Red Arrows

Tony Smith · #1 12-10-07, 12:09

I've been sent this e-mail from a reliable source:

"...if you feel strongly about this please complete e-petition below.

The world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012 London Olympics because they are deemed "too British".

Organisers of the event say that the Arrows military background might be "offensive" to other countries taking part in the Games. The display team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team "too militaristically British". Red Arrows pilots were said to be "outraged", as they had hoped to put on a truly world class display for the Games, something which had never been seen before. Being axed from a British-based event for being "too British" is an insult - the Arrows are a symbol of
Britain.

The Red Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British oversea trade, as they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the world.
The Arrows performed a short flypast in 2005 when the winning bid was announced, but their flypast at the Games was to have been truly spectacular.

It is to be hoped that common sense prevails. If you disagree with this decision, sign the petition on the link
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows...+redArrows2012

Forward this on to everyone you know."

Any UK members wish to comment, without being too British?

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #2 12-10-07, 14:40

Quote:

Originally posted by Tony Smith
Any UK members wish to comment, without being too British?

Quite right, dear chap, we can't be having anything on Maple Leaf Up which is too British, now can we? I mean, this really has nothing to do with the British, does it? Oh, our vehicles, weapons and equipment may bear a passing resemblance to those the British used, but we hasten to assure you that's just an unfortunate coincidence! And look... they even copied the corner emblem off our flags! The nerve of them...

Nope, we'll have none o' THAT here, thank you very much!

Of all people, I should know!*

Geoffrey Arthur Winnington-Ball

*As the son of a Scotswoman and with 800 years of traceable English heritage! So there... have at you!!

Keith Webb · #3 13-10-07, 00:22

On that basis, should we ban CMPs on MLU because they're 'too Canadian'?

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #4 13-10-07, 00:28

Quote:

Originally posted by Keith Webb
On that basis, should we ban CMPs on MLU because they're 'too Canadian'?

Now you're being properly 'progressive'! Let's have no more talk about Vegemite, either! Gee, this feels good... what else can we ban?

PPS · #5 13-10-07, 00:36

As to your reliable source, they are right, this did appear in some of the national newspapers a while ago and raised a few hackles both "pro" and "against".

We have little enough left of tradition etc. left in this country, pandering to the P.C. Brigade (who would run indefinitely at the sight of a

).

I wonder if they were called the:-

Pastel Arrows?

or the

European Arrows

or the

Multi-cultural Arrows

would they allow them to fly past (slowly and genteely).

Or shall we just send Ma in with her

to instil some sense into them?

to a brilliant display team who have brought enjoyment to countless people.

Paul.

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #6 13-10-07, 00:59

If it was up to me, not only would the Red Arrows be there, but the Battle of Britain flight escorted by every damned WW2 fighter in Yurrup! And on the deck, low, slow and LOUD!

Richard Farrant · #7 13-10-07, 01:03

What is to stop the Red Arrows overflying the Olympics ceromony enroute for a display "somewhere". It would not be unusual to see them over that way as they skirt around London. If they really want to rub it in, they could design a new formation to represent the rather rude "middle finger salute"

PPS · #8 13-10-07, 01:05

Just imagine!!!!

All those Merlin engines at full throttle, and at low level

Paul

Col Tigwell · #9 13-10-07, 01:08

The old saying "do not let the truth get in way, of a good story"

If you go to the PPrune forum, and look down to "red too british"
you will see the story direct from the red arrows.

Total Bulldust

Regards

Col

Now maybe Canada could put in a team of CMP's square dancing, should raise a few eyebrows.

Richard Farrant · #10 13-10-07, 01:15

Quote:

Originally posted by Col Tigwell
The old saying "do not let the truth get in way, of a good story"

If you go to the PPrune forum, and look down to "red too british"
you will see the story direct from the red arrows.

Col,

I too, read that forum and agree, it is just the media trying to work up a story. I doubt whether the Reds have worked out next years display diary yet, let alone, five years time