonight on BBC 2 at 1900.
The Blades are the exclusive ‘money can’ buy’ treat for the winning team, so if you want to see them squeal- Don’t miss it!!
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A CHANGE IS IN THE AIR |
19/05/2009 |
 There is a shift in dynamic for 2009 as The Blades welcome a new team leader. Myles Garland, previously Blade 4, takes charge as Blade 1, whilst Dave Slow and Andy Evans remain as Blades 2 and 3. Last year’s rookie, Mark Cutmore takes up the prestigious role as the solo display pilot, Blade 4. Keep your eyes peeled though, as there will be guest performances from the original Blade 1; the acclaimed Andy Offer OBE and his eponymous aircraft (G-OFFO).
“Despite the difficult winter weather, this winter has seen a huge amount of hard work.’” said Blade 1, Myles Garland: “Not only did we all retrain in our new positions, we then continued to develop the display manoeuvres and the overall formation precision. We love being back in front of the crowds during the summer season.”
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WELL DONE JASON |
27/04/2009 |
 Congratulations go to 'loopy challenger' Jason Phelan for successfully completing his mission.
Don’t forget,if you want to support Jason in his efforts to raise money and awareness for Fly2Help please visit his donation site: www.justgiving.com/jasonphelan
WELL DONE JASON
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OPEN DAY 1st MAY |
27/04/2009 |
 This Friday The Blades are opening their door to the general public: Come and meet The Blades, find out a bit more about what they do and watch your own private air display
ITINERARY
1330 Arrive at The Tiger House, Sywell Aerodrome
1400 Brief about The Blades
1500 Private Blades Display
1530 Meet and Greet
There is no restirctions on numbers so please bring friends and family.
For further details please contact The Blades on 01604 671309 or email admin@2excelaviation.com
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13 Aircraft, 11 Counties, 3 Days… |
24/04/2009 |
.jpg) Jason Phelan has taken on the head spinning challenge of flying aerobatics in a multitude of aircraft across the UK.
Jason challenge is set to take place on 24-26th April with the finale, and hardest test, being flying with the world famous Blades aerobatic Team. Jason is doing all of this in order to raise money and the profile of a charity called Fly2Help. Fly2Help’s aim is to raise people’s horizons via the medium of flight, working with individuals, groups and like minded charities to stretch physical, mental and emotional boundaries that have been set by life trauma or tragedy.
The Blades are delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile charity. If you too would like to support Jason and Fly2Help, please visit his just giving page. www.justgiving.com/jasonphelan
“Jason is a very keen (and I might add good) photographer and The Blades and I have known him for a number of years. We are thrilled to be able to help him in a lifelong challenge (if not a slightly mad one)!" said Kat, The Blades PRO, “See you on Sunday”.
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THE BLADES AND BECKWORTH EMPORIUM |
09/04/2009 |
 The much anticipated opening of Beckworth Emporium landed on the morning of the 9th April and The Blades were there to support their neighbours. Beckworth Emporium is only a few hundred yards from The Blades HQ at Sywell Aerodrome and it has been rumoured that The Blades did in fact lift the spirits of those involved at Beckworth when they were getting the project up and running.
Beckworth Emporium boasts a fantastic range of fresh produce, with locally sourced vegetables and plants, food hall and restaurant.
“We were delighted to be able to give something back to the community and support a local event” said Blade 2 Andy Evans. “Kat, our PRO, was so impressed with the set up that I wouldn’t be surprised if you catch a few of us down there in our flying suits doing our shopping!”
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THE RUGBY BALL |
25/02/2009 |
 The Blades will be hosting a testimonial ball for two of the UK's most famous rugby players; Geordon Murphy and Lewis Moody.
If you fancy being part of this exceptional event, and want to get up close and personal with international rugby players give us a call to find out more details and to book your table.
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THE BLADES WEBSITE GETS A FACELIFT |
16/02/2009 |
 With snow on the ground, and the New Year quickly slipping by, we thought it was time to give our website a bit of a ‘facelift’!
All the old favourites are still there, but we have added a few more bits and bobs, including video footage of The Blades in action and more extensive information on the business solutions we provide, such as relationship building, employee motivations, conferences and product launches.
Drawing on experience of leadership in the most exacting of circumstances, The Blades can help your business develop in the most effective and efficient way.
Why not pick up the phone and give us a bell?
Photo: Jamie Hunter |
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THE BLADES AND THE SNOW |
03/02/2009 |
 It may be a little late, but snow has finally fallen on Sywell. Only problem is, The Blades were in the middle of training for the 2009 display season!
Well, for now at least, the pilots will have to contend themselves with building snowmen and throwing snowballs!
Any wacky ideas on how to make our aircraft 'snow-worthy' would be much appreciated. Anyone heard of 'The Snow Blades'...?
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