Red Devils and Apache helicopter land in the Grand Ring

 PRESS INFORMATION for immediate release March 3, 2010

 One-off military display set to wow crowds at this year’s Suffolk Show

 An air to ground display featuring The Red Devils, Lynx helicopters and the awesome Apache helicopter among other equipment from the military base at Wattisham is planned as a major grand ring event at the Suffolk Show on June 2 and 3, 2010.

 The world famous Parachute Regiment Freefall Display Team, known as The Red Devils, will parachute from the Lynx helicopters at the start of a dynamic programme to simulate refuelling and rearming of the Apache following a mission to prepare it for the next.

 Representing the Pathfinders of Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade, the red jumpsuit clad paras will jump and land in the grand ring.

 Meanwhile a forward arming and refuelling point in the form of an Oshkosh fuel bowser, the enormous American all terrain 1500 litre tanker containing aviation fuel, and two ammunition points, will set up in the ring preparing to receive the Apache. The Red Devils will guide the Apache into the ring where it will hover and the refuelling take place.

 Once the Apache has saluted the crowd it will depart and the Lynxs return to collect the parachute teams.

 The display is expected to last about 45 minutes and has been created especially for the Suffolk Show as part of the Suffolk Agricultural Association’s mutual partnership with the local military to strengthen links and also show support to its many families whose members are serving in Afghanistan.

 “We want people to be aware what we do are doing. Our work never stops; we always have people in action in Afghanistan. They are doing a very difficult job and we want to raise awareness of their work and to thank local people for all the support they give us,” said Major Simon de Labilliere AAC, chief of staff at HQ Wattisham Station who have arranged the display.

 Christopher Bushby, Executive Director of the SAA said: “It is a tremendous thrill for us to have the Apache once again at the show. We feel very privileged and are extremely grateful to the military for putting on this fantastic display for us. At a time that is so difficult for the families they represent we want to express our commitment and support to them. Once again we will be giving them complimentary family tickets to the Show as a small way of thanking them.”

 There will also be a recruitment stand at the Show as well as representatives from Help for Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund.

 Major Labilliere was keen to point out that the display is subject to both meteorological and military conditions.

 Ends

For further press information contact: Stephanie Renouf, PR, The Suffolk Agricultural Association, 01473 707125/07785 551193. e:stephanie.renouf@suffolkshow.co.uk