Show again fails to take off (From Ledbury Reporter)

Show again fails to take off

9:30am Saturday 1st September 2012 in Ledbury

THREE cancellations in five years for the Much Marcle Model Air Show, because of wash-out weather, have thrown the future of the popular event into serious doubt.

The club’s committee took the hard decision this week to pull the plug on the two-day spectacular, planned for tomorrow and Sunday, because of sodden fields and a gloomy forecast.

And with the club scheduled to hold yet annual meeting in November, a large question mark now hangs over next year’s event as the flyers brace themselves for another “significant loss”.

Secretary Bernard Morris said: “Will there be a show next year? I would not rule out anything.”

Mr Morris said that cancelling early should allow the club to keep its losses to about £1,000 but previous cancellations have left the club facing shortfalls as great as £7,000.

The deposits on marquees will be lost, and the club has also paid out on advertising and leaflets.

The scrapping of this year’s show is also a blow for local charities.

Over the past nine years it has raised £30,000 for various charities, including St Michael's Hospice, Acorns Hospice and the Midlands Air Ambulance.

The show attracts up to 5,000 people and model aircraft enthusiasts.

Highlights of previous shows include the re-enactment of a Second World War bombing raid.

Up to 80 large model aircraft were expected at this year’s show.