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Essex Para 2026Saturday 27 June 2026Chatteris Airfield ~ Cambridgeshire |
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Chatteris Airfield,
Block Fen Drove,
March,
Cambridgeshire. PE15 0FB.
Block Fen Drove,
March,
Cambridgeshire. PE15 0FB.
The Keystone Flyers Land with great success
Saturday 27 June saw the main event for Essex M.B.F Festival 2030 take place at Chatteris Airfield in Cambridgeshire.
A day of ups and downs for Essex Mark men and woman as eight intrepid jumpers took to the air witnessed by a group of envious supporters, some of whom had travelled and stayed overnight in preparation for this spectacular event. Sadly, two of our intended jumpers had been prevented from attending by unavoidable circumstances.
APGM Rob Sandy, along with Eddie Garty, were the first two Mark men to leave terra firma strapped to their tandem parachute person.
Rob led the way and was first man to jump and land, followed closely by Eddie, an experienced parachute jumper, being a former member of the Parachute Regiment.
Rob is no stranger to high adrenaline activities, having taken part in last years Zipline fundraiser, and is probably considering another event for next year!!!
The sky was clear and blue and, thankfully for the assembled spectators, the record-breaking temperatures experienced in recent days were lower and more bearable. The cooling breeze was clearly causing some amusement to the more experienced jumpers who were present at the North London Skydiving Centre in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire.
As the morning proceeded the names were called and one by one our trusty group were called to the reception and prepared for their flight.
Dave Gilbey was to experience what was to be unique for two reasons. Not just the parachute jump, but this was to be the very first time Dave had flown. Quite a day for him. He can now proudly say he has taken off in an airplane but never landed in one.
Stories were swapped and certificates displayed in the sunshine as we gathered to congratulate our brave and hardy brethren and friends.
“I want to do it again” was repeated by several, “that was great” by several more and “I felt travel sick” fortunately was only heard from one!
Two of our crew had secreted cuddly Rory the Festival Lions under their flying suits to create unique gifts which will be available to buy at a special auction at 1044 in September and further information can be found within the video link.
The day saw Richard Goodwin, Chairman of the Festival, present Bernie Ilston with a Grand Patron M.B.F. award in recognition of the support she has shown for the Festival.
All of this wonderful and very typical Essex Mark camaraderie, coupled with the generosity of our brilliant supporters has raised a magnificent sum in excess of £15000.
Well done to all of those involved in the arranging of the event, especially the admin team who work in the background, the jumpers without who the event couldn’t succeed, the sponsorship gatherers and sponsors, the drivers and the spectators. But most of all, thanks to all of you, our members and friends, for helping us to achieve another successful Festival 2030 event.
Keep a look out on our social media platforms for exciting news of other planned events.
If you would like to join in or help with future events, please contact our festival team.
If you donate via Give Tap you will need your M.M.H. Number.
All donations will be credited to your personal honorifics.
If you are a taxpayer, please tick the relevant Gift Aid, which will be added to your donation.
THE DONATION WINDOW WILL CLOSE AT THE END OF JULY '26
All donations will be credited to your personal honorifics.
If you are a taxpayer, please tick the relevant Gift Aid, which will be added to your donation.
THE DONATION WINDOW WILL CLOSE AT THE END OF JULY '26
VIDEO
GALLERY
Published on 28/09/25
