It always amazes me how close visitors can get to some of the most historic and often unique aeroplanes in the world which we can at the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden. For instance, above is not just any Bleriot Type XI but the oldest original flying aircraft in the world, built in 1909. As you can see below, Paul could have reached out to touch it and for visitors who are not photographers, which mind you Paul is, a smart phone is all you need to capture a memory of these encounters. Close ups become a possibility like the detail from the engine of a Sopwith Pup or indeed its beautiful laminated wood propellor. How about the fuel pump on another vintage machine. I think that is Eeyore on the bomb rack of a Hawker Hind which has been completely rebuilt over the past year. It is pretty shiny too. The very old English Electric Wren is on its side in the Engineering Hanger getting work done ready for next year’s flying season. I’ll finish with a view of the sophisticated cockpit of the oldest British flying aeroplane, a Blackburn Type D from 1912.