They say that 'every journey starts with a single step'. That proved true for me, although my journey with the Vulcan has been extremely eventful, with as many twists and turns as the average crime drama. I am sure that the vast majority of Vulcan supporters will remember when they first saw this iconic aircraft and I am certainly no exception. The most memorable of experiences came about when I was working for East Midlands Gas in Lincolnshire, when Vulcans were a regular and welcome sight in the skies above 'Bomber County'. One day in April 1982,I made a speculative visit to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire with a friend on the off-chance of seeing some Vulcan action. However, things were extremely quiet as Vulcan operations were at that time - in theory at least - being wound down, with retirement of the fleet pending. Despite our enthusiasm, the keen wind emanating from the east cooled our ardour and we were about to go home. We had been advised by a member of the RAF police that nothing was happening that day, and so it seemed, until at the far end of the airfield I spotted some navigation lights starting to flash on a trio of Vulcans. I knew from past experience that this indicated the aircraft were starting up. The impressive jets then proceeded to taxi on to the runway adjacent to the A15, pausing right before us as we stood at the side of the road. The noise level suddenly rose and became absolutely deafening - then the aircraft took off in fairly quick succession.
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