Our Sepia Saturday theme image this week features the cockpit of a 1948 B-36 plane. As soon as I saw it, I thought of a photograph of my mother and father taken on the flight deck of a commercial aeroplane on the occasion of their Golden Wedding in 1985. This, of course, was back in the days when people would be invited up to sit in the captain's seat and there was a far more relaxed attitude to airline security.
I have spent a couple of hours this morning searching for the photograph, but to no avail - it is in a box, or a folder, or a cabinet somewhere, but my system of storing and filing the thousands of old photos in my collection is about as complex as the B-36 flight-deck, and, I suspect, nothing like as organised. I did however find another photograph of my parents from the same journey and the card they were presented with by the Captain and crew.
As you can see, they were flying from London to the British Virgin Islands (they were on their way to visit my brother and his family), and this gives the photograph a certain topical interest in the weeks that follow the devastation brought about by Hurricane Irma. I know they had a wonderful time on those beautiful islands, and although times are very hard there at the moment, with the hard work and dedication of the residents of the BVI and the other islands affected by this dreadful hurricane season, I am sure there will be wonderful times to look forward to again in the future.
To follow other flights of fancy, go to the Sepia Saturday Blog and follow the links.
That is a lovely happy photo of your parents. I doubt if anyone receives any special treatment like that on planes these days. No doubt you will find the other photograph very shortly, if you haven't already dine so.
ReplyDeleteThis photo of your folks is fabulous! As is the card signed by the crew. Sad that flying is not as care-free as it once was. Great post and family story :-)
ReplyDeleteAwww, what a terrific shot. And to be holding hands like that after all those years, too!
ReplyDeleteDelightful photo Alan. It’s good to know that Roger and family are OK too.
ReplyDeleteThey look so happy! I was on a Thai airline flight ten years ago and in a gush of Thai coming over the speakers I thought I heard my name. "Must be hearing things," I thought and then the flight attendant served me a birthday cake! It was arranged by our tour group leader. Probably violated some regulation or another, but I'll never forget it. The card preserves a wonderful moment in your parents lives. I'm always amazed at the memorabilia you keep track of and can retrieve.
ReplyDeleteModern life in the 21st century has lost too many elements of charm and delight that were once a part of world travel. We can see the thrill of an adventure in your parent's faces. That's not a common experience anymore as airlines seem determined to increase the discomfort, inconvenience, and inane obligations placed on their passengers.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
ReplyDeleteExcellent photo to link to theme...love all the flight crew signatures. I saw someone is selling a course on how to organize your photos, and said "Pshaw, I can do that myself." Right. Just spent an hour, and got maybe 500 done digitally, but still have 1500 to go, and that's just this years!
ReplyDeleteWhat can anyone say about that pic of your Mum and Dad aboard the plane but "How lovely!" And how special is that greeting from the captain and crew. The Brits do it up right! :)
ReplyDelete