I took the boys today, to the best show I've seen for ...well, decades, being a bit of a wrinkly at 40. It was massive and we just didn't manage to get round it in the 6 hours we spent there.
I was really excited and emotional to behold the Red Arrows...(imagine being in that position, we are not worthy!! etc..especially for the tribute shown to Jon Egging who died on 20th August. I have so much admiration for the team, and much was made of the lady member, all credit to her (I think you have to prove yourself doubly as a woman in this kind of situation, so she much be an exceptional person, along with the rest of the team and all involved.
We used to go to Finningley to see them every year back in the day. They were as stunning as expected and my littlest one was beside himself with joy watching. I don't know whether my older one really took it all in, as I kept having to nudge him during the lapses when the display team went away and came back with their new formation, but we all had an idyllic day.
Then there was the Household Cavalry, again, a spectacular sight. Then more, near the end of the day, when 5 did a 'freefall', from the Princess of Wales' Battalion. An amazing and emotional day. Boys loved it as much as I did.
I was trying to control the emotion inside me all day, but was really tearful. Feel much of the time (apart from my loved ones and friends) it's a dark world with so much negativity, evil, indifference to the the decline in moral and social standards and worship of all things shallow. Here, today were bright and shining examples of all Britain's greatest attributes. Here it was clear to see real talent, hard work, focus, determination, dedication, perseverance, team spirit, humility, tradition, pride not in self, but in the greater good for all.
It's easy to believe that most of the pilots and service people in the Cavalry etc, of all ranks, have priveleged backgrounds. But when you look at who they actually are, you realise that this is not the case and everone has a fair shot, if they have what it takes. My heart bursts to think good really does overcome the negative, the dreary and the apathetic themes of the news programmes each night.
Trying to create a link to the Telegraph video of it, which is really good... how on earth do I do it?, help! Anyhow, look at today's Telegraph/BBC webpage and the pictures on the Chatsworth Country Fair website and you're sure to be impressed.
