Like a lot of people in Britain, we have a great affection for Concorde. Most of those we know who live in the Bristol area, are very proud of Concorde’s association with Filton. Concorde 002 was the first British prototype, and was built at Filton Bristol.
We had the privilege of flying in Concorde on the 1st August 1999, Linda’s birthday. It wasn’t meant to be a special birthday. It was coincidence that the trip we chose was on that day. But, it was very special anyway.
Our trip was from Charles de Gualle Airport in Paris, to Birmingham International, the
pretty way out over the Bay of Biscay. We were aboard nearly two hours and flew at mach 2, twice the speed of sound, for over twenty-five minutes, eating lobster and drinking champagne, without spilling a drop.
We always wanted to “fly Concorde” and are so pleased we didn’t set this as one of our longer term goals. If we had, we might never have done it.
When Concorde 216 became the last ever Concorde to land at Filton on 26 November 2003 we were there. Someone next to us in the crowd said “It’s not for the likes of us is it? - flying in one of those” We were able to say: “We did” and suddenly we were celebrities. Some people who actually did it. We were filled with pride.
Geoff and Lin
