For the past twenty years, the Rotary Club of Towcester has volunteered to provide the drivers to ferry the helicopter passengers between the helipads and the hospitality suites. This year we had 42 top of the range Audi’s and picked up passengers from 9 heliport terminals.

We also provided marshals to assist passengers into and out of the vehicles and provide basic information about the visit.

Over the years we have seen a big drop in the numbers of helicopters attending the event. This is mainly due to the vast improvements in road access, easing greatly the entry and exit from the circuit. The Circuit is supposedly the busiest airport in the world for the one day on the Sunday. The small professionally manned Air Traffic Control tower handled about 1300 air movements, but compare this to 3500 a few years back.

Helped by family members and friends of Rotary, people come from the four corners of the country. When asked why they come, they reply, “The atmosphere is electric, the noise, the people, the excitement. And the opportunity to see the big race. Being part of the biggest sporting event in Britain is really good, and also helps Rotary in its charitable efforts.

Whats in it for Rotary?. Rotary gets a substantial cheque following the event which goes to support the many charities we assist both locally, nationally and internationally.

Photo Courtesy of Edward Borner