Concorde and Me

[Wedgy]

For my father's 50th birthday, my mother, sister and I bought him an "Experience Trip" on Concorde for him and 1 other (planned to be his elder brother). My uncle (the fool!) decided the £200 (I think) cost was too much, so I emptied my savings to accompany my dad - how glad I was (and still am!) that I did!
The experience was amazing then, but the memories are utterly priceless now she's gone.

So here we go, my trip on Concorde - 9th October 1994.
(Thanks to my dad for scanning these old photos for me, but unfortunately the quality of the old film shows.)

The itinerary for the day.
You may need to squint a little, but basically, a 767 flight from Heathrow to Charles de Gaulle. A day in Paris sightseeing, then a Concorde trip home, via the Atlantic many miles west of the Bay of Biscay to hit MACH2.


There she is from the departures lounge


A very young me and my father. I remember the takeoff so well, never in my life have I been thrown into the back of a seat so HARD!


The displays at the front actually read at this point:
- Left hand side: MACH = 2.0; Altitude = 55,000 Feet
- Right hand side: Outside Temperature = minus 42 degrees centigrade; Speed = 1,350 mph.


The 'In-flight Cold Collation and Champagne Meal' comprised:
- Main Course: Lobster Tail and Grilled Salmon, served with Tropical Mango, Kiwi Fruit and Melon.
- Dessert: Chocolate Charlotte on a bed of Creme Anglais.
- Cheese: Breese Bleu and Mural Cheese Crackers and Butter.
Plus: Chocolates and a fresh Carnation.


"Who wants to visit the flight deck?" Erm, can I think about that?
We were still at MACH2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the Flight Deck that day was the only female Concorde Pilot, Barbara Harmer - being Second Officer on the flight.

Am I really here????


My proof!


Basic facts leaflet


Still stunned by the experience 14 years later!

[Saracenman]

i really am envious Wedgy

although i worked along side Concorde for many years, and realise how immensely lucky i was to do so, i never flew on her!

i echo your comment about "emptying your savings acount" - whn i heard the announcement that Concorde was to retire, i SERIOUSLY looked at remortgaging my house to fund my last chance at a trip - i know i would've been paying for it for the next 20 odd years, but it would've been worth it.

i'm glad you have those unique items to cherrish - along with your equally unique memories

thanks for sharing them Wedgy, and risking any Michael-extraction for your youthful looks

sm

[Mayfly]

don't you just hate name droppers










seriously Wedgy pleased you made the trip- you just don't know what you miss till it's gone

[Panel 10]

Happy new year everyone I've just been browsing and on the subject of Concorde, I came across this, thought it might interest you

[Checkflaps]

Aha..........

Probably the best TV series ever. Reaching for the Skies. I only ever had this episode recorded to VHS - which is now copied to DVD and it is amazing - even the Frecce incident, as it has interviews with all the crew in that season including the 3 who sadly perished at Ramstein.

If anyone has futher episodes - please let me know. I have managed to borrow 2 more from a friend on VHS so will get viewing soon on those. However, if ever there was a TV series to re-run on the satellite channels or release to DVD then this is it.

Anyway - back to Concorde. Wedgy, I now dislike you , however it was an opportunity not to be missed. Really must get to Filton to see 'Foxy' before they put her inside and thousands have trampled all over her.

CF

[MOD]

For my father's 50th birthday, my mother, sister and I bought him an "Experience Trip" on Concorde for him and 1 other (planned to be his elder brother). My uncle (the fool!) decided the £200 (I think) cost was too much, so I emptied my savings to accompany my dad - how glad I was (and still am!) that I did!
The experience was amazing then, but the memories are utterly priceless now she's gone.

So here we go, my trip on Concorde - 9th October 1994.
(Thanks to my dad for scanning these old photos for me, but unfortunately the quality of the old film shows.)

The itinerary for the day.
You may need to squint a little, but basically, a 767 flight from Heathrow to Charles de Gaulle. A day in Paris sightseeing, then a Concorde trip home, via the Atlantic many miles west of the Bay of Biscay to hit MACH2.


There she is from the departures lounge


A very young me and my father. I remember the takeoff so well, never in my life have I been thrown into the back of a seat so HARD!


The displays at the front actually read at this point:
- Left hand side: MACH = 2.0; Altitude = 55,000 Feet
- Right hand side: Outside Temperature = minus 42 degrees centigrade; Speed = 1,350 mph.


The 'In-flight Cold Collation and Champagne Meal' comprised:
- Main Course: Lobster Tail and Grilled Salmon, served with Tropical Mango, Kiwi Fruit and Melon.
- Dessert: Chocolate Charlotte on a bed of Creme Anglais.
- Cheese: Breese Bleu and Mural Cheese Crackers and Butter.
Plus: Chocolates and a fresh Carnation.


"Who wants to visit the flight deck?" Erm, can I think about that?
We were still at MACH2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the Flight Deck that day was the only female Concorde Pilot, Barbara Harmer - being Second Officer on the flight.

Am I really here????


My proof!


Basic facts leaflet


Still stunned by the experience 14 years later!

Great post Wedgy. I was never into "tubes" except for the Super Connie and Concorde.

Having been on the Yeovilton Concorde, many times, I am still amazed at how small she was. Luckily I got to see her fly many times, mainly from Fairford ,where the BA crews were trained, but also later at Finningley when she would put on a flying display carrying Charter customers.