|  | | by Martin Slade
Founder of Speedbirds.com |  |  | Martin Slade has been captivated by Concorde for more than 30 years and has been running Speedbirds.com - a website dedicated to the plane - since 1997.
Read about the memorabilia he's collected over the years... |
| | Martin's cufflinks are just one keepsake he could never part with |
| | | I gave a talk about my website to the local Rotary Club last spring.
It was lovely to be able to speak publicly about my passion and to see the warmth on their faces as I recalled my first innocent glimpse of her all those years ago.
Afterwards, one of the Rotarians presented me with a lovely framed photograph of Concorde - resplendent in the old BOAC livery - taking off from Filton runway. I was so proud to receive it from them.
During Millennium year on an impromptu visit to Tetbury, I chanced upon a lovely old bookshop and there on the table were both of Chief Test Pilot Brian Trubshaw's books.
The owner, noticing my interest, advised that she might be able to obtain a signed copy if I wanted, for apparently Mr Trubshaw was a regular there. Several weeks later I was proud to walk away with a signed copy of one of his books!
 | | Martin was snapping pictures at Filton on Concorde's 30th anniversary |
I decided more recently to buy myself something special to commemorate Concorde's place in my life.
I ended up buying a pair of solid sterling silver Concorde cufflinks by none other than 'Links of London'! Another item in my collection that I could never sell on.
Dream of flying crushed
During the late 1990s a local Travel Agent called Thorntons Travel Service started doing charter flights on Concorde.
I started making regular pilgrimages to Filton every Bank Holiday to get my fix of her. I was there for her 30th anniversary celebrations in May 1999, the photos from that day being a wonderful keepsake of a wonderful day.
It was then that I asked to go onto their waiting list for one of their 'Round the bay' flights. Alas, events in Paris the following year ended my dream of flying on her for good.
Instead, I talk about her - to anybody who is kind enough to listen.
I'm a regular caller to John Turner's talk show on BBC Radio Bristol, John often winding me up about her being outdated and noisy.
Yet all the time, I know he's only playing devil's advocate, and that secretly he's as big a fan as any other proud Bristolian.
On October 24, as Concorde has finally made its last passenger-bearing flight ever, I reflect on missed opportunities to fly with her.
'Silent toast'
I reflect on the days I used to slip into the back garden on a sunny spring evening, glass of wine in my hand and await her.
On her arrival - prompt as always - I'd propose a silent toast to my friend as she passed above me.
A toast to the achievements of my neighbours, friends, uncles and aunts, I'd toast the sheer exuberance of figures like Tony Benn in keeping the dream alive, and pioneers like Brian Trubshaw.
I'd toast her health as she gracefully glided past me sitting there, totally oblivious to the world. Just me and my Speedbird.
Goodnight my special friend.
Your memory lives on in the hearts of all those you touched with your presence and grace.
But most of all, you live on in the hearts of Bristolians - people like me.
Godspeed. |
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| | RELATED LINKS | | | | Speedbirds
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